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Title: RUDDY, A MULTIPLE PEST-RESISTANT SWEETPOTATO

Author
item Bohac, Janice
item Jackson, D
item DUKES, P. - RETIRED
item MULLER, J. - CLEMSON UNIVERSITY

Submitted to: HortScience
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/16/2002
Publication Date: 11/15/2002
Citation: BOHAC, J., JACKSON, D.M., DUKES, P.D., MULLER, J.D. RUDDY, A MULTIPLE PEST-RESISTANT SWEETPOTATO. HORTSCIENCE. 2002. 37:993-994

Interpretive Summary: The leading U.S. sweetpotato variety, Beauregard, is attacked by many soil insects, diseases, and nematodes. Even with frequent pesticide applications, its roots are frequently damaged by these pests. The result is that a large percentage of the crop will be unmarketable. There is a need to develop new sweetpotato varieties with high yields and quality that can be grown with less damage and fewer pesticides. Ruddy is a new sweetpotato variety developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, and the South Carolina Agricultural Experiment Station. Ruddy produces high yields of attractively shaped roots. The roots have orange-colored flesh and smooth, red skin. They are sweet and moist with good baking quality and hold up well under long-term storage. This variety is resistant to many diseases, soil insects, and other pests. This means it can be grown with fewer pesticides. Ruddy has potential for use by home gardeners, for commercial production in states that market red-skinned cultivars, and for use by other breeders as a parent with multiple pest resistance.

Technical Abstract: The sweetpotato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam] variety, Ruddy was developed jointly by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, and the South Carolina Agricultural Experiment Station. Ruddy is an attractive, red-skinned cultivar with orange flesh. It has potential to produce high yields of uniform, fusiform-shaped roots. It has a high level of resistance to diseases and insect pests similar to 'Regal'. In the plant beds, 'Ruddy' sprouts well, similar to the 'Jewel'. This variety has potential for commercial production in states that market red skinned cultivars, home gardeners, and for other breeders as a source of multiple pest resistance.