Sweet potato is an important crop in tropical regions. In Zimbabwe it is very important substitute for bread. It is grown in all the Provinces; however, the major producing areas are in Natural Regions II, III and IV. It is mainly grown by small scale farmers as a subsistence crop whilst some farmers in the A2 and A1 sectors are now also growing the crop for commercial purposes. The farmers mainly grow white fleshed sweet potato varieties with isolated farmers growing orange fleshed varieties. Most farmers usually grow traditional varieties or landraces which are passed from generation to generation. The improved varieties which are grown for commercial purposes are Brondal (high yields) and Chingova (taste and texture). It’s a very important source of carbohydrates; roots are eaten raw boiled or mashed processed into beverage drink or flour, leaves are cooked and eaten as relish and also fresh biomass fed to livestock.
Sweet potato Varieties
• Improved varieties: Brondal, Nemagold, Cordner, German 1 and 2, Mozambique whiteand Chingovha.
• Local varieties: Chizai, Pamhai, Chipinge, Dube and Chigogo.
Sweet potato Climatic Requirements
• Because sweet potatoes are of tropical origin, they adapt well to warm climates andgrow best during summer.
• Sweet potatoes are cold sensitive and should not be planted until all danger of frost ispast.
• The optimum temperature to achieve the best growth of sweet potatoes is between 21 -29 ℃.
Sweet potato Soil Requirements
• Sweet potatoes are cultivated in a wide range of soils.
• A well-drained sandy loam is preferred and heavy clay soils should be avoided as theycan retard root development, resulting in growth cracks and poor root shape.
• Sweet potato prefers lightly acid or neutral soils, with an optimum pH of between 5.5and 6.5. Soils which are excessively acid or alkaline often encourage bacterialinfections and negatively influence yields. Liming will be necessary if pH goes below5.0.
• A yearly soil test may be recommended to assess soil properties, pH and nutrient levelsbefore ground preparation