A $4.8 million multi-state project led by Mississippi State is bringing together more than 30 national experts to address problems endangering seed programs of a US crop currently valued at $680 million. University research and extension scientists from major sweet potato states are partnering on the multi-million CleanSEED Project to solve the industry’s most important issues of viruses, pests and disease, all threatening sustainability of sweet potato seed programs.
The research is funded by the US Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Helping more sweet potato farmers adopt clean seed technology through increased awareness and education is one of the short-term goals identified by the multidisciplinary research team. Through work with the six sweet potato Clean Plant Centers, part of the National Clean Plant Network, they also will enhance collaboration and engagement across the industry and standardize clean foundation seed terminology.
Source: msstate.edu