Journal of Agriculture and Forestry University (2022), Vol.

5 : 35-40 35
Research article
EVALUATION OF KANGKONG (Ipomoea aquatica L.) GENOTYPE, A POTENTIAL GREEN
LEAFY VEGETABLE IN SUMMER SEASON AT KHAJURA, BANKE, NEPAL

S. Lohani*, S. L. Shrestha, R. Rawal , Y. K.C., and L. N. Aryal

Nepal Agricultural Research Council
*Corresponding author: [email protected]
Received date: 20 December 2021, Accepted date: 9 March 2022

ABSTRACT
Kangkong (Ipomoea aquatica L.) belongs to the plant family Convolvulaceae. A set of varietal trial was conducted
in Directorate of Agricultural Research Khajura, Banke, Nepal with three genotypes; HRDKAN001 (Combodian),
HRDKAN002 (Thaipalungo as check variety) and HRDKAN003 (Bangladeshi); which were collected through
National Horticulture Research Centre, Khumaltar.The objectives of this experiment were to select high yielding
genotypes for green leaf production during summer season. The experiments were carried out in two consecutive
years, April 2017 and 2018 and laid out in Randomized completely block design with seven replications in open
field condition.The spacing was maintained 50 cm row to row and 30 cm within the row in each year. Plants were
fertilized with 200:150:120 kg NPK and 20 tons farm-yard manure per hectare. Data were recorded on vegetative
growth, disease response, vegetative yield, qualitative parameter and consumer’s preference. From the result of
experiment, HRDKAN001 and HRDKAN002 were found to be higher yielding and showed good cooking quality
and these genotypes were selected for the further evaluation at Khajura and similar agro-ecological conditions
of Nepal.

Keywords: Experiment, Kangkong, parameter, quality, yield

INTRODUCTION

Kangkong (Ipomoea aquatica L.) belongs to the plant family Convolvulaceae, a moving glory
family. The plant is commonly known as aquatica morning glory, Chinese water spinach, kangkong, morning
glory, swamp cabbage, swamp morning glory, water convolvulus, water spinach, aquatic sweet potato, etc.
Kangkong is a fast growing, vine-like plant that spreads along the ground or water surface, and is reluctant to
climb. It is a close relative to sweetpotato but is grown for its succulent growing tips. There are two types of
kangkong, upland type (Ipomoea reptans), more common throughout the Pacific and adapted to moist soils
and lowland and aquatic kangkong (Ipomoea aquatica) which is adapted to flooded conditions (ACIAR,
Fact sheet no.6, 2010). Water spinach is a vascular semi-aquatic herbaceous perennial plant belonging to
Convolvulaceae (USDA, 2005). It has a hollow and viny stem, grows prostrate or floating, and roots coming
from the nodes that penetrate the soil. Water spinach is native to the tropics and subtropics of Southeast Asia,
Southern China and India (Gothberg et al., 2005; Chen et al., 1991).

Upland kangkong can grow to a wide range of climatic and soil conditions but requires relatively
high soil moisture for optimum growth and yield. Soils having high organic matter are more preferred. It
produces higher yields in the lowland humid tropics under stable high temperature and short day length.
Temperature between 25-30oC is ideal for higher yields. It can be grown throughout the year if winter is
not extreme. Water spinach has no relationship with common spinach but is closely related to sweet potato
(Ipomea batatas) (www.plants.usda.gov, 2015).It can be propagating from cuttings or seed. Its stems are 2–3
meters (7–10 ft) or more long, rooting at the nodes, and they are hollow and can float (Shrestha & Shrestha,
2020). Leaves are flat, and vary in shape depending on variety, from heart-shaped to long, narrow and arrow-
shaped. Narrow leaves are 1-2.5 cm wide and 20-30 cm long. Broad leaves are upto 5 cm wide and 15-25 cm
long. The flowers are trumpet-shaped, 3–5 cm (1–2 in) in diameter, and usually white in colour with a mauve
centre (Shrestha & Shrestha, 2020).

