Evaluation the possibility of fresh forage production from Sweet potato (Ipomea batatas L.) shoots in Minab

Sweet potato [Ipomea batatas (L.) Lam.] is a versatile crop utilized for human consumption، animal feed and as raw material for industry and has dry matter digestibility above 70%. Given the importance of forage production in tropical and low-rainy regions، an experiment was performed as factorial in randomized complete block design with two factors: planting date consists 22 August، 5 and 20 September and cultivar (White and Red type) in four replicates in Minab region. The traits such as plant length، leaf and lateral stem number were recorded during the test and in the end of experiment shoot fresh weight and yield of storage root were measured. The greatest shoot fresh weight for fresh forage production was obtained from 22 August planting date with 26. 8 ton/ha and the least from 20 September with 6. 9 ton/ha. Red type cultivar had shoot fresh weight more than White type cultivar. Based on the results of this research، for forage production in Minab region، planting of Red type cultivar of Swet potato was recommended in 22 August.