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Sweetpotato

Introduction

Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas) is in the morning glory or Convolvulaceae family is one of the most nutritious root crops as it contains significant amounts of fiber, beta carotene, anthocyanins, phenolics, vitamins, minerals, and other bioactive compounds, depending on the flesh color. Sweetpotato ranks seventh in the world food production after wheat, rice, maize, potato, barley, and cassava. In cool and short growing seasons, research studies show sweetpotato production is promising when grown with plastic mulches.

Research Highlights

Our research project is focused on assessing if marketable sweetpotatoes can be grown in northwest Washington. We are testing wireworm-resistant varieties and advanced breeding lines that are productive and address the issues of wireworm infestation observed at this site in previous years.

sweetpotato plants in a field
Sweetpotato plants in late growing season

Fully grown sweet potatoes
Sweetpotato roots ready to harvest

sweetpotato slip production in a green house
Slip production

Sweetpotato experiment at WSU NWREC
Experimental site at WSU NWREC

People working with potato digger in a field
Harvesting sweetpotatoes with potato digger

Harvested sweetpotatoes in baskets
Harvested sweetpotatoes

Person grading harvested sweetpotatoes
Grading sweetpotatoes

comparing sweetpotato varieties
Comparing wireworm resistant and susceptible varieties

Research Reports

Sweetpotato trials at WSU Mount Vernon have shown that they can be successfully grown in Northwest Washington with plastic mulches. These reports include our research findings.

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