The Effect of Different Shade Levels on Growth and Tuber Yield of Sweet Potato: I. Plant Development

Abstract

AbstractThe plant development of three sweet potato cultivars under different shade levels was compared during the 1990 and 1991 growth season at two locations in Peru. Deep shade retarded the time of tuber initiation of two cultivars. All shade levels reduced the number of tuber/m2, hence the sink‐size. After the 13th week after planting (WaP) the yield increased very rapidly in full sunlight. Shade reduced these growth rates and the highest increases occurred later in the vegetative period. Therefore, shade generally affected the tuber initiation and formation and eventually tuber yield.Shoot growth terminated 13 WaP; only in deep shade did the plant top keep growing until harvest and competed permanently for assimilates with the tuber‐sink. The leaf area was hardly affected by shade. The leaf area ratio increased in shade and there was a negative correlation between LAR and tuber and biomass yield. Shade also augmented the specific leaf area by approximately 11 % in 26 % and 42 % light reduction (LR) and up to 20 % in 60 % LR.