Tara Smith, Villordon, Arthur O., Gregorie, Cole, Clark, Christopher A., Power, Imana L, Labonte, Don R.
Tara P. Smith, Don R. La Bonte, Arthur Q. Villordon, Christopher A. Clark, Jeffrey C. Gregorie and Imana C. Power
Established in 1949, the LSU AgCenter Sweet Potato Research Station in Chase, Louisiana, stands as a testament to over seven decades of dedicated research, innovation and service to the sweet potato industry. Spanning 308 acres, this facility has been at the forefront of advancing the sweet potato industry in the United States, transforming its trajectory from a humble crop into a thriving specialty crop with a diversified market base.
The seeds of the Sweet Potato Research Station were sown by the late Julian C. Miller, a visionary leader and the nation's first sweet potato breeder. In the 1930s, Miller laid the groundwork for sweet potato research, securing federal grants and pioneering techniques in sweet potato breeding. His foresight and dedication culminated in the establishment of the station in 1949, marking the beginning of a journey toward excellence in sweet potato research that continues today. The first high-quality rootstock (foundation seed) was grown and sold to growers to improve yield and quality by limiting plant diseases and to improve appearance by reducing off-types in varieties. This important service to the industry has stayed constant over the years while continuing an emphasis on research that enhances sweet potato production, including breeding, cultural production practices and pest management.
Initially focused on serving the commercial sweet potato industry in Louisiana, the impact of the station has evolved and positively impacts production systems on a national and global scale. With changing consumer preferences and market dynamics, sweet potatoes have transitioned from a subsistence crop to a sought-after ingredient enjoyed year-round for their taste and nutritional benefits.
As the industry landscape evolved, so did the business model of the station. In 2007, the station embarked on a significant transition toward a plant-based production system. While foundation seed production remained a cornerstone of its operations, the station began supplying greenhouse plants produced from virus-tested tissue culture for propagation purposes. This shift allowed for improved production efficiency and marketability of propagation material, which broadened the reach of the station and stabilized the station budget during a period of acreage decline in the state. Support from the Louisiana Sweet Potato Commission, U.S. Department of Agriculture National Clean Plant Network, USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture and industry partners has contributed to sustainable and successful research programs for many years.
At the heart of the station's efforts lies its foundation seed program, dedicated to maintaining the integrity and quality of commercial sweet potato varieties. By producing high-quality propagation material, the program serves as a vital resource for commercial producers and home gardeners alike. In 2015, the station, in conjunction with the Department of Plant Pathology and Physiology, was designated as one of six clean plant centers in the National Clean Plant Network for Sweetpotatoes in the United States. This program provides annual support that has furthered the station’s ability to continually enhance infrastructure and technologies that strengthen the foundation seed program. The station's commitment to minimizing mutations and combating pathogens has been instrumental in safeguarding the industry against threats to yield and quality.
Central to the station's success is its world-renowned sweet potato breeding program, which has been instrumental in developing high-yielding, competitive varieties. From iconic varieties like Porto Rico and Beauregard to Orleans and Bayou Belle and, most recently, Avoyelles, the breeding program has left an indelible mark on the industry. These varieties not only meet the demands of commercial growers but also cater to diverse consumer preferences, contributing to the industry's growth and sustainability nationwide.
In addition to its foundation seed program and breeding efforts, the station conducts research on various aspects of sweet potato production. Projects span a wide range of topics, including production and cultural practices, virus and disease mitigation, and insect and weed management. One of the station's unique projects involves the cultivation of 30,000 true seedlings in greenhouses, exploring the potential for new varieties to meet evolving industry needs.
Despite the support of the Sweet Potato Research Station, the sweet potato industry has faced its share of challenges. Factors such as declining acreage, aging producer populations and weather-related crop failures have posed significant hurdles. However, through collaboration, innovation and resilience, the industry has persevered. The Sweet Potato Research Station, along with its dedicated team of researchers and extension personnel, has played a pivotal role in overcoming these challenges, working tirelessly to improve production and pest management practices.
As the Sweet Potato Research Station celebrates its 75th anniversary, it stands as a beacon of excellence and innovation to the Louisiana sweet potato industry and beyond. Today the facility is the only station solely dedicated to sweet potato research in the nation. With a rich history of dedication, industry support and cutting-edge science, the station remains committed to serving the needs of the sweet potato industry. By continuing to push the boundaries of research and embracing new technologies, the station is poised to lead the industry toward a future of continued growth and prosperity.
Tara P. Smith is the LSU AgCenter executive associate vice president and director of the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service. Smith also serves as research coordinator of the AgCenter Sweet Potato Research Station. Don R. La Bonte is the AgCenter sweet potato breeder and a professor in the School of Plant, Environmental and Soil Sciences. Arthur Q. Villordon is a researcher and professor at the Sweet Potato Research Station. Christopher A. Clark is a professor emeritus in the Department of Plant Pathology and Crop Physiology. Jeffrey C. Gregorie is a specialist and research associate at the Sweet Potato Research Station. Imana C. Power is an assistant professor in the Department of Plant Pathology and Crop Physiology.
This article appears in the summer 2024 edition of Louisiana Agriculture.
Covering 308 acres, the Sweet Potato Research Station in Chase was founded in 1949 to advance the sweet potato industry in the United States. AgCenter file photo
Travis P. Hernandez was a sweet potato breeder in the 1950, ’60s and ’70s and was director of the Sweet Potato Research Station. AgCenter file photo
AgCenter sweet potato breeder Don La Bonte poses with the recently developed Avoyelles sweet potato variety, which La Bonte and a team developed at the Sweet Potato Research Station. Photo by Olivia McClure