COMPARATIVE YIELD OF FIVE SWEETPOTATO CULTIVARS PLANTED IN SINGLE AND DOUBLE ROWS

Abstract

In 1994, a study was conducted in split-plot design to determine the effect single- and double-row plantings would have on the yield of five sweetpotato cultivars. `TU-1892', `Carver', `Jewel', `TU-82-155', and `Georgia Jet' were planted on a raised shaped bed 2 feet wide. All recommended fertilizers were banded in the center of the bed and plants then were placed 6 inches away on both sides of this band for the double rows; single rows consisted of plants placed only on one side of the fertilizer band. Plants were spaced 12 inches apart within rows, and the rate of fertilizer used for single and double rows was the recommended rate for single rows. All plots were sidedressed with an additional 80 lbs/acre of K at the time of flowering. Marketable yield data showed that double-row planting of `Jewel', `TU-82-155', and `TU-1892' resulted in 36%, 38%, and 33% significant increase in yield, respectively, compared to single-row plantings. Double-row planting also significantly increased the yield of U.S. no. 1 `TU-82-155', `Jewel', and `Carver' sweetpotatoes by 40%, 43%, and 19%, respectively. All cultivars used in the study showed a significant increase in canners yield when planted in double vs. single rows. The results also indicated that `TU-1892', `Jewel', and `TU-82-155' may be more efficient in fertilizer use because higher yields were obtained in double-row plantings at the single-row fertilizer rates without the additional application of fertilizers.