Entomophthora phytonomi 1 , a Fungal Pathogen of the Alfalfa Weevil 2 in the Mid-Great Plains

Abstract

The fungus Entomophthora phytonomi Arthur, which is a common pathogen of the clover leaf weevil, Hypera punctata (F.), was reported infecting larvae of the alfalfa weevil, H. postica (Gyllenhal), in Missouri and Nebraska in 1976 and 1977. In 1977, the infection ranged from 27–81% in 2 study fields in central Missouri. We cannot explain the sudden appearance of the fungus as a potentially significant mortality factor in populations of H. postica .