Pacific Pests, Pathogens and Weeds

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Summary

• Narrow distribution. In parts of Oceania. On sweetpotato, kangkong, and other Ipomoea species. 
• Eggs on underside of leaves, grubs feed on roots, and after pupation, adults (6 mm) emerge. If many, swarms may occur.
• Holes made in the leaves as the beetles feed. Young plants slow to grow, but effect on yield unknown. •
• Cultural control: do not plant new crops next to old infested ones; apply mulches, manures, fertilizer, water for rapid early growth; handpick early in day; collect and burn trash after harvest.
• Chemical control: PDPs: ash (or ash+lime in water), derris, pyrethrum, or chilli; or synthetic pyrethroids.