IPM of Sweetpotato Weevil, Introduction

Introduction
IPM of Sweetpotato Weevil

	Hundreds of different insects attack sweet potato, but the most destructive is the sweetpotato weevil. The weevil lays eggs in storage roots and old vines. These eggs hatch into hungry grubs that destroy the crop. There are three major species of sweetpotato weevil. All are tiny (5-8 mm) insects with a long snout. They are difficult to see in the field and rarely fly.
	The most damaging species is Cylas formicarius. It is found throughout the tropics, and especially in Asia where over 80% of the world's sweet potato is produced.
	A closely related species is the African sweetpotato weevil (Cylas puncticollis). It is found only in sub-Saharan Africa.
	The West Indian sweetpotato weevil (Euscepis postfasciatus) is found in the Caribbean and several island countries in the Pacific. All three species have similar life cycles and can be controlled in the same manner. Let's learn about their life cycles ....