Abstract:
In a study conducted on the flowering and natural fruit setting in sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam). It was observed that varietal difference did exist for the above trait. Of the thirty varieties screened for compatibility/incompatibility reactions, only one variety viz. S.378 was found to be self-compatible. Except 2, 4-D treatment and end of season pollination, all the other methods including bud pollination, surgical techniques, application of sugar solution etc failed completly to break the self - incompatibility barrier in sweet potato. The success of 2, 4-D treatment , which resulted in fruit set in 13 varieties might be due to its effect on increasing the flower life by preventing floral absisaion.
