ALABAMA A&M and AUBURN UNIVERSITIES

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ALABAMA SWEETPOTATO GROWERS MAKE SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS TO AMERICAN SWEETPOTATO INDUSTRY

AUBURN, FEB. 12---Alabama sweetpotato growers are making significant contributions to the American sweetpotato industry. In fact, Alabama was ranked sixth in the United States in overall production of sweetpotatoes in 1998.

More than 3,800 acres of sweetpotatoes were planted in Alabama in 1998, producing more than 32,300 tons of sweet- potatoes, says Dr. Joe Kemble, Extension vegetable crop specialist, with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.

Sweetpotato production in Alabama is centered in Baldwin, Chilton and Cullman counties. Economically, the sweetpotato is one of the most important vegetable crops produced in the state, Kemble says.

The sweetpotato is a root crop of tropical origins and is only grown during the warmest months in Alabama. The sweetpotato is often inaccurately referred to as a "yam" or considered to be related to the Irish potato. In reality, American-grown sweetpotatoes have sweet, moist, orange flesh, whereas yams are starchy, moist, fleshed roots of a tropical plant that is unrelated to sweetpotatoes. Yams usually weigh from 3 to 8 pounds when mature. Sweetpotatoes only weigh 18-36 ounces.

There are two general types of sweetpotatoes grown in theUnited States. These types are differentiated by their flesh and skin type. The most common type has a copper skin with orange flesh. The second, less common has red or magenta skin with white flesh, says Kemble.

Most varieties require 110 to 130 days to produce maximum yields. By far the most popular variety grown in Alabama is "Beauregard."

Anyone interested in learning more about growing sweet potatoes in Alabama might wish to attend the Second Annual Alabama Pumpkin Association Meeting and Shortcourse March 6 at the Botanical Gardens in Birmingham. The meeting is set from 9:30 a.m. until 4 p.m.

This year's meeting will feature speakers discussing topics of interest for the novice as well as the seasoned grower. Dr. Anthony Keinath from Clemson University, also will discuss some of his research on pumpkin diseases.

Registration for the meeting is $10 and covers the cost of the educational sessions, refreshments and a catered lunch. Checks can be made out to the Alabama Pumpkin Association and sent to Joe Kemble at 170B Funchess Hall, Auburn University 36849-5649. Please include a sheet of paper with your name, company or firm, address (including County) and phone number in addition to your check.