Vine Weevil Host Plants
Overview
Vine weevil attacks a wide range of fruit, ornamental and nursery crops.
Risk is generally highest where plants are:
- grown in containers
- retained for long periods
- maintained in peat, coir or similar substrates
- moved between production areas
- held as stock plants
- carried over between seasons
The pest can feed on many plant species, but some production systems are more vulnerable than others.
Host plants currently linked in Biopredator
Fruit crops
Ornamental crops
These plant records also show the other pests commonly associated with each crop.
Highest-risk production systems
Container-grown ornamentals
Container-grown ornamentals are particularly vulnerable because:
- root systems are concentrated
- larvae can destroy a large proportion of roots quickly
- pots provide sheltered adult hiding places
- stock can be moved before infestations are noticed
- old compost and containers can carry the pest forward
Nursery stock
Long-cycle nursery crops may support vine weevil for extended periods.
Risk increases where:
- crops remain in pots for several seasons
- plants are overwintered
- old stock is retained
- pots and trays are reused
- root balls are not regularly checked
Protected fruit crops
Long-term fruit crops grown in substrates can support persistent populations.
Strawberries are especially vulnerable where:
- plants are carried over
- crowns are retained for several seasons
- old substrate remains in place
- weak plants are not removed and inspected
Propagation systems
Propagation units may spread infestations through:
- contaminated trays
- reused pots
- infested mother plants
- old compost
- movement of rooted liners
Symptoms by crop type
| Crop type | Common warning signs |
|---|---|
| Strawberry | Weak crowns, reduced vigour, collapse |
| Cyclamen | Sudden wilting, poor roots, crown injury |
| Fuchsia | Leaf notching, weak root systems |
| Pelargonium | Adult leaf damage and root loss |
| Soft fruit | Poor establishment, wilting and collapse |
| Nursery stock | Uneven growth and hidden root damage |
Why container crops are vulnerable
Container crops are especially exposