Foliage removal influences sweetpotato biomass yields in hydroponic culture

• Published in: HortScience Vol. 30; no. 5; pp. 1000 - 1002
• Main Authors: David, P.P. (Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL.), Trotman, A.A, Mortley, D.G, Bonsi, C.K, Loretan, P.A, Hill, W.A
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Alexandria, VA American Society for Horticultural Science 01.08.1995
• Subjects: Agronomy. Soil science and plant productions; Biological and medical sciences; BIOMASA; BIOMASSE; BOUTURE; COSECHA; Cropping systems. Cultivation. Soil tillage; CULTIVO HIDROPONICO; CULTIVO SIN TIERRA; CULTURE HYDROPONIQUE; CULTURE SANS SOL; EFECTOS SECUNDARIOS; EFFET SECONDAIRE; ESQUEJES; FEUILLE; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; General agronomy. Plant production; HOJAS; INDICE DE CRECIMIENTO; IPOMOEA BATATAS; RACINE; RAICES; RECOLTE; RENDEMENT DES CULTURES; RENDIMIENTO DE CULTIVOS; TAUX DE CROISSANCE; Tending. Growth control; Tillage. Tending. Growth control; Cultural practice; Root; Soilless study; Nutrient solution; Biomass; Experimental study; Convolvulaceae; Dicotyledones; Hydroponic cultivation; Angiospermae; Foliage; Pruning; Spermatophyta; Chemical composition; Yield; Tuber plant; Ipomoea batatas; Greenhouse study
• DOI: 10.21273/hortsci.30.5.1000
• ISSN: 0018-5345

Greenhouse studies were conducted to determine the effect of harvesting sweetpotato [Ipomoea batatas L. (Lam.)] foliage tips (terminal 15 cm ) on storage root yield, edible biomass index (EBI), and linear growth rate. Plants were grown hydroponically from 15-cm vine cuttings planted in 0.15 X 0.15 X 1.2-m growth channels using a recirculating nutrient film technique system. Nutrients were supplied from a modified half-strength Hoagland solution with a 1 N:2.4 K ratio. Foliage tips were removed at 14-day intervals beginning 42 days after transplanting. Final harvest was at 120 days after planting. At the end of the growing season, harvested foliage tips totaled 225 g/plant (fresh mass). Foliage removal significantly reduced storage root yield, shoot biomass, and linear growth rate expressed on a canopy cover basis. The EBI was higher for plants with foliage removed than for the control