Sweet Potato (Ipomoea Batatas) Biology and Importance in U.S. Agriculture

Abstract

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam) is a tuberous perennial grown as an annual throughout tropical to semi-tropical regions around the world. As a food crop, sweet potatoes are ranked seventh in the world, and the most widely grown root crop in the world. The growth cycle of sweet potatoes requires 3 to 5 months, with minimum nighttime air temperatures of 15°C necessary to optimize production. Sweet potato growth can be segregated into three distinct phases: establishment (0 to 4 weeks after transplanting); rapid growth (4 to 8 weeks after transplanting); and storage root development (8 to 16 weeks after transplanting). Worldwide, average yields are 14 metric tons per hectare, necessitating careful monitoring and replacement of soil nutrients. Sweet potatoes prefer well-drained soils, which are subject to nutrient deficiencies. Although established plants are somewhat drought tolerant, a total of 50cm of precipitation is optimal for production. Much of the world production is centered in Asia and Pacific islands, currently with the United States generating less than 4% of total production. U.S. production is focused in four states, predominantly led by North Carolina.