Sweet Potato Roots Research Articles

Stability of anthocyanin, carotenoid and root yield of 10 sweet potato genotypes

ABSTRACT Sweet potato roots are rich in phytochemicals. The objective of this study was to evaluate the stability of number of storage roots, storage root dry weight, harvest index and anthocyanin and carotenoid contents of 10 sweet potato genotypes. Ten sweet potato genotypes were evaluated in a randomised complete block design with three replications at three locations in Surin province, including Rajamangala University of Technology Isan (RMUTI), Chomphra district and Sanom district during November 2022 to March 2023. Results indicated that the environment significantly influenced most traits, except for carotenoid content. Genotypes and genotype–environment interactions were significant for all traits. Number of storage roots was highest in genotypes found in RMUTI. Storage root yield and anthocyanin content was highest in genotypes found in Chomphra district, while harvest index and carotenoid content were highest in genotypes found in Sanom district. SR 2022/03 had the highest storage root yield across locations and in Chomphra district. KS 2022/07 had the highest harvest index and anthocyanin content across locations. SR 2022/10 had the highest anthocyanin content at RMUTI and also had the highest carotenoid content across locations. KS 2022/07 had the most stable storage root yield. SR 2022/01 had the most stable anthocyanin and carotenoid contents. Information on the levels and variability of phytochemicals in sweet potato enables breeders to select sweet potato genotypes with high and stable phytochemicals for sweet potato breeding.

Synthesis and antifungal activity of novel amide derivatives from quinic acid against the sweet potato pathogen Ceratocystis fimbriata.

Ceratocystis fimbriata is a fungal pathogen that infects sweet potato roots, producing enormous economic losses. Cyclic polyhydroxy compound quinic acid is a common metabolite synthesized in plant tissues, including sweet potato tubers, showing weak antifungal properties. Although several O-acylated quinic acid derivatives have been synthesized and found in nature and their antifungal properties have been explored, derivatives based on modification of the carboxylic acid have never been evaluated. In this study, amide derivatives were synthesized via linkage of amines with the carboxylic acid moiety of quinic acid. Derivatives with high dipolar moments and a low number of rotatable bonds showed greater antifungal activities toward C. fimbriata in vitro than quinic and chlorogenic acids. Derivative 5b, which was synthesized by coupling p-aminobenzoic acid (pABA) with quinic acid, had the greatest antifungal activity. 5b showed iron(II)-chelating properties and reduced ergosterol content in C. fimbriata cells, causing irregularities in the fungal cell wall and inhibiting conidia agglutination. Application of 3 mm 5b reduced black rot symptoms in sweet potatoes by 70.1%. Collectively, derivatization of the carboxylic acid from quinic acid was demonstrated to be a suitable strategy to improve the antifungal properties of this compound. This study reveals a new efficient strategy for management of the sweet potato pathogen C. fimbriata. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Assessing pesticide residue levels in sweetpotato roots and slips treated with fungicides for management of southern blight and circular spot disease caused by Agroathelia rolfsii.

Since 1971, North Carolina (NC) has been the leading sweetpotato-producing state in the United States (US) and is now producing more than half of the nation's annual output. Due to the high demand for US sweetpotatoes from international markets, NC allocates roughly 40% of its sweetpotatoes for export. However, low fungicide residue limits in primary export markets restricts the ability for NC producers to apply fungicides for disease management during sweetpotato production. Agroathelia rolfsii, the causal agent of southern blight and circular spot, is an important pathogen of sweetpotato. Field experiments were conducted in 2022 and 2023 to quantify the residue amount of various active ingredients and transplant-only vs. bedding and transplant applications when managing A. rolfsii in the field. High-performance liquid chromatography analyses of root and vine samples confirmed that none of the tested active ingredients and application timings resulted in residue numbers exceeding the limits of export markets, except for roots treated with thiabendazole. Results from this study provide information for development of application practices with acceptable residue levels for export markets while effectively managing diseases caused by A. rolfsii.

