Effects of Planting Density and Harvesting Time on Production of Small-size Tuberous Roots in Sweet Potato

Abstract

Small-sized tuber of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas Lam.) is more preferred by Korean consumers, because it is convenient to eat with hands, and can easily be steamed or roasted in small pan as a healthy snack for a small family. The present study was aimed to investigate the effect of high-density plantings and harvesting times on production of smallsized tuber (50~200 g). Four varieties ('Annobeny', 'Daeyumi', 'Shinzami', and 'Yeonhwangmi') were planted in 2-row zigzag high-density planting (, A; , B) and 1-row planting (, control) covered with black vinyl film on May 23th, 2014. Marketable yields and small-sized tuber yields were compared between 120- and 150-day harvesting. Vine length and fresh weight per plant were significantly decreased in 2-row planting A and B plots compared to the control at 120 days after planting. Weight of tuber per plant, mean weight of tuber and number of tuber per plant were significantly decreased in 120-day harvesting of A and B plots than in the control. Marketable yields per 10a were increased by 17% () and 8% () in 120-day harvesting of A and B plots compared to the control (), and those were largely increased by 29% () and 26% () in 150-day harvesting than in the control (). Proportions of small size tuber (50~200 g) were increased by about 65% in 150-day harvesting of A and B plots compared to the control (55.3%). Small-size tuber yield and marketable yield were highly increased in 150-day harvesting of 2-row zigzag high-density planting A ().