Otiorhynchus Sulcatus Research Articles

Recording the movement of adult vine weevil within strawberry crops using radio frequency identification tags

BACKGROUND:Vine weevil (Otiorhynchus sulcatus) is a major pest of soft fruit and ornamental crops. There is an urgent need to improve control of vine weevil and in particular to provide growers with effective Integrated Pest Management-compatible controls with which to target the adult stage of this pest. One approach would be to exploit the behaviour of adult vine weevil to disseminate spores of an entomopathogenic fungus placed within the crop environment in artificial refuges. To be effective this approach requires that the weevils move through the crop environment and in doing so spread the pathogen from the artificial refuges. OBJECTIVE:Use passive radio frequency identification (RFID) tags to study the movement of adult vine weevil within crop environments. METHOD:A series of laboratory bioassays were completed in which the effect of attaching RFID tags using a thermoplastic or a cyanoacrylate adhesive on survival and movement, on both horizontal and vertical surfaces, of adult vine weevil was determined. An outdoor field experiment was then completed at Harper Adams University in order to test the potential of this technique for studying vine weevil movement within crop environments. RESULTS:Attaching RFID tags using the thermoplastic adhesive did not result in any weevil deaths over a 21 day period. In contrast, just over half (53%) of the weevils to which the RFID tag was attached using the cyanoacrylate adhesive died over the same period. The mean of weevil horizontal movement speed was significantly slower when an RFID tag was attached using a thermoplastic (1.01 cm/s) or a cyanoacrylate (0.29 cm/s) adhesive compared with untagged weevils (1.83 cm/s). However, weevils that were tagged using the thermoplastic adhesive were significantly faster than weevils tagged using the cyanoacrylate adhesive. Mean vertical movement speed was also significantly slower when weevils were tagged using the thermoplastic adhesive (0.18 cm/s) compared with untagged weevils (0.37 cm/s). Weevils tagged using the cyanoacrylate adhesive were unable to climb vertical surfaces.In the field experiment, weevils moved away from their release points. Nine days after the start of the experiment weevils were on average 3.38 m from their release points indicating a speed of movement of 0.38 m/day. The mean distance of movement from their release points did not increase further during the rest of the experimental period, but remained relatively constant at between 2.50 and 3.28 m. As such, for weevils that remained within the crop environment, there is no evidence of dispersal behaviour,with movement behaviour observed more likely to be driven by resource utilisation. However, not all weevils remained within the crop area. Indeed, 15 (38%) of released weevils and/or RFID tags left the crop area, indicating possible long range dispersal by these individuals or evidence of predation of the weevils.A total of 11 (28%) of the RFID tagged weevils released into the crop were recovered alive and with the tag still attached after 35 days. These weevils were estimated to have moved a distances of between 2.65 and 17.30 m (average distance moved 7.50 m) during this period. These distances are likely to underestimate the distance moved by each weevil as they assume that each weevil took the most direct route between each point and did not move other than this. In total eight of the RFID-tagged weevils moved both along and between rows of strawberry grow-bags. At the start of the experiment the 11 RFID tagged weevils occupied 11 (14%) of the strawberry grow-bags. If these weevils took the most direct route between each position within the crop where they were detected these weevils would have crossed, and potentially laid eggs in, 44 (58%) of the grow-bags during the 35 days of the experiment. If they had taken a more indirect route the weevils could have potentially laid eggs in a higher number of the grow-bags. CONCLUSIONS:Results presented here indicate that RFID tags can be used to study the movement of vine weevil adults within crop environments. However, the weight and size of currently available tags significantly slows the movement of weevils under laboratory conditions and frequency of detection may affect estimates of actual distance moved. Despite this, the rate at which vine weevil dispersed through the strawberry crop was comparable to the speed of movement recorded previously by others when weevils were released into an urban environment. Use of RFID tags also resulted in detection rates far higher than those reported in studies by others using traditional mark-release-recapture techniques. Use of RFID tags in the present study indicates that adult vine weevil have the potential to disperse spores of a suitable entomopathogenic fungus from artificial refuges throughout the crop environment. Use of this technique could also be applied to investigate the effect of other plant protection products as well as the impact of different cropping systems on vine weevil movement and survival.

