First, the timing of sweet potato harvest is crucial. Harvesting too early results in low yields, while harvesting too late makes the tubers vulnerable to frost damage, which can affect storage quality. Therefore, it's generally recommended to start harvesting when the temperature reaches 18°C, and continue until the temperature drops below 10°C. This ensures optimal maturity and minimizes the risk of cold injury.
Second, when selecting seed pieces for planting, it's important to carefully cut them to avoid damaging the tubers during the process. For better growth and cost efficiency, choose root tubers weighing between 150-200 grams. These should be healthy, disease-free, and exhibit the typical characteristics of the variety. It's best to cut the tubers in the morning and complete the harvest by midday, then store them in the cellar later that afternoon to allow for proper drying and reduce the risk of rot.
Third, proper storage is essential for maintaining the quality of sweet potato seeds. Before introducing the tubers into the cellar, the storage area must be thoroughly disinfected. For example, a 50% carbendazim solution diluted 600 times or a 5% antzotoxin solution diluted 500 times can be sprayed onto the walls and floor. When storing the seeds, place a layer of sweet potato on each shelf and evenly spray with a preservative solution to prevent decay.
In the Daegu cellar, specific management practices are followed. After introducing the sweet potatoes into the cellar (15–20 days after planting), they need to be warmed for 18–24 hours to raise the cellar temperature to 35–38°C, and then kept at this temperature for 4 days. Afterward, the skylight is opened to lower the humidity and gradually decrease the temperature to 15°C over 18–24 hours.
During the middle storage period (20 days after cellar entry to early February), the focus is on maintaining stable temperatures to prevent chilling. The cellar temperature should remain around 12–13°C. In the final stage (early February to transplanting), regular checks are necessary to remove excess carbon dioxide and ensure good air circulation.
Using these methods, sweet potatoes can be stored for extended periods with more than 96% of the crop remaining in excellent condition. This careful approach ensures high-quality planting material and maximizes yield potential for the next growing season.
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