Location: Fruit and Tree Nut Research
Title: Organic Approaches to Pecan Pest Management: Pecan WeevilAuthor
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Submitted to: Pecan South
Publication Type: Trade Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 4/16/2021 Publication Date: 2/1/2021 Citation: Shapiro Ilan, D.I. 2021. Organic Approaches to Pecan Pest Management: Pecan Weevil. Pecan South. 53 (12)/30-35. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: Pecan weevil (Curculio caryae) is a major pest of pecan. Primarily, the insect is controlled by chemical insecticides. However, due to environmental and regulatory concerns, alternative methods are attractive. In this article non-chemical (organic )methods of pecan weevil control are described. Grandevo®, a bio-insecticide based on the bacterium Chromobacterium subtsugae, has produced high levels of control when sprayed to the pecan canopy. Grandevo at 3 pounds per acre has been reported to provide similar levels of pecan weevil control compared with recommended chemical insecticides. Grandevo applied at 2 pounds per acre has also exhibited of high levels of efficacy in reducing pecan weevil damage. Other organic methods to control pecan weevil include the application of entomopathogenic (beneficial) nematodes and fungi. These agents are applied to the soil to kill soil-dwelling stages of the weevil. Research indicates that control of pecan weevil using organic methods is feasible and efficacy can be similar to the use of chemical insecticides. |
