more... > Research Stations > Sweet Potato Research Station > About Sweet Potato Research Station [Image: Sweet Potato Research Station ] (Video) The Sweet Potato Research Station near Chase is the only station in the country devoted solely to sweet potato research. The station is responsible for producing virus-free seed, which is essential for the survival and sustainability of Louisiana’s sweet potato industry. Varieties developed at the station such as Beauregard and Evangeline continue to be the mainstays for growers across the country. Nitrogen Management in Louisiana Sweet Potatoes [Image: sweet potato] Sustainable and profitable commercial sweet potato production requires proper management of nitrogen fertilizer. Inadequate or excessive amounts of nitrogen fertilizer can be detrimental to a sweet potato crop and can negatively affect yield potential. What Amount of Nitrogen Fertilizer Does My Sweet Potato Crop Need? When Should Nitrogen Be Applied? How Should a Sweet Potato Crop Look 30 Days After Transplanting? Find these answers and more in this publication. (PDF Format Only) Mission and Foundation Seed Program [Image: Bin of sweet potatoes] Station mission and foundation seed program information Sweet Potato Variety Descriptions Information about sweet potato varieties and summary data on susceptibility/resistance to common diseases. Varieties of sweet potatoes include: Evangeline Sweet Potato™, Bonita, Murasaki-29, Beauregard "B-63", Beauregard "B-14", O-Henry, Bienville, Hernandez, Heartogold, Porto Rico (PR-6), Texas Porto Rico (TX PR), Jewel.  more articles... The Sweet Truth about Sweet Potato Production How do sweet potatoes get from the field to your table? This video explains the amazing multi-step, labor intensive process to producing sweet potatoes. It's your chance to learn the "sweet truth" about sweet potato production in Louisiana. Sweet Potato Publications Links to important sweet potato-related information. Sweet Potato Research Station Profile [Image: Sweet Potato Research Station Profile February 2010] This report provides information on future plans, program significance, industry facts, and research highlights for the Sweet Potato Research Station. Postharvest Handling of Sweet Potatoes [Image: sweet potatoes] This comprehensive publication covers the importance of harvesting techniques, as well as curing and storage conditions, that will promote quality and extend the storage life of sweet potatoes. It also includes information on packing line sanitation, product safety, certification standards and USDA grade standards for sweet potatoes. (Produced by North Carolina State University and the LSU AgCenter -- PDF Format Only) Nematode Management in Louisiana Sweet Potato Production [Image: nematodes in sweet potatoes] Plant-parasitic nematodes can damage plants in many ways and are considered to be a serious threat to sweet potato production in Louisiana. This publication describes problematic nematode species and management strategies available for these pests. (PDF format only) Louisiana Plant Pathology: Sclerotial Blight and Circular Spot of Sweet Potato [Image: sweet potatoes] Sclerotium rolfsii is a soilborne fungus that causes southern blight on a wide variety of plants. Proper identification is the key to successful disease management. This fact sheet is intended to aid in the identification and management of Sclerotial Blight and Circular Spot. (PDF Format Only) 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. (PDF format only) Sclerotial Blight and Circular Spot [Image: Photo of wilted plant] Provides information related to sclerotial blight and circular spot in sweet potatoes. Sweet Potato Insect Pest Management (IPM) Contains information related to insect pest management in sweet potato crops developed by the Sweet Potato Research station.