Sweet potato weevils, also known as sweet potato ant tusks, are a serious pest that affects sweet potato crops. In Guangdong, they are commonly referred to as "sand locusts" or "sand worms." These pests cause significant damage, especially during the middle and late growth stages of sweet potatoes cultivated on dry slopes. On average, infestations can lead to a 10% to 15% loss, while in severe cases, up to 40% to 50% of the crop may be affected.
To manage this pest, farmers can implement crop rotation strategies such as rice-sweet potato, vegetable-sweet potato, peanut-sweet potato, or sweet potato-corn rotations. These practices help reduce the population of field pests over time. During the mid to late growth stages, regular soil cultivation and filling of cracks around the roots can prevent weevils from entering through small openings. Maintaining proper moisture levels in the soil is also important, as it can inhibit weevil breeding. Infected or damaged tubers should be removed and burned outside the field to prevent further spread.
For chemical control, bait trapping and pesticide spraying are effective methods. A solution of 40% Dimethoate EC or 90% crystal trichlorfon diluted at a ratio of 500 times can be used to soak sweet potato slices for 12 to 20 hours. After drying, these treated slices can be placed into small holes dug in the field, covered with straw, and left as traps. Approximately 50 to 60 traps per mu (about 667 square meters) should be set, and the bait should be replaced every 5 to 7 days to capture adult weevils. Additionally, during the middle and late growth stages, spraying the fields with 800 to 1000 times diluted 90% crystal trichlorfon can help suppress weevil infestations effectively.
By combining cultural, mechanical, and chemical control methods, farmers can significantly reduce the impact of sweet potato weevils and protect their harvest.
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