Identification of virulent entomopathogenic nematode isolates from a countrywide survey in India

Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) have been successfully used in the USA and Europe for the biological management of insect pests, for example, invasive mole crickets, white grubs and other scarab larvae in lawns and turf, fungus gnats in mushroom, black vine weevil and Diaprepes root weevil in nursery plants and citrus, respectively. The use of EPNs in India is still in the preliminary stages. To find the best EPN isolates for use in local insect pest management programs, we previously collected 35 strains of EPNs from different parts of India, and screened them for insect infectivity at broad temperature range. Here we quantitated the virulence of seven EPN strains showing infectivity at broad temperature range against Galleria mellonella and Spodoptera litura. Three isolates of Steinernema and four isolates of Heterorhabditis were tested. The Heterorhabditis sp. Hmg3 was the most virulent EPN isolate among all the tested nematodes (LC50 = 16.1 infective juveniles (IJs)/insect larvae at 24 h), whereas the isolate Steinernema thermophilum Kr was the most virulent steinernematid (LC50 = 11.8 IJ/insect larvae at 36 h). These strains would be taken up for mass multiplication to facilitate their actual use in insect pest management programs at farmer's fields. Our results suggest that G. mellonella could be used as a primary model for assessing and predicting the virulence of EPN isolates on other insects such as S. litura.

Persistence of Beauveria bassiana sensu lato and Metarhizium anisopliae sensu lato in Vermont (USA) forest soil

Persistence of granular formulations of Beauveria bassiana sensu lato, strains GHA726 and ERL1170, and Metarhizium anisopliae sensu lato, strains ERL824 and ERL701, applied to forest soil was documented. One formulation was prepared by producing fungi on millet and at application adding cooked, dried millet to provide additional nutrients for fungal growth. The other was made by producing fungi on corn starch ‘packing peanuts’, a biodegradable packaging material, adding additional packing peanuts as a nutrient base. The trial was conducted in three sites in a forest predominating in sugar maple (Acer saccharum) in Underhill, VT, USA. In each site, 33 dominant sugar maples were randomly selected. A 1-m2 plot located 1 m from the bole of the tree was established. Soil samples were collected before application, and 1 h, 2, 4, 8, 12 and 16 wk post-application. Fungal levels were estimated based on number of colony-forming units (CFUs). A significant increase in CFUs was observed 2 wk post-application in plots treated with isolates GHA726, ERL1170 and ERL824 as a result of fungal reproduction on nutrients in the formulations. Evidence of greater persistence for the B. bassiana than the M. anisopliae isolates was observed, based on CFU levels over time. Isolates formulated with millet proliferated more than those on packing peanuts. Use of entomopathogenic fungi in forest soil has potential for managing soil-dwelling insect pests such as pear thrips, Taeniothrips inconsequens, and the black vine weevil, Otiorhynchus sulcatus, though the type of formulation and the specific isolate used must be selected carefully.

Effect of Norwegian entomopathogenic fungal isolates against Otiorhynchus sulcatus larvae at low temperatures and persistence in strawberry rhizospheres

Biological control of belowground stages of the black vine weevil Otiorhynchus sulcatus F. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in strawberries in cool temperate regions using entomopathogens is challenged by low temperatures during the periods when larvae are vulnerable to infections. In a laboratory study we tested six indigenous Norwegian isolates of entomopathogenic fungi (one Beauveria bassiana, three Beauveriapseudobassiana, and two Metarhizium brunneum; Ascomycota: Hypocreales) for their efficacy against O. sulcatus larvae at 6, 12, and 18°C. At the lowest temperature only Beauveria spp. affected survival of O. sulcatus while all three fungal species reduced larval survival compared to the control treatment at 12 and 18°C. Two of the Norwegian isolates, one B. pseudobassiana and one M. brunneum, were then evaluated for long-term persistence (>1year) in the bulk soil and the rhizosphere soil of strawberries in a semi-field experiment. An exotic isolate of M. brunneum sharing origin with a widespread commercial biocontrol agent (F52/Met52 (Novozymes)) was included for comparison. All three isolates showed significantly higher abundances in the rhizosphere soil compared to bulk soil at 153, 366, and 471days after inoculation, thus indicating rhizosphere competence for B. pseudobassiana. Notably, CFU levels for both Norwegian isolates were much higher than for the exotic M. brunneum isolate. Selection of locally adapted isolates may therefore be of importance when considering biocontrol strategies of belowground pests in strawberry production.