Impacts of Light Exposure and Soil Covering on Sweet Potato Storage Roots in a Novel Soilless Culture System

Soilless culture systems, which promote plant growth and enable the precise control of the root-zone environment, have yet to be fully established for sweet potatoes. In this study, we developed a soilless culture system and examined the effects of soil covering and light exposure on the storage roots of sweet potatoes. Sweet potato seedlings with induced storage roots were transplanted into five systems: a previously developed pot-based hydroponics system (Pot), an improved version with storage roots enclosed in a plastic box and covered with a soil sheet (SS), the SS system without the soil sheet (SD), the SD system with light exposure to storage roots after 54 days (SL), and a deep flow technique (DFT) hydroponics system. Our study enabled the time-course observation of storage root enlargement in the SS, SD, and SL systems. In the SL system, light exposure suppressed the storage root enlargement and reduced epidermal redness. No storage root enlargement was observed in the DFT system, even at 151 days after transplantation. Light exposure in the SL system increased the chlorophyll and total phenolic contents in the cortex beneath the epidermis, while the starch content was the lowest in this system. These findings indicate that the developed system can induce normal storage root enlargement without soil. Additionally, the observed changes in growth and composition due to light exposure suggest that this system is effective for controlling the root-zone environment of sweet potatoes.

Integrated Transcriptional and Metabolomic Analysis of Factors Influencing Root Tuber Enlargement during Early Sweet Potato Development.

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.) is widely cultivated as an important food crop. However, the molecular regulatory mechanisms affecting root tuber development are not well understood. The aim of this study was to systematically reveal the regulatory network of sweet potato root enlargement through transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis in different early stages of sweet potato root development, combined with phenotypic and anatomical observations. Using RNA-seq, we found that the differential genes of the S1 vs. S2, S3 vs. S4, and S4 vs. S5 comparison groups were enriched in the phenylpropane biosynthesis pathway during five developmental stages and identified 67 differentially expressed transcription factors, including AP2, NAC, bHLH, MYB, and C2H2 families. Based on the metabolome, K-means cluster analysis showed that lipids, organic acids, organic oxides, and other substances accumulated differentially in different growth stages. Transcriptome, metabolome, and prophetypic data indicate that the S3-S4 stage is the key stage of root development of sweet potato. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) showed that transcriptome differential genes were mainly enriched in fructose and mannose metabolism, pentose phosphate, selenium compound metabolism, glycolysis/gluconogenesis, carbon metabolism, and other pathways. The metabolites of different metabolites are mainly concentrated in amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism, flavonoid biosynthesis, alkaloid biosynthesis, pantothenic acid, and coenzyme A biosynthesis. Based on WGCNA analysis of gene-metabolite correlation, 44 differential genes and 31 differential metabolites with high correlation were identified. This study revealed key gene and metabolite changes in early development of sweet potato root tuber and pointed out potential regulatory networks, providing new insights into sweet potato root tuber development and valuable reference for future genetic improvement.

Transcriptional landscape of sweetpotato root tip development at the single-cell level

Single-cell transcriptome sequencing (scRNA-seq) is a powerful tool for describing the transcriptome dynamics of plant development but has not yet been utilized to analyze the tissue ontology of sweetpotato. This study established a stable method for isolating single protoplast cells for scRNA-seq to reveal the cell heterogeneity of sweetpotato root tip meristems at the single-cell level. The study analyzed 12,172 single cells and 27,355 genes in the root tips of the sweetpotato variety Guangshu 87, which were distributed into 15 cell clusters. Pseudo-time analysis showed that there were transitional cells in the apical development trajectory of mature cell types from stem cell niches. Furthermore, we identified novel development regulators of sweetpotato tubers via trajectory analysis. The transcription factor IbGATA4 was highly expressed in the adventitious roots during the development of sweetpotato root tips, where it may regulate the development of sweetpotato root tips. In addition, significant differences were observed in the transcriptional profiles of cell types between sweetpotato, Arabidopsis thaliana, and maize. This study mapped the single-cell transcriptome of sweetpotato root tips, laying a foundation for studying the types, functions, differentiation, and development of sweetpotato root tip cells.

