Home > Crops & Livestock > Crops > Sweet Potatoes > Prime Time for Sweet Potatoes [Image: harvesting sweet potatoes] The LSU AgCenter leads with the world’s most popular and best-tasting sweet potato, the Beauregard. In fact, if it hadn’t been for the introduction of this variety, way back in 1987, the sweet potato industry probably wouldn’t exist today in the state. In 2006, the most recent figures, the contribution that sweet potatoes made to the Louisiana economy was more than $100 million. Nematodes in Sweet Potatoes [Image: Sweet potato with root-knot nematode] Nematodes are a serious pest to both our sweet potato industry and for those people growing them in a home garden. These pests affect the total production and quality of the sweet potato. Since the damage occurs to roots below ground, they are often not recognized as being a problem. Insect Pest Management in Louisiana Sweet Potatoes [Image: sweet pototo insects] Soil insect pests can be extremely problematic in Louisiana sweet potato production. The majority of insect damage in sweet potato occurs on the root surface and consists of unattractive scars and holes. The market tolerance for this cosmetic injury is very low, and minimal insect damage can drastically affect the marketability of the crop. Weed Management in Sweet Potatoes [Image: sweet potato weed mgmt] Effective weed management is a critical aspect to successful sweet potato production since weeds compete for nutrients, water and sunlight and impair crop yield and quality. Perennial weed management, preplant burndown and in-season management included.  more articles... Sweet Potato Producers Pleased With 2007 Crop [Image: sweet potato harvest] (Distributed 11/08/07) Sweet potato harvest conditions in Louisiana have been more cooperative in 2007 than in 2006, when late season rains caused several acres to go unharvested. And though the acreage is down slightly – 15,000 acres compared to 16,000 acres – the yields should more than compensate, according to Tara Smith, LSU AgCenter sweet potato specialist headquartered at the Sweet Potato Research Station in Chase, La. Sweet Potato News [Image: Sweet Potato News] Louisiana Sweet Potato News aims to update and inform all those associated with or interested in Louisiana sweet potatoes. Among the topics featured in this newsletter are such items as crop profiles, information related to various aspects of sweet potato production, the latest details on insect, weed and disease management, and current industry news and events. Bug Biz: Lepidopteron Insect Pests in Sweet Potato Production [Image: Sweet Potato Insect Pests] This publication deals with some of the insects that attack sweet potatoes in Louisiana. It covers such pests as beet armyworms, soybean loopers and cabbage loopers and includes background information, descriptions of the pests and details on the damage they can cause. PDF format only. Roberts Named ‘Mr. Yam’ [Image: Gerald] Gerald Roberts, an LSU AgCenter and Southern University county agent in St. Landry Parish, said being chosen as the 2005 “Mr. Yam” punctuates his 29-year career of service to Louisiana sweet potato growers. Herbicide Evaluations for Use in Sweet Potatoes Before Command herbicide was labeled for sweet potato production, Louisiana sweet potato growers faced numerous weeds such as annual grasses, cocklebur, morningglory and prickly sida. Sweet Potato Best Management Practices [Image: Sweet Potatoes Best Management Practices] Sweet potatoes are an important commodity in Louisiana. Best Management Practices (BMPs) provide sweet potato growers guidelines on what practices they can implement to reduce the impact agricultural practices may have on the environment. Louisiana Sweet Potato Harvest Under Way; Crop Spared From Major Storm Damage The Louisiana sweet potato harvest is under way, and LSU AgCenter experts say the damage from Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita appears to be minimal. Sweet Potato Diseases Provides information and symptions related to several common diseases in sweet potatoes. Curing and Storing Sweet Potatoes Sweet potatoes are not very sweet or moist when first dug. It takes six to eight weeks of proper curing and storage before they have the sweet, moist taste and texture desired when baked, says LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske. Irrigation Pond Saves Groundwater Irrigation ponds can irrigate fields during the summer without resorting to pumping water from wells. More...