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Eating For Healthy Eyes: The Role Of Nutrition In Ocular Health, Brianna Stroh

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

The central research question of this thesis asks: How does nutrition influence ocular health overall and the impact of nutrition on the development or progression of common eye diseases? Building upon existing research in optometry/ophthalmology, nutrition science, and public health, this project examines the physiological mechanisms linking diet to eye health and evaluates how specific nutrients and dietary patterns contribute to disease prevention and visual function. This thesis employs a comprehensive review of peer-reviewed literature to evaluate the relationship between nutrition and ocular disease. Key areas of focus include the role of oxidative stress in eye disease development, the protective …

Dietary Β-Hydroxybutyrate Sodium Alters Rumen Microbiome And Nutrient Metabolism In The Rumen Epithelium Of Young Goats, Yimin Zhuang, Guanglei Liu, Chuyun Jiang, Mahmoud M. Abdelsattar, Yuze Fu, Ying Li, Naifeng Zhang, Jianmin Chai

Animal Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

The role of β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA) includes providing energy, regulating signaling pathways, and ameliorating the gut microbiota in the host, while its nutrient mechanism to improve rumen epithelium development in young ruminants is still unclear. In this study, a total of 12 female Haimen goats with 30 d of age were chosen and divided into two groups. One group was fed with basic diet (CON), and the other group was fed a basal diet supplemented with 6 g d^–1 dietary β-hydroxybutyrate sodium (BHBA-Na). The experimental period was 30 d, and all goats were slaughtered at 60 d of age. …

Weaning Drives Microbiome-Mediated Epigenetic Regulation To Shape Immune Memory In Mice, Li Yang, Robert C Peery, Shirui Zhou, Xiaomin Chen, Leah M Farmer, Fabiola Gutierrez, Stephanie Fowler, Lanjing Zhang, Julia M Salamat, Karen Riggins, Jiejun Shi, Lanlan Shen

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

During weaning, the transition to solid food diversifies the gut microbiome, triggering a programmed immune response critical for long-lasting mucosal immunity. Previous work showed that the gut microbiome mediates epigenetic development in intestinal stem cells (ISCs) during suckling, but what happens during weaning is unclear. Here, genome-wide profiling revealed that weaning-driven microbiome changes shape the DNA methylome and transcriptome of murine ISCs in an IFNγ-dependent manner. Specifically, we observe demethylation of enhancer elements essential for MHC class II genes, which results in a transcriptional memory that persists through differentiation into adulthood. IFNγ blockade, or low-dose penicillin to target Gram-positive bacteria, …

Growing South Dakota (Spring 2026), College Of Agriculture, Food, And Environmental Sciences

Growing South Dakota (Publication of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences)

[Page] 2 National heritage, statewide research, local impact
[Page] 7 About the South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Stations
[Page] 14 Managing the mooo-ment: How SDSU researchers are looking to improve cow health during the Transition Period
[Page] 18 Discovering strength in science: How education through undergraduate research prepares students for the future
[Page] 20 From India to Brookings: One grad student’s path to make a world of difference in virology
[Page] 22 Solving a billion-dollar problem: Identifying disease-resistent wheat genes
[Page] 24 Unlocking manure’s potential: SDSU leads multistate study on the power of swine manure in growing better crops
[Page] 28 …

Metabolomics In Precision Medicine: Application And Prospect In Cancer Research, Ming-Shi Shiao

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

Metabolomics is the most recent and final discipline among the post-genomic, multiomics fields. It encompasses key technologies in systems biology, providing an overview of low-molecular-weight metabolites while examining disturbances to offer pathophysiological explanations. The two key analytical tools in metabolomics are nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and mass spectrometry, which includes gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Metabolomic research relies on a three-stage data generation process: the first stage involves precise analytical chemistry to produce data; the second stage employs multivariate statistical analysis; and the last stage uses big data as a reference for comparison to establish biochemical, metabolic, and …

Impact Of Tropical Cyclones On Food And Nutrition Security: A Global Scoping Review And Thematic Analysis, Patience M. Chiotha, Budi Haryanto

