Sweetpotato varieties for the Papua New Guinea highlands - a postharvest perspective

Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review highlights the importance of varieties in the Papua New Guinea highland sweetpotato value chain in relation to postharvest management, the need for quality specifications, recognition of consumer preferences and effective marketing. FINDINGS: Technical and socio-economic factors limit the quality of sweetpotato roots sold to consumers. The "informal" (local) market is characterised by polypropylene sacks containing 100 kg or more, of roots, no formal crop specifications, and no temperature management, but since consumption is relatively soon after harvest, and the market of lower value, low technology input is appropriate. The "formal" market is centred on the major cities of Lae and Port Moresby, and it may be several days after harvest before the crop is delivered. Although it is not widely recognised, sweetpotato roots are very perishable. For the higher value market, true-to-label varieties, packaging (smaller solid-walled boxes), a cool chain all the way to the consumers, market intelligence from the market back to the farmer, and maintenance of the road infrastructure, all need implementation. Varieties are but one small part of the picture. DIRECTIONS FOR FUTURE RESEARCH: Implementation of low cost technologies, such as on-farm curing and some basic quality standards need to be researched. Investigating the costs associated with establishment of a cool chain management system in the highlands, packaging management (smaller solid-walled containers), ways to retain consumer interest in sweetpotato products (such as new and colourful varieties, and preparation methods), and industrial uses for lower quality or otherwise waste roots, are all areas where further information is needed to maintain quality and enable the sweetpotato industry to become more profitable.