Jr. Schultheis et al., In-row plant spacing and date of harvest of 'Beauregard' sweetpotato affect yield and return on investment, HORTSCIENCE, 34(7), 1999, pp. 1229-1233
The effects of plant spacing (15, 23, 31, and 38 cm) and date of harvest on
yield and economic return of 'Beauregard' sweetpotato [Ipomoea batatas (T.
) Lam.] were studied. For comparison, 'Jewel' was included at one spacing.
As in-row plant spacing decreased, yield of U.S. No. 1, canners, and total
marketable root production increased when plants were harvested 103 days or
later after transplanting. The yield of jumbo roots generally increased wi
th in-row spacing because of less plant-to-plant competition. Total marketa
ble and No. 1 grade yields of 'Beauregard' at the closest spacing (15 cm) w
ere greater than those of 'Jewel'. 'Beauregard' roots sized more quickly th
an 'Jewel' roots regardless of spacing. The optimal time for harvesting 'Be
auregard' was 100 to 110 days after transplanting, while acceptable yields
could be obtained as early as 90 days after transplanting depending on mark
et prices. Economic analysis of 'Beauregard' spacing data indicated that 23
cm would be the preferred spacing if a late harvest was anticipated, while
the 15-cm spacing would be best if harvested at approximate to 110 days af
ter transplanting. Thus, sweetpotato growers should place 'Beauregard' at a
n in-row spacing of 15 or 23 cm, depending on projected date of harvest, on
or before 10 June, to obtain the best yields with the highest return on in
vestment.