Experts from the Louisiana State University AgCenter shared their research at a Louisiana Sweet Potato Association meeting on Jan. 12. Despite changeable weather in 2015 affecting the crop, overall Louisiana growers had a good year. Farmers harvested an average of 450 bushels per acre this fall, down only slightly from 2014’s average yield of 480 bushels per acre.
Statewide acreage increased to more than 9,300 acres in 2015, the majority of which was planted in the popular AgCenter-developed Beauregard variety.
According to AgCenter extension associate Myrl Sistrunk Sweet potatoes have a $110 million yearly impact on Louisiana’s economy.
The Orleans variety is still gaining popularity in Louisiana, said Don La Bonte, AgCenter sweet potato breeder. It is similar to the Beauregard variety but has a more consistent shape and higher yields.
The high-yielding Bayou Belle variety, copper-skinned Bellevue and sweet, dark red-skinned Burgundy also have good potential as they are resistant to some key diseases and fill niches in the market.
Several AgCenter scientists gave updates on their work to help growers control pests and make better management decisions.
The AgCenter’s sweet potato production budget publication has been updated for 2016 and is available online, said AgCenter economist Kurt Guidry. The budget includes projected per-acre costs and returns for mother beds and three harvest strategies. It can be found by going to www.lsuagcenter.com and searching for “sweet potato budget.”