Sweet Potato: Variety Selection, Optimized Cultivation, and Post-Harvest Strategies for Latin America

Variety Selection and Soil Preparation for Ipomoea batatas

The sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas), a versatile and nutritious root crop, represents a strategic option for production diversification in urban gardens and agricultural operations across Latin America. Its adaptability to various soil and climatic conditions, coupled with its nutritional value, positions it as a key food security staple and a valuable component in regional cuisine. Implementing optimized cultivation techniques is fundamental to maximizing its yield and quality, addressing aspects from varietal selection to post-harvest practices.

Selecting Ipomoea batatas Varieties and Soil Preparation

Success in sweet potato cultivation begins with appropriate varietal selection and meticulous substrate preparation. In regions like Argentina, varieties such as ‘Morada INTA’ or ‘Colorado INTA’ are recognized for their yield and adaptation to temperate and subtropical climates. The choice should consider the growing cycle, resistance to local diseases, and market preferences.

Sweet potatoes thrive in well-drained, loamy, or sandy-loam soils, with an optimal pH ranging between 5.5 and 6.5. A prior soil analysis is crucial to determine nutrient levels and make specific amendments. Incorporating organic matter, such as mature compost, improves soil structure, its moisture retention capacity, and nutrient availability, laying the foundation for vigorous root development. Minimum tillage or direct seeding techniques, aligned with regenerative agriculture principles, can be implemented to preserve soil health and its microbiome.

Propagation Techniques and Water Management in Sweet Potato Cultivation

Propagation Techniques Using Cuttings and Efficient Water Management

Sweet potato propagation is commonly done using stem cuttings, obtained from sprouted tubers or healthy mother plants. These cuttings, approximately 20-30 cm in length, can be rooted in water or directly planted in the prepared soil. Adequate planting density, generally between 0.30 and 0.45 meters between plants and 0.90 to 1.20 meters between rows, ensures sufficient space for tuber development and facilitates cultural operations.

Water management is a fundamental pillar. Drip irrigation stands out as an efficient innovation that minimizes water consumption and reduces the incidence of foliar diseases by avoiding excessive leaf wetting. During the establishment and tuber-thickening phases, a constant and moderate water supply is critical. Regarding nutrition, although sweet potatoes are efficient in nutrient utilization, a balanced supply of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is essential. Potassium, in particular, plays a significant role in tuber development and quality. Applying biofertilizers and seaweed extracts can complement fertilization plans, promoting plant vitality and soil health.

Integrated Pest and Disease Management and Harvest Optimization

Integrated Pest Management and Harvest Optimization for Sweet Potato

Implementing Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is vital for sustainable production. Pests such as the sweet potato weevil (Cylas formicarius) can cause significant damage. Strategies like crop rotation, the use of pheromone traps, selecting certified pathogen-free planting material, and encouraging natural enemies are effective preventive practices. For diseases, preventing fungal and bacterial rots is achieved through good drainage, healthy planting material, and crop rotation.

The harvest is carried out when the tubers reach commercial size and the foliage begins to yellow and dry, typically between 90 and 150 days after planting, depending on the variety and climatic conditions. It is crucial to carefully unearth the tubers to avoid mechanical damage, which can compromise their quality and shelf life. Using appropriate tools and manual collection are preferable to preserve product integrity.

Tuber Curing Process and Agro-Industrial Potential

Once harvested, sweet potato tubers require a curing process to heal any wounds, reduce water loss, and convert starch into sugars, which enhances their sweetness and extends their shelf life. This process involves storing the tubers at temperatures of 29-32°C with high relative humidity (85-95%) for 4 to 7 days. Subsequently, they are stored at cooler temperatures (13-15°C) with 85-90% humidity for long-term conservation.

Post-Harvest Curing and Agro-Industrial Potential of Sweet Potato

Beyond fresh consumption, sweet potatoes possess considerable agro-industrial potential. Current trends towards healthy and functional foods drive the development of derivative products such as gluten-free flours, dehydrated snacks, purees, and starches. Recent research explores new biofortified varieties with higher vitamin and antioxidant content, making them a crop with increasing added value and an important role in global nutrition. Connecting with local markets and small-scale industries can generate value and economic opportunities for producers.

Sweet potato is not just a staple food but a crop with a promising future in resilient and sustainable agricultural systems. Applying advanced cultivation techniques, paying attention to plant health, and efficient post-harvest management are pillars for ensuring its successful production and its contribution to the region’s economy and food supply.