This document discusses the production technology of sweet potato. It provides information on the scientific classification of sweet potato including its origin in tropical America. It describes two common varieties grown in Pakistan and the optimal climate and soil conditions for growth. Details are given on planting time, seed rate, spacing, manures, fertilizer, irrigation, diseases, harvesting, yield, medicinal importance and nutritional value of sweet potato.
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Introduction to sweet potato production technology, discussing scientific classification, origin, varieties, climate, soil requirements, planting time, seed rate, spacing, manures, fertilizer, irrigation, diseases, harvesting, yielding, medicinal importance, and nutritional value.
Scientific classification: Kingdom Plantae, Family Convolvulaceae, Genus Ipomoea, Specie batatas.
Origin of sweet potato in tropical America, its nutritional leaves, and importance worldwide.
Common varieties in Pakistan: red skin with white flesh, and white skin with white flesh; consumed raw, roasted, or cooked.
Optimal climate conditions: average temperature of 24°C; drought resistance; irrigation needed for yield; growth takes about four months.
Ideal soil types are well-drained, sandy, with an optimum pH of 5.8-6.7.
Planting times vary in Pakistan: June-July in hilly areas, September-October in plains; techniques employing sprout and vine cuttings.
Tubers planted 5-6 cm deep with specified spacing to ensure proper growth.
Heavy manure application is advised to promote growth.
Best practices for irrigation, emphasizing frequency and timing for optimal growth.
Common bacterial and fungal diseases, including crown gall, woolly roots, and nematodes affecting health and yield.
Harvesting timeframe is 90-100 days; indicators of maturity include leaf color and soil cracking.
Average yield of sweet potatoes is reported at 10,000-12,000 kg/ha.
High antioxidant content, benefits for blood sugar regulation, digestive health, pregnancy, immunity, heart disease prevention, and alleviating muscle cramps.
Nutritional components include tryptophan, potassium, fiber, vitamins, and calorie count.
Contents of discussion:Scientific Classification
origin
varieties
Climate
Soil, Planting time , seed rate,
spacing,Manures and fertilizer, Irrigation,
Diseases and Harvesting, Yield.
Medicinal importance
Nutritional value
4.
Scientific Classification :Kingdom:Plantae
Order: Solanales
Family: Convolvulaceae
Genus: Ipomoea
Specie: batatas
Scientific Name: Ipomoea Batatas L
Local Name: Shakarqandi
5.
Origin :It isnative to tropical America where it is
called camote or kumara , and now it is an
important tropical and sub tropical crop
worldwide. The leaf of potato is very
nutritious and are eaten by as a leafy
vegetable .
6.
Varieties :Two varietiesof sweet potato are
commonly grown in Pakistan .
Red skin with white flesh
2. White skin with white flesh
Both are eaten as raw as well as roasted
and cooked
1.
8.
Climate :The plantdoes not tolerate frost. It grows
best at an average temperature of 24°C
abundant sunshine and warm nights.
It require four months to grow .
It is drought resistant and produce
susceptile crop without irrigation in
semiarid condition . Annual rainfall of 102
cm (40”)
Irrigation is need for good yield
9.
Soil :Well-drained sand,sandy loam ,and
loamy sand , with a clay or clay loam
subsoil are considered ideal for sweet
potatoes.
Optimum pH 5.8-6.7 .
10.
Planting time :Plantingtime varies considerably in
different parts of the Pakistan
In hilly areas ,vine cuttings are planted
during June and July .
In plains planting is done in Sep-Oct
11.
Seed rate :Itgrown from sprout or draws produced
from tubers , and also from cuttings .
For better growth it is advisable to plant
selected tubers in nursery and then
propagate them by sprout and vine
cuttings
About 50,000-60,000 sets are required
to plant one hectare .
13.
Spacing :Selected tubersare planted 5-6 cm
deep in well-prepared nursery beds at
spacings of 30cm in rows 45cm apart.
Vines then planted 60cm between rows
and 30cm within the rows .
During Monsoon , cuttings should be
planted when it is drizzling.
15.
Manure and fertilizer:
It is grown in a variety of soils , so heavy
application of manure promotes
excessive growth .
16.
Irrigation :Water canbe applied best after the
plants are set before they nearly cover
the ground .
Frequent light irrigation is preferable .
Newly planted crop should be irrigate on
the fourth , eight and ninth days .
Therefore , 10-12 irrigations are given at
10-day intervals
17.
Diseases :Bacterial :1.Crown gall
2. Hairy roots
3. Bacterial wilt
o Fungal :1. Alternarial leaf spot
2. Anthracnose
3. Black spot
Harvesting :Usually croptake 90-100 days to mature
When the crop mature its leaf turn pale
and later become yellow
The enlarging tubers cause the soil to
crack noticeably , while the immature
tubers remains moist and turns dark in
color .
Medicinal Importance :1.Sweet potatoes are high in antioxidants,
which work in the body to prevent
inflammatory problems like asthma, arthritis,
gout, and many more.
2. Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of
carbohydrates for those with blood sugar
problems. These fibrous root vegetables can
help regulate blood sugar levels and prevent
conditions like insulin resistance.
26.
3. Sweet potatoesare healthy for the digestive tract. It helps to
relieve constipation and may prevent colon cancer.
4. Sweet potatoes are good for those who are pregnant or
trying to conceive because they are high in folate, which is
essential for the healthy development of fetal cell and tissue.
5. Packed with important vitamins and other nutrients, eating
sweet potatoes can boost immunity by supporting the needs of
the body.
27.
6. Sweet potatoesare good for preventing heart disease. High in potassium,
sweet potatoes can help prevent the onset of heart attack and stroke.
7. Sweet potatoes are good for alleviating muscle cramps. Potassium
deficiencies are a leading cause of muscle cramps, as well injuries.
8. Sweet potatoes are good for treating stress-related symptoms.