| There is potential for expanding production and marketing of sweetpotatoes in southern Illinois because they are readily grown organically or with minimal pesticide applications and are a highly nutritious alternative staple food. Two experiments measured: (1) attitudes and consumption behavior about sweetpotatoes of consumers in supermarkets and direct market venues; and (2) effect of planting date and cultivar/clone on yield distribution at two locations over three years.;Consumers express strong interest in sweetpotatoes, but consume very few. Most purchased sweetpotatoes at supermarkets (53%), followed by direct markets (34%) and rarely restaurants (2%). Diverse demographics and traditions of use caused sharply contrasting attitudes about the utility and value of sweetpotatoes, new methods of educating consumers, e.g., point of purchase materials (recipes), are required to expand market potential.;'Beauregard' clones, 'B14' and 'B73', increased marketable yields from 3,000 to 11,500 lb/acre over that of 'Hernandez'. Planting by mid-June produced the highest marketable yields. |