PLANT PROTECTION CHALLENGES IN STRAWBERRY PRODUCTION IN NORTHERN EUROPE

Strawberry is cultivated in north Europe, also in the higher latitudes and it is the most important soft fruit crop in Finland. The cool climate has limited the spread of many strawberry pests to Finland, but this is now changing. Benefiting from the warming climate, strawberry tarsonemid mite (Tarsonemus pallidus) continues to be the most important pest. Biological control by use of predatory mites is widely adopted by growers. Two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) is favoured by use of fibre cloth used to protect plants during winter and spring. Strawberry blossom weevil (Anthonomus rubi) and European tarnished plant bug (Lygus rugulipennis) are among the key pests, and in northern Finland strawberry leaf beetles (Galerucella spp.) can cause severe damage. Monitoring methods have been developed for these pests. Warming climate has increased thrips damage on fruits, and favours also the black vine weevil (Otiorhynchus sulcatus). Grey mould (Botrytis cinerea) is the main disease, and controlled with fungicides. Recently, also biological control has become more popular. Crown rot (Phytophthora cactorum) has spread to production fields. However, anthracnose (Colletotrichum acutatum) has not established itself in production fields. Leaf diseases (Mycosphaerella fragariae, Diplocarpon earlianum and Gnomonia comari) are quite common and powdery mildew (Podosphaera aphanis) has not been an important disease in open field. The main vector of strawberry viruses, strawberry aphid (Chaetosiphon fragaefolii), occurs not yet in Finland. In the future, mites are expected to be more harmful and also thrips and black vine weevil are favoured by warmer conditions. Considering diseases, Phytophthora species can be expected to increase in Finnish strawberry fields.

Investigating the insecticidal potential of Geomyces (Myxotrichaceae: Helotiales) and Mortierella (Mortierellacea: Mortierellales) isolated from Antarctica.

Fungi isolated from environmentally challenging habitats can have adaptations of potential value when developed as insect pest-controls. Fungal isolates collected from Antarctica, Geomyces sp. I, Geomyces sp. II, Mortierella signyensis and M. alpina, were investigated for (i) growth characteristics at 0–35°C, (ii) spore production at 10 and 20°C, (iii) viability following exposure to freezing temperatures, and (iv) insecticidal activity against waxmoths (Galleria mellonella L.), houseflies (Musca domestica L.), mealworms (Tenebrio molitor L.) and black vine weevils (Otiorhynchus sulcatus Fabricius). All isolates showed growth between 5–20°C, with some showing growth outside this range. Geomyces isolates sporulated over a wider range of conditions than the Mortierella isolates. Spore germination at 10°C was higher for Geomyces sp. II when this isolate was produced at 10 compared to 20°C (greatest difference 74.6 vs 32.7%). All isolates grew, with the exception of M. alpina, following exposure to −20°C for 4 weeks. Insecticidal investigations showed M. alpina and M. signyensis caused significant mortality of waxmoth and housefly larvae via injection and soil inoculation, and M. alpina caused significant mortality of housefly larvae via baiting; the Geomyces isolates had little lethal effect.

Reciprocal feeding facilitation between above- and below-ground herbivores

Interspecific interactions between insect herbivores predominantly involve asymmetric competition. By contrast, facilitation, whereby herbivory by one insect benefits another via induced plant susceptibility, is uncommon. Positive reciprocal interactions between insect herbivores are even rarer. Here, we reveal a novel case of reciprocal feeding facilitation between above-ground aphids (Amphorophora idaei) and root-feeding vine weevil larvae (Otiorhynchus sulcatus), attacking red raspberry (Rubus idaeus). Using two raspberry cultivars with varying resistance to these herbivores, we further demonstrate that feeding facilitation occurred regardless of host plant resistance. This positive reciprocal interaction operates via an, as yet, unreported mechanism. Specifically, the aphid induces compensatory growth, possibly as a prelude to greater resistance/tolerance, whereas the root herbivore causes the plant to abandon this strategy. Both herbivores may ultimately benefit from this facilitative interaction.

