Molecular Soil Biology 2025, Vol.16, No.4, 175-187 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/msb 1 75 Review Article Open Access Enhancing Sweet Potato Yield: An Overview of Strategies for High-Yield and Sustainable Production Liang Zhang 1, Xue Qi 2, Honghu Ji 1, Qianrong Han 1, Meiqiao Jiang 1, Linrun Cheng 1 1 Jinhua Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Key Laboratory for Innovative Utilization of Characteristic Food Crop Resources in Central Zhejiang, Jinhua 321017, Zhejiang, China; 2 Agricultural Technology extension station, Wucheng District, Jinhua City, Jinhua 321017, Zhejiang, China Corresponding email: 18868581758@163.com Molecular Soil Biology, 2025, Vol.16, No.4 doi: 10.5376/msb.2024.15.0017 Received: 20 May, 2025 Accepted: 30 Jun., 2025 Published: 18 Jul., 2025 Copyright © 2025 Zhang et al., This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Zhang L., Qi X., Ji H.H., Han Q.R., Jiang M.Q., and Cheng L.R., 2025, Enhancing sweet potato yield: An overview of strategies for high-yield and sustainable production, Molecular Soil Biology, 16(4): 175-187 (doi: 10.5376/msb.2024.15.0017) Abstract Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas.L), the third most important root crop globally, offers significant nutritional value and high yield potential., making it a critical crop for food security, particularly in developing regions. However, its production is influenced by various factors. As the global population grows and dietary demands shift toward more sustainable and nutritious food sources, there is an increasing need to enhance the productivity of sweet potato cultivation. This review provides a comprehensive overview of strategies to improve sweet potato yield, with a focus on practical agricultural approaches. Key aspects such as the selection of high-yield, disease-resistant varieties are emphasized. Soil management practices, including optimal soil conditions, preparation techniques, and nutrient management, are demonstrated. Planting techniques, including optimal timing, plant density, and propagation methods, are also highlighted. Effective irrigation and water management strategies for different growth stages are crucial and addressed in detail. Pest and disease management is addressed through integrated approaches, while weed control strategies emphasize sustainable practices. Nutrient management and fertilization are addressed, comparing organic and synthetic options. Finally, the review offers guidelines on harvesting handling to reduce losses and maximize yield. In summary, integrating genetic improvement with effective agricultural practices can significantly enhance sweet potato production. However, future research should prioritize developing new varieties with higher yield potential and greater tolerance, ultimately improving the marketability and economic viability of sweet potato farming. Keywords Sweet potato; Yield; Genetic traits; Agriculture practice; Growth 1 Introduction Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas.L) is the third most important root and tuber crop globally, following potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) and cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz). It is a valuable source of both nutrition and energy (Marques et al., 2022). The storage roots of sweet potato are rich in macronutrients and micronutrients, including carbohydrates, dietary fiber, minerals, carotenoids, and vitamins (Kourouma et al., 2019). Due to its high nutritional value and substantial yield potential., sweet potato has become a staple food worldwide, particularly in developing regions (Steffler et al., 2022; Ahmed et al., 2024). Additionally, the crop's resilience and ability to thrive in marginal soils further emphasize its significance in sustaining agricultural productivity and supporting the livelihoods of smallholder farmers (Mukhongo et al., 2017; Fan et al., 2018; Steffler et al., 2022). Globally, sweet potato production plays a crucial role in agriculture, particularly in regions such as sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and Latin America. In sub-Saharan Africa, sweet potato yields are crucial for smallholder farmers, with potential yields reaching up to 45 t/ha under optimal conditions (Mukhongo et al., 2017). In Asia, countries such as China and Bangladesh have made significant strides in improving cultivation techniques, which have not only increased yields but also led to greater adoption of high-yielding sweet potato varieties (Fan et al., 2018; Mahmud et al., 2021). According to recent statistics, China remains the world’s largest annual producer of sweet potato, accounting for more than 50% of global production (He et al., 2023). The yield of sweet potatoes is influenced by a variety of factors, including genetic potential., environmental conditions, and management strategies (Figure 1) (Liang et al., 2023; Sapakhova et al., 2023). As the global
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