Sweet potato pest causes N.C. quarantine
A statewide quarantine is in effect for the Guava root nematode, a serious pest of sweet potatoes that also affects cotton, soybeans, tobacco, potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, watermelons and other crops.
Regulated articles cannot move to non-quarantined states except in special circumstances. The quarantine affects the nematode in any stage of development, sweet potato seed or plants produced in another state, soil and equipment at risk of containing the nematode.
The only other state where the nematode is known to occur is Florida. It has been reported in China, Vietnam, Mexico, Brazil, Switzerland, Kenya and Nigeria.
The pest moves through soil and infested roots. Sanitation is key to preventing its spread and can be achieved by removing soil from equipment and clothing with water hotter than 176 degrees when moving from field to field.
Joy Goforth, 919.707.3753 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
