While sweet potato vines have few pest problems, rodents rank as one of the most serious pests in a sweet potato patch. The animals often burrow near the roots, chew on the plants and cause general havoc.
What animals will eat sweet potato vines?
Voles (Microtus spp.), ground squirrels (Spermophilus beecheyi), and gophers (Thomomys spp.) have a common taste for sweet potato vines. Voles look similar to mice and are about 6 inches long. Their damage is concentrated near to the ground. They also will dig up to 10 inches below the soil surface.
What is eating my sweet potato vine leaves?
Holes in the leaves of morning glory and sweet potato vine may be the first clue your plants are infested with goldbug. This 5 to 7 mm long bright gold beetle is also known as the golden tortoise beetle. Both the adult and larvae feed on the leaves of all members of the morning glory family.
Can animals eat potato vines?
Cattle, sheep or pigs that dine on a nearby potato patch can become extremely sick and may die. Potato vines contain a glycoalkaloid called solanine that may be toxic to livestock, said Alex Pavlista, potato specialist at the University of Nebraska's Panhandle Research and Extension Center here.
What eats the tops of potato plants?
Several leaf-eating worms -- which are typically the larval stage of moths and butterflies -- will feed on potato plants, leaving the top portion looking as if something has bitten it. Cutworms and armyworms, for example, are two such leaf-eating caterpillars measuring about 2 inches long that can infest your garden.
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