FEB_25_Sweetpotato Speak

By now you all must know about Guava Root Knot Nematodes (Meloidogyne enterolobii) and the devastating effects it can have on a sweetpotato crop. But did you know GRKN has a wide range of host crops and is just as damaging to soybean, cotton, tobacco, cucumber, pepper, watermelon, and peaches: all of which are grown in North Carolina. Currently, GRKN can only be determined by a DNA test to be distinguished from other root knot nematodes, we University to find solutions on how to not only work around but eradicate this pest! In 2022, the NC General Assembly awarded funding of $5 Million dollars to conduct research through NC State University. As part of this research, the NCSC has commissioned projects that have assisted with the renovation of the nematology lab on campus with much of this being completed this past month. Dr. Adrienne Gorny, Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist, Plant Nematology, has been working towards a rapid test which will help determine the presence of GRKN. This test would enable more timely results, allowing producers like you, to make better planting/harvesting decisions in the moment without having to wait days or even weeks for answers. Additionally, work has begun with nematicides to test their effectiveness in control of continue to do extensive research with NC State

GRKN. Studies on the effects of crop rotation, and which crops seemingly work the best to help knock down the presence of GRKN, continue the work toward breeding a GRKN & SRKN resistance variety of sweetpotato that is high quality in marketability, with storage capability as well as yield. Not only hs the Commission funded GRKN projects, but we continue to look at weed and pest management, as well as reviewing the use of AI and robotics.

For more important information, we encourage you to attend one of the upcoming production meetings this month in either Nash or Johnston counties. Registration links can be found on the home page of ncsweetpotatoes.com or by scanning the QR Code on page 4! The NCSC Research Committee continues to monitor the projects at the University and is always open to new research and ideas for the betterment of our industry. Have an idea or thought? Reach out and let us know!

If you missed the Annual Meeting of Membership in

January, we encourage you to visit your Member Portal to view Dr. Gorny’s presentation for a deeper look into the details of these ongoing efforts.

27