Research concerning the pretability for cultivation of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) in the Satu Mare County, Romania

The present paper aimed to present the cultivation success of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas), a recently introduced crop in the Romanian agriculture. The cuttings used were produced in greenhouse at the ICAR's USAMV Cluj-Napoca, and the production experiment was performed in Sanislău, Satu Mare County on a sandy-clayed soil. A multifactorial experiment was set up, concerning planting period, plant spacing and weed control, each with three graduations. The results showed that the pedoclimatic conditions of Sanislău, Satu-Mare County, are optimal to produce I. batatas roots of commercial size. The number of I. batatas roots/plant is highly determined genetic and is less influenced by the environmental factors. It was also found that the average weight of the I. batatas root is inversely correlated with the planting density. Usage of black mulching foil, resulted higher yields regardless of planting densities and planting seasons. The highest production (over 26,000 kg/ha) was obtained within the planting season of the second decade of May, at density of 44,000 plants/ha and when black mulching foil was used.