Development of the Sweet Potato for Increased Usage in the Caribbean

Franklin W. Martin

No 261595, 20th Annual Meeting, October 21-26, 1984, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands from Caribbean Food Crops Society

Abstract: Inexpensive, efficient food crops that are attractive, tasty, nutritious, and versatile are needed in the Caribbean. The sweet potato has the advantage that it can be produced and harvested throughout the year. Usage of the sweet potato can be increased by breeding better varieties, especially those with little or no sweetness and bland flavors, and by better methods of preparation. A diffusion process was developed, which improves the acceptability even of the worst sweet potatoes. A household type process for making flour was developed; flours can be used in partial substitution for wheat flour. Insect resistance and stress tolerances are needed. Progress has been rapid, using mass selection as a tool. Varieties with new characteristics are available and need regional testing. Progress is being made in developing improved horticultural techniques and short cuts for testing adaptability.

Keywords: Crop Production/Industries; Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 5
Date: 1984-10-21
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ags:cfcs84:261595

DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.261595

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