What is on my sweet potato leaves - Ask Extension
My sweet potato leaves have developed this spotty white appearance. I have noticed some aphids. Can you tell me what this is? Are the leaves safe to e...
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What is on my sweet potato leaves #887404
Asked October 07, 2024, 5:30 PM EDT
My sweet potato leaves have developed this spotty white appearance. I have noticed some aphids. Can you tell me what this is? Are the leaves safe to eat still?
Fort Bend County Texas
Expert Response
Hi, I see my question is closed but I don't see a reply.
Howdy!
The URL attached below gives a full list of insect pests on sweet potato. I might suggest this is beyond that list and may be damage caused by spider mites, as mites are not true insects (mites have eight legs, insects have 6).
Sweet Potato Insect Pest Management (IPM)
The response is the same though. To protect the crop in the field you can simply spray insecticidal soap on the plant, focusing the spray to the undersides of the leaves where the pests are feeding.
As for safety to eat, simply wash off the foliage focusing on the underside of the leaves, spin to dry prior to eating fresh, or if cooked, you're good to go.
Hope this helps. If you need further information on this or future horticultural topics, reach out to the Fort Bend Master Gardener Helpdesk at Contact Us - Fort Bend County Master Gardeners
Take care out there,
Boone
The URL attached below gives a full list of insect pests on sweet potato. I might suggest this is beyond that list and may be damage caused by spider mites, as mites are not true insects (mites have eight legs, insects have 6).
Sweet Potato Insect Pest Management (IPM)
The response is the same though. To protect the crop in the field you can simply spray insecticidal soap on the plant, focusing the spray to the undersides of the leaves where the pests are feeding.
As for safety to eat, simply wash off the foliage focusing on the underside of the leaves, spin to dry prior to eating fresh, or if cooked, you're good to go.
Hope this helps. If you need further information on this or future horticultural topics, reach out to the Fort Bend Master Gardener Helpdesk at Contact Us - Fort Bend County Master Gardeners
Take care out there,
Boone
