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- Louisiana Sweet Potato News Winter 2023
Cole Gregorie, LSU AgCenter Sweet Potato Specialist
A resilient crop… The 2023 sweetpotato season has wrapped up around the state with many producers reporting average to slightly above average yields, which are certainly welcomed given the extreme heat and drought that was experienced during the growing season.
The crop in the northern region of the state was mostly planted under good growing conditions; however, the southern part of the state experienced drought conditions for the majority of the production season. Entering late June, drought conditions became prevalent throughout the state and have remained into the month of November. Along with the drought, growers also had to deal with excessive heat with temperatures averaging over 100°F for many days in July and August. With these extreme weather conditions came uncertainty for how the crop would perform. Where irrigation was not possible in drought-stricken areas, yields were reduced. Fortunately, most of the acreage in Louisiana can be irrigated, and on those acres, strong yields with above average packouts have been reported.
Unfortunately, with the addition of supplemental irrigation comes additional expense on an already pricey crop to produce. Production costs prior to packing range between $4,000 to $5,000 per acre in Louisiana, with some growers citing that the additional irrigation events could push that cost up another 30%. Thankfully prices for fresh market sweetpotatoes currently look strong, and the drier conditions have made for a timely harvest.
Louisiana producers planted a reported 5,350 acres of sweet potatoes in 2023. Due to the favorable dryer harvest conditions the majority of the crop was harvested with only a minimal amount being left unharvested.
In-season insect pressure did seem to cause some problems with reports of early season damage to some of the crops. As growers adjust to Lorsban no longer being available they may need to move up their initial foliar insecticide application to combat early season insect intrusion.
With the harvest wrapped up, growers now have turned their attention to their storage sheds and are making field and equipment preparations for next season. They also have the Sweet Potato National Convention to look forward to which will be held in New Orlans this January.
Rene Simon-Director, Louisiana Sweet Potato Commission
As we approach the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, I reflect on the 16 years that I have had the great pleasure to be associated with the Louisiana Sweet Potato Industry. It has been some of the most rewarding work of my career. I have gotten to know the hard-working farmers, processors, and researchers that make my job possible and so enjoyable. I am humbled to be able to represent this industry from the halls of the U.S. Congress to the fields of our farmers. I have been asked about the part of my job that brings me the most fulfillment, and it is without a doubt working with you. I pray that your harvest went well, and I look forward to more years of being associated with some of the best people in this state and around the country. Thank you for all you do and allowing me to be a part of it. Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas.
Dr. Tristan Watson, LSU AgCenter Nematologist
In Louisiana sweetpotato production there are two main plant-parasitic nematode species that we are actively managing in our fields, the southern root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) and the reniform nematode (Rotylenchulus reniformis). The primary method of managing both pests is through the application of nematicides. In 2023, a field trial was established at the LSU AgCenter’s Northeast Research Station to evaluate different application methods of two nematicides that have shown good efficacy in previous years. Velum and Majestene were applied to replicated small plots using three different methods: (1) broadcast spray, (2) in-furrow spray, or (3) transplant drench. All nematicide application methods provided some level of nematode suppression during the growing season; however, a yield benefit was only observed when Velum was applied in-furrow (+79 bu/A US#1 grade sweetpotatoes) or when Majestene was applied as a transplant drench (+45 bu/A US#1 grade sweetpotatoes). Overall, these preliminary data suggest that nematicide efficacy can be optimized by choosing appropriate application methods for each formulation. This trial will be repeated during the 2024 growing season to confirm the reproducibility of our initial findings.
Sweetpotato growers in Louisiana also have a new tool available for nematode management going into the 2024 growing season. In September 2023, the nematicide product Salibro received EPA registration in the United States. On sweetpotato, Salibro can be applied as a: (1) pre-plant incorporated spray at 30.7 to 61.4 fl oz/A, (2) in-furrow spray at 15.4 to 61.4 fl oz/A, or (2) in-season drip chemigation at 15.4 to 30.7 fl oz/A. Keep in mind that the product has a 12-hour re-entry interval, 14 day minimum retreatment interval, and a 40 day pre-harvest interval. Always follow the instructions listed on the product label prior to application.
In addition to developing management tactics for our established nematode pests, we are also proactively developing tools to manage the invasive guava root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne enterolobii). In 2021, LSU AgCenter scientists along with other academic institutions in the United States were awarded a large USDA grant through the Specialty Crop Research Initiative Program to develop guava root-knot nematode resistant sweetpotato varieties. LSU AgCenter sweetpotato breeding lines have been developed with a very high level of resistance to the guava root-knot nematode, as well as the common southern root-knot nematode. In the LSU AgCenter nematology laboratory, we are actively characterizing the mechanism of resistance as well as the genes involved.
