New Avoyelles Sweetpotato Variety Promises Superior Taste, Light Skin, and Resistance to Pests, Enhancing Growers’ Efficiency and Market Supply.
The Louisiana State University AgCenter has introduced a new sweetpotato variety named Avoyelles, a nod to the parish where it was initially discovered. This latest development promises significant advantages for sweetpotato growers, including higher yields, lighter skin, and superior taste. Importantly, Avoyelles can be harvested up to 30 days earlier than existing varieties, making it a game-changer in the industry.
Developed by LSU AgCenter sweetpotato breeder Don La Bonte, Avoyelles can be harvested approximately 90 days after planting, a feature highly sought after by growers. This early maturity is particularly valuable during July and August when the supply for retail and processing sectors typically dwindles.
“The value is this time of year — when you start getting into July and August when you’re running out of product for the retail and processing sectors — here’s something you can harvest without losing a lot of yields and be able to service your customers,” La Bonte explained, as reported by the LSU AgCenter.
In addition to its early harvest advantage, the new variety addresses challenges posed by late plantings. An early-maturing variety like Avoyelles is especially beneficial in such scenarios, helping growers maintain a steady supply. The variety is also resistant to root-knot nematode, a common pest that can significantly impact crop yields. This resistance, combined with its pleasant, creamy texture, makes Avoyelles an attractive option for both growers and consumers.
Avoyelles’ early maturity and higher yield are poised to boost the sweetpotato industry’s efficiency and productivity. Growers can now better manage their supply chains and ensure a consistent product flow to meet market demands, even during traditionally lean months. This advancement not only supports growers’ economic stability but also enhances consumer satisfaction by providing a reliable supply of high-quality sweetpotatoes.
The introduction of Avoyelles reflects the LSU AgCenter’s commitment to agricultural innovation and support for local growers. As La Bonte noted, this new variety meets the specific needs of farmers, helping them overcome seasonal challenges and optimize their operations. By addressing both the demand for early-maturing crops and resistance to common pests, Avoyelles represents a significant step forward in sweetpotato cultivation.
This development underscores the ongoing advancements in agricultural research and the importance of responsive breeding programs in meeting the evolving needs of the industry.
