more... > Plant Disease Clinic > Fact Sheets > Agronomic Crops > Louisiana Plant Pathology: Shealth Blight of Rice [Image: shealth blight] Sheath blight has been the most economically significant disease of rice in Louisiana since the early 1970s. The disease is caused by a fungal pathogen of both rice and soybeans. This fact sheet describes the symptoms of the disease and gives suggested management procedures. Nematodes in Sweet Potato [Image: Sweet potato with root-knot nematode] Nematodes are a serious pest to both our sweet potato industry and for those people growing them in a home garden. These pests affect the total production and quality of the sweet potato. Since the damage occurs to roots below ground, they are often not recognized as being a problem. Nematode Management in Louisiana Sweet Potato Production [Image: nematodes in sweet potatoes] Plant-parasitic nematodes can damage plants in many ways and are considered to be a serious threat to sweet potato production in Louisiana. This publication describes problematic nematode species and management strategies available for these pests. Louisiana Plant Pathology: Sclerotial Blight and Circular Spot of Sweet Potato [Image: sweet potatoes] Sclerotium rolfsii is a soilborne fungus that causes southern blight on a wide variety of plants. Proper identification is the key to successful disease management. This fact sheet is intended to aid in the identification and management of Sclerotial Blight and Circular Spot. (PDF Format Only)  more articles... Sweet Potato Diseases Provides information and symptions related to several common diseases in sweet potatoes.