Crops Affected: Sweet potatoes and yams

States Affected: TX, NC, SC, GA, FL, LA, MS, AL, HI

Life Cycle: Females deposit eggs singly in cavities she creates and then seals in the root or stem, making eggs difficult to observe. The newly hatched larvae burrow directly into the tuber or stem. Older larvae will also tunnel through vines. Adults and larvae are active throughout the winter, although they will take shelter and become inactive in unfavorable weather. There are five to eight overlapping generations per year, with each life cycle requiring one to two months depending on temperatures. Generations are indistinct and all stages can be found throughout the year.

Damage: Larvae create winding tunnels filled with frass. Unless the infestation is heavy, damage may not be apparent until harvest. Infested tubers are sponge-like, riddled with holes, and dark in color. Even low levels of feeding cause the tubers to become bitter. In heavy infestations, vines may become yellowed, cracked, and collapsed. Damage of vines and tubers may lead to infection by soil-borne pathogens.

Season to Trap: Year round

How To Use: Hang trap with lure inside at shoulder height near at risk or affected crops. Replace lures every 30 days through the season. Fill the bottom of the funnel trap with a few inches of soapy water. Adult males are attracted to the pheromones in the lure and the color of the trap. Once they land in the liquid inside the trap, they get stuck and die, never to mate or lay eggs again.

Additional IPM Solutions: Avoid practices that destroy or disrupt native beneficial insects and nematodes. Field sanitation and crop rotation can help to prevent or limit infestations.