– Aaron Wilson, Kelley Tilmon, Mark Sulc and Andy Michel, OSU Extension
Green alfalfa weevil larvae (the main feeding stage) at various growth stages, and brown adults. Photo by Julie Peterson, University of Nebraska.
Even though it feels like January, we’re almost to April, and in April you should begin scouting alfalfa for alfalfa weevil. Overwintered adults begin laying eggs when temperatures exceed 48°F. Peak larval activity and feeding damage occur between 325 and 575 heat units (based on accumulation of heat units from January 1 with a base of 48°F). Current (Jan. 1 – March 26) heating units range from a high of 195 in southern Ohio and a low of 67 in northeast Ohio, and the current cold snap will slow things down a bit. But we have warmer temperatures in forecast for midweek; handful of warm days can jump start things fast.
Continue reading Alfalfa Weevil – A Check in Time Saves Cryin’