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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Charleston, South Carolina » Vegetable Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #92554
Title: EVALUATION OF USDA SWEETPOTATO BREEDING LINES AS A POTENTIAL TACTIC FOR MANAGING SWEETPOTATO PESTS IN THE CARIBBEAN AND THE USA

Author
item LAWRENCE, JANET - CARDI, JAMAICA
item Jackson, D
item Bohac, Janice

Submitted to: Integrated Pest Management Collaborative Research Support Program
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/27/1998
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Several soil pests significantly limit production of sweetpotato, in the Caribbean and the USA. Traditionally, management of these pests has been with synthetic pesticides and cultural practices. With the global thrust to seek effective, low-input environmentally benign methods of managing pests, the US Vegetable Laboratory (USDA), Charleston, SC initiated a breeding program to develop insect-resistant sweetpotato lines that can serve as an effective alternative to synthetic pesticides. As a result of this program, during the past growing season, over 20 multiple-pest-resistant sweetpotato breeding lines from the USDA program and local Jamaican varieties were evaluated for performance and insect resistance in replicated field trials in Jamaica and the USA. Parameters measured included yield (fresh weight/root numbers) and insect damage resulting from wireworm-Diabrotica-Systena (WDS) complex, flea beetles, grubs, and sweetpotato weevil. Variability in yields and resistance to the pests of concern were observed among lines. Multiple pest resistance was also demonstrated. The high levels of resistance displayed by some breeding lines indicate their potential as a management option. The integration of these resistant breeding lines into the current IPM program is envisioned.