The Effect of Nitrogen and Potassium Interaction on the Leaf Physiological Characteristics, Yield, and Quality of Sweet Potato

This study selected two sweet potato varieties as research subjects and conducted a field experiment using a two-factor design with two potassium (K) levels (K0 and K1) and five nitrogen (N) levels (N0–N4). The physiological changes in sweet potato leaves under different N and K treatments were measured, and nutrients such as the soluble sugar, protein, and starch content of sweet potato roots were analyzed. The results indicate that the activity of glutamine synthetase (GS) and the soluble protein content in sweet potato leaves increase first and then decrease with increasing N application, while K application can significantly increase the activity of GS and the soluble protein content. The N metabolic capacity of leaves is strongest when the fertilizer ratio is K1N2. The SPAD value of sweet potato leaves increases with increasing N application. The net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and intercellular CO2 concentration first increase and then decrease with increasing N application. K fertilizer has a significant effect on these parameters. As the N application rate increases, the starch and protein content in the tubers increase, while the soluble sugar content decreases. However, the number of tubers per plant, fresh weight of the tubers, and dry weight of the tubers increase initially and then decrease, while the vine length continuously increases. The application of K fertilizer can significantly increase the number of tubers per plant and stem thickness of sweet potato. In conclusion, the appropriate N–K combined application can promote N metabolism, enhance the photosynthetic capacity of sweet potato, increase yield, and improve quality.

The Impact of Nitrogen Levels on the Growth, Development, and Yield of Orange-fleshed Sweet Potatoes (Ipomoea batatas L.)

Nitrogen (N) is one of the most important fertilizers in agriculture because it promotes the growth of plants and the uptake of other plant nutrients. This nutrient plays a significant role in determining the yield and nutrient composition of sweet potato root tubers. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the optimum application rate of N in sweet potatoes to maximize yields and increase growth efficiency. Four levels of N (50, 100, 150, and 200 kg/ha) were applied as treatments. A randomized complete block design was used, and each treatment was replicated five times. Vine length, leaf length, stem thickness, and chlorophyll content were measured weekly, and the storage root yield was determined at the end of the experiment. The results showed a significant effect of the N treatments on plant growth, chlorophyll content, vine length, leaf area index and storage root yield. The chlorophyll content and vine length increased with an increase in the N rate. However, an inverse relationship was observed between storage root yield and N rates; the highest yield was recorded for the 50 kg/ha N treatment and the lowest yield was recorded for the 200 kg/ha N applied. Therefore, a rate of 50 to 100 kg/ha N is recommended for the production of orange-fleshed sweet potatoes.

Sweetpotato sucrose transporter IbSUT1 alters storage roots formation by regulating sucrose transport and lignin biosynthesis.

The formation and development of storage roots is the most important physiological process in sweetpotato production. Sucrose transporters (SUTs) regulate sucrose transport from source to sink organs and play important roles in growth and development of plants. However, whether SUTs involved in sweetpotato storage roots formation is so far unknown. In this study, we show that IbSUT1, a SUT, is localized to the plasma membrane. Overexpression of IbSUT1 in sweetpotato promotes the sucrose efflux rate from leaves, leading to increased sucrose levels in roots, thus induces lignin deposition in the stele, which inhibits the storage roots formation and compromises the yield. Heterologous expression of IbSUT1 in Arabidopsis significantly increases the sucrose accumulation and promotes lignification in the inflorescence stems. RNA-seq and biochemical analysis further demonstrated that IbMYB1 negatively regulates the expression of IbSUT1. Overexpression of IbMYB1 in Arabidopsis reduces the sucrose accumulation and lignification degree in the inflorescence stems. Moreover, co-overexpression of IbMYB1 and IbSUT1 restores the phenotype of lignin over-deposition in Arabidopsis. Collectively, our results reveal that IbSUT1 regulates source-sink sucrose transport and participates in the formation of sweetpotato storage roots and highlight the potential application of IbSUT1 in improving sweetpotato yield in the future.

A glutathione S-transferase IbGSTL2 interacts with IbcPGM to increase starch content and improve starch quality in sweetpotato

A glutathione S-transferase (GST) gene IbGSTL2 was cloned and characterized from sweetpotato. It harbored a variation associated with starch content in storage roots. Overexpression of IbGSTL2 increased starch content and amylopectin proportion, decreased gelatinization temperature, and improved degree of crystallinity in sweetpotato storage roots, while its RNA interference resulted in the opposite trends. IbGSTL2 physically interacted with IbcPGM, an enzyme of sucrose metabolism, and improve starch content and quality by regulating genes involved in starch biosynthesis.

