Analysis of the Causes of Sweet Potato Skin Cracking and the Latest Control Methods

Sweet potato is a high-yielding and highly adaptable food crop, widely cultivated in most regions of our country. Its tuberous roots can serve as a staple food, and can also be processed into starch, alcohol, etc., while its stems and leaves are excellent feed. However, during the sweet potato growing process, skin cracking can occur, affecting the quality and economic returns of sweet potatoes. So what causes sweet potato skin cracking? How should it be controlled?

1. Causes of Skin Cracking

1. Sweet potato skin cracking is mainly caused by soil. It is suited to growing in sandy soil. If grown in clay soil, the soil becomes compacted and has poor aeration, which can very easily lead to skin cracking.

2. The next issue is nutrients. If the soil lacks the two elements boron and calcium, the sweet potato skin becomes relatively fragile and is very easily split open, causing skin cracking.

3. Water is also one of the causes of skin cracking. When the sweet potato tubers are rapidly expanding, if there is too much water, they absorb too much water and expand rapidly, but the skin cannot grow fast enough to keep up, resulting in skin cracking.

4. Uneven moisture during the growing period can also cause this. If a long period of drought is suddenly followed by heavy watering, the same situation as above will occur.

5. Another cause is underground pests, especially boring wireworms. They destroy the epidermal tissue of the sweet potato, causing the cortex to split and form very large cracks.2. Control Methods

1. First, when planting, choose sandy soil for cultivation. Do not choose soil that is heavy, easily compacted, and poorly drained.

2. Pay attention to applying fertilizer evenly. Apply sufficient base fertilizer at planting. If the sweet potato seedlings grow vigorously, it is recommended to apply 1 kg of potassium sulfate and 1 kg of superphosphate per mu, diluted in 50-75 kg of water for drenching, and during growth, spray at least some boron fertilizer and calcium fertilizer.

3. In management, pay attention to water management. During drought, water promptly to keep the soil moist and promote sweet potato growth. During the rainy season, drain promptly, and at the same time loosen the soil to prevent it from becoming compacted.

4. Attention must be paid to the control of pests and diseases, especially underground pests. During the rainy season, 10% chlorpyrifos granules can be broadcast to kill them.

The above is an introduction to the causes of sweet potato skin cracking and control methods. We hope it helps you. To learn more related knowledge, please follow us.