Widespread distribution. South and Southeast Asia, Oceania. On sweetpotato and weeds in Ipomoea (morning glory) family. Probably reduces yield, but not known).
Eggs laid in the galls, nymphs hatch, later becoming wormlike, white, cylindrical, tapering adults.
Irregular growths (the galls) on the stems, leaves and leaf stalks, varying from 2-10 mm long and 1-5 mm wide. A microscope is needed to see the mites.
Spread occurs on cutting used for planting.
Cultural control: use only gall-free cuttings; cut off any vines with galls; weed; destroy volunteer sweetpotatoes; collect vines after harvest and burn.
Chemical control: no trials reported; try abamectin.