Journal of Entomological Science (2013) 48, 184-194

Ted E. Cottrell and Dan L. Horton (2013)
Emergence of root-feeding weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in Central Georgia peach orchards
Journal of Entomological Science 48 (3), 184-194
Abstract: Injury to peach, Prunus persicae (L.) Batsch, roots is common by several plant pathogen species and by larvae of the peachtree borer, Synanthedon exitiosa Say (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae). External feeding injury to peach roots was observed that was not consistent with S. exitiosa injury but was suspected to be caused by the larvae of root-feeding weevil species (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). Thus, we used conical emergence traps for 3 yr to sample in unsprayed peach orchards (within the dripline of trees and at missing tree sites) to monitor for root-feeding weevils. Fuller rose beetle, Naupactus cervinus (Boheman), whitefringed beetles, Naupactus spp., and the twobanded Japanese weevil, Callirhopalus bifasciatus (Roelofs), (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) were captured at significantly higher numbers within the dripline of the tree than at missing tree sites. Adult N. cervinus emerged from soil year around; whereas, the other 2 species had seasonal emergence. In commercial peach orchards comprised of cultivars with early, mid, and late-season fruit ripening dates, N. cervinus was more abundant than other species. The later a cultivar ripens, the higher the number of insecticide applications it receives; however, we did not detect a difference in N. cervinus emergence between the cultivars. In another sprayed orchard, N. cervinus was again more common than other curculionid species captured. Damage ratings (0 - 5; none to heavy, respectively) on roots revealed a mean rating of 2.79 ± 0.12. Year-long emergence of N. cervinus is likely why it persisted in sprayed orchards. Modification of existing pest management programs will be needed to manage N. cervinus attacking peach roots.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Ted E. Cottrell

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
general biology - morphology - evolution

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Callirhopalus bifasciatus	Peach/nectarine (Prunus persica)	U.S.A. (SE)
	Naupactus cervinus	Peach/nectarine (Prunus persica)	U.S.A. (SE)