Evaluation location: Georgia, United States
Assessment of quality and storage traits of accessions in the USDA sweetpotato germplasm collection. Lines were grown at the University of Georgia Horticulture Farm in 1996 using standard commercial production practices. At harvest, the storage roots from each line were placed in individual plastic mesh bags, cured for 7 days (29 degrees C, 95% RH), and stored at 13 degrees C, 85% RH until utilization. Three representative average size sound roots of each line were selected for sensory evaluation and chemical analysis. At harvest, root shape and variability in root size were evaluated in the field. Respiration was measured after curing. Measurements of storage potential were conducted at 20 degrees C, and about 50% RH. Percent dry matter was calculated by freeze drying fresh unbaked samples. Freeze-dried raw and baked samples were used for extraction of sugars and non-volatile acids.