Ipomoea aquatica a commonly grown green leafy vegetable is a rich source of vitamins, minerals,
proteins, fibers, carotenes and flavonoids with many health benefits (Prasad et al., 2008). Kangkong is one
of the popular vegetables that is promoted to grow in the island due to its good nutritive value, antioxidant
properties, high fiber content and many other health related benefits (Hongfei et al., 2011; Gupta et al., 2005;
36 Lohani et. al

Kala &Prakash, 2004; Faruq et al., 2002; Ogle et al., 2001).

In Ayurveda (the traditional medicine), it is reported that oral administration of I. aquatica leaves
cures diseases such as jaundice, nervous debility. The plant is also used for the treatment of liver diseases,
constipations (Samuelsson et al.,1992) diabetes, abscesses, mental illness, nose bleeds and high blood
pressure, anthelmintic, central nervous system depression (CNS) depressant, antiepileptic, hypolipidemic
effects antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory. In Nepal, during summer season the availability of green leafy
vegetables are very low. The price of green vegetable in this period is too much higher. Generally cultivated
leafy vegetables are winter season crops and some are available only in rainy season. Some wild types of
kangkong are available in water bodies of Terai but they are not cultivable. Such terrestrial genotypes of
kangkung will be alternative for the leafy vegetables which are richest source of vitamins and minerals.
Different types/varieties of leafy vegetables have been imported in the country from abroad and thus it is of
great opportunities to evaluate, select and recommend the suitable high yielding as well as preferable variety
for particular location. Considering the facts, the study was conducted to select the high yielding kangkong
genotypes for the climate representing Khajura, Banke and similar locations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Three genotypes of kangkong were transplanted at the field of Directorate of Agricultural Research
(former Regional Agricultural Research Station), Khajura, Banke, Nepal during April, 2017 and 2018 to
evaluate the quality and the yield of these genotypes.The source of seed material was received from National
Horticulture Research Center formerly known as Horticulture Research Division of NARC. In the first year,
the seedlings were prepared in the month of October 2016 from seed and planting materials were prepared
from cuttings from nursery and planted in the month of April. Also in the second year, the planting materials
were prepared from seed in the month of October and planted in the month of April with the help of cuttings
from the seedlings raised in nurserybed.There were used three genotypes of Kangkong for the trial viz.
HRDKAN001(Combodian), HRDKAN002(Thai Palungo) and HRDKAN003(Bangladeshi) which are
named as the materials are originally comes from these countries. The experiment was laid out in randomized
complete block design having 7 replications. In the first year of evaluation, the individual plot size was 3m2,
gross plot area consisting 2m length and 1.5m breadth and in the second year of experiment, the size of plot
was 1.5x0.6 (0.9m2) and the spacing was maintained 50 cm row to row and 30 cm within the row in each
year.The plot size was different due to the lower seedling number in the second year’s experiment. The plants
were fertilized with 200:150:120 kg NPK/ha and 20 ton/ha compost. The first harvesting was 38 days after
transplanting (DAT) and last date of harvesting was 103 DAT. Harvesting was done five times during the entire
growing stage. The observations were recorded regarding cooking quality, plant vigor, plant uniformity, plant
height at 30 DAT, no. of branches per plant, leaf length, leaf width and the yield. The data were analyzed by
using statistical software R-statistics. Cooking quality and taste was measured by the consumers’ response in
1(unacceptable) to 9 (excellent) scale where taste was recorded just after boiled. Plant uniformity and vigor
was recorded visually in 1 to 5 scale at the time of 30 DAT where uniformity; unacceptable (1) to excellent
(5) scale and vigor; poor (1) to vigorous (5) scale. As insect and disease scoring was done at the time of its
symptom appeared in plant that was after 90 days (later stage) in 1 (no any symptom) to 5 (dead) scale.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Leaf characters and stem girth

In 2017, there was no significant difference for the length of leaves, width of leaves, stem girth (Table
1). The longest leaf (15.59 cm) were recorded from the genotype HRDKAN001(Cambodian) followed by
genotype HRDKAN002 (12.47 cm) and HRDKAN003 (12 cm). In the year of 2018, the length of leaf was
found significantly different among the tested genotypes. The longest leaf(15.6 cm) was recorded in the
cultivar HRDKAN002 which was at par with the cultivar HRDKAN001 (15.47 cm) and the shortest length
of leaf (12.71 cm) was recorded in cultivar HRDKAN003.