Anti-browning action of melatonin is dependent on the type of tissue in minimally processed sweet potatoes

This study explored the impact of exogenous melatonin on oxidative damage, protective mechanisms against oxidation, and reactions leading to browning, as well as the accumulation of antioxidants in minimally processed white-fleshed and orange sweet potato roots. Sweet potato roots with white and orange pulp were subjected to minimal processing and immersion in melatonin solutions at concentrations of 0, 10, 100, and 1000 µmol L−1. Following packaging, these were stored at 5 ± 2 °C for 20 days. Results indicate that increasing melatonin concentrations significantly reduced browning symptoms in both white and orange sweet potato slices. This reduction was associated with decreased levels of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARs), and electrolyte leakage, indicating reduced cell membrane damage. Enhanced protection was observed through increased activity of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase and higher levels of antioxidant metabolites, including vitamin C and phenolic compounds, as confirmed by in vitro assays for antioxidant capacity (FRAP and DPPH), however, the levels of total carotenoids, anthocyanins, and yellow flavonoids did not show a significant difference between the melatonin treatments. Notably, sweet potato slices treated with higher melatonin doses of 100 and 1000 µmol L−1 exhibited reduced phenylalanine ammonia-lyase activity and phenolic compound accumulation. This effect, coupled with lower polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD) activities, likely contributed to prolonged preservation quality by maintaining cellular redox homeostasis.

Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Genes and Pathways Associated with Drought Tolerance of Early Stages in Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.).

The yield of sweet potato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam] can be easily threatened by drought stress. Typically, early stages like the seedling stage and tuber-root expansion stage are more vulnerable to drought stress. In this study, a highly drought-tolerant sweet potato cultivar "WanSu 63" was subjected to drought stress at both the seedling stage (15 days after transplanting, 15 DAT) and the tuber-root expansion stage (45 DAT). Twenty-four cDNA libraries were constructed from leaf segments and root tissues at 15 and 45 DAT for Next-Generation Sequencing. A total of 663, 063, and 218 clean reads were obtained and then aligned to the reference genome with a total mapped ratio greater than 82.73%. A sum of 7119, 8811, 5463, and 930 differentially expressed genes were identified from leaves in 15 days (L15), roots in 15 days (R15), leaves in 45 days (L45), and roots in 45 days (R45), respectively, in drought stress versus control. It was found that genes encoding heat shock proteins, sporamin, LEA protein dehydrin, ABA signaling pathway protein gene NCED1, as well as a group of receptor-like protein kinases genes were enriched in differentially expressed genes. ABA content was significantly higher in drought-treated tissues than in the control. The sweet potato biomass declined sharply to nearly one-quarter after drought stress. In conclusion, this study is the first to identify the differentially expressed drought-responsive genes and signaling pathways in the leaves and roots of sweet potato at the seedling and root expansion stages. The results provide potential resources for drought resistance breeding of sweet potato.

Impacts of poultry manure and biochar amendments on the nutrients in sweet potato leaves and the minerals in the storage roots

Poultry manure (PM) has demonstrated its potential to enhance crop nutritional quality. Nevertheless, there remains a dearth of knowledge regarding its synergistic effects when combined with wood biochar (B) on the nutrient concentrations in sweet potato leaves (Ipomoea batatas L.) and the mineral content stored in sweet potato storage roots. Hence, a two-year field trial was undertaken during the 2019 and 2020 cropping seasons in southwestern Nigeria, spanning two locations (Owo—site A and Obasooto—site B), to jointly apply poultry manure and wood biochar as soil amendments aimed at enhancing the nutritional quality of sweet potato crop. Each year, the experiment involved different combinations of poultry manure at rates of 0, 5.0, and 10.0 t ha−1 and biochar at rates of 0, 10.0, 20.0, and 30.0 t ha−1, organized in a 3 × 4 factorial layout. The results of the present study demonstrated that the individual application of poultry manure (PM), biochar (B), or their combination had a significant positive impact on the nutrient composition of sweet potato leaves and minerals stored in the sweet potato storage roots, with notable synergistic effects between poultry manure and biochar (PM × B) in enhancing these parameters. This highlights the potential of biochar to enhance the efficiency of poultry manure utilization and improve nutrient utilization from poultry manure. The highest application rate of poultry manure at 10.0 t ha−1 and biochar at 30.0 t ha−1 (PM10 + B30), resulted in the highest leaf nutrient concentrations and mineral composition compared to other treatments at both sites. Averaged over two years, the highest application rate of poultry manure at 10.0 t ha−1 and biochar at 30.0 t ha−1 (PM10 + B30) significantly increased sweet potato leaf nutrient concentrations: nitrogen by 88.2%, phosphorus by 416.7%, potassium by 123.8%, calcium by 927.3%, and magnesium by 333.3%, compared to those in the control (PM0 + B0). The same treatment increased the concentration of sweet potato root storage minerals: phosphorus by 152.5%, potassium by 77.4%, calcium by 205.5%, magnesium by 294.6%, iron by 268.4%, zinc by 228.6%, and sodium by 433.3%, compared to the control. The highest application rate of poultry manure at 10.0 t ha−1 and biochar at 30.0 t ha−1 yielded the highest economic profitability in terms of gross margin (44,034 US$ ha−1), net return (30,038 US$ ha−1) and return rate or value-to-cost ratio (VCR) (263). The results suggested that the application of poultry manure at 10 t ha−1 and biochar at 30 t ha−1 is economically profitable in the study areas and under similar agroecological zones and soil conditions.

