Pacific Pests, Pathogens & Weeds - Mini Fact Sheet EditionSweetpotato tortoise beetle (054)
Pacific Pests, Pathogens & Weeds - Mini Fact Sheet EditionSweetpotato tortoise beetle (054)
Summary
- Widespread distribution. Asia and Oceania. On sweetpotato and others in morning glory family.
- Eggs laid singly on leaves; larvae with 'anal fork' of previous skins and faeces; pupate on leaves; adults (5 mm) round, golden, with broad wing margins.
- Holes made in leaves as beetles feed. Effect on root yield is unknown, but unlikely to be high.
- Natural enemies: parasitic wasp and predators.
- Cultural control: do not plant new crops next to old; apply mulches, manures, fertilizers, water for rapid early growth; weed; collect/burn trash after harvest.
- Chemical control: PDPs: ash (or ash plus lime in water), derris, pyrethrum, or chilli; or synthetic pyrethroids, but likely to kill natural enemies.
Common Name
Sweetpotato tortoise beetle
Scientific Name
Cassida and Aspidimorpha species.
AUTHORS Helen Tsatsia & Grahame Jackson
Photo 2 Graham Teakle, Canberra. Information from Chris Reid, Australian Museum, Sydney. Photo 6 Mani Mua
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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