Source: SAMPSON INDEPENDENT, 8/10/18

In a field, Dr. Alyssa Koehler held a small stevia plant as a crowd gathered around at the Horticulture Crops Research Station. The leaves of the green plant are very sweet and includes several health benefits. But the one in her hand was not perfect and was damaged by brown spots known as septoria — a fungus. As a plant pathologist from the North Carolina State University, it’s something she working to prevent. Koehler was one of many presenters during the 2018 Stevia Field Day held Thursday at the research station in Clinton. During the tour, visitors viewed equipment, breeding plots, and weed control techniques. The event was part of a multi-state consortium working with stevia. “It’s on everyone’s radar,” Koehler said about the leaf spots that starts with small specs which could expand depending on the season and environment. “A lot of our work has been on trying to time fungicides and other control management strategies.” …

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