Similarly, the width of leaves was found significantly different among the tested genotypes. The
highest width of leaf (5.13 cm) was recorded in the cultivar HRDKAN003 and the lowest width of leaf (4.18
Journal of Agriculture and Forestry University (2022), Vol. 5 37
cm) was found for the cultivar HRDKAN001 which was similar with the cultivar HRDKAN002 (4.3 cm).

Table 1. Leaf length, leaf width and stem girth of different genotypes of Kangkong in coordinated
varietal trial (CVT) at, Khajura during 2017 and 2018
Genotypes Leaf length (cm) Leaf width (cm) Stem girth
2017 2018 2017 2018 2017 2018
HRDKAN001 15.59a 15.47a 3.011ab 4.18b 0.82 -
HRDKAN002 12.47ab 15.6a 3.966a 4.30b 0.73 -
HRDKAN003 12.00ab 12.71b 4.165a 5.13a 0.80 -
Grand mean 13.35 14.61 3.71 4.54 0.79 -
SEM± 0.464 0.71 0.415 0.32 0.09 -
LSD (0.05) 1.012 0.98*** 0.903 0.65* 0.20 -
CV (%) 6.5 5.76 20.9 12.47 21.9 -
Means within the column followed by the same letter are not significant different at 5 % level of significance by DMRT.
*, * *and *** = Significant at 0.05, 0.01 and <0.001 levels, respectively

Plant height
In 2018, the plant height at 30 DAT was found non significant for the tested genotypes. The highest
plant height was recorded for the cultivar HRDKAN001(35.5 cm) followed by HRDKAN003 (31.62cm) and
HRDKAN002(29.74 cm).

Table 2. Yield and yield attributing parameters of Kangkong genotypes grown at Khajura, Banke in
2017 and 2018
Genotypes Plant height at 30 DAT No. of branches per plant Yield (t ha-1)
(cm) (30 DAT)
2017 2018 2017 2018 2017 2018
HRDKAN001 - 35.50 - 3.22 60.30 82.36
HRDKAN002 - 29.74 - 3.68 58.18 95.87
HRDKAN003 - 31.62 - 4.05 53.05 87.42
Grand Mean - 32.29 - 3.65 57.2 88.55
SEM(±) - 109.11 - 0.99 10.10 233.21
LSD0.05 - ns - ns 22 ns
CV% - 32.34 - 27.30 33 17.24
Means within the column followed by the same letter are not significant different at 5 % level of significance by DMRT.

Number of branches per plant

In 2018, the number of branches per plant at 30 DAT was found non-significant for the tested
genotypes. However, more number of branches per plant was recorded for the cultivar HRDKAN003 (4.05)
followed by HRDKAN002 (3.68) and HRDKAN001 (3.22).

Yield
In the both years, non-significant difference was found for the yield. In 2017, the highest yield (60.3 t
ha-1) was recorded in the genotype HRDKAN001 followed by HRDKAN002 (58.18 t ha-1) and HRDKAN003
(53.05 t ha-1) and in the year of 2018, the highest (95.87 t/ha) yield was from cultivar HRDKAN002 and the
lowest (82.36 t/ha) yield was obtained from cultivar HRDKAN001 while cultivar HRDKAN003 produced
87.42 t ha-1.
38 Lohani et. al

Plant vigor and plant uniformity

In 2018, plant vigor at 30 DAT was found non-significant among the tested genotypes. The cultivar
HRDKAN001 and HRDKAN002 had recorded 3 score (Medium, intermediate or normal growth) according
to 1-5 rating hedonic scale for plant vigor while the cultivar HRDKAN003 had 2.85 (Medium, intermediate
or normal growth) rating for plant vigor. Plant uniformity at 30 DAT were found non-significant among
the tested genotypes. The cultivar HRDKAN001 and HRDKAN002 have recorded 3(fair) according to 1-5
points rating scale for plant uniformity while the cultivar HRDKAN003(Bangladeshi) has 2.85 (fair) for plant
uniformity.

