Author
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Bruck, Denny |
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Submitted to: American Nurseryman
Publication Type: Trade Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 2/23/2004 Publication Date: 3/15/2004 Citation: Bruck, D.J. 2004. Stopping weevil deeds. American Nurseryman. V 199(6)p.43. Interpretive Summary: The black vine weevil, Otiorhynchus sulcatus, is a serious pest of container-grown ornamental plants. Shipments of nursery plants infested with larvae or adults are refused costing the nursery industry time and money. The first steps to a successful black vine weevil management program are identification of the larval and adult stage as well as accurate monitoring for weevil presence in the nursery and surrounding areas. Current black vine weevil management options include 1) host plant resistance, 2) conventional insecticides targeted against adults, 3) conventional insecticides targeted against larvae, 4) adult exclusion and 5) biological control agents targeted against larvae. There is a long history of chemical insecticide applications targeted against larvae and adults. Proper use of chemical insecticides can be a successful tool for managing black vine weevil but can result in secondary pest outbreaks, limit access to plants because of reentry intervals and cause potential harm to the environment. Not so familiar approaches for black vine weevil management are the use of proper cultural control measures as well as the use of biological control agents. Biological control agents currently available for black vine weevil larval control include several species of insect parasitic nematodes as well as an insect infecting fungus. Biological control, when combined with effective cultural practices and pest monitoring, can be an effective approach for managing black vine weevil. Technical Abstract: The black vine weevil, Otiorhynchus sulcatus, is a serious pest of container-grown ornamental plants. Shipments of nursery plants infested with larvae or adults are refused costing the nursery industry time and money. The first steps to a successful black vine weevil management program are identification of the larval and adult stage as well as accurate monitoring for weevil presence in the nursery and surrounding areas. Current black vine weevil management options include 1) host plant resistance, 2) conventional insecticides targeted against adults, 3) conventional insecticides targeted against larvae, 4) adult exclusion and 5) biological control agents targeted against larvae. There is a long history of chemical insecticide applications targeted against larvae and adults. Proper use of chemical insecticides can be a successful tool for managing black vine weevil but can result in secondary pest outbreaks, limit access to plants because of reentry intervals and cause potential harm to the environment. Not so familiar approaches for black vine weevil management are the use of proper cultural control measures as well as the use of biological control agents. Biological control agents currently available for black vine weevil larval control include several species of entomopathogenic nematodes (Steinernema feltiae, Steinernema carpocapsae, Heterorhabditis marelatus, Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, Heterorhabditis megidis) and the fungus (Metarhizium anisopliae). Biological control, when combined with effective cultural practices and pest monitoring, can be an effective approach for managing black vine weevil. |
