Edward J. Sikora, Extension Plant Pathologist, Associate Professor, Plant Pathology, and James M. Dangler, former Extension Horticulturist, Auburn University Field and Storage Diseases of Sweet Potatoes S weet potatoes are one of the most important vegetable crops produced in Alabama with approximately 6,000 acres grown annually.
Sweet potatoes are susceptible to a variety of field and storage diseases.
The most common diseases affecting sweet potato production in Alabama and the management practices required for their control are described in this publication. Black Rot Black rot is caused by the fungus Ceratocystis fimbriata. The disease can cause significant losses in storage, in the transplant bed, and in the field. The pathogen not only reduces yield and quality but also gives sweet potatoes a bitter taste. Spots enlarge and appear greenish black to black when wet and grayish black when dry.