Development of weevil populations on sweet potatoes in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

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Abstract
Nine sweet potato cultivars were grown on St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands and assessed for development of weevil populations. Of the two species present, Cylas formicarius elegantulus (Summers) was more numerous than Euscepes postfasclatus (Fairmaire) (94%). All cultivars were infested soon after planting and populations became large enough to reduce yields. Ratios of the two species varied depending upon cultivar. Differences were observed in susceptibility among cultivars and were identified as escape, tolerance and nonpreference. In conjunction with other control strategies, sweet potato varieties that are less susceptible to weevil infestations will be useful in managing weevil populations in the tropics.