Genome-wide identification and characterization of F-box family proteins in sweet potato and its expression analysis under abiotic stress

•F-box genes are among the most abundant functionally diverse plant-specific TFs.•F-box genes regulate several developmental processes in plants.•Genome-wide characterization yielded 243F-box genes in sweet potato.•Segmental duplication is the principal factor influencing the evolution of the IbFBX genes.•IbFBX genes exhibit differential expression patterns in response to abiotic stress.