Abstract:
BACKGROUND : Previously, a lexicon and protocol for quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA) was established for the Uganda
sweetpotato breeding program. The implication of QDA scores for priority sensory attributes on consumer preference should
be determined to interpret results efficiently and make decisions effectively. The present study aimed to develop a genderresponsive
decision tree to obtain an overall sweetpotato eating quality score to facilitate demand-led targeted breeding selection.
It focused on Kamuli and Hoima districts (Uganda) and uses pre-lease advanced clones (‘NKB3’, ‘NKB105’, ‘NKB135’, ‘D11’
and ‘D20’), released varieties (‘NASPOT 8’ and ‘NAROSPOT 1’) and landraces (‘Muwulu-Aduduma’, ‘Umbrella’).
RESULTS : Including boiled sweetpotato sensory characteristics, namely mealy, sweet taste, sweetpotato smell, firm and not
fibrous, in breeding design would benefit end-users, especially women given their role in varietal selection, food preparation
and marketing. ‘D20’, ‘NASPOT 8’ and ‘NAROSPOT 1’ were most liked in both districts. ‘NKB3’ and ‘D11’ were the least liked
in Hoima, whereas ‘Muwulu-Aduduma’ was the least liked in Kamuli. There was a positive correlation between color and overall
liking (r2 = 0.8) and consumers liked the color (average rating ≥ 6 on a nine-point hedonic scale) of all genotypes. Threshold
values (average rating on 11-point scales) for consumer acceptability were identified (sweet taste = 6, sweetpotato aroma
and flavor = 6, firmness = 3, and mealiness = 4). A regression decision tree tool was created to calculate an eating quality
selection index when screening lines in breeding programs using the values.
CONCLUSION : Decision trees that include consumer needs and gender considerations would facilitate demand-led breeding
and make varietal selection in sweetpotato breeding programs more effective.
