Ariyasoma UMUR1*, Shyamalee HAPA2, Wathugala DL1
1Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, Mapalana, Kamburupitiya, 81100, Sri Lanka.
2Agriculture Research Station, Department of Agriculture, Thelijjawila, Sri Lanka.
Abstract
Joyweed/ Mukunuwenna (Alternanthera sessile) is a globally significant leafy vegetable,
yet its maximum yield potential remains largely unrealized due to the limited genetic diversity of existing
varieties. Farmers frequently lack precise knowledge about the yield potential, growth characteristics, and
quality of the produce. Few attempts of research attentions were given to assess its growth characteristics,
susceptibility to diseases and pests, consumer acceptability, and yield potential. Therefore, this study aims
to comprehensively evaluate growth and yield traits, sensory qualities and morphological features of eight carefully
selected Mukunuwenna cultivars. Thus, identifying the most suitable Mukunuwenna cultivars for the
Low Country Wet Zone, Sri Lanka. In this investigation, we assessed four Mukunuwenna selections, including
one wild (red) variety, alongside three local Mukunuwenna cultivars, focusing on their growth, yield and
morphological characteristics under upland field conditions at the Agriculture Research Station, Thelijjawila,
Sri Lanka. The study followed a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. Data were meticulously
collected for eight growth parameters and two yield parameters including average internodal distance, average leaf
length, average leaf width, average number of shoots per unit area, average number of leaves per stem, average number
of flowers per stem, average shoot height, average chlorophyll content, average leaf to stem ratio, and average
yield per plot. The results, analyzed through ANOVA and mean separation demonstrated significant differences
(P< 0.05) among Mukunuwenna cultivars across various attributes, To assess the diversity in growth and
yield, a principle component analysis was conducted. A sensory evaluation was performed to assess the consumer
preference. Notably, the Piliyandala selection exhibited the most promising growth and yield traits, particularly
excelling leaf to stem ratio and gaining the highest consumer preference. Other notable performers were the Colombo
selection, Weda mukunuwenna and Cultivar M7 showing preferable growth and yield traits with strong consumer
appeal. Considering these findings, we conclude that Piliyandala selection, Colombo selection, and Cultivar M7
exhibit preferable growth and yield traits for commercial cultivation, while Weda mukunuwenna stands out
as an ideal choice for home garden cultivation under upland conditions in the Low Country Wet Zone, following
recommended agronomic practices. This study’s outcomes hold significant promise for further research endeavors,
focusing on enhancing desirable growth and yield traits.
Keywords:
Alternanthera sessilis, Growth parameters, Quality, Wet zone, Yield performance
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* - Corresponding Author
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