— by Dr. Jeff Whitworth and Dr. Holly Davis
Alfalfa weevils continue to create considerable interest for producers and consultants. Alfalfa fields sampled on 21 March had small, 1st instar larvae and a few, very few, signs of feeding. A few pinprick sized holes and small signs of feeding were noted in the terminals.
Fields checked 4 and 5 April contained considerably fewer larvae, and still only 1st instars. Plants were frosty, but no dead or dying larvae were found. Larvae often crawl down and hide under plant residue on the soil surface during periods of inclement weather and therefore survive. No fields were sampled that had more than a 10% infestation, yet. For more information relative to alfalfa weevil management, please see the Alfalfa Insect Management Guide: https://www.bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/mf809.pdf