Cultivation of biofortified sweet potatoes: practice allows the development of more nutritious and productive varieties

On October 21, 2023, the Rural Producer's House at Esalq/USP will hold a field day on the cultivation of biofortified sweet potatoes. These varieties have higher productivity, which contributes to the economic development of regions that depend on this crop. Biofortification is a sustainable and effective solution to improve food quality and ensure the health of the population.

The Genetics Department will be co-responsible for the event that starts at 7:30 am. Participants will have the chance to attend lectures and participate in practical activities in the field. The activity is part of the SolidarESA project, which aims to annually grow and donate foods essential to human health and disseminate knowledge about different agricultural crops among rural producers.

This vegetable was chosen because it has high productivity and profitability. Furthermore, sweet potato production in Brazil has grown by around 40% in the last ten years, making the country the 16th largest producer in the world. Food is an excellent source of nutrients, vitamins, fiber and minerals, making it a healthy choice to incorporate into your daily diet.

Through the partnership with the IAC of Campinas, the varieties IAC 134 and 691 with orange pulp, IAC 1049 - Amethyst, with purple pulp and IAC 417 - Santa Elisa, which is intended for the production of flour products, will be presented. The field day will cover an overview of the crop, from its origins to production factors, such as soil preparation, liming and fertilization, planting and cultural treatment, main pests and diseases, cultivars and harvest.

At the experiment site, techniques will be explored to identify and control weeds, which are invasive species. At the end, participants will have a better understanding of the interaction between sweet potato cultivation and the environment, enabling the application of sustainable practices on their agricultural properties.

It is important to highlight that sweet potatoes are a great option for small producers, they are adaptable to different climates and can be grown throughout Brazil, being the fourth most produced in the country. It can be considered a source of income, as it is a low production cost, rustic plant, with the possibility of harvesting throughout the year and with good acceptance by the consumer market.

This event is free and aimed at farmers, professionals in the sector and university students in the field of Agricultural Sciences. Registrations can be made here.