Early Root Herbivory Impairs Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungal Colonization and Shifts Defence Allocation in Establishing Plantago lanceolata.

Research into plant-mediated indirect interactions between arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi and insect herbivores has focussed on those between plant shoots and above-ground herbivores, despite the fact that only below-ground herbivores share the same part of the host plant as AM fungi. Using Plantago lanceolata L., we aimed to characterise how early root herbivory by the vine weevil (Otiorhynchus sulcatus F.) affected subsequent colonization by AM fungi (Glomus spp.) and determine how the two affected plant growth and defensive chemistry. We exposed four week old P. lanceolata to root herbivory and AM fungi using a 2×2 factorial design (and quantified subsequent effects on plant biomass and iridoid glycosides (IGs) concentrations. Otiorhynchus sulcatus reduced root growth by c. 64%, whereas plant growth was unaffected by AM fungi. Root herbivory reduced extent of AM fungal colonization (by c. 61%). O. sulcatus did not influence overall IG concentrations, but caused qualitative shifts in root and shoot IGs, specifically increasing the proportion of the more toxic catalpol. These changes may reflect defensive allocation in the plant against further attack. This study demonstrates that very early root herbivory during plant development can shape future patterns of AM fungal colonization and influence defensive allocation in the plant.

Downstairs drivers ‐ root herbivores shape communities of above‐ground herbivores and natural enemies via changes in plant nutrients

1. Terrestrial food webs are woven from complex interactions, often underpinned by plant-mediated interactions between herbivores and higher trophic groups. Below- and above-ground herbivores can influence one another via induced changes to a shared host plant, potentially shaping the wider community. However, empirical evidence linking laboratory observations to natural field populations has so far been elusive. 2. This study investigated how root-feeding weevils (Otiorhynchus sulcatus) influence different feeding guilds of herbivore (phloem-feeding aphids, Cryptomyzus galeopsidis, and leaf-chewing sawflies, Nematus olfaciens) in both controlled and field conditions. 3. We hypothesized that root herbivore-induced changes in plant nutrients (C, N, P and amino acids) and defensive compounds (phenolics) would underpin the interactions between root and foliar herbivores, and ultimately populations of natural enemies of the foliar herbivores in the field. 4. Weevils increased field populations of aphids by ca. 700%, which was followed by an increase in the abundance of aphid natural enemies. Weevils increased the proportion of foliar essential amino acids, and this change was positively correlated with aphid abundance, which increased by 90% on plants with weevils in controlled experiments. 5. In contrast, sawfly populations were 77% smaller during mid-June and adult emergence delayed by >14 days on plants with weevils. In controlled experiments, weevils impaired sawfly growth by 18%, which correlated with 35% reductions in leaf phosphorus caused by root herbivory, a previously unreported mechanism for above-ground-below-ground herbivore interactions. 6. This represents a clear demonstration of root herbivores affecting foliar herbivore community composition and natural enemy abundance in the field via two distinct plant-mediated nutritional mechanisms. Aphid populations, in particular, were initially driven by bottom-up effects (i.e. plant-mediated effects of root herbivory), but consequent increases in natural enemies triggered top-down regulation.

Influence of the application methods and doses on the susceptibility of black vine weevil larvae Otiorhynchus sulcatus to Metarhizium anisopliae in field-grown strawberries