Jurnal Epidemiologi Kesehatan Indonesia

The increasing frequency and intensity of tropical cyclones driven by climate change pose growing threats to food and nutrition security. Globally, an estimated 80–90 tropical cyclones occur annually, affecting approximately 119 million people. Evidence regarding their impact on food systems, dietary patterns, and nutritional status remains fragmented. This scoping review aimed to map global evidence on the impacts of tropical cyclones on food and nutrition security, identify key pathways of impact, and examine affected indicators at household and individual levels. The review followed Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines and PRISMA-ScR. Searches were conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google …

Risk Factors Of Leptospirosis Among Agricultural Workers In Southeast Asia: Literature Review, Ronggo Adi Wibowo, Wawa Najwa Nurzakia, Meirany Sasitha Kirana, Yulia Arthemisia Wijaya, Jasmine Ayumaharani Sekaryudha, Dwi Sarwani Sri Rejeki, Rosita Dwi Jayanti

Jurnal Epidemiologi Kesehatan Indonesia

The agricultural sector is the primary source of livelihood for communities in Southeast Asia; however, these activities increase the risk of exposure to zoonotic diseases, particularly leptospirosis. Southeast Asia is one of the regions with the highest incidence of leptospirosis in the world. This literature review aims to identify risk factors for leptospirosis among agricultural workers in Southeast Asia. The search for research articles utilized three databases (Google Scholar, PubMed, and ScienceDirect) using a descriptive approach based on literature review and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. A total of 9,800 articles were screened for …

Factors Associated With Stunting Among Children Aged 6 – 59 Months Attending Integrated Health Post (Posyandu) In Selapajang And Kedaung Wetan Villages, Neglasari Sub-District, Tangerang City: A Matched Case-Control Study, Michael Alexander Solang, Joue Abraham Trixie, Gloria Semula, Tiona Simamora, Conny Tanjung

Jurnal Epidemiologi Kesehatan Indonesia

Stunting is a problem in Indonesia. In 2022, Kedaung Wetan and Selapajang Villages in Neglasari sub-district, Tangerang City, were identified as a priority. This study aimed to identify factors associated with stunting among children (6 – 59 months) in these villages. A matched case-control study consisting of 214 children (107 cases and 107 controls) was conducted, with individual matching based on age, sex, and prematurity at birth. Cases were children with height-for-age (H/A) measurement less than -2SD (according to WHO standard), while controls were children with H/A equal to or greater than -2SD. Conditional logistic regression was used for the …

Acute Management Of A Hamate Fracture In A Collegiate Baseball Player: A Disablement Model Case Study, Kayleigh A. De Koker, Cory E. Barton, Lindsey E. Eberman

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

The purpose of this disablement model case study was to outline a collegiate baseball player with an isolated hamate fracture including the injury evaluation, diagnosis, and acute management. During a tournament game, the collegiate career of the patient ended abruptly following an injury sustained while at bat. The patient attempted to bat again but encountered significant difficulty due to the increasing pain in his hand. Consequently, the athletic trainer was called out for an on-field examination. The patient presented with no edema or ecchymosis but severe pain in the hypothenar eminence. This patient also presented with decreased grip strength with …

Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections In An Elite Level Diver: A Disablement Model Case Study, Matt O'Sullivan, Dominique M. Stevens, Lindsey E. Eberman

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

This article presents a case of complicated and recurrent pyelonephritis, an infection of 1 or both kidneys, in an elitelevel diver. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common outpatient infections in the United States; most are uncomplicated and resolve without significant mortality or morbidity. However, UTIs have the potential to present significant clinical challenges if the UTI becomes complicated or recurrent. Additionally, recurrent UTIs can carry a significant burden to both the individual patients and the larger healthcare system. The current paper reviews the epidemiological literature surrounding UTIs, the significant impact they have on a patient’s health-related quality …

Challenges Of Selected Philippine Higher Educational Institutions In Facilitating Extension Services: Application Of The Best-Fit Framework, Kay Guiriba-Losabia, Allan G. Dalo, Calyd T. Cerio

