Sweetpotato is an important food crop since it is drought tolerant. However, its production is limited by viral, fungal and bacterial infections. Use of synthetic chemicals to manage such infections has not been effective because of pathogenic resistance, potential danger to both humans and environment, and the cost involved. In order to fully exploit the potential of the sweetpotato crop, there is need for rapid and sensitive virus detection techniques and affordable, readily available, sustainable, and environmentally friendly means of managing the infections.