What's eating my xanthosoma brasiliense?

Xanthosoma brasiliense (belembe / Indian kale), grown as an edible tropical green, is attacked by aphids and caterpillars that damage the edible leaves, slugs that rasp holes in young foliage, and spider mites in drier conditions. Because the leaves are harvested and eaten, favour low-residue controls — neem oil, Bt, and physical barriers — and observe pre-harvest intervals.

Colonies on undersides of leaves and on petioles; honeydew residue makes foliage sticky and promotes mould on edible portions. Rinse foliage with strong water spray; apply diluted neem oil or insecticidal soap; wash leaves thoroughly before eating.

Irregular holes across leaf blades from Spodoptera or other nocturnal feeders; frass visible near feeding sites. Hand-pick larvae; spray Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) on young caterpillars. Safe for edible crops — observe label harvest interval.

Ragged holes in young leaves at soil level; silvery slime trails, most evident after rain. Use ferric phosphate pellets (safe around edibles and pets); hand-pick at night; mulch with rough bark to deter movement.

Fine speckling and bronzing on leaf surfaces; webbing on undersides during dry, warm spells. Spray undersides with water regularly; apply neem oil. Wash harvested leaves before consumption.