Despite excessive heat and drought conditions encountered during the planting and growing seasons, Louisiana sweet potato producers are harvesting a good crop this year. Approximately 14,000 acres of sweet potatoes were planted in Louisiana in 2011 and harvesting began in earnest in mid-September. As of October 10th, approximately 50% of the crop had been harvested statewide.
Planting conditions were ideal during the month of May; however, some plantings did suffer from dry conditions and excessive heat in early June. Marginal soil moisture and high soil temperatures negatively affected some plantings. In addition, extreme heat and dry conditions plagued many of our production areas throughout the growing season. Producers with irrigation capabilities were largely able to stay on track; however, less than average yields have been reported in some of the affected areas.
Weather conditions during the harvest season have been favorable. A portion of our acreage received 10-12 inches of rain in conjunction with Tropical Storm Lee, but the rain actually proved to be a beneficial event in most areas due to extreme drought conditions encountered prior to the storm. Temperatures were mild and field conditions rapidly improved following the rainfall which resulted in minimal issues related to rot or breakdown of roots. The majority of yields reported thus far have been average to slightly above average.
In-season insect pressure has been light overall during 2011. In addition, there have been fewer damage reports of sugarcane beetle damage this year. Many producers adjusted their insect control programs following the 2010 season, when several producers realized excessive loss from this insect. LSU AgCenter research and extension personnel have several on-farm and research station trials in place for this insect this year, in an effort to improve management of the sugarcane beetle in sweet potato. Updates on sugarcane beetle management options will be presented at winter production meetings.
Movement of the 2011 crop has also picked up over the last few weeks and will peak around Thanksgiving. The 2011 sweet potato crop is on the drier side and this should translate into good storability and an excellent shelf life. Producers are capitalizing on new marketing opportunities. The crop is moving into several venues and is marketed fresh, frozen, canned and as a myriad of other value-added products. Louisiana has harvested a good quality crop thus far in 2011 and producers are anxious to market their famous “Louisiana Yams” that consumers have come to know and love.
Tara P. Smith
