Abstract
Eight genotypes of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) were evaluated in four different planting seasons in the central region of Puerto Rico. Planting was in June, September, December and March. Harvesting was at 120 days after planting and data collected included yield, number of non marketable roots, average root weight and percentage of roots affected by the sweet potato weevil (Cylas formicarius var. elengatulus). Genotypes 97-031, 98-040 and 98-022 showed marketable yield (approximately 15,000 kg/ha) when harvested at 120 days after planting and also roots with few lobes, an important trait for fresh market use. Planting season significantly affected yield in the genotypes evaluated. Yields when sweet potato was planted in June, March and September doubled that of the December planting. The planting season significantly affected the percentage of root damage by the sweet potato weevil. Sweet potato planted in March showed significantly less damage than that of the other planting seasons.