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Effect of Vine Length and Leaf Removal on Growth and Yield of Sweet Potato [Ipomoea batatas (L.)] in the Wet Middleveld of Eswatini

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) is an economically important food crop in Eswatini. Since its introduction, numerous agronomic research activities were carried out in agricultural research centers, non-governmental organizations, and universities. However, information on the correct vine length for planting to improve sweet potato root yield in Eswatini is scanty. Therefore, this study aimed at helping farmers with the correct vine length to be used for improved growth and yield of sweet potatoes. A field experiment was conducted at the Luyengo campus, crop production farm during the 2019/2020 crops season. It was laid in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) in a factorial arrangement with three replicates. The treatments were vines planted with or without leaves and different vine lengths; 25 cm, 30 cm, and 35 cm. Kenya white variety was used. Data were collected on growth and yield parameters. Results showed that leaf removal yielded significantly (P<0.05) lower than non-leaf removal. This may be attributed to delayed photosynthetic activity in the former.  The Vine length had no significant effect on yield. It is concluded that vines with leaves be used as planting material, and the length of vines to be used for planting should be 25 to 30 cm.