Journal of Public Affairs and Development

This paper deals with a case study that uses the best-fit framework to analyze the challenges faced by the HEIs in facilitating the effective delivery of extension services. Specifically, it seeks to identify the factors that influence the HEI in identifying its thrusts and directions and developing extension programs. It also aims to assess the factors that facilitate and limit the implementation of extension programs. The study used a qualitative case study. Participants in the study include HEI Extension Unit Heads and project or program leaders. Key informant interview, survey, and secondary data review were conducted to collect data. Content …

The Effects Of Ultra-Processed Food Consumption On Cancer Development, Bailey G. Ottmann

Emerging Writers

The dramatic rise in ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption worldwide has sparked growing concerns about its impact on cancer development and human health. UPFs contain high levels of added sugars, unhealthy fats, chemical additives, dyes, and toxic compounds formed during cooking and processing. This study investigates the relationship between UPF consumption and cancer through a review of primary and secondary sources, alongside an observational survey conducted among 15 healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, and nursing educators. Survey findings indicate that 53% of participants observed higher cancer prevalence in patients consuming large amounts of UPFs, with colorectal cancer most frequently reported. The …

Determinants Of Stunting Among Under-Five Children (0–59 Months) In Central Sulawesi Province, Marchell Bamba, Mondastri Korib Sudaryo, Ratna Djuwita, Helwiah Umniyati

Jurnal Epidemiologi Kesehatan Indonesia

Stunting is caused by chronic malnutrition which can be caused by various factors including poverty, poor nutritional intake and maternal health, and inappropriate infant feeding. This study was conducted to determine what factors cause stunting in Central Sulawesi Province. This study was conducted using a cross-sectional observational analysis method using secondary data from the Survei Kesehatan Indonesia (SKI) 2023. The analysis was carried out using logistic regression. The sample used was 2179 respondents. The dependent variable is stunting while the independent variables are age, gender, area of residence, gestational age, provision of PMT, exclusive breastfeeding, maternal occupation, maternal education, and …

The Relationship Between Smartphone Screen Time Duration And Individual Chronotype: A Systematic Literature Review, Diego Sergio Giasia Lumbantobing, Thalia Altamilano Pramudya

Jurnal Epidemiologi Kesehatan Indonesia

The rapid increase in smartphone use over the past decade led to prolonged screen time across age groups, particularly during nighttime hours. Exposure to artificial light and pre-sleep digital activities was associated with circadian rhythm disruption and alterations in individual chronotype. This systematic literature review aimed to synthesize empirical evidence on the relationship between smartphone screen time duration and individual chronotype across all age groups and to identify key moderating factors influencing this association. The review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Literature searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect for studies published between 2015 and 2025. …

Comparative Morphometric Study Of Saanen And Indigenous Goats, In Northern Pakistan, Nadar Khan, Ihsan Uddin, Sohail Khan, Hayat Ullah Khan, Muhammad Suleman

Journal of Bioresource Management

Goats play an essential role in sustaining rural communities in Pakistan by providing milk, meat, and income under diverse production systems. This study compared the morphometric features of exotic Saanen goats with local breeds (Beetal, Kaghani, Gaddi, and non-descriptive) in Swat, northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, to evaluate growth patterns, body structure, and the potential for body weight estimation. A total of 500 animals were sampled from research stations and smallholder farms, with morphometric and qualitative traits recorded following FAO guidelines. Distinct differences among breeds were observed. Beetal goats exhibited the highest body weight (58.2 ± 2.0 kg), chest girth, and body …

Dietary Selenium Supplementation Modulates Proliferative Gene Regulators Through Attenuating Cell Cycle Inhibition On Late G1/S Transition In Pre-Pubertal Goat Testis, Muhammad Awais Soomro, Moolchand Malhi, Tarique Ahmed Khokhar, Faiz Muhammad Khand, Zafar Ali Khoso, Maria Sardar, Muhammad Mohsen Rahimoon, Awais Bin Shahid, Muhammad Anees Memon, Nabi Bux Solangi, Jawed Ali Dhiloo

