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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Byron, Georgia » Fruit and Tree Nut Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #321585
Title: Organic methods for control of pecan weevil: Results of the first year's field trials

Author
item Shapiro Ilan, David
item Cottrell, Ted
item MIZELL, RUSSELL - University Of Florida

Submitted to: Pecan Grower
Publication Type: Trade Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/16/2015
Publication Date: 10/15/2015
Citation: Shapiro Ilan, D.I., Cottrell, T.E., Mizell, R.F. 2015. Organic methods for control of pecan weevil: Results of the first year's field trials. Pecan Grower. 24 (5), 26-30.

Interpretive Summary: The pecan weevil is a major pest of pecans. Current methods of control focus on the use of chemical insecticides. To foster organic farming in pecan orchards, new methods of insect pest control must be elucidated. Integrated organic tactics for control of pecan weevil were investigated in large field plot tests. Results from the first year field trials indicated that organic tactics for pecan weevil control including beneficial nematodes, fungi and bacteria show great promise. Particularly, the relatively new organic product (Grandevo®) based on the bacterium, Chromobacterium subtsugae reduced pecan weevil infestations akin to the use of chemical insecticides (carbaryl and bifenthrin). In other large plots tests, a combined pest management regime of Grandevo® along with entomopathogenic fungi (Beauveria bassiana; Mycotrol®O) and beneficial nematodes (Steinernema carpocapsae) caused lower pecan weevil infestation levels compared with a non-treated control. These organic pest control tactics are safe to humans and the environment. Experiments are being repeated this year and results will be available next spring.

Technical Abstract: Integrated organic tactics for control of pecan weevil were investigated in large field plot tests. The experiment was conducted at two locations: USDA-ARS Research Lab in Byron, GA and Cleveland farms in Fort Valley, GA. Results from the first year field trials indicated that organic tactics for pecan weevil control including entomopathogenic nematodes, fungi and bacteria show great promise. Particularly, the relatively new organic product (Grandevo®) based on the bacterium, Chromobacterium subtsugae reduced pecan weevil infestations akin to the use of chemical insecticides (carbaryl and bifenthrin). In other large plots tests, a combined pest management regime of C. subtsugae along with entomopathogenic fungi (Beauveria bassiana; Mycotrol®O) and beneficial nematodes (Steinernema carpocapsae) caused lower pecan weevil infestation levels compared with a non-treated control. Experiments are being repeated this year and results will be available next spring.