ANALYSIS OF SWEET POTATO PRODUCTION IN EBONYI STATE, NIGERIA

This paper analyzed sweet potato production in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Multi-stage and proportionate sampling methods were used to collect two hundred and one sweet potato farmers for the study. Data were collected using structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive such as frequency and percentages and inferential statistics such as Ordinary Least Square regression model. Results showed that 74.13% of the sweet potato farmers were female with mean age of 38years, mean educational level of 12years with 96.52% of them were married having a mean household size of 8persons. Farm size, quantity of improved sweet potato varieties planted, labour and weeding were significant at 1% and 5% respectively and were positively related to vine yield while farm size, quantity of improved sweet potato varieties planted, fertilizer application and insecticide were significant at 1% and 5% respectively and were positively related to root yield. The production of sweet potato in Ebonyi state was affected by some production factors which causes low yield in the vine and root of sweet potato. Therefore, Organization of field days and farmers’ training on sweet potato production as well as procurement and distribution of improved varieties to farmers are effective strategies for stimulating adoption of the technologies.

Near infrared spectroscopy models to predict sensory and texture traits of sweetpotato roots

Near infrared spectroscopy models to predict sensory and texture traits of sweetpotato roots

Changes in Carotenoids and Polyphenols during the Growth Stages of Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.)

The storage roots of orange-fleshed sweet potato contain high levels of polyphenols and carotenoids. Little information is available on changes in the content and composition of these secondary metabolites during the growth stages of the root system. We investigated changes in carotenoids, polyphenols, and anthocyanins in the root system of the orange-fleshed sweet potato ‘Tamaakane’ from the post-planting stage. Carotenoids and polyphenols accumulated immediately after root-system formation at 15 days after transplanting (DAT). The levels of carotenoids increased by 45 DAT and decreased once the storage root enlargement began, but increased rapidly thereafter. After 90 DAT, β-carotene accounted for >90% of the total carotenoids, and the frequency remained stable until maturity. Total polyphenol content increased significantly towards 45 DAT and then gradually decreased as the storage roots began to thicken. No anthocyanin was detected in the root systems of ‘Tamaakane’ at any stage. The content and composition of these secondary metabolites are discussed in terms of agronomic aspects, as they might contribute to a strategy to protect storage roots while engaging with each other against biotic or abiotic stresses at the growth stage of the root system.

A Small Auxin-Up RNA Gene, IbSAUR36, Regulates Adventitious Root Development in Transgenic Sweet Potato.