Journal of Bioresource Management

Selenium (Se) is essential for normal gonadal improvement in prepubertal male goat. Thus hypothesized that dietary Se may influence late G1/S through M-phase gene networks in the testis, thereby advancing pre-pubertal testicular development via attenuation of inhibitory signals and modulation of late G1 cell-cycle regulators. The total of twenty animals, male goats (3 months old) weighing ~11 kg were arbitrarily given to a basal diet (Control; C, n = 10) or the same diet plus Se-yeast (SY; 0.3 mg/kg; n = 10) for 10 weeks. Basal Se concentration in control diet was 0.037 mg/kg (ICP‑OES Optima 2100‑DV, PerkinElmer). Transcript analysis …

Comparative Assessment Of Growth And Morphometric Characteristics In Naked Neck, Rhode Island Red, And Black Australorp Chickens, Naseer Ahmad, Sarzamin Khan, Rafi Ullah, Kamran Khan

Journal of Bioresource Management

This study investigated growth performance and morphometric characteristics in three chicken genotypes namely Naked Neck (NN), Rhode Island Red (RIR), and Black Australorp (BAL). One-hundred and eighty chicks (age, day-old), comprising 60 birds from each genotype, were distributed randomly into three replicates per group, with 20 chicks per replicate, under a completely randomized design. Birds were reared on deep litter for 18 weeks. Hatch weights were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in BAL (30.7 g) and RIR (30.2 g) compared to NN (28.2 g). Body weights showed no significant differences (P > 0.05) from weeks 2 to 4, but BAL and RIR outperformed NN (P < 0.05) from weeks 6 to 10. BAL maintained the highest body weight from weeks 12 to 18 (P < 0.05). Total weight gain (0-18 weeks) was significantly greater in BAL (1567 g), followed by RIR (1491 g) and NN (1219 g). The genotypes had significant effects on both feed intake and feed conversion ratio (FCR; P < 0.05). At 18 weeks of age, FCR was most efficient in BAL (3.53), followed by RIR (3.83), and NN (4.85). Mortality between weeks 4 and 18 was lowest in NN at 1.7 %, compared with 1.81 % in RIR and 1.84 % in BAL. Significant differences (P < 0.05) among genotypes were also observed in morphometric characters such as shank length, keel length, and breast circumference, with BAL generally showing larger measurements. In conclusion, BAL exhibited superior growth, feed efficiency, and morphometric characteristics, while NN demonstrated lower weight gain but better survivability, highlighting genotype-specific advantages for different production goals.

Enterotoxaemia In Goats: Prevalence, Etiology, Risk Factors, And Therapeutic Approaches: A Comprehensive Review, Muhammad Mohsen, Jam Kashif Zaman, Amjad Hussain Mirani, Nazeer Hussain Kalhoro, Benazir Sahito

Journal of Bioresource Management

Enterotoxaemia remains one of the most severe and rapidly fatal diseases affecting goats, mainly caused by Clostridium perfringens types C and D. Despite widespread vaccination practices, the disease continues to produce significant health and economic losses, particularly in intensive and semi-intensive goat production systems. This review summarizes the current understanding of enterotoxaemia, focusing on its etiology, pathogenesis, epidemiology, risk factors, diagnostic approaches, and updated therapeutic and preventive strategies. C. perfringens overgrows in the intestinal lumen under favorable conditions such as sudden dietary changes, high-energy feeding, or stress-related microbial imbalance. The toxins produced especially epsilon and beta induce intestinal necrosis, vascular …

A Comparative Evaluation Of Marinades' Effect On The Physical And Sensory Attributes Of Spent Hen Meat, Rashid Ali Korejo, Atta Hussain Shah, Muneer Ahmed Jamali, Tarique Ahmed Khokhar

Journal of Bioresource Management

The study focused on consumer reluctance to choose spent hen meat, an affordable and underutilized protein source, which is often rejected for its tough texture and reduced acceptability. Therefore, the research aimed to assess the effectiveness of natural marinades in enhancing the physical and sensory qualities of spent hen meat, thereby improving its consumer appeal and market potential. Meat samples were allocated into seven groups: an untreated control and six treatments comprising yogurt, ginger extract, tamarind juice, and honey. Fresh meat exhibited an initial pH of 6.21 and a Water-Holding Capacity (WHC) of 34.84 %, Cooking Loss (CL) of 32.75 …

