What causes sweet potato skin splitting? Detailed explanation of causes and control methods
Sweet potato is a high-yielding and highly adaptable food crop, widely cultivated in most regions of our country. In addition to its storage roots being used as a staple food, it can also be processed into starch, alcohol, and other products, while its stems and leaves are excellent fodder. However, during sweet potato cultivation, skin splitting occurs, affecting the quality and economic returns of sweet potatoes. So what causes sweet potato skin splitting? And how should it be controlled?
I. Causes of skin splitting
1. Sweet potato is mainly affected by soil. It is suited to growing in sandy soil. If grown in clay soil, because the soil is compacted and has poor aeration, it is very prone to skin splitting.
2. Next is the issue of nutrients. If the soil lacks the two elements boron and calcium, the sweet potato skin becomes relatively fragile and is very easily stretched until it splits, causing skin splitting.
3. Moisture is also one of the causes of skin splitting. 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 splitting.
4. Uneven moisture during the growing period: after a prolonged drought, a sudden heavy watering will produce the same situation as above.
5. In addition, another cause is underground insect pests, especially the boring wireworm. They damage the skin tissue of sweet potatoes, causing the cortex to rupture and form very large cracks.II. Control methods
1. First, when planting, choose sandy soil for cultivation. It is not advisable to choose soil that is heavy and clayey, easily compacted, and poorly drained.
2. Pay attention to uniform fertilization. Apply sufficient base fertilizer when planting. If the sweet potato seedlings grow vigorously, it is suggested to apply 1 kg of potassium sulfate and 1 kg of superphosphate per mu, diluted with 50-75 kg of water for drenching, and during growth at least spray 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 loosen the soil to prevent the soil from compacting.
4. Attach importance to the control of pests and diseases, especially underground pests. During the rainy season, 10% chlorpyrifos granules can be broadcast to poison them.
The above is an introduction to the causes of sweet potato skin splitting and control methods. We hope it can help you. To learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.