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Pacific Pests, Pathogens & Weeds - Mini Fact Sheet Edition

Sweetpotato leaf folder (028)

Photo 1. An unfolded leaf showing a caterpillar of Psara hipponalis which has made "windows" in the leaf by eating all but the waxy layer.

Photo 2. Folded leaves and holes made in sweetpotato leaves by Psara hipponalis.

Photo 3. Adult Psara hipponalis.

Summary

Widespread distribution. Asia, Africa, Oceania. On sweetpotato, the main host, but also on weeds. An important pest.
Eggs laid on upper leaf surface; caterpillars, green with brown heads, fold the leaves, fastening edges with webbing. At first, they make 'windows' in the leaf; later, they make holes. Impact on yield unclear.
Natural enemies: parasitoid wasps.
Cultural control: plant far from infested crops, using healthy cuttings; weed, and remove 'volunteers' and wild Ipomoea; collect and burn trash after harvest.
Chemical control: PDPs: neem, derris, pyrethrum, or chilli; biopesticides - spinosad and Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis); or synthetic pyrethroids, but these will kill natural enemies.

Common Name

Sweetpotato leaf folder, green leaf folder

Scientific Name

Psara hipponalis; previously, Herpetogramma hipponalis

AUTHORS Helen Tsatsia & Grahame Jackson
Photo 3 Paul Hebert, BIO/CSIRO, Biodiversity Institute of Ontario.

Produced with support from the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research under project PC/2010/090: Strengthening integrated crop management research in the Pacific Islands in support of sustainable intensification of high-value crop production, implemented by the University of Queensland and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community.

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