NC State Extension has partnered with the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) and the N.C. SweetPotato Commission to assist our state’s sweetpotato operations in the timely and accurate identification of GRKN-infected sweetpotatoes.

NEW RESOURCE AVAILABLE:GRKN Best Management Practices (PDF Handout)

What is GRKN?

GRKN, or Guava Root-Knot Nematode, refers to microscopic worms in the soil that can infect sweetpotatoes (among other crops), forming knots or galls on the roots and ruining entire crops. GRKN is a major threat to the N.C. sweet potato industry, but you can make a difference.

Available Materials

We’ve developed resources that can assist you in educating and equipping your local growers to combat this issue. The current materials are geared toward packing-shipping operations, but they can be used with grower operations as well.

Print Resources

Signage Click each item below to view a PDF that can be downloaded and used as needed:

• • Manager Info Card (8.5 x 4.5)
  • Employee Badge (3.5 x 3.5)
  • English Poster (24 x 36)
  • English Poster (11 x 17)
  • Spanish Poster (24 x 36)
  • Spanish Poster (11 x 17)
  • Line Magnet/Decal (8 x 3)
  • Line Magnet/Decal (17 x 11)

Handouts / Fact Sheets

• Sweetpotato Root-Knot Nematode Overview and Management (NC State Extension Publications)
• GRKN Best Management Practices (PDF Handout)

Video Resources

NC State Extension developed two informational videos to educate sweetpotato producers on how to identify and manage GRKN within their operations. These videos can be used by agents or specialists in workshops, as well as shared with producers for use in local training.

• GRKN in Sweetpotato: Overview and Identifying Symptoms (Part I)
• GRKN in Sweetpotato: Management Practices (Part II)

NCDA&CS provided a training video to assist sweetpotato packing-shipping operations with meeting all GRKN compliance stipulations. The video is available in English and Spanish, and can be paired with the print resources for local training purposes.*The password to view these videos is: Plantprotect1!

• English
• Spanish

Training

NC State Extension is pleased to announce the availability of a new training program for workers in sweetpotato packing houses regarding the Guava Root-Knot Nematode (GRKN).The GRKN Training Program is an interactive session with a focus on creating a GRKN-prevention culture in packing plants by educating workers.

• Guava Root-Knot Nematode Training Program for Sweetpotato Workers

Contacts

NC State Experts

• Dr. Adrienne Gorny Extension Specialist, Plant Nematology
• Dr. Lina Quesada-Ocampo Extension Specialist, Plant Pathology
• Dr. Craig Yencho William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor, Sweetpotato Breeding
• NC State Extension Plant Pathology Team

Contact the Extension center in your county with questions or for more information about GRKN in your local area.

Local Support

If you suspect you may have GRKN-infected sweetpotatoes in your fields and would like to arrange a quick inspection — or to request educational resources for local training efforts — contact your regional NCDA&CS plant specialist at go.ncsu.edu/NCDA-PlantSpecialist.