Status Of Soils In Protected Areas With Different Management Objectives In Lowland Rainforest, Southwest Nigeria, Bolanle Lisa Olajiire-Ajayi, Adeniyi Sulaiman Gbadegesin, Omotosho Ayodele Ogidan

Journal of Bioresource Management

Understanding soil properties is fundamental to sustaining the ecological integrity of protected forest ecosystems. This study examined the influence of two management categories; Strict Nature Reserve (SN) and Natural Park (NP) on soil physicochemical properties within the lowland rainforest of southwestern Nigeria. Fourteen composite soil samples, six from SN and eight from NP, were analyzed for texture, bulk density (BD), pH, organic carbon (OC), total nitrogen (TN), available phosphorus (AP), exchangeable bases (Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, K⁺, Na⁺), and cation exchange capacity (CEC); base saturation (BS) was also determined. Both management categories exhibited sandy loam to loamy sand textures, typical of gneissic …

Dietary Oil From Hermetia Illucens L. Larvae Promotes Weight Gain And Alters Leukocyte Profiles In Mus Musculus L, Rudy Agung Nugroho Ran, Reni Kurniati, Widya Putri Ambar Sari, Reynaldo Imanuel Sompotan, Retno Aryani, Hetty Manurung, Rudianto Rudianto

Makara Journal of Science

The escalating global demand for high-quality animal-derived proteins has driven the search for sustainable alternatives. Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL; Hermetia illucens L.) oil presents a promising option, by addressing organic waste management while providing nutrient-rich feed. This study evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation with BSFL oil on growth performance, hematological characteristics, and blood lipid profiles in mice (Mus musculus). Male mice were randomly assigned to five groups (n = 5): positive control (fish oil, 5 mL/kg body weight [BW]), negative control (Aquadest, 5 mL/kg BW), and three treatment groups receiving BSFL oil at 2.5, 5, and …

Assessment Of Fecal Indicator Bacteria And Vendors' Handling Practices For Safety Of Salads And Raw Leafy Vegetables In Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, Gloria B. Mrisho, Thomas J. Lyimo, Godwill D. Mrema

Tanzania Journal of Science

Fresh leafy vegetables have gained popularity in Tanzanian cities due to their nutritional benefits and increased promotion by health practitioners. Assessment of their microbiological quality and safety is essential for determination of associated health risks. This study enumerated Fecal Indicator Bacteria (FIB) for determination of microbiological quality and safety of fresh leafy vegetable salads sold by street vendors and raw leafy vegetables obtained from Sinza market in Dar es Salaam. Handling practices, awareness and consumer satisfaction on the safety of leafy vegetable salads was also assessed among salad street vendors and consumers. Samples were collected from four stations and analyzed …

Preparation Of Semi-Hard Cacciota Cheese From Local Milk And Analysis Of Its Physicochemical And Microbiological Properties, Shahnoza U. Yuldasheva, Dilshod P. Rakhimov, Dilrabo Q. Maksumova, Shahlo I. Akhmedova, Asaloy U. Narimonova

CHEMISTRY AND CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

Including cheese products in daily diet will give tangible results, enriching body with nutrients rich in high-quality proteins. The aim of the research is to create an Italian semi-hard cheese, caciotta, from local cow's milk. In the experiment, pepsin of the CHY-MAX® Powder Plus NB brand was used. The resulting product contained 1.46 mg/kg zinc (Zn), which is approximately 34 times lower than the permissible limit (50 mg/kg), which is considered a high quality indicator. From a biological safety point of view, no aflatoxin M1 was detected in the cheese (0.0 mg/kg), indicating the absence of mycotoxin contamination of cow's …

Effect Of Variety And Seaweed Extract Spray In The Content Of Some Medically Active Phenolic Compounds In Grape Fruits, Ali Ahmed Hussein Almyali, Salim Kadhim, Ali S. Hassoon, Ameer Al Fatlawy

