Feeding Behavior of Sweet Potato Weevil, Cylas formicarius (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Brentidae) on Three Sweet Potato, Ipomoea batatas L. Cultivars Grown in Tarlac, Philippines

Authors

Jerah Mystica Novenario, College of Agriculture Systems and Technology Pampanga State Agricultural University, PAC, Magalang, Pampanga 2011 PhilippinesFollow
Flor Ceballo-Alcantara, Institute of Weed Science, Entomology and Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture and Food Science, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna

Publication Date

3-1-2024

Abstract

Sweet potato is grown in tropical countries for its edible tubers, which have become an essential food source. It is usually propagated through vine-cutting, which can be obtained from harvested plants or nurseries intended for cutting production only. The recurrent use of vines may cause increased weevil infestation. The crop is known to be infested with insect pests. More importantly, the sweet potato weevil, Cylas formicarius, targets the tubers, thus, causing the economic losses. Sweet potato farmers in Tarlac claim that only one sweet potato cultivar is being attacked by C. formicarius, however, it was found in this experiment that the feeding and feeding behavior of the weevil were not affected by the cultivar provided, such that there is no significant differences observed in the average amount of tubers consumed by both male and female feeding time and degree of damage.

Recommended Citation

Novenario, Jerah Mystica and Ceballo-Alcantara, Flor (2024) "Feeding Behavior of Sweet Potato Weevil, Cylas formicarius (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Brentidae) on Three Sweet Potato, Ipomoea batatas L. Cultivars Grown in Tarlac, Philippines," The Philippine Agricultural Scientist: Vol. 107: No. 1, Article 8.
Available at: https://www.ukdr.uplb.edu.ph/pas/vol107/iss1/8