Comparison of Single and Progressive Harvesting of Sweet Potato (lpomoea batatas (L) Lam.).

Abstract

Components of sweet potato yield were compared under single harvest and progressive harvest systems using two varieties. The crop was harvested at six months under the single harvest system. With progressive harvesting, large tubers were lifted at six months and the crop was completely harvested at nine months after planting. For one variety, total tuber yield was significantly greater from progressive harvesting, but bulking rate was not significantly different for either variety. Progressive harvesting significantly increased the yield of pig tubers (those less than 100 g in weight), and the proportion of pig tubers in the total harvest also appeared to increase, although this was not significant. Top growth production was not affected by the harvest system.