Table 3. Plant vigor, Plant uniformity, Disease and insect scoring and overall eating quality of Kangkong
genotypes, Khajura, Banke, 2018
Genotypes Plant vigor Plant uniformity Disease scoring Insect Scoring Overall eating
(1-5)x at 30 (1-5)x at 30 DAP (0-5)y (0-5) y quality
DAP (1-9)
HRDKAN001 3.00 3.00 1(mild) 3(mild) 9(excellent)
HRDKAN002 3.00 3.00 1(mild) 3(mild) 7(good)
HRDKAN003 2.85 2.85 1(mild) 3(mild) 3(fair)
. x 1:unacceptable, 5:excellent y
0:none, 5:extreme

Disease and insect infestation

In 2018, the severity of disease and insect infestation were recorded same for the all tested genotypes.
Disease scoring was 1(mild) and insect scoring was recorded as 3 (medium) for the all genotypes in 0-5 scale.
No any disease was observed at the early stage up to 90 DAT (Table 1). Insect damage was very little and was
only by leaf eating caterpillar in early stage but due to frequent harvest, it was controlled.

Overall eating quality

The result of organoleptic taste conducted in the research station revealed that there is variation in
taste and the texture of the leaves. The cultivar HRDKAN001got 9 ranking because of good taste and soft
texture after cook as compared to other genotypes. The cultivar HRDKAN003 got 3 ranking due to slightly
sour taste and hardy after cook.
The taste and tenderness varies among the tested genotypes. The consumers of Khajura prefer
HRDKAN001 followed by HRDKAN002. Shrestha and Shrestha (2020) reported that Consumer’s response
showed that HRDKAN002 had been selected due to its good appearance, taste and tenderness. Even though
HRDKAN003 had excellent appearance and tenderness, taste of HRDKAN002 was preferred by consumers.
The problem of disease and insect were not severe during the growth stage so it gave bumper yield. Pests and
diseases do not usually cause problems (ACIAR,Fact sheet 8, Kangkong,2014). Leaf eating insects such as
grasshoppers and some caterpillars are occasional pests that may become a problem in drier weather. Leaf
miner and mealybug can cause reduced growth and malformed leaves. Healthy planting material and good
growing conditions can help reduce the occurrence and impact of these pests.The difference in the leaf length
among the genotypes is due to genetic makeup of the genotypes. The variation on the length and size of
leaf was supported by Shrestha and Shrestha (2020). The longest leaf length (20.5 cm) was obtained in cv.
HRDKAN001 followed by HRDKAN002 (20.4 cm) whereas the wider leaf was noticed in HRDKAN003
(7.1 cm) followed by HRDKAN002 (6.6 cm). Sharma (1994) had also mentioned the highly variable leaf
shape. Chauhan (2016) also reported that the leaf length ranged from 5.58 (IGWS-17) to 10.69 cm (IGWS-
2) and from small to medium size group. Leaf width ranged from 1.69 (IGWS-23) to 5.90 cm (IGWS-2).
The highest yield was obtained from the HRDKAN002. The similar result was obtained from Shrestha
and Shrestha (2020) who stated that HRDKAN002 which had average consumable branch weight of 18.4
g, yielded 89 branches weighing1620 g per plant, and 107.6 ton/ha along with negligible insect pest and
disease damage. Yamaguchi (1990) reported that Kangkong is easy to grow, has a high yield and considered
as nutritious. The marketable yield of Kangkong under protected condition was 55 t/ha and 31.5 t/ha in open
Journal of Agriculture and Forestry University (2022), Vol. 5 39
field condition. (ACIAR, Farmer fact sheet on Kangkong field production in Philipinnes).

