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 more...>Research Stations>Sweet Potato Research Station>
About Sweet Potato Research Station
Sweet Potato Research Station

(Video) The Sweet Potato Research Station near Chase is the only station in the country devoted solely to sweet potato research. The station is responsible for producing virus-free seed, which is essential for the survival and sustainability of Louisiana’s sweet potato industry. Varieties developed at the station such as Beauregard and Evangeline continue to be the mainstays for growers across the country.

Nitrogen Management in Louisiana Sweet Potatoes
sweet potato

Sustainable and profitable commercial sweet potato production requires proper management of nitrogen fertilizer. Inadequate or excessive amounts of nitrogen fertilizer can be detrimental to a sweet potato crop and can negatively affect yield potential. What Amount of Nitrogen Fertilizer Does My Sweet Potato Crop Need? When Should Nitrogen Be Applied? How Should a Sweet Potato Crop Look 30 Days After Transplanting? Find these answers and more in this publication. (PDF Format Only)

Mission and Foundation Seed Program
Bin of sweet potatoes

Station mission and foundation seed program information

Louisiana Sweet Potatoes
sweet potato

Louisiana sweet potatoes or Louisiana yams, as they have come to be known, are bred to have a soft, moist flesh, to be exceptionally sweet and flavorful and to be very high in beta carotene or vitamin A value. Information on history, nutrition,helpful hints and recipes included. (PDF format only)

Sweet Potato Variety Descriptions
Information about sweet potato varieties and summary data on susceptibility/resistance to common diseases. Varieties of sweet potatoes include: Evangeline Sweet Potato™, Bonita, Murasaki-29, Beauregard "B-63", Beauregard "B-14", O-Henry, Bienville, Hernandez, Heartogold, Porto Rico (PR-6), Texas Porto Rico (TX PR), Jewel.
The Sweet Truth about Sweet Potato Production
How do sweet potatoes get from the field to your table? This video explains the amazing multi-step, labor intensive process to producing sweet potatoes. It's your chance to learn the "sweet truth" about sweet potato production in Louisiana.
Sweet Potato Publications
Links to important sweet potato-related information.
GAP, GMP, EUREPGAP, GLOBALGAP and Sweet Potato Producers
GAP
Food safety has always been a concern and is an important issue with respect to both domestic and international food supplies. This brochure introduces the concepts of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) as they relate to food safety and sweet potato production. (PDF format only)
Postharvest Handling of Sweet Potatoes
sweet potatoes
This comprehensive publication covers the importance of harvesting techniques, as well as curing and storage conditions, that will promote quality and extend the storage life of sweet potatoes. It also includes information on packing line sanitation, product safety, certification standards and USDA grade standards for sweet potatoes. (Produced by North Carolina State University and the LSU AgCenter -- PDF Format Only)
Nematode Management in Louisiana Sweet Potato Production
nematodes in sweet potatoes
Plant-parasitic nematodes can damage plants in many ways and are considered to be a serious threat to sweet potato production in Louisiana. This publication describes problematic nematode species and management strategies available for these pests. (PDF format only)
Louisiana Plant Pathology: Sclerotial Blight and Circular Spot of Sweet Potato
sweet potatoes
Sclerotium rolfsii is a soilborne fungus that causes southern blight on a wide variety of plants. Proper identification is the key to successful disease management. This fact sheet is intended to aid in the identification and management of Sclerotial Blight and Circular Spot. (PDF Format Only)
Insect Pest Management in Louisiana Sweet Potatoes
sweet pototo insects
Soil insect pests can be extremely problematic in Louisiana sweet potato production. The majority of insect damage in sweet potatoes occurs on the root surface and consists of unattractive scars and holes. The market tolerance for this cosmetic injury is very low, and minimal insect damage can drastically affect the marketability of the crop. (PDF format only)
Weed Management in Sweet Potatoes
sweet potato weed mgmt
Effective weed management is a critical aspect to successful sweet potato production since weeds compete for nutrients, water and sunlight and impair crop yield and quality. Perennial weed management, preplant burndown and in-season management included. (PDF format only)
Managing Cucumber Beetles (Rootworms) in Louisiana Sweet Potato Production
cucumber beetle
Cucumber beetles (rootworms) are significant insect pests of sweet potatoes in Louisiana. Adults and larvae of these insects feed on sweet potatoes, but larvae are the most damaging. Descriptions of the banded cucumber beetle and the spotted cucumber beetle, as well as management strategies for these insects, are included in this publication. (PDF Format Only)