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Alfalfa weevil damage generally
occurs in spring to the first crop of alfalfa, but regrowth of
the second crop can be affected by feeding on stubble. Alfalfa
weevil feeding can cause reductions in yield, forage quality,
and stand persistence.
Our research has shown that the
risk of economic damage from alfalfa weevil is low in the ridge
and valley portions of Virginia, and in a given year, most (80%)
of the acres of alfalfa located in these areas do not need an
insecticide spray for alfalfa weevil. However, the risk of economic
damage is very high (95-100%) in the Piedmont region.
Alfalfa weevil is under complete
biological control in the northeastern United States. Improvements
in the biological control
of the alfalfa weevil in the Piedmont region could reduce the
need for insecticide control
for this pest in Virginia.
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Alfalfa weevil larvae
Alfalfa weevil adult |
