Integrated management for carrot weevil.

Abstract

The carrot weevil, Listronotus oregonensis (LeConte) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is a major pest of carrots in northeastern North America. The females oviposit in the leaf petiole and the developing larvae make tunnels in the carrot roots. Exclusive reliance on chemical control and the poor control obtained, prompted, in the early 1980s, research on the ecology and physiology of the pest and its natural enemies. Carrot weevil females start their oviposition by 147±9 DD7°C but they oviposit only in carrots past the 4 true-leaf-stage. As a result, oviposition is delayed, and damage reduced, in late-sown carrots. Monitoring carrot weevil adults in the spring with either carrot root sections or wooden plate traps enables growers to apply control treatments only if the population density justifies it. Egg parasitoids of the genus Anaphes (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae) are the most important natural enemies and they account, in untreated plots, for up to 80% mortality. Their effectiveness could be improved by managing field borders to establish secondary host species. An IPM programme was developed in the 1980s based on the research results obtained and, through regular monitoring, has achieved a substantial decrease in pesticide use.