Ruined Sweet Potatoes

[sotrhRaven]

[img]https://i857.photobucket.com/albums/ab138/sotrhRaven/2010-09-24110957.jpg[/img]

Any Idea what did this to our sweet potatoes. Ruined our whole harvest.

Ben

[engineeredgarden]

Ben - I'd guess you have wireworm damage, due to the picture. Wireworms are the larvae of click beetles, and really are attracted to potatoes and corn.

EG

[DoubleDogFarm]

Take a look at this site, it may help.

https://www.clemson.edu/extension/hgic/pests/plant_pests/veg_fruit/hgic2215.html


Eric

[sotrhRaven]

Now my question is can you still eat the damaged potatoes?

Ben

[engineeredgarden]

yes, just cut off the damaged area....

[applestar]

Yep. Had the same problem last year. found a good few wireworms while digging for the potatoes too. ... And I used to LIKE click beetles -- thought they were FUN They are now viewed as bird food -- cut and serve.

When the damage is only to the narrow end of the potato, you can cut that off and still store the potato as long as the cut end is dried. I think a bit of horticultural/agricultural diatomaceous earth (NOT pool filter grade) helps to dry and to prevent bugs infesting the cut end.

With damaged larger portions or cut up pieces that you can't/won't eat right away, I think it's best to cook and freeze.

[garden5]

Man, that's too bad. I agree with what the others have said about cutting the bad spots out.

Here are some resources on managing wireworms:

[url=https://ipm.illinois.edu/fieldcrops/insects/wireworm/index.html]Integrated Pest Management: Wireworms[/url]

[url=https://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/r607300111.html]University of California; IPM: Wireworms[/url]

[url=https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/pubs/plantsci/pests/e188-2.htm]Wireworm Management in North Dakota[/url]