Entomopathogenic fungi are commercially available for the control of insect pests, including the black vine weevil (BVW) Otiorhynchus sulcatus Fabricius (Coleoptera:Curculionidae). However, Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsch.) Sorokin (Clavicipitaceae) has not been used to control BVW in field-grown strawberries. Field trials were conducted in different locations in the UK during 2009–2010 to evaluate the different formulations (granular vs. drench) and application methods (premixed, drench, bare root treatment) of commercial strain of M. anisopliae Met52® (=F52), the entomopathogenic nematodes and the organophosphate insecticide Cyren® against BVW. The highest dose (1014 cfu ha−1) tested provided significantly better control than the intermediate (1013 cfu ha−1) or low (1012 cfu ha−1) doses. BVW larval control at the high, intermediate and low doses was 71–96, 40–75 and 6–11 %, respectively. Premixing, drench or bare root treatment with Met52® gave similar levels of BVW control. Irrespective of the application methods or soil types, the high dose rate of Met52® provided the best control. Significantly high larval control was achieved (78–97 %) when chlorpyrifos was applied at planting than eight weeks post planting (53 %). There were significant differences in BVW control between Met52® (88 %) and reduced doses of Heterorhabditis bacteriophora Poinar (20–29 %) or Steinernema kraussei Steiner (39–75 %) when applied alone. However, when used together, low dose of S. kraussei and Met52® provided 100 % control of BVW larvae. This study shows that Met52® has considerable potential for the control of BVW larvae in commercial field-grown strawberry, thereby offering an environmentally benign alternative to chemical insecticides.

Relationship of Black Vine Weevil Egg Density and Damage to Two Cranberry Cultivars

Black vine weevil (BVW), Otiorhynchus sulcatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Fabricius), is a serious pest of cranberry, Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait. Larvae feed undetected within the soil and cause damage to roots and underground vines. We correlated damage caused by feeding larvae from known BVW egg densities. Two cultivars of potted cranberry vines, ‘Stevens’ and ‘McFarlin’, were inoculated with 0, 5, 10, 20, 40, and 80 eggs per pot. Root damage and canopy health were assessed. ‘Stevens’ exceeded ‘McFarlin’ in dry shoot weight, total shoot length, total leaf area, and dry root weight before egg treatments. Damage to underground vines increased with increasing egg density and more damage was found in ‘Stevens’ than ‘McFarlin’ at the highest egg densities. In August, plant water use and total shoot length in ‘McFarlin’ were significantly greater in plants treated with 0–5 eggs per pot compared with plants treated with 40–80 eggs per pot. The effect on total shoot length was more pronounced in October. ‘Stevens’ showed no response to increasing BVW density for up to 24 weeks. Destructive measurements showed decreased root weight in ‘McFarlin’ but not ‘Stevens’. Both cultivars showed a similar decrease in dry shoot weight, total shoot length, and percent green leaf area with increasing BVW egg density. Root damage increased as BVW egg density increased and this damage resulted in reduced plant water use for ‘McFarlin’. Reduced shoot growth and leaf area was recorded for both cultivars, although these effects were more apparent in ‘McFarlin’ and at an earlier stage than in ‘Stevens’.

Field Attraction of the Vine Weevil Otiorhynchus sulcatus to Kairomones

Root weevils in the genus Otiorhynchus are cited as one of the most important pests in the major nursery and small fruit production areas throughout the United States, western Canada, and northern Europe. A major problem in combating weevil attack is monitoring and timing of control measures. Because of the night-activity of the adult weevils growers do not observe the emerging weevils in a timely manner and oviposition often starts before effective control measures are taken. Several vine weevil electroantennogram-active plant volatiles were identified from a preferred host plant, Euonymus fortunei. Main compounds evoking antennal responses on the weevils' antennae were (Z)-2-pentenol, (E)-2-hexenol, (Z)-3-hexenol, methyl benzoate, linalool, (E)-4,8-dimethyl-1,3,7-nonatriene, methyl eugenol, and (E, E)-alpha-farnesene. Several of these compounds were tested alone and in mixtures on attractiveness for the vine weevil Otiorhynchus sulcatus (F.) in field-grown strawberry in Oregon. O. sulcatus were attracted to (Z)-2-pentenol (approximately 3 x more than control) and a 1:1 ratio mixture of (Z)-2-pentenol and methyl eugenol (4.5 x more than control). This is the first report of field-active attractants for O. sulcatus which holds promise for the development of new monitoring strategies for growers in the near future.

