- Worldwide distribution. In tropics and sub-tropics. Root decay (red and black patches when split); weak bunches; and 'toppling'. Many crops and weeds. A important pest.
- Eggs are laid in roots or in soil nearby; larvae and adults tunnel through roots using a hollow spear to suck cell contents, and kill the roots.
- Spread is in ground water, and infested suckers.
- Cultural control: use non-host break crop (e.g., cassava, sweetpotato or a ground legume); before planting suckers: (i) remove soil and roots, inspect, cut out corm rots with knife wiped with bleach; (ii) treat with hot water - 53°C for 20 min.
- Chemical control: not recommended.
