甘藷新品種台農73號於89年以清水紫心爲母本,台農62號爲父本,所產生之雜交後代,並於90年實生系後代中選拔而得到之優良品系CYY90-C17。本品系在91年秋作第一年組(初級試驗)之塊根產量爲每公頃25,999 kg,較對照種台農57號增產1.2%,92年第二年組(高級試驗)之塊根產量爲每公頃29,334 kg,較對照種台農57號增產21.1%;另外94-95年區域試驗之塊根產量平均爲33,899 kg,低於對照種台農57號。本品種塊根皮色爲淡紅色,肉色爲深紫色,富含cyanidin及peonidin等花青素,具抗氧化功用,且藷形整齊,食味佳,可作爲鮮食用及烤藷等加工用途,爲第一個台灣自行育成之紫肉甘藷品種,極具發展潛力,已於96年3月16日經審查通過,正式命名爲甘藷台農73號。
Tainung No.73, a new sweet potato variety, was developed and released through hybridization of TNG 62 (♂) and a local variety with purple flesh (♀) in 2000 and further selection of offspings in 2001. The selected line CYY90-17 was formally approved for registration and designated as variety Tainung No.73 (TNG73) on March 16, 2007, after a series of testing and evaluation, including preliminary (2002) and advanced (2003) yield trials and regional trials (2005-2006). The root-tuber yield of Tainung No.73 was 25,999 kg/ha in 2002 (1.2% higher than the control variety, Tainung No.57), 29,334 kg/ha in 2003 (21.1% higher than the control variety, Tainung No.57), and averaged yield 33,899 kg/ha in 2005 and 2006 (lower than Tainung No.57). The root-tuber yield of TNG No.73 is stable, over 30 t/ha in planting time, planting density and fertilization trials. Root-tuber of TNG No.73 is spindle shape with pinkish red skin and purple flesh. Root-tuber of TNG No.73 is rich in anthocyanin (an anti-oxidant) which is higher in root skin than in root flesh. Root-tuber of TNG No.73 can be used as table food for its flavor as well as health food for its rich source of anti-oxidant. This is the first purple variety developed through breeding in Taiwan.