Evaluation of Sweetpotato Cultivar Susceptibility to Scurf in Columbia, Missouri, 2025

Scurf, a disease caused by the soilborne fungus Monilochaetes infuscans is characterized by dark brown to black, superficial spots on the sweetpotato periderm, making the storage roots less appealing. This trial was conducted from June to October 2025 in Columbia, Missouri, to evaluate the response of five sweetpotato cultivars to naturally occurring scurf. Significant differences were observed among cultivars with White Bonita being the most susceptible and Covington and Murasaki being the least susceptible. Evangeline and Beauregard were moderately susceptible. Results from this trial will enable the adoption of less susceptible sweetpotato cultivars for cultivation in Missouri.