Sweetpotato Black Rot Found in Storage Facilities

Feb 04, 2021

By Lina Quesada-Ocampo

Sweetpotato black rot, caused by the fungal pathogen Ceratocystis fimbriata, was found in two commercial sweetpotato storage facilities in January of 2021. Afflicted sweetpotatoes exhibited symptoms of firm, circular lesions ranging from grey to greenish black in color consistent with the disease. Growers and packers should remain vigilant as sweetpotato black rot can develop and spread under storage conditions. To limit disease outbreaks during storage, prevention is the best method of control. Reusable storage bins should be clear of debris prior to use and properly sanitized. During storage, a storing temperature of 55˚F should be maintained. Growers and packers can also consider using effective fungicides postharvest and in the field during the next growing season. The fungicides Mertect (thiabendazole) and Stadium (azoxystrobin, fludioxonil, difenoconazole) are effective against black rot and have a postharvest label to use in sweetpotato. The fungicide Mertect can also be applied to seed to protect 2021 plantings from black rot. While both fungicides can be used for domestic markets, they may have restrictions related to maximum residue levels allowed in particular export markets.

Source : ncsu.edu

Video: A chain harrow is a game changer

Utilizing a rotational grazing method on our farmstead with our sheep helps to let the pasture/paddocks rest. We also just invested in a chain harrow to allow us to drag the paddocks our sheep just left to break up and spread their manure around, dethatch thicker grass areas, and to rough up bare dirt areas to all for a better seed to soil contact if we overseed that paddock. This was our first time really using the chain harrow besides initially testing it out. We are very impressed with the work it did and how and area that was majority dirt, could be roughed up before reseeding.

Did you know we also operate a small business on the homestead. We make homemade, handcrafted soaps, shampoo bars, hair and beard products in addition to offering our pasture raised pork, lamb, and 100% raw honey. You can find out more about our products and ingredients by visiting our website at www.mimiandpoppysplace.com. There you can shop our products and sign up for our monthly newsletter that highlights a soap or ingredient, gives monthly updates about the homestead, and also lists the markets, festivals, and events we’ll be attending that month.