A REVIEW OF FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE THE GROWTH AND YIELD OF SWEET POTATO UNDER FIELD CONDITION

Crop production under field conditions is the goal in most agricultural experiments. The factors that influence the growth and yield of sweet potato under field conditions were reviewed in this paper. Understanding of these factors is very foundational and critical to the enhancement of the yield of the crop. There are factors that are inherent to the crop, while others are external, all of which are subject fo scientific engineering and cultural manipulation to increase tuber yield. Soil conditions are significant to the growth and yield and there is the need for a prior determination of the nutrient status of the soil before planting is done. The site of production too needs to be in the ecological zone to which the crop is naturally adapted. The need to enhance the factors that promote tuber yield is emphasized, while placement method Jor less soluble fertilizers, provision of vine supports or stakes, increasing source and sink capacities, good pests and disease management, wider use of sweet potato, bridging the gap between the crop and tuber crops as well as improved post-harvest management are advocated.