Effects of cultivar and egg density on a colonizing vine weevil ( Otiorhynchus sulcatus) population and its impacts on red raspberry growth and yield

Black vine weevil ( Otiorhynchus sulcatus) is regarded as a damaging pest of horticultural crops, yet empirical data about its population dynamics and effects on crop yield are largely lacking. This paper reports a four year (2007–2010) field study that simulated colonisation by O. sulcatus in a red raspberry ( Rubus idaeus) plantation comprising two cultivars (Glen Ample and Glen Rosa). The study tested whether adult O. sulcatus abundance was affected by cultivar or original egg distribution. Total population estimates were also made using mark and recapture methods. Finally, the effects of O. sulcatus on plant growth and berry yield were quantified. O. sulcatus abundance was significantly higher on Glen Ample than Glen Rosa, with the difference becoming even greater in 2009 compared to 2008. The abundance of O. sulcatus adults on particular plants was not related to original egg density. Mark and recapture based estimates suggested that the overall O. sulcatus population reached 3500 in 2008 and 44,100 in 2009. O. sulcatus abundance on plants was negatively related to plant height. Comparing plants with greatest and lowest O. sulcatus burdens showed that the heavily infested plants had lower shoot and root biomass in both Glen Ample (62% and 60%, respectively) and Glen Rosa (50% and 12%, respectively), significantly smaller berries (5.1 g and 2.8 g, respectively, in Glen Ample and 3.3 g and 2.7 g, respectively, in Glen Rosa) and smaller yields (2.93 kg and 0.99 kg in Glen Ample and 2.80 kg–1.71 kg in Glen Rosa, respectively). While cane fruits like raspberry were thought to tolerate O. sulcatus attack due to extensive root systems, this study suggests that damage can be extensive, particularly on cultivars such as Glen Ample.

Impact of predatory carabids on below- and above-ground pests and yield in strawberry

The impact of adult carabid beetles on below- and above-ground pests and fruit yield was examined in the laboratory and a two-year strawberry field study. In the laboratory, adults of Carabus nemoralis Muller, Nebria brevicollis (F.), Pterosti- chus algidus LeConte, Pterostichus melanarius (Illig- er), and Scaphinotus marginatus Fischer (Coleoptera: Carabidae) consumed black vine weevil, Otiorhyn- chus sulcatus (F.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) eggs, larvae and/or pupae placed on the surface. The same five carabid species showed no impact or low removal rates of O. sulcatus larvae that had burrowed into the root of potted strawberry plants. In an assay with only P. melanarius, adults consumed O. sulcatus larvae placed on the soil surface more frequently than larvae buried 1.3 or 5 cm below. In a field study, the density of adult carabids, predominantly P. melanarius, was manipulated with augmented, exclusion, and open control plots (2 9 2 m). Manipulating carabid density had no impact on the removal of sentinel O. sulcatus larvae and pupae that were buried belowground which is consistent with laboratory observations. Increasing carabid density within augmented plots led to greater removal of red clover seeds, Trifolium pratense L., placed on the soil surface in the first year. Decreasing carabid density within exclusion plots resulted in fewer marketable fruits compared to control plots in both years. These results suggest that certain adult carabids may have limited impact belowground, and some beneficial impacts above-ground with pest control and crop protection.

Oviposition and feeding behaviour by the vine weevil Otiorhynchus sulcatus on red raspberry: effects of cultivars and plant nutritional status

The vine weevil Otiorhynchus sulcatus is a major pest of horticultural crops worldwide, with root‐feeding larvae causing most damage. Adult oviposition aboveground may therefore influence levels of damage as the larvae are relatively immobile after oviposition. The present study investigated feeding and oviposition behaviour on red raspberry Rubus idaeus using intact plants, ensuring that choices reflected the realistic differences in cultivar appearance and chemical composition. Previous studies investigating vine weevil feeding and oviposition on other crops have used excised plant material, which may inadvertently influence behaviour. Adult weevils significantly preferred to feed on particular cultivars in the choice experiment (e.g. Tulameen), although they consumed significantly more foliage (0.22–1.03 cm2/day) on different raspberry cultivars (e.g. Glen Moy, Glen Rosa and a wild accession) in no‐choice situations. In choice experiments, weevils tended to avoid laying eggs on some cultivars (e.g. Glen Moy and the wild accession). The number of eggs laid (1.91–4.32 eggs per day) did not, however, differ significantly between the cultivars in a no‐choice situation. Foliar nitrogen and magnesium concentrations were positively, although weakly, correlated with the total number of eggs laid. The present study highlights the importance of considering both choice and no‐choice tests when assessing crop susceptibility to attack because weevils may avoid feeding on certain cultivars (e.g. Glen Moy) when given a choice, although this would cause significant damage to such cultivars if they were grown in monoculture (i.e. when there is no alternative).

