Crop: Rabi Sweet Potato
Botanical Name: Ipomoea batatasChromosome Number: 2n = 90
Origin:
Sweet potato is believed to have originated in the tropical regions of Central and South America.
Geographical Distribution:
Sweet potato is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. It is grown in countries such as China, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, Uganda, and the United States.
Economic Importance:
Sweet potato is an important food crop and a good source of carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and various vitamins and minerals. It is also used for animal feed, starch production, and industrial purposes. Sweet potato has a high potential for income generation and food security, particularly in regions with poor soil fertility or limited resources.
Soil and Climatic Requirements:
Sweet potato thrives in well-drained sandy loam to clay loam soils. It prefers a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. The crop can tolerate a wide range of climatic conditions but grows best in warm and humid environments. The optimum temperature range for growth is between 24°C and 29°C. Sweet potato requires a minimum of 100 frost-free days for proper tuber development.
Seed Rate:
The recommended seed rate for sweet potato is 15,000 to 20,000 plants per hectare.
Spacing:
The spacing between plants varies depending on the variety and available resources. Generally, a spacing of 30 cm between rows and 20 cm within rows is recommended.
Seed Treatment:
Before planting, the sweet potato seed tubers should be treated with a fungicide or hot water treatment to prevent the spread of diseases. Soaking the tubers in a 0.1% solution of fungicide for 30 minutes or dipping them in hot water at 52°C for 30 minutes can help control pathogens.
Varieties:
There are numerous sweet potato varieties available worldwide, each suited to different growing conditions. Some popular rabi sweet potato varieties include:
1. KSP-20: High-yielding variety suitable for rabi season with good tuber quality.
2. KSP-44: Early maturing variety with high yield potential and good taste.
3. Sree Vidya: A drought-tolerant variety suitable for rainfed cultivation.
Cultural Practices:
Here are some cultural practices for sweet potato cultivation:
- Land Preparation: Prepare the field by plowing and harrowing to create a fine tilth. Remove any weeds or crop residues.
- Planting: Plant the seed tubers directly in the field at a depth of 5-7 cm. Ensure that the sprouts are facing up. Irrigation immediately after planting can help in better establishment.
- Irrigation: Sweet potato requires regular irrigation, especially during dry periods. Adequate moisture is essential for tuber development.
- Weed Control: Regular weeding is necessary to control weed competition. Mulching can also be done to suppress weed growth.
- Fertilization: Apply well-rotted farmyard manure or compost before planting. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers can be applied based on soil test results and crop requirements.
- Pests and Diseases: Common pests and diseases of sweet potato include sweet potato weevil, whiteflies, aphids, and sweet potato virus diseases. Implement appropriate pest and disease management strategies.
- Harvesting: Sweet potato tubers can be harvested when the leaves turn yellow and start to wither. Carefully dig out the tubers using a fork or spade to avoid damage.
Yield:
The yield of sweet potato depends on various factors, including variety, soil fertility, cultural practices, and climate. On average, a well-managed crop can yield 20-30 tons per hectare.
