RESPONSE OF SWEET-POTATO (IPOMOEA-BATATAS L) TO DIFFERENT PLANTING TIMES

Agricultural seasons of the tropics are associated with rainfall, whic h provides the principal limiting resource for crop production. Howeve r, as tuber crops are sensitive to temperatures and moisture, the time of planting could have a profound influence on yields. Thus a study w as carried out over a period of 12 months to determine the effect of d ifferent planting times on establishment, tuber initiation and yields of sweet potato. The trial was planted on similar soils in two agroeco logical zones as this species is a popular home garden crop in most re gions of the tropics and subtropics. Planting sweet potato with the on set of rains in October produced the highest yields. This is attribute d to the receipt of adequate rainfall over the growth cycle, along wit h the higher diurnal variation in temperatures. Planting in the dry se ason or later in the wet season, which receives a lower quantity of ra infall with low diurnal variations in temperatures delayed tuber initi ation and reduced yields. The study highlights differences in growth p atterns of sweet potato when planed at different times. The importance of planting sweet potato in agricultural systems at appropriate times to produce higher yields is presented.