Investigating preference-performance relationships in aboveground-belowground life cycles: a laboratory and field study with the vine weevil (Otiorhynchus sulcatus)

The preference-performance hypothesis has principally considered insect herbivores with aboveground lifecycles, although the hypothesis could be equally relevant to insects with life stages occurring both aboveground and belowground. Moreover, most studies have focussed on either laboratory or field experiments, with little attempt to relate the two. In this study, the preference-performance hypothesis was examined in an aboveground-belowground context in the laboratory using the vine weevil (Otiorhynchus sulcatus (F.)) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and two cultivars of red raspberry (Rubus idaeus), Glen Rosa and Glen Ample. A two-year field study (2008-2009) was also undertaken to characterise the population dynamics of adult weevils on the two raspberry cultivars. Larval performance (abundance and mass) differed significantly between Glen Rosa and Glen Ample, with Glen Rosa resulting in 26% larger but 56% fewer larvae compared to Glen Ample. Larval abundances were significantly and positively correlated with root nitrogen and magnesium concentrations, but negatively correlated with root iron. However, concentrations of these minerals were not significantly different in the two cultivars. Adult weevils did not preferentially select either of the two cultivars for egg laying (laying 3.08 and 2.80 eggs per day on Glen Ample and Glen Rosa, respectively), suggesting that there was no strong preference-performance relationship between adult vine weevils and their belowground offspring. Field populations of adult vine weevils were significantly higher on Glen Ample than Glen Rosa, which may reflect the higher larval survival on Glen Ample observed in laboratory experiments.

Effect of potting media on the efficacy and dispersal of entomopathogenic nematodes for the control of black vine weevil, Otiorhynchus sulcatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

The effect of five commercial potting media, peat, bark, coir, and peat blended with 10% and 20% compost green waste (CGW) on the virulence of six commercially available entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN), Heterorhabditis bacteriophora UWS1, Heterorhabditis megidis, Heterorhabditis downesi, Steinernema feltiae, Steinernema carpocapsae, and Steinernema kraussei was tested against third-instar black vine weevil (BVW), Otiorhynchus sulcatus. Media type was shown to significantly affect EPN virulence. Heterorhabditis species caused 100% larval mortality in all media whereas Steinernema species caused 100% larval mortality only in the peat blended with 20% CGW. A later experiment investigated the effect of potting media on the virulence of EPN species against BVW by comparing the vertical dispersal of EPN in the presence and absence of BVW larva. Media type significantly influenced EPN dispersal. Dispersal of H. bacteriophora was higher than H. megidis, H. downesi, or S. kraussei in all media, whereas, S. feltiae and S. carpocapsae dispersal was much reduced and restricted to peat blended with 20% CGW and coir, respectively. In the absence of larvae, most of the EPN species remained in the same segment they were applied in, suggesting that the larvae responded to host volatile cues. Greenhouse trials were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of most virulent strain, H. bacteriophora in conditions more representative of those in the field, using 2.5 × 10 9 infective juveniles/ha. The efficacy of H. bacteriophora UWS1 against third-instar BVW was 100% in peat, and peat blended with 10% and 20% CGW but only 70% in bark and coir, 2 weeks after application. These studies suggest that potting media significantly affects the efficacy and dispersal of EPN for BVW control.

