Overview
Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam. var. cannabina Hallier f., commonly known as the Thai sweet potato or cannabina sweet potato, is a member of the morning glory family Convolvulaceae. It is a perennial vine that is grown as an annual crop, known for its sweet, starchy tubers.
Origin and Distribution
The Thai sweet potato is believed to have originated in the Americas, from where it was introduced to Asia in prehistoric times. It is widely cultivated in Thailand, Vietnam, and other parts of Southeast Asia, as well as in Africa and South America.
Common Names
The Thai sweet potato is known by several common names, including cannabina sweet potato, creeping sweet potato, long-stemmed sweet potato, and wild sweet potato.
Uses and Benefits
The Thai sweet potato is primarily grown for its edible tubers, which are rich in vitamins A and C, fiber, and complex carbohydrates. The tubers can be eaten boiled, steamed, fried, roasted, or mashed, and are used in many traditional Thai and Vietnamese dishes. The leaves and young shoots of the plant are also edible and can be used in salads or as a leafy vegetable.
In addition to its food uses, the Thai sweet potato is also used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-diabetic properties. The plant's extracts have been shown to have pharmacological effects on blood glucose control, wound healing, and inflammation.
Appearance
The Thai sweet potato is a sprawling vine that can grow up to 5 meters long, with stems that are green or reddish-brown and often tinged with purple. The leaves are heart-shaped, up to 15 cm long and 13 cm wide, and are arranged alternately along the stem. The tubers vary in color from white to orange and can weigh up to 1 kg each. The flowers are funnel-shaped and range in color from pink to lavender, with a dark purple center.
Growth Conditions for Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam. var. cannabina Hallier f.
Light Requirements: Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam. var. cannabina Hallier f. is a plant that requires full sun for optimal growth. It is recommended to plant the crop in areas where it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. In areas with hot and dry weather, partial shade during the hottest part of the day could be beneficial for the plant.
Temperature Requirements: The plant requires warm temperatures to grow and thrive. The optimal temperature range for Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam. var. cannabina Hallier f. growth is between 24-30°C. The crop can tolerate low temperatures, but they could delay the growth and maturity of the plant.
Soil Requirements: The plant prefers well-draining sandy loam soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil pH should range from 5.5 to 6.5. Soil with high clay content can hinder root development, leading to stunted growth. The plant can tolerate mildly acidic to slightly alkaline soils; however, it cannot grow in waterlogged or poorly-drained soils.
Irrigation: Consistent soil moisture is necessary for the development and growth of the plant. Inadequate water supply can lead to reduced yields and poor plant performance. Overwatering can also cause root rot, which results in the plant's death. It is recommended to irrigate the crop regularly but not to let the soil become waterlogged.
Fertilizer Requirements: The plant requires a balanced fertilizer to achieve optimal growth and yields. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are essential nutrients required by the plant for growth. A soil test is recommended to determine the nutrient composition of the soil. Generally, a fertilizer ratio of 5:10:10 or 10:20:20 is recommended for the crop.
Cultivation Methods
Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam. var. cannabina Hallier f. is most commonly propagated through stem cuttings. Cuttings are taken from mature plants, and the leaves are removed from the lower end of the cutting. Cuttings are then planted in moist soil, and kept in a warm, humid environment until roots have formed.
These plants require well-draining soil and direct sunlight for at least six hours a day. They can tolerate light shading but require at least partial sunlight to grow properly. It is vital to ensure that the soil is kept moist but not overwatered, as this can lead to root rot.
Watering Needs
Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam. var. cannabina Hallier f. requires consistent watering for optimal growth. These plants should be watered deeply every five to seven days, depending on soil conditions and weather. During periods of high heat, it may be necessary to increase watering frequency. The goal is to keep the soil consistently moist but not oversaturated with water.
Fertilization
Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam. var. cannabina Hallier f. requires regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and bountiful harvest. Topdressing with a balanced fertilizer once every two weeks during the growing season will provide the necessary nutrients to sustain the plant's growth.
It is also beneficial to incorporate organic material, such as compost or leaf mold, into the soil before planting or transplanting. It will provide a slow-release source of nutrients that will benefit plant growth over the long term.
Pruning
Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam. var. cannabina Hallier f. benefits from regular pruning to promote bushier plants and to improve flowering. Pruning should be done in early spring, before new growth begins. Cut back the top growth of the plant to a height of about one-third. This will encourage lateral growth, making the plant bushier.
During the growing season, it is advisable to pinch off growing tips to promote bushiness instead of vertical growth. This also helps to distribute energy evenly throughout the plant, enhancing its overall productivity.
Propagation of Ipomoea Batatas (L.) Lam. var. Cannabina Hallier f.
Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam. var. cannabina Hallier f. can be propagated by several methods, including:
Seed Propagation
Seeds can be collected from matured fruits. The seeds should be planted in well-draining soil with a pH level of 5.6 to 6.6. Plant the seeds 1-2 inches deep and keep the soil moist. They will generally take around 2-3 weeks to germinate. Transplant them into larger containers once they develop to around 4 inches in height, and then they can be transferred to an outside location.
Cutting Propagation
A stem cutting can be taken from the existing plant and transplanted into moist soil. Cut a 6-8 inch stem from a well-established plant, making the cut just beneath a leaf node. Strip gently the leaves from the bottom 2 inches of the cutting, and then place it into well-drained soil or a rooting hormone. Keep soil moist, but not waterlogged, and wait for the roots to develop. In approximately 2-3 weeks, new leaves will begin to grow from the cutting.
Tuber Propagation
Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam. var. cannabina Hallier f. can be propagated by using its tubers. The tubers should be taken from healthy and mature plants, which should not be sprouting, and planted in well-draining soil. Plant the tubers around 2-4 inches deep and water them enough to maintain the soil moist. They may take around 2-3 weeks to propagate. When the plants develop to an optimum size, they can be transplanted outdoors.
Disease Management for Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam. var. cannabina Hallier f.
The Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam. var. cannabina Hallier f. plant is susceptible to several diseases, including:
- Fusarium wilt
- Alternaria leaf spot
- Rhizopus rot
- Sweet potato virus disease
To manage these diseases, it is recommended to follow preventive measures such as crop rotation, removal of diseased plant debris, and maintaining good soil drainage. Fungicide application may be needed in severe cases.
Pest Management for Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam. var. cannabina Hallier f.
Some common pests that can affect the Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam. var. cannabina Hallier f. plant include:
- Sweet potato weevil
- Whiteflies
- Spider mites
- Cutworms
To manage these pests, it is important to use integrated pest management strategies, such as cultural controls (e.g. handpicking of pests and eggs), biological control (e.g. introduction of natural enemies), and, if necessary, chemical control using recommended pesticides.
