Multivariate PCA Analysis for Identifying Adaptation Patterns of Sweet Potato Accessions in the High and Lowlands of Papua

Agustinus Warbaal; Saraswati Prabawardan; Eko Agus Martanto; Nouke Lenda Mawikere; Syaifullah Rahim

doi:10.59890/ijir.v4i5.184

Authors

Agustinus Warbaal Papua University
Saraswati Prabawardan Papua University
Eko Agus Martanto Papua University
Nouke Lenda Mawikere Papua University
Syaifullah Rahim Papua University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59890/ijir.v4i5.184

Keywords:

Biplot, Main Component, Germplasm, Source-Sink, Sweet Potato

Abstract

The Land of Papua possesses a rich genetic diversity of local sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.), yet its utilization and characterization remain constrained by environmental fluctuations across elevation gradients. This study aimed to analyze the phenotypic diversity structure of local Papuan sweet potato genotypes and map their adaptation profiles under contrasting agro-ecosystems in the highlands (Pegaf) and lowlands (Prafi) using multivariate Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Morpho-agronomic evaluation encompassed upper canopy vegetative growth and underground yield components. The PCA results revealed that the total phenotypic variance of the population was predominantly explained by the First Principal Component (PC1) and the Second Principal Component (PC2). Yield component traits (root diameter, economic root weight per plant, and total yield production) acted as the principal diagnostic markers, registering the highest loading factors on the positive axis of PC1. The biplot visualization detected an orthogonal relationship reflecting a competitive physiological trade-off in photoassimilate allocation (source-sink dynamics) between vegetative vigor and economic yield attributes across the altitudinal zones. Through biplot coordinate mapping, the sweet potato genotypes were objectively clustered based on their agro-morphological similarities, distinguishing the accession cluster of Madu Matawolot, Sarmi-1, and Sarmi-2 as superior in yield components. Integrating PCA ordination with performance consistency parameters identified the UM-2 genotype as elite and consistently productive in both extreme ecosystems, with a superior mean yield (46.8 tons ha⁻¹). Consequently, UM-2 is highly recommended either as a new national superior variety or as a donor parent for future sweet potato breeding programs in Papua

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