ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the major known insect problems of sweet potato that occur in tropical and temperate regions of the world. The insects are listed alphabetically by order and genus. Research in the breeding of sweet potatoes has resulted in the development of insect-resistant lines and cultivars. Additional advantages of plant resistance are its compatibility with biological, chemical, and cultural insect control methods. The most efficient method to propagate sweet potatoes is through the use of plant beds. Roots should be thoroughly covered with insecticide and the insecticide should extend to both sides of the bed in order for it to be well mixed with the soil used to cover the roots. Pest management programs must be as thorough as possible, concentrating on insecticide usage, crop rotation, sanitation, and the use of the available resistant lines and cultivars. In the United States they are widely distributed pests but usually cause little loss of production.
