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Bittersweet Challenges: Postharvest Disease Management in Sugarbeet and Sweetpotato
Carlos Morales1, Kelly Avila1, Usha Bhatta1
1Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology and NC Plant Sciences Initiative, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-7825, U.S.A.
Plant Disease
|March 26, 2025
Summary
Postharvest diseases threaten the economic and nutritional value of sugarbeet and sweetpotato. This review explores emerging technologies and strategies to improve disease management and preserve crop value.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Plant Pathology
- Food Security
Background:
- Sugarbeet and sweetpotato offer significant economic and nutritional value, crucial for global food security.
- Postharvest diseases caused by fungal and bacterial pathogens severely diminish the value of these root crops.
- Current disease management strategies for postharvest pathosystems are often inadequate.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review novel approaches for managing postharvest diseases in sugarbeet and sweetpotato.
- To identify key areas for improvement in disease diagnostics, control, and monitoring.
- To highlight strategies for maintaining or enhancing the value of these vital root crops.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of emerging technologies and strategies in plant pathology and agricultural science.
- Analysis of current challenges in postharvest disease management for sugarbeet and sweetpotato.
- Synthesis of information on diagnostic methodologies, cultural practices, chemical control, host resistance, and pathogen monitoring.
Main Results:
- Emerging technologies offer promising solutions to overcome limitations in current postharvest disease management.
- Improvements are needed in diagnostics, cultural practices, chemical control, host resistance, and pathogen monitoring.
- A multi-faceted approach integrating new strategies is essential for effective disease control.
Conclusions:
- Addressing postharvest diseases is critical to maintaining the economic and nutritional value of sugarbeet and sweetpotato.
- Implementation and adaptation of new technologies are vital for enhancing crop value.
- Continued research and development in disease management are necessary to ensure food security.
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