The serious pest of sweet potato whose larvae destroy the foliage is the leaf miner. Leaf miners are small insects whose larvae tunnel inside the leaves, creating distinctive winding trails or "mines" as they feed. The damage caused by leaf miners can reduce the plant's ability to produce food through photosynthesis and weaken the plant's overall health, potentially reducing the yield of sweet potato tubers. Leaf miners can be controlled through a variety of methods, such as using insecticides, introducing natural predators, or practicing cultural control measures like removing infested leaves or planting resistant varieties. Early detection and proper management are important for preventing severe infestations and minimizing crop losses.