In The Grow
By B. Rosie Lerner Purdue Extension Consumer Horticulturist

Q. Every year something eats on our sweet potatoes. Do you know what eats on them, and if there is anything we can do to prevent it?

A. You didn't mention whether it is the foliage or the root or both that is being eaten. Wireworms are the chief suspects if the damage is primarily on the roots. Wireworms are more likely to infest new gardens that were previously in turf grass or had many grassy weeds. But rodents, grubs, flea beetles and even cucumber beetle larvae are also possibilities. The control/prevention of damage depends on correctly identifying the pest. If the problem continues this year, bring some specimens to the Purdue Extension office in your county to see if they can help diagnose the problem. You'll find contact information for all 92 Purdue Extension county offices at http://www.ces.purdue.edu/c ounties.html.