sweet potato

Aug 3, 2020

The Economic Impact of Microwave Processing: From Greene County to Kenya

Josip Simunovic has a passion for improving the world. One food product at a time. His microwave processing technology to turn ugly produce into long-lasting puree has had a major economic impact on communities from eastern North Carolina to Kenya. 

Jul 10, 2020

‘Map’ of Sweetpotato Genome to Improve Breeding Efforts

NC State scientists recently published a scientific paper that mapped the genetic locations of economically important traits in sweetpotatoes such as higher yield and disease resistance. Their genetic map may lead to breeding better sweetpotatoes. 

May 27, 2020

Big Data for Better Sweetpotatoes

An interdisciplinary team led by Cranos Williams is setting out on a three-year project to use artificial intelligence to make sweetpotatoes even more profitable. The team will image hundreds of thousands of sweetpotatoes to increase the percentage of sweetpotatoes grown that are USDA grade 1. 

May 4, 2020

NC State Researchers Continue Improving Sweetpotatoes for Africa

Craig Yencho and his team recently received part of a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to continue their work improving sweetpotatoes in Sub-Saharan Africa. The genomic tools developed through the three-year, $15-million-dollar grant will also improve sweetpotato breeding for North Carolina farmers. 

Sep 20, 2018

Executive Farm Management Program Expanding in 2019

An Executive Farm Management Program that started in North Carolina is expanding to the entire Southeast. 

Feb 20, 2017

Project Aims to Eliminate ‘Ugly’ Sweet Potatoes

Dr. Mike Boyette and grad student Amber Tsirnikas are on a mission to help farmers grow better (more attractive) sweet potatoes. Their efforts could boost the industry in a big way. 

Feb 10, 2017

“Greater Good” Award to Boost Sweet Potato Research

A plan to shed more light on the complicated genetics of the sweet potato has garnered two NC State University scientists an Agricultural Greater Good Initiative Award from the genomics company Illumina. 

Sep 1, 2016

Mr. Sweet Potato’s Legacy

North Carolina’s sweet potato growers are building an endowment at NC State to ensure that a most successful university-industry partnership endures. It honors Henry M. Covington, a longtime extension specialist whose research and partnerships spurred the industry's growth. 

Apr 28, 2015

Industry advances sweet potato research and extension

NC State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences’ research and extension work on sweet potatoes got a big boost April 15, as leaders in the sweet potato industry and associated endeavors gathered to celebrate reaching their $1.3 million goal for the Henry M. Covington Endowment. 

Feb 5, 2015

NC State receives grant to improve African sweet potatoes

NC State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences will receive $12.4 million over the next four years from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to improve a crop that is an important food staple in sub-Saharan Africa – the sweet potato.