SWEET POTATO (Ipomea batatas L) In Andhra Pradesh it is cultivated in an area of 2,888 hectares mainly in Visakhapatnam, East Godavari, Guntur, Nellore and Telangana areas. It is mainly cultivated for vegetable purpose. In addition it is also utilised as animal feed and also for the preparation of starch and alcohol.

Climate It is a tropical crop and require plenty of sunshine and moderate rainfall with cool nights and days for the growth Season The main season for sweet potato is Rabi (October- November) but can also be grown in kharif (June-July) and summer (February- March). Soils Well drained light loams are best suited. Rich soils, heavily manured soils tend to produce much vegetation at the expenses of tuber formation. A soil pH of 5.6 -6.6 is preferred. Varieties Samrat (S-30) The tubers are white with pink streaks and can be cultivated in all the three seasons of the year with an yield potential of 15-20 tons/ha in a period of 120 -135 days. KIRAN This variety released by APAU, Tubers are orange in colour with greyish streaks High yielder of Medium duration ( 120 -days) can be cultivated round the year, moderately tolerant to sweet potato weevil and yields 18-20 tons/ha. S30/21 White skinned short duration type can be cultivated through out the year, with an yield potential of 15-17 tons/ha. Propagation Semi matured vine cuttings are utilized for commercial propagation. Small tubers can also be used for raising nursery. Preparatory Cultivation Plough the land 4-5 times to get fine tilth. If ploughed deep, there is a tendency for the roots to grow deeper. Therefore deep ploughing is avoided, plots of covenient size are being formed and separated by irrigation channels. Seeds and Sowing 30-40 cm long cuttings preferably from the top with 5-6 leave intact is selected. The cuttings are planted vertically by pushing atleast 2-3 nodes in the soil at a distance of 60 x 20 cm in the flat beds. A nursery of 20-25 cents is sufficient to plant one ha. Manures and Fertilzers Apply 10-15 tons of FYM/ha. Incorporate 60 kg of P2o5 in the soil as basal dose. 60 kg/ha each of N and K2o is applied in two split doses at 30th and 60th day after planting. Intercultivation Two to three weedings and light hoeing may be given at 15-20 days after planting. Occasional lifting of vines and gently turning them is necessary to break and disconnect the roots formed at their nodes 45 and 75 days after planting. Irrigation Irrigate at weekly interval in the early growth period and increase the frequency at the time of tuner formation (60 to 90 days after planting) Later on irrigation at 10 -15 days interval should be given. Plant Protection SWEET POTATO WEEVIL (cyclas formicarius) This is the only important pest. Apply carbaryl 20 to 25 kg/ha (5% dust) before planting. Avoid using infected vines. Dipping of vines before planting in 0.5% fenitrothion for 5 minutes. Spray fenitrothion 0.1% (2 ml/lit) at 15 days interval Adopt crop rotation. Harvesting and Post-harvest Technology The crop will be ready for harvest in about 4 to 4 months after planting as indicated by yellowing of leaves. Do not keep the mature tuber in the soil longer than necessary as they would be severely affected by weevils. Cut the vines and lift the tuber with crow bar or pickaxe. In light soil, plough with country plough and collect the tubers. The tubers are cleaned and send to the market. The tubers can also be stored under the shade for 15-20 days without getting sprouts.