cylas formicarius (sweet potato weevil) lure

The Pest
Cylas formicarius (Sweet Potato Weevil) is considered the most serious pest of the sweet potato. Weevil infestation ranges from 20 to 50% on many farms and can even reach to 100%.

The Damage
The adult sweet potato weevils feed on the tender buds, leaves, vines and storage roots while the larvae, the most destructive stage, feed and tunnel into the mature stems and storage roots. 
The damage leads to thickening, drying and cracking of the stems and to secondary infection by bacteria and fungi. 

The Detection
Detection of infestation is difficult as adults are most active by night. Early detection can be done by checking the base of the plant for feeding punctures and exit holes. 

The Cylas Formicarius Lure
It is used in traps, which are positioned at intervals throughout the crop, and has proven to be very effective in attracting male weevils in the field. The traps potentially provide a chemical control measure which does not harm beneficial insects, and leaves no residue on the crop.

10 Cylas Formicarius Lure traps are required per acre of land.