Aggregation, abundance and dispersal capabilities of Otiorhynchus rugosostriatus Goeze and Otiorhynchus raucus Fabricius (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in plantations of ornamental plants

The black vine weevil Otiorhynchus sulcatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is a well-known insect pest causing damages and economic losses on various horticultural plants. In recent times, numerous other weevils like O. rugosostriatus, O. raucus, O. ovatus or O. salicicola are becoming increasingly important in horticulture. We applied mark-release-recapture studies to estimate population size, survival rates, aggregation patterns and dispersal capabilities of adult O. raucus and O. rugosostriatus in a commercial plantation of perennial ornamental plants. Knowledge of these characteristics is important for the correct timing and design of efficient control strategies. Of 191 individually coded O. raucus and 340 O. rugosostriatus, 30 and 24%, respectively, were recaptured at least once over a period of 96 days. The majority of weevils were recaptured within 2–3 m away from their release point and thus both species can be regarded as being quite sedentary. In accordance, patchiness of weevil distribution was clearly evident in the study area. Population sizes reached maximum values after the peak of adult emergence from pupae in spring (for O. raucus) and late summer (for O. rugosostriatus), with high survival rates being evident in particular for O. raucus. This study provides for the first time data on population ecology of two weevil species, whose abundance and importance as putative insect pests in horticulture has increased over the last years.

Systemic Insecticides Reduce Feeding, Survival, and Fecundity of Adult Black Vine Weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) on a Variety of Ornamental Nursery Crops

Systemic activity of the neonicotinoids clothianidin, dinotefuran, and thiamethoxam and the anthranilic diamide chlorantraniliprole was tested against adult black vine weevils, Otiorhynchus sulcatus (F.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), on Astilbe, Euonymus, Heuchera, Rhododendron, Sedum, and Taxus. Insecticide treatments were applied to the soilless substrate of containerized plants. Bioassays were conducted 12 or 13, 26, and 42 d after treatment (DAT) and ran for 7 d; and feeding, mortality, and weight gain or loss by weevils were evaluated. Foliage was removed from test plants and then placed in arenas with adult black vine weevils. The neonicotinoids reduced feeding and weight gain by adult black vine weevils on most plant species with residual activity 42 DAT on some plant species. At 12 DAT, mortality was caused by the three neonicotinoids on Astilbe and by thiamethoxam on Sedum; and at 26 DAT dinotefuran caused mortality on Astilbe. Chlorantraniliprole reduced feeding on Taxus at 12 DAT, with no activity detected in other bioassays. Another set of bioassays was conducted to examine survival and fecundity of adult black vine weevils during prolonged feeding on Heuchera and Taxus systemically treated with dinotefuran or thiamethoxam. Bioassay procedures were similar to those described above, except they ran continuously for 56 d. Prolonged feeding on dinotefuran and thiamethoxam treated Heuchera and Taxus resulted in high mortality of adult black vine weevils and reduced fecundity. These studies show that the systemic activity of neonicotinoids is influenced by plant species and that systemic neonicotinoids have the potential to suppress black vine weevil populations in containerized nursery crops.

Does mother know best? The preference-performance hypothesis and parent-offspring conflict in aboveground-belowground herbivore life cycles

1. A substantial amount of research on host-plant selection by insect herbivores is focused around the preference–performance hypothesis (PPH). To date, the majority of studies have primarily considered insects with aboveground life cycles, overlooking insect herbivores that have both aboveground and belowground life stages, for which the PPH could be equally applicable. 2. This study investigated the factors influencing the performance of the root-feeding vine weevil (Otiorhynchus sulcatus) larvae and whether this was linked to the oviposition behaviour of the maternal adult living aboveground. 3. Maternal insects feeding aboveground reduced root biomass by 34% and increased root carbon by 4%. Larvae feeding on plants subjected to aboveground herbivory had reduced mass. Irrespective of the presence of maternal herbivory, larval mass was positively correlated with root biomass. 4. Larval mass was also reduced by conspecific larvae, previously feeding on roots (19% reduction). However, the mechanism underpinning this effect remains unclear, as in contrast to maternal herbivory aboveground, prior larval feeding did not significantly affect root biomass or root carbon concentrations. 5. Maternal insects did not distinguish between plants infested with larvae and those that were free of larvae, in terms of their egg-laying behaviour. Conversely, maternal insects tended to lay eggs on plants with smaller root systems, a behaviour that is likely to negatively affect offspring performance. 6. The PPH is not supported by our findings for the polyphagous vine weevil feeding on the host plant raspberry (Rubus idaeus), and in fact our results suggest that there is the potential for strong parent–offspring conflict in this system.