Theses and Dissertations

Advisor

Musser, Fred

Committee Member

Harvey, Lorin

Committee Member

Krishnan, Natraj

Committee Member

Sabanadzovic, Sead

Date of Degree

8-7-2025

Original embargo terms

Immediate Worldwide Access

Document Type

Graduate Thesis - Open Access

Major

Agricultural Life Sciences (Entomology)

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Department

Department of Agricultural Science and Plant Protection

Abstract

Sweetpotatoes (Ipomoea batatas) are vegetatively propagated through slips, making them prone to viral buildup. Aphids are insect pests known for transmitting viruses to crops, which reduces yield. This study examined different options for aphid management to reduce the spread of potyviruses: crop borders, crop oils, and insecticides. However, the results of this research showed that treatments were not successful at reducing the spread of the four potyviruses tested. An additional objective was to establish a colony of banded cucumber beetles (Diabrotica balteata) in the laboratory. These beetles are a leaf-feeding and root-feeding pest of sweet potatoes. Two colonies of banded cucumber beetle adults were started, however, neither colony survived.

Sponsorship (Optional)

USDA NIFA CleanSEED

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