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Sweet Potato Slip #927073

Asked March 30, 2026, 1:37 PM EDT

What are the white “bumps” on this sweet potato slip?

Prince George's County Maryland

Expert Response

These could be calcium oxylate crystals from sap in the leaves that came out through plant pores. It's sitting in water that it is taking up faster than can be transpired so cells that can't contain it are bursting. It's like edema in plants. Just wipe the crystals off; it should adapt in time.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied March 30, 2026, 2:59 PM EDT

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This work is supported in part by New Technologies for Ag Extension grant no. 2020-41595-30123 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Sweet Potato Slip #927073

Expert Response

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