This document discusses the production technology of sweet potato. It provides information on the scientific classification of sweet potato including its origin in tropical America. It describes two common varieties grown in Pakistan and the optimal climate and soil conditions for growth. Details are given on planting time, seed rate, spacing, manures, fertilizer, irrigation, diseases, harvesting, yield, medicinal importance and nutritional value of sweet potato.

2. Topic of Discussion
Production technology of sweet potato

3. Contents of discussion :Scientific Classification
 origin
 varieties
 Climate
 Soil, Planting time , seed rate,
spacing,Manures and fertilizer, Irrigation,
Diseases and Harvesting, Yield.
 Medicinal importance
 Nutritional value


4. Scientific Classification :Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Solanales
Family: Convolvulaceae
Genus: Ipomoea
Specie: batatas
Scientific Name: Ipomoea Batatas L
Local Name: Shakarqandi

5. Origin :It is native to tropical America where it is
called camote or kumara , and now it is an
important tropical and sub tropical crop
worldwide. The leaf of potato is very
nutritious and are eaten by as a leafy
vegetable .

6. Varieties :Two varieties of sweet potato are
commonly grown in Pakistan .
Red skin with white flesh
2. White skin with white flesh
Both are eaten as raw as well as roasted
and cooked
1.

8. Climate :The plant does not tolerate frost. It grows
best at an average temperature of 24°C
abundant sunshine and warm nights.
 It require four months to grow .
 It is drought resistant and produce
susceptile crop without irrigation in
semiarid condition . Annual rainfall of 102
cm (40”)
 Irrigation is need for good yield


9. Soil :Well-drained sand, sandy loam ,and
loamy sand , with a clay or clay loam
subsoil are considered ideal for sweet
potatoes.
 Optimum pH 5.8-6.7 .


10. Planting time :Planting time varies considerably in
different parts of the Pakistan
 In hilly areas ,vine cuttings are planted
during June and July .
 In plains planting is done in Sep-Oct


11. Seed rate :It grown from sprout or draws produced
from tubers , and also from cuttings .
 For better growth it is advisable to plant
selected tubers in nursery and then
propagate them by sprout and vine
cuttings
 About 50,000-60,000 sets are required
to plant one hectare .


13. Spacing :Selected tubers are planted 5-6 cm
deep in well-prepared nursery beds at
spacings of 30cm in rows 45cm apart.
 Vines then planted 60cm between rows
and 30cm within the rows .
 During Monsoon , cuttings should be
planted when it is drizzling.


15. Manure and fertilizer :
It is grown in a variety of soils , so heavy
application of manure promotes
excessive growth .

16. Irrigation :Water can be applied best after the
plants are set before they nearly cover
the ground .
 Frequent light irrigation is preferable .
 Newly planted crop should be irrigate on
the fourth , eight and ninth days .
 Therefore , 10-12 irrigations are given at
10-day intervals


17. Diseases :Bacterial :1. Crown gall
2. Hairy roots
3. Bacterial wilt
o Fungal :1. Alternarial leaf spot
2. Anthracnose
3. Black spot


18. Diseases :Nematodes
1. Brown ring of roots
2. Lesion
3. Reniform


22. Harvesting :Usually crop take 90-100 days to mature
 When the crop mature its leaf turn pale
and later become yellow
 The enlarging tubers cause the soil to
crack noticeably , while the immature
tubers remains moist and turns dark in
color .


24. Yield :
Average yield 10,000-12,000 kg/ha

25. Medicinal Importance :1. Sweet potatoes are high in antioxidants,
which work in the body to prevent
inflammatory problems like asthma, arthritis,
gout, and many more.
2. Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of
carbohydrates for those with blood sugar
problems. These fibrous root vegetables can
help regulate blood sugar levels and prevent
conditions like insulin resistance.

26. 3. Sweet potatoes are healthy for the digestive tract. It helps to
relieve constipation and may prevent colon cancer.
4. Sweet potatoes are good for those who are pregnant or
trying to conceive because they are high in folate, which is
essential for the healthy development of fetal cell and tissue.
5. Packed with important vitamins and other nutrients, eating
sweet potatoes can boost immunity by supporting the needs of
the body.

27. 6. Sweet potatoes are good for preventing heart disease. High in potassium,
sweet potatoes can help prevent the onset of heart attack and stroke.
7. Sweet potatoes are good for alleviating muscle cramps. Potassium
deficiencies are a leading cause of muscle cramps, as well injuries.
8. Sweet potatoes are good for treating stress-related symptoms.

29. Nutritional value :
tryptophan15.6%

potassium15.4%

fiber15%

vitamin B510.1%

copper9%

vitamin B38.5%

Calories (102)5%