A printed copy with photos is available . The sweetpotato crop has a large potential for development since a worldwide increase in sweetpotato research has improved our understanding of this crop's requirements. In New Zealand we know the crop by the name kumara, however, internationally it is called sweetpotato, with the botanical name Ipomoea batatas . Agronomy Sweetpotatoes are generally planted from mid October and harvested up until April. A light, loamy soil is recommended for growing sweetpotatoes, with a pH of 5-7.
Weed control is by cultivation or low rates of paraquat.
Climate is very important because sweetpotato is a tropical crop. High temperatures are required to achieve good yields, while cool, wet conditions prior to harvest may cause rotting. Harvesting is performed using a modified potato digger. Care must be taken not to damage roots with moving parts or by dropping them from a height. High humidity helps to reduce shrinkage caused by water loss.