First harvesting was recorded at 38 DAT which was supported by the Factsheet on kangkong in Philipinnes
where the first harvest of kangkong is done at 3 weeks from seeding and subsequent harvesting of new shoots
is done at 2-3 weeks interval depending on the stand of the crop.

CONCLUSION
From the results obtained from the two year’s experiment, Kangkong can be easily grown during
summer and rainy season without use of chemical pesticide. Genotypes HRDKAN001 and HRDKAN002
which had the highest yield and good cooking quality and almost not damaged by the insect pest and disease
were promising to cultivate in the Khajura, Banke and similar growing conditions of Nepal. Further validation
will be required for the consistent performance of the genotypes.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Authors are acknowledge to the reviewers and editorial team of the Journal of Agriculture and
Forestry University, Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal for providing the feedbacks and comments on this manuscript.

REFERENCES
ACIAR. (2010).Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research. Fact Sheet no. 6, Kangkong funded
activity “Improving soil health, agricultural productivity and food security on atolls.).
ACIAR. (2014).Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research. Fact Sheet no. 8, Kangkong funded
activity “Improving soil health, agricultural productivity and food security on atolls.).
Chauhan, H. (2016). Collection, evaluation and characterization of indigenous genotypes of waterspinach
(Ipomoea aquatic Forsk.). M.Sc.(Hort.) thesis submitted to Department of Vegetable Science, College
of Agricultre, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur, India.
Chen, B.H., Yang, S.H., & Han, H. (1991). Characterization of major carotenoids in water Convolvulus
(Ipomoea aquatica) by open-column, thin layer and high performance liquid chromatography.
Journal of Chromatography, 534, 147-155.
Faruq, U.Z., Sani, A., & Hassan, L.G. (2002). Proximate composition of sickle pod (Senna obtusfolia) leaves.
Nigerian Journal of Applied Science, 11, 157-164
Fu, H., Xie, B., Ma, S., Zhu, X., Fan, G., & Pan, S. (2011). Evaluation of antioxidant activities of principal
carotenoids available in water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica).  Journal of Food Composition and
Analysis, 24, 288-297.
Gothberg, A., Greger, M., & Bengtsson, B. (2005). Accumulation of heavy metals in water Spinach (Ipomoea
aquatica) cultivated in Bangkok region, Thailand. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 21,
1934-1939.
Gupta, S., Lakshmi, A.J., Manjunath, M.N, & Prakash, J. (2005). Analysis of nutrient and antinutrient content
of underutilized green leafy vegetables. LWT Food Science
Kala. A. & Prakash, J. (2004). Nutrient composition and sensory profile of differently cooked green leafy
vegetables. International Journal of Food Properties, 7, 659-669.
Ogle, B.M., Ha-Thi, A.G., Mulokozi, G., &Hambraeus, L. (2001). Micronutrient composition and nutritional
importance of gathered vegetables in Vietnam International Journal of Food Science and Nutrition,
52, 485-499.
Prasad, K. N., Shivamurthy, G.R. &Aradhya,S.M. (2008). Ipomoea aquatica,an underutilized green leafy
vegetable:A review. International Journal of Botany, 4, 123-129.
40 Lohani et. al

Samuelsson, G., Farah, M.H., Claeson, P., Hagos, M., Thulin, M. & Hedberg, O. (1992). Journal
Ethnopharmacol., 37, 47-70.
Sharma, M. (1994).Taxonomic notes on North Indian plants. X. Journal of Economic and Taxonomic Botany,
18(2), 387-394.
Shrestha, S.L. & Shrestha, Y.K.(2020). Kang kong (Ipomoea acquitica): high nutritious summer leafy
vegetable crop for mid-hills of Nepal. The journal of Agriculture and Environment. 21, 90-100.
USDA, (2005). Ipomoea aquatica Forssk. www.ars.grin.gov/cgibin/npgs/html/tax
Yamaguchi, M. (1990). Asian vegetables. In: J. Janick and J.E. Simon (eds.), Advances in New Crops. Timber
Press, Portland, Oregon.pp. 387-390.