Al-Bahir

Grape (Vitis vinifera L.) is one of the most economically significant fruit crops which has a large adaptive range, nutrition and medicine effect. A variety of 70 types of grapes are planted on more than 11.6 million plants in Iraq, generating a total annual output of more than 421,000 tons. Increasing grape quality, and particularly the phenolic composition recently has been of major interest. Leaf nutrition – particularly seaweed extracts, being rich in amino acids, trace elements and growth promoting substances – has proved to be a potential tool to enhance plant growth and fruit biochemical quality. The …

3'Utr Mapping Reveals Alternative Polyadenylation In Right Ventricular Failure, Rahul Neupane, Kartiga Natarajan, Erik E Suarez, Henry J Pownall, Kai-Lieh Huang, Eric J Wagner, Ajay Kumar Verma, Rambabu Majji, Hari Krishna Yalamanchili, Ashrith Guha, Rajarajan A Thandavarayan

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

No abstract provided.

Assessing The Impact Of Lampenflora Growth On Invertebrate Distribution And Food Resource Use In Ryusen-Do Cave, Japan, Kazuhide Nakajima, Kanato Ando, Shuji Watanabe, Masuo Komukai

International Journal of Speleology

Subterranean spaces, such as caves with openings to the surface, represent unique environments characterized by limited resources derived from photosynthetic primary production. Consequently, organic inputs from organisms inhabiting above- and belowground habitats, such as bats, play a crucial role in maintaining cave ecosystems. However, in show caves converted into tourist attractions, environmental changes have progressed without sufficient ecological assessment. One important factor is the impact of photosynthetic organisms colonizing around artificial lights, known as lampenflora, on cave ecosystems. Lampenflora growth may influence invertebrate distribution and resource use; however, its impact on both aspects has been poorly evaluated. In this study, …

Variable Responses To Surface Washing Methods Used On Euplatypus Compositus (Curculionidae: Platypodinae) Prior To Fungal Isolation, Connor Biser, Jiri Hulcr, Miranda Barnes, Seth Bybee

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2026

Ambrosia beetles (Platypodinae and Scolytinae) are a group of weevils that burrow into the xylem of trees and inoculate symbiotic fungi. These fungi grow in the walls of their galleries and serves as the beetles’ food source.1 [Fig. 1] This system of symbiotic interaction is highly convergent, and some beetles carry plant pathogens.2 Understanding the community of fungi associated with ambrosia beetles can help us assess forest risks and describe evolutionary patterns. When isolating fungi from beetles, researchers often include a preliminary surface washing step to limit superficial contaminants from the surface of the beetle. There have been no comparisons …

Rapid Kitchen Compost As A Growing Media, Rebecca Kerr, Shannon V. Nelson, Bryan G. Hopkins

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2026

ReencleTM composters decompose most food waste within 24 hours (~90% reduction).

Compost can be an excellent source of nutrients for plants and improve soil structure and water retention.

Objective: Determine the effectiveness of kitchen compost as a soil amendment for growing lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), and Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.).

Iron Nutrition In Hydroponically Grown Quinoa, Ezra A. Larsen, Daniel L. Lamb, Shannon V. Nelson, Geneva M. Bell, Bryan G. Hopkins

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2026

• Iron (Fe) deficiency is a global health challenge
• Fe is an essential plant nutrient and limiting factor for many food crops
• Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.), a nutrient dense pseudocereal, is of growing importance for food security
• Quinoa is often grown in alkaline soil, where Fe is particularly limiting
• An improved understanding of how Fe affects quinoa growth could improve yields and help increase dietary iron intake

Genome Wide Association Study (Gwas) On Different Economic Traits And Epigenetic Stability Of Sweetpotato In Louisiana, Ajay Dhungana

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Sweetpotato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam] is a globally important food, feed, and industrial crop, yet its improvement is constrained by a complex hexaploid genome, clonal propagation, and susceptibility to multiple diseases. In Louisiana, production is threatened primarily by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. batatas (Fusarium wilt) and Ceratocystis fimbriata (Black rot). Furthermore, the in vitro propagation methods essential for disease-free planting material and germplasm conservation can introduce epigenetic instability that undermines clonal fidelity. This dissertation integrates genome-wide association studies (GWAS), genotype by environment interaction (GEI) and DNA methylation profiling to dissect resistance mechanisms and assess epigenetic stability in Louisiana sweetpotato …