154 



The Sweet Potato 



Figure 23. — Corner of a va- 

 cant lot in Florida showing mat 

 of wild sweet potato vines badly 

 infested with the sweet potato 

 weevil. 



It is not advisable that potatoes be planted to the 

 same land two years in succession. The crop for this 



year should be put as far 

 as possible from last 

 year's field. When the 

 seed-bed is used, it is ad- 

 vised that the young 

 plants be sprayed once or 

 twice with arsenate of 

 lead, 4 pounds to 50 gal- 

 lons of water. Time 

 may be saved by dipping 

 the plants as they are 

 pulled from the draw-bed. Some of the weevils while 

 feeding on the young plants will be killed. This will 

 effect a partial control in the field. 



So far as is known, no variety of potatoes is immune 

 from the attack, although sweeter yellow varieties 

 known in the South as yams are preferred, the Nancy 

 Hall variety being one of the favorites. 



It is especially advised in order to eradicate this in- 

 sect from the farm that no seed potato bed be put out, 

 but that plants be bought from some reliable dealer 

 or firm that have had their plants inspected and tagged 

 by a state official, certifying that they are free from all 

 insect pests or plant diseases. 



In the spring, as soon as the main stock of edible 

 potatoes has been disposed of, the old store-house or 

 bin should be cleaned up thoroughly. In this way sev- 

 eral weeks should elapse between the. date of cleaning up 

 (and that of setting out new plants. If any adulti 

 weevils should be left, it is believed that they will be 

 starved before this new food supply is brought in. 



