Abstract: In order to determine suitable planting method and density for fresh edible sweet potato planting in barren hilly in the central region of Shandong Province, L9 and J26 were used as test varieties under field conditions. Each variety was planted vertically and horizontally, with planting densities of 37 500 (D1), 52 500 (D2), and 67 500 plants/ha (D3). We studied the effects of different planting methods and densities on the dry matter accumulation, distribution, yield, and quality of fresh sweet potatoes. An increase in density increased the dry matter accumulation in the middle and late growth stages of the two varieties and significantly decreased the ratio of the dry matter distribution of the branch leaves of J26 planted vertically and horizontally. D2 treatment decreased the ratio of the dry matter distribution of the branch stems of L9 planted vertically and horizontally in the late growth stage and significantly increased the ratio of the dry matter distribution of the tuber roots of the two varieties planted vertically and horizontally in the middle growth stage. The D2 and D3 treatments significantly increased the ratio of the dry matter distribution of the tuberous roots of J26 planted vertically and horizontally in the late growth stage. For the two cultivars at the same transplanting method, D2 and D3 treatments significantly improved the soluble sugar content and starch content in tuberous roots and D2 treatment significantly increased the tuberous root yield of the two cultivars. Compared with vertical planting, horizontal planting significantly increased the dry matter accumulation in the early growth stage under D2 treatment and in late growth stage of J26 under D2 and D3 treatments and in the middle growth stage of L9 at the same density. Compared with vertical planting, horizontal planting increased the soluble sugar content of the tuberous roots of J26 under D1 treatment and that of L9 with different densities. Horizontal planting was also benificial for increasing tuberous root weight per plant and tuberous root yield of the two cultivars. With regard to yield and quality, horizontal planting + D2 treatment is the optimal combination under the test conditions.

Key words: Fresh edible sweet potato, Dry matter accumulation, Dry matter distribution, Yield, Quality

CLC Number: 

• S531.01