Southeastern U.S. Vegetable Crop Handbook - 2021 - 113

SWEETPOTATO (Ipomoea batatas)
VARIETIES1
AL
SWEETPOTATO
Beauregard 2, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11
Bayou Belle 2, 6, 7, 8, 8, 11
Belleville 2, 6, 7, 8
Bonita 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12
Burgundy 2, 6, 7, 8
Carolina Ruby 2, 6, 8
Covington 2, 6, 7, 11
Evangeline 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11
Hernandez 2, 6, 7, 8, 11
Jewel 2, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
Murasaki 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11
O' Henry 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11
Orleans 2, 6, 8, 9, 11
White Hayman 3
1
2
Abbreviations for state where recommended.
Red or copper skin, orange flesh.
3 Tan or cream, white flesh.
4
Purple skin, white flesh.
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
5
6
7
8
G
G
G
G
K
K
L
K
K
K
K
L
Sclerotial blight resistance.
Soil rot resistance.
Root knot resistance.
Fusarium wilt resistance.
M
M
M
M
M
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
9
Rhizopus resistance.
10
Bacterial soft rot resistance.
11 Fusarium root rot resistance.
12
Suitable choice for organic production.
O
O
O
O
A
A
A
GA
G
G
KY
K
LA
L
L
L
MS
M
M
M
M
NC
N
N
OK
O
O
SC
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
T
V
T
V
V
TN
T
VA
V
T
T
V
V
V
V
V
Variety Selection. Selection of a variety depends on the intended
market. Most varieties require 90 to 150 days to produce maximum
yields. Sweetpotatoes are cold sensitive and should not be
planted until all danger of frost is past. The optimum temperature
to achieve the best growth of sweetpotatoes is between 70°F and
88°F, although they can tolerate temperatures as low as 55°F and
as high as 105°F.
Soil. Well-drained sandy and sandy loam soils will produce the
best-shaped sweetpotatoes. Heavy soils or compacted soils will induce
misshapen roots, while soils with high levels of organic matter
can promote scurf. Use long rotations to decrease the incidence
of scurf, Fusarium wilt, black rot, certain nematode species and
other diseases. Avoid fields that have produced a crop of sweetpotatoes
in the past two years and fields that have high nematode
populations and are seriously eroded or grassy. Select a soil that is
well drained but not prone to drought. Waterlogged, poorly drained
soils prevent roots from obtaining sufficient oxygen, which can
cause " souring " of roots.
Fertilizer and Lime. Get a soil test. The amount of fertilizer needed
will vary by variety and location and on available nutrients as
indicated by a soil test. The optimum pH range is 5.8 to 6.2. If
your soil needs lime, incorporate the appropriate amount several
months before planting. This will allow sufficient time for the lime
to increase your soil's pH.
Broadcast or band half of the required nitrogen (N) before
planting and then sidedress the remainder at layby when the vines
begin to run. N is very mobile in the soil and special attention
should be given to sandy soils and regions with frequent, heavy
rainfall events during the season. An appropriate total seasonal
rate of N range for sweetpotato is between 40 and 80 pounds per
acre. Some varieties require less N fertilizer than others. For the
variety Beauregard, 40 to 50 pounds per acre per growing season
2021 Vegetable Crop Handbook for Southeastern United States
is sufficient while for the variety Covington, 80 pounds per acre in
preferred. Follow the recommended rate of fertilizer because high
fertilizer concentrations may result in salt burn and plant damage.
Additionally, applying surplus fertilizer can cause excessive vine
growth and be a waste of resources due to added costs that will not
result in higher yields.
CROP ESTABLISHMENT
Propagating. Sweetpotatoes are propagated from sprouts or slips
(vine cuttings). Only purchase certified, disease-free seed stock or
slips. Select seed (the word seed refers to the roots used for slip
production), that is free from insect and disease damage, that has
a uniform flesh with variety appropriate skin color, and that is free
from veins. Your profitability depends on starting with the highest
quality seed stock available. Using quality roots for seed is essential
for producing quality sweetpotatoes. Quality sweetpotatoes are
not produced from poor-quality seed.
In most years, it is not possible to purchase sufficient certified
seed stock to produce slips for your entire planned production.
Thus, seed must be saved from each year's crop. When possible,
isolate your seed planting from that of your commercial planting to
minimize viruses. Save seed from the highest quality roots that you
produce. Carefully inspect roots for defects (no off-types), disease,
insect damage, etc., as listed above. Each year purchase a portion
of your required seed stock for slip production as certified seed,
supplementing your total need with seed from the previous year's
crop. Certified slips are available from several growers in around
the Southeastern US. Consult your local Extension office for information.
Additionally,
sweetpotato is part of the National Clean Plant
Network and several Clean Plant Centers are located in the Southeastern
U.S. that support the production of virus-tested, certified
planting material. The following Universities are participating in
113
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