Sweet Potato

Growth Habit: Vine

Climate Requirements: Prefers warm climates with temperatures between 20–30°C and requires a long growing season.

Soil Requirements: Well-drained, loose, sandy loam with a pH of 5.8–6.5.

Water Requirements: Requires consistent watering, especially during tuber formation, but can tolerate drought in later stages.

Planting Instructions: Planted using slips (young shoots) spaced 30–45 cm apart in rows, with planting depth of 5–7 cm.

Harvesting Information: Harvested after 4–6 months when the roots are mature and before the first frost.

Plant Characteristics: Sweet potato is a herbaceous vine with edible storage roots, known for its sweet flavor and high nutritional value.

Nutrient Content: High in carbohydrates, vitamin A, vitamin C, and dietary fiber.

Health Benefits: Promotes vision health, boosts immunity, and supports digestion.

Yield Information: Average yield is 20–30 tons per hectare.

Culinary Uses: Used boiled, baked, mashed, or fried. Also used in pies, soups, and casseroles.

Industrial Uses: Used for starch production, animal feed, and in the biofuel industry.

Native Range: Central and South America, particularly Peru.

Current Distribution: Grown worldwide, with major producers including China, the USA, and India.

Common Pests: Sweet potato weevil, aphids, and root knot nematodes.

Diseases: Cercospora leaf spot, fusarium wilt, and sweet potato leaf curl virus.

IPM Practices: Use disease-resistant varieties, crop rotation, and proper pest management techniques.

Market Value: $180.50