Vine weevil

Overview

Larvae feed on roots/crowns, adults notch leaves. Major risk in container and soft fruit substrate systems.

Symptoms

• Notched leaf margins (adults)
• Sudden wilting / collapse (larvae)
• Larvae in root ball

Conditions that increase risk

• Mild winters / protected crops
• Long-term pots / substrate systems

Biological control options

• Steinernema Kraussei
• Steinernema Feltiae

IPM notes

• Target larvae in substrate at the right temps
• Repeat applications as needed

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Further guidance

• Vine Weevil — Biocontrol Foundations

Key natural enemies

• Heterorhabditis Bacteriophora
• Steinernema Kraussei
• Atheta Coriaria

Environmental drivers

• Adult activity and egg laying rise in warm periods; larval feeding persists in substrate.
• Risk increases where plants are grown in containers and substrates stay moist.
• Substrate temperature strongly affects nematode performance and larval development.