The most destructive pest faced by sweet potato growers in the warmer areas of South Africa is the sweet potato weevil (Cylas spp), of which there are two species in the country.
This is one pest you don’t want on your farm.
The adult beetle is metallic black or deep blue, 5mm to 6mm long, slender, and with a prominent snout. It is not that noticeable until you harvest the tubers; an infestation results in holes and tunnels in the flesh, and renders the vegetable unmarketable. Even a light infestation makes the tuber bitter and almost inedible.
The adult beetle is very wary and will drop to the ground when you approach. If you see leaves with holes in them, check for any signs that the roots have been infected.
The adult female lays up to 250 eggs in the lower part of the runners near where they emerge from the roots, or directly into the roots if these are exposed.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der May 03, 2019-Ausgabe von Farmer's Weekly.
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Diese Geschichte stammt aus der May 03, 2019-Ausgabe von Farmer's Weekly.
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