When growing sweet potato, what is a serious insect pest?
A. – A beetle called the Sweet Potato Weevil. It is about 1/4 inch in length, slender and resembles an ant. It feeds on the plant’s leaves, stems and roots, and creates cavities for depositing its eggs. Its larvae hatch and then continue to eat (destroy) the crop. A non-chemical way to get rid of this pest is to starve it by removing the crop (and any from the Morningglory family), and not replacing it in the same soil and location for about a year. Q. – Where can I get more information on growing sweet potatoes? A. – Click here for some basic information outlined by Dr. George Washington Carver. Q. – How about growing or buying sweet potatoes in colder climates like Canada or the northeastern/northwestern United States? Where can I find information? A. – Canadian author, Ken Allan – “Growing Sweet Potatoes in the Home Garden,” has written extensively on this subject. Click here to learn more about his work, and how to order his book. Also, you’ll find sources for buying seeds, slips (
