Biological Control Effective in Controlling Diseases in Sweetpotatoes
A biological control has been found to be an effective alternative to fungicide treatment to control Rhizopus soft rot in stored sweetpotatoes.
Based on the results of a Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Graduate Student Grant, the application of Bio-Save as a dip performed comparably to the fungicide dicloran, a common post-harvest product used to protect sweetpotatoes from disease. Bio-Save is a certified-organic, post-harvest biological disease preventative for potatoes. It’s main ingredient is the bacterium, Pseudomonas syringae.
Researchers emphasized, however, that efficacy can vary based on such factors as the cultivar grown, soil type, weather conditions and how long the sweetpotatoes are in storage.
Louisiana State University graduate student Waana Kaluwasha and major professor Christopher Clark studied the application of Bio-Save as a dip and a spray, as well as the method of re-curing on five commercial sweetpotato cultivars: Beauregard, Bayou Belle, Bellevue, Orleans and Covington.
The re-curing treatment both alone and in combination with Bio-Save was not effective for all cultivars in both years, thus cannot be recommended at this point and needs further investigation. With Bio-Save, however, having another alternative comparable to dicloran would result in reduced fungicide use, improved environmental stewardship, and better quality of produce to meet the needs of various markets.
COVID-19 Resources
- LA Farm Fresh Food Directory & Coronavirus Information Center
- - ldaf.state.la.us/covid-19/
- The Link - LSU AgCenter COVID-19 Info - lsuagcenter.com/covid19resources
- NOLA Local Food Resources Google Sheet
- Find markets, products, & more on Louisiana Market Maker
- Farmers display entrepreneurial success in getting produce to customers
- NCAT ATTRA COVID Resources
- MOSES COVID-19 Resources for Farmers
- Order fresh-caught Louisiana seafood to be shipped directly to you from Louisiana Direct Seafood and Inland Seafood
- Add your farm or business to the Louisiana Farm Fresh Food Directory
Featured News
Pest Management
Studying the Impact of Conservation Plantings on Insect Pests and Their Predators
BATON ROUGE, Louisiana – Conservation plantings, through various stewardship programs, do well to provide a myriad of benefits. These range from controlling erosion, to improving water quality, to promoting healthy soils. However, the impacts of such strategies on cash crop pests and the natural enemies that target them is less known. Louisiana State University researchers, […]
Produce Safety Factsheets from LSU AgCenter
- Best practices to minimize COVID-19 risk while harvesting fresh produce
- Mejores practicas para minimizar el riesgo de COVID-19 al momento de cosechar producto fresco
- Best practices to minimize COVID-19 risk at the farmers market
- Buenas prácticas para minimizar el riesgo de COVID-19 en los mercados de productores
- Cleaning and disinfection of food-contact and touch surfaces for the COVID-19 virus
- Limpieza y Desinfección de superficies de contacto y contacto con alimentos para el COVID-19
Upcoming Local Events and Training Opportunities
For more information, contact the program assistant, Isabella (Izzi) Frank at ifrank@agcenter.lsu.edu.
Regional Events and Training Opportunities
To stay updated on Louisiana SARE events, check out our Facebook page! https://www.facebook.com/LouisianaSARE
Visit NCAT Southeast Regional Office
Visit Fruit & Pecan Events from Mississippi State University Extension