Ideotype based genotype selection in a multivariate dataset of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.)

The dataset extensively examines the factors considered when choosing sweet potato genotypes, considering various characteristics. Notably, Moz1.15 demonstrated the highest marketable root yield at 46.46 t/ha, H5.ej.10 exhibited the highest beta-carotene level at 48.94 mg/100 g, and Moz1.9 recorded the highest vitamin C content at 23.89 mg/100 g. Moreover, there were significant correlations (ranging from 0.21 to 0.84) among the yield and quality traits studied in sweet potatoes. Principal component analysis (PCA) confirmed the connections among these traits, identifying four distinct clusters of genotypes, each characterized by specific significant combinations of traits. Factor analysis using the multi-trait genotype-ideotype index (MGIDI) highlighted the considerable impact of sweet potato traits across two growing seasons (2020–21 and 2021–22), facilitating the selection of genotypes with potential genetic gains ranging from 1.86 % to 75.4 %. Broad-sense heritability (h2) varied from 64.9 % to 99.8 %. The use of the MGIDI index pinpointed several promising genotypes, with BARI Mistialu-12 and H9.7.12 consistently performing well over both years. These genotypes exhibited both strengths and weaknesses.