Heterosis is a concept first explained by Gregor Mendel in 1865. Further, in recent studies heterosis for outbreeding crops ranks among the biggest impacts made by plant breeders to world food supply. During sweetpotato action for security and health in Africa (SASHA) Phase 1, clear evidence was generated for the first time that heterosis can be successfully exploited in sweetpotato for significant yield gains for roots and foliage. In conclusion, thereis high potential for heterosis application to other root and tuber and banana crops, with more efficient breeding helping to solve the problem of feeding the ever growing population.