Sweet Potatoes in Queensland - Something Old, Something New

Abstract

Though sweet potatoes are considered as one of the earliest domesticated plants, as historical evidence shows that they were cultivated as a crop in southern Peru and Mexico about 2,000 to 2,500 BC, their history of cultivation in Queensland is naturally much more recent. However, in the context of Queensland agriculture, the cultivation of sweet potatoes has had a relatively long history. Initially the crop was cultivated for stock feed where it played an integral part as a source of_ sustenance, particularly on dairy farms which were instrumental in the early development of Queensland agriculture. A sweet potato patch commonly in the size range of 2 - 5 hectares provided supplementary grazing for both the dairy cattle and pigs, the latter being an important component of these early enterprises. Both the shoots and the roots were utilised and no doubt the roots were also used as a part of the settlers' diet during these pioneering times.

From these early beginnings, the sweet potato industry has changed substantially, particularly from the early 1970s. The crop is now grown primarily for human consumption. This paper briefly traces the history of the crop in Queensland and outlines the research inputs by the Queensland Department of Primary Industries (QDPI) to service this industry with new varieties, a source of virus tested germplasm, improved agronomic practices, and more recently, joint research by QDPI and the University of Queensland, Gatton College to provide an understanding of the importance of feathery mottle virus on yield and quality of sweet potatoes. The size and distribution of the Queensland industry, and production trends, are also discussed.