ARS | Publication request: Evaluation of Advanced Sweetpotato Genotypes for Resistance to Soil Insect Pests, 2005

Submitted to: Arthropod Management Tests
Publication Type: Research Notes
Publication Acceptance Date: December 4, 2006
Publication Date: September 1, 2007
Citation: Jackson, D.M., Bohac, J. 2007. Evaluation of Advanced Sweetpotato Genotypes for Resistance to Soil Insect Pests, 2005. Arthropod Management Tests. Volume 32, Report No. M5, Online Journal at http://www.entsoc.org/pubs/index.html.

Technical Abstract: This report describes a field evaluation of advanced orange-fleshed sweetpotato genotypes from the USDA ARS sweetpotato breeding program at the US Vegetable Laboratory (USVL), Charleston, SC. This field experiment included three insect susceptible check cultivars (‘Beauregard’, ‘Porto Rico’, and ‘SC1149 19’), one insect resistant check cultivar (‘Ruddy’), and 16 advanced genotypes that were evaluated for insect resistance in field trials of four replications at the USVL. There were highly significant entry effects for percent uninjured roots, WDS index (Wireworm, Diabrotica, Systena), percent sweetpotato weevil damaged (Cylas formicarius [F.]) roots, percent flea beetle damaged (Chaetocnema confinis Crotch) roots, and percent grub damaged (Plectris aliena Chapin and/or Phyllophaga spp.) roots. All 16 advanced experimental genotypes had a significantly higher percentage of uninjured roots and a lower WDS severity index than did the three susceptible check cultivars (‘Beauregard’, ‘Porto Rico’, and ‘SC 1149-19’). ‘SC1149-19’ had a significantly higher percentage infestation by SPFB, grubs, and SPW than any other genotype. Twelve genotypes had significantly lower percentage of infestation by white grubs than did the three susceptible controls.