How to scientifically do a good job of collecting and storing sweet potato seeds
July 03 13:20:39, 2025
Sweet potato storage is notoriously challenging, and there's an old saying that goes, "The sweet potato is delicious, but hard to eat in winter." Based on local farming knowledge, the proper method for storing sweet potato seeds in northern regions involves several key steps.
First, choose the right land. The ideal location has loose soil, a deep plow layer, and good drainage. Raised beds are preferred because they promote healthy growth, disease resistance, and better storage qualities. The sweet potato vines used for planting should be short, with compact tubers that display the typical characteristics of the original variety. The skin should be dark and smooth, with low water content, and each tuber should weigh between 150 to 200 grams. These high-quality tubers produce strong seedlings and ensure good germination.
Second, select healthy plants in the field. In disease-free areas, choose plants that show strong growth and have no signs of disease. Mark these plants and ensure at least 200 healthy plants per mu (approximately 0.067 hectares) are selected for seed production.
Third, harvest on time. Choose a sunny and warm day for harvesting, as rainy or cold conditions can weaken the tubers' ability to resist disease and store well. Sweet potatoes are warm-season crops, and it’s best to harvest when the soil temperature at 5 cm depth stabilizes around 10°C. Especially in September, when temperatures fluctuate greatly, it’s crucial to monitor the weather and harvest before frost sets in. Handle the tubers carefully during digging, picking, and transportation—avoid dropping or bruising them. After harvesting, load them gently into baskets and transport them to the cellar promptly. It’s best to harvest in the morning, let them sunbathe in the field, and then store them in the evening to prevent freezing.
Fourth, ensure safe storage. Sweet potatoes and regular potatoes should be stored separately to avoid cross-contamination and to meet different temperature requirements. Sweet potatoes require a cooler environment than potatoes, so keeping them apart helps prevent damage from conflicting storage conditions.
For storage, choose a clean and dry area. Dig pits in elevated, sheltered locations. If using an old cellar, remove the topsoil and expose fresh soil, or disinfect with lime water or sulfur fumigation to prevent disease. Place a layer of dry sand at the bottom of the cellar and surround it with hay to keep the tubers dry.
Before storing, carefully inspect the tubers. Remove any that are damaged, frozen, rotten, or infested. Only select tubers that are uniformly colored, appropriately sized, and true to the variety’s characteristics.
Once placed in the cellar, the tubers continue to respire and release heat. Ensure proper ventilation by opening the cellar door initially, then close it once the temperature drops to about 12°C. Maintain a stable temperature between 11°C and 15°C, avoiding extremes that could cause freezing or sprouting. Regularly check and remove any diseased or rotting tubers to maintain quality throughout the storage period.