Summary of "Biological Controls from Vine Weevil" Webinar
Vine Weevil is a common pest in both ornamental and edible crop production. Although the adults cause some cosmetic damage to plants with notching of leaves it is the larvae which cause severe damage to roots and the core of the plant and result in crop lose.
The timing of the development stages of vine weevil; adult, eggs, larvae, pupa, adult depends greatly on the season and temperatures. This is important to note as it has direct implications for the control of this pest.
The diminishing availability of chemicals has resulted in greater emphasis on IPM (Integrated Pest Management). IPM programs are built on five key principles as follows.
- Monitoring of the adult Vine Weevil
- Monitoring of the Vine Weevil larvae
- Cultural Control (Hygiene)
- Biological Control
- Chemical Control
IPM is an effective method of controlling certain pest problems in both ornamental and edible crop production. The concept is to ensure a pest problem is prevented before it becomes established.
Biological control of Vine Weevil involves two species of nematodes; Steinernema feltiae (Entonem) and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (Larvanem).
Steinernema feltiae is a cold tolerant nematode and is more efficient for the control of the larvae early in the growing season. Heterorhabditis bacteriophora is a warm tolerant nematode and is more efficient during the mid-season.
Factors to consider when using biological controls for vine weevil;
- Temperature
- Sourcing of Plant Material
- Growing Media
- Growing System
- Application of Biological Controls.
Thanks to David Davidson Technical Consultant for Koppert Ireland for delivering a very informative and insightful webinar on Biological Controls for Vine Weevil.
If you would like to watch the webinar follow the link to CAFRE TV YouTube Channel.
Conor Gallinagh - Horticulture Development Adviser (Ornamentals)
Mobile: 07919695676
Email: conor.gallinagh@daera-ni.gov.uk