Small auxin-upregulated RNAs (SAURs), as the largest family of early auxin-responsive genes, play important roles in plant growth and development processes, such as auxin signaling and transport, hypocotyl development, and tolerance to environmental stresses. However, the functions of few SAUR genes are known in the root development of sweet potatoes. In this study, an IbSAUR36 gene was cloned and functionally analyzed. The IbSAUR36 protein was localized to the nucleus and plasma membrane. The transcriptional level of this gene was significantly higher in the pencil root and leaf.This gene was strongly induced by indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), but it was downregulated under methyl-jasmonate(MeJA) treatment. The promoter of IbSAUR36 contained the core cis-elements for phytohormone responsiveness. Promoter β-glucuronidase (GUS) analysis in Arabidopsis showed that IbSAUR36 is highly expressed in the young tissues of plants, such as young leaves, roots, and buds. IbSAUR36-overexpressing sweet potato roots were obtained by an efficient Agrobacterium rhizogenes-mediated root transgenic system. We demonstrated that overexpression of IbSAUR36 promoted the accumulation of IAA, upregulated the genes encoding IAA synthesis and its signaling pathways, and downregulated the genes encoding lignin synthesis and JA signaling pathways. Taken together, these results show that IbSAUR36 plays an important role in adventitious root (AR) development by regulating IAA signaling, lignin synthesis, and JA signaling pathways in transgenic sweet potatoes.

Optimization of frying time and temperature for the development of quality chips from varieties of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.Lam)

Consumers seek low-fat fried products with appealing color, texture, and taste to avoid health issues like obesity and cardiovascular disease associated with high-oil-content foods. Frying conditions, including time and temperature, greatly affect the moisture, texture, oil content, and color of fried foods. The objective of this study was to optimize frying time and temperature to obtain quality fried chips from three varieties of orangefleshed sweet potato roots. The study examined how frying temperature (ranging from 140 to 180°C) and time (2 to 6 mins) affect the quality of fried chips, assessing attributes like moisture content, oil content, color, and texture. Significant impacts of frying time and temperature on chip quality were found across all varieties using central composite design tests and mathematical models (p<0.05). Optimal frying conditions were determined through response surface methodology analysis, which was 154.8℃ for 3.82 mins, 160.1℃ for 3.66 mins, and 162.65℃ for 3.04 mins for Kabode, Dilla, and Kulfo varieties, respectively, guiding sweet potato fried chip producers to achieve satisfactory results economically and efficiently.

Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Viral Activity of Sweet Potato Trypsin Inhibitor via Downregulation of TMPRSS2 Activity and ACE2 Expression In Vitro and In Vivo.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused a global pandemic. Known as COVID-19, it has affected billions of people worldwide, claiming millions of lives and posing a continuing threat to humanity. This is considered one of the most extensive pandemics ever recorded in human history, causing significant losses to both life and economies globally. However, the available evidence is currently insufficient to establish the effectiveness and safety of antiviral drugs or vaccines. The entry of the virus into host cells involves binding to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), a cell surface receptor, via its spike protein. Meanwhile, transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2), a host surface protease, cleaves and activates the virus's S protein, thus promoting viral infection. Plant protease inhibitors play a crucial role in protecting plants against insects and/or microorganisms. The major storage proteins in sweet potato roots include sweet potato trypsin inhibitor (SWTI), which accounts for approximately 60% of the total water-soluble protein and has been found to possess a variety of health-promoting properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, ACE-inhibitory, and anticancer functions. Our study found that SWTI caused a significant reduction in the expression of the ACE2 and TMPRSS2 proteins, without any adverse effects on cells. Therefore, our findings suggest that the ACE2 and TMPRSS2 axis can be targeted via SWTI to potentially inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Improved prediction of vitamin C and reducing sugar content in sweetpotatoes using hyperspectral imaging and LARS-enhanced LASSO variable selection

This study utilized least angle regression (LARS) with the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) to select important wavelengths for rapid quantification of vitamin C (Vc) and reducing sugar (RS) in sweetpotato roots (SPR) using hyperspectral imaging (900–1700 nm). Nine wavelengths strongly correlated with Vc levels and twelve with RS were identified, achieving good predictions with partial least squares (PLS) regression (Vc: rP = 0.9704, RMSEP = 1.0098 mg/100 g; RS: rP = 0.9641, RMSEP = 0.2725 g/100 g). Validation with an independent sample set (n = 35) showed minimal deviation between predicted and actual values (Vc: 1.179–1.211 mg/100 g; RS: 0.316–0.324 g/100 g). Explainable AI and SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) values were used to interpret the selected wavelengths. Chemical maps visually analyzed Vc and RS distribution in different SPR samples. This method effectively estimates Vc and RS levels in SPR, potentially aiding SPR quality assessment during post-harvest marketing and storage.