Dr. Donnie Miller, Professor and Weed Scientist, LSU AgCenter
Given the limited herbicide options in sweetpotato, introduction of newer products are most welcome to a producers weed management portfolio, given efficacy and cost are comparable or better than current available options. Optogen, with the active ingredient bicyclopyrone, was introduced for the 2023 growing season by Syngenta for pre-transplant and row middle post-transplant application in sweetpotato. Application rates are 2.6 oz/A on course textured soils and 3.5 oz/A on fine and medium textured soils. Row middle application must avoid any contact with plant foliage or significant injury will result. Optogen is a group 27 HPPD herbicide that controls weeds by impacting carotenoid synthesis, leading to bleaching and eventual plant death.
Research within the LSU AgCenter weed management program at the Northeast Research Station in St. Joseph evaluated Optogen for control of common weeds facing Louisiana sweetpotato producers in comparison to current available herbicide programs. Results indicate that the product does not offer an advantage in terms of control when compared to currently available options. Optogen provided very good control of annual grasses goosegrass, crabgrass, and broadleaf signalgrass at both application rates. The higher rate of 3.5 oz/A was required to provide good control of barnyardgrass while browntop millet control was fair at this rate. Control of yellow nutsedge, common purslane, and slender amaranth was fair with Optogen, horse purslane control fair to good, and smellmelon control poor.
In addition to no advantages in terms of weed control, current pricing does not make Optogen economically viable in comparison to current herbicide options. One advantage the product does offer is a completely new mode of herbicide action, which could aid in delayed resistance from relying heavily on the limited amount of products producers currently have to select from.
Dr. Tara Smith, Research Coordinator, Sweet Potato Research Station
I am pleased to report that the 2023 foundation seed crop was harvested in its entirety under great conditions. Overall yields were reduced somewhat, especially on later plantings due to extreme heat and drought encountered during the season. All commercial varieties will be available for purchase, in early 2024. Letters detailing the amount of foundation seed available and ordering procedures will be forwarded along soon. A decision was made to increase the cost of seed this year, to better account for our input costs. These costs will be reflected in information that will be mailed and emailed to you. I also want to remind you that we have greenhouse plants available for purchase, beginning in January. For producers with greenhouse operations, this is a viable alternative to increase your supply of virus-tested planting material early in the year. We can also sell plants later in the spring for direct planting in the field. I encourage any producers that are interested in purchasing plants to notify the station ASAP. Thank you for your support of the LSU AgCenter Sweet Potato Foundation Seed Program.
Cole Gregorie, LSU AgCenter Sweet Potato Specialist
The LSU AgCenter Sweet Potato Research Station in conjunction with Black Gold Farms hosted a successful field day on August 31, 2023, in Delhi, LA. The event kicked off with updates from Dr. Tara Smith, Director of the LSU AgCenter LCES and Research Coordinator of Sweet Potato Research Station. Next, LSU AgCenter Vice President Dr. Matt Lee and LSU AgCenter Director of Experiment Stations Dr. Mike Salasi gave AgCenter updates, followed by an update and packing line tour from Black Gold Farm Manager Travis Crowel.
Activities then moved to the demonstration field. There Dr. Arthur Villordon discussed irrigation management and planting density. Dr. Jeff Davis and Dr. Imana Power spoke on the importance of the Clean Seed Program. Dr. Don Labonte presented sweet potato breeding lines highlighting new varieties that offer exciting potential. Dr. Donnie Miller discussed weed control and what new options growers can utilize. Dr. Tristan Watson discussed nematicide options and application methods.
After field activities were complete, lunch sponsored by Lamb Weston was provided at the Black Bear Convention Center before closing updates were provided from the LA Sweet Potato Commission (Mr. Rene Simon), the National Sweet Potato Council (Kay Rentzel), and the LSU AgCenter Northeast Region Director Dr. Melissa Cater.
If you were unable to attend or would like to review any of the information that was presented we encourage you to visit this link: LSU AgCenter 2023 Sweet Potato Research Station Field Day. You will find the video highlights of our 2023 Field Day. We would also like to give thanks to our sponsors and presenters who made this event possible.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Lay piecrust in a 9-inch pie dish. In a mixing bowl, blend together yams, 1 egg, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spread evenly on bottom of piecrust. In a mixing bowl, beat together the remaining egg, egg whites, corn syrup, sugar and vanilla until the mixture is frothy. Stir in pecans. Carefully spoon over yam layer. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until the filling is set around edges of until a knife inserted halfway between the center and edge comes out clean. Cool and serve.
The LSU AgCenter and the LSU College of Agriculture
