In search of short season northern sweet potato varieties: Selection and evaluation of new sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) crosses
Farmer: Kate Garvie
Farm: Heartbeet Farm
Region: East
Publish Date: February 6, 2018
Article Type: Research Project
Research Priorities: Seed Production, Selection & Breeding
As demand for sweet potatoes grows in Canada, breeders are working to create sweet potatoes that are adapted to eastern Ontario. In the first year of the project, Kate selected sweet potatoes that are best suited for low input, organic systems in eastern Ontario.
Progress to Date
- Kate evaluated nearly 60 genetically unique and
diverse sweet potato tubers. - After final evaluations of taste and storability, Kate
will choose 15 varieties and trial them in 2020. - Kate collected seeds from the vines that produced
seed, which is germplasm for future breeding.