|
|
Class |
Arachnida |
|
Order |
Acari |
|
Family |
Eriophyidae |
Seldom a serious
problem. Research suggests that yields may be reduced.
East Africa,
United States.
The mites are minute in size, rather worm-like, and possess only two pairs of
anterior legs.
Sweetpotato vines and leaves become excessively hairy, beginning at the shoot
tip. Young expanding leaves may become distorted or puckered.
Erinose is more pronounced at lower altitude where the climate is hot and
dry.
The mites are free-living on the plants.
Hairy vine tips are easily spotted in the field. The mites themselves are
extremely difficult to see in the field, even with magnifying lenses.
Control measures are seldom necessary. Control is through selection of
symptom-free planting material and good field sanitation. In the case of a
serious outbreak this might not be effective enough, because mite populations
can build up rapidly.
Ames, T., Smit,
N.E.J.M., Braun, A.R., O’Sullivan, J.N., and Skoglund, L.G. 1996. Sweetpotato:
Major pests diseases, and nutritional disorders. International Potato Center
(CIP). Lima, Perú. 152 p.
Sheffield, F.M.L., 1954. Erinose of sweetpotato. Empire J. Exp. Agric. 22:
97-102.
Contributed by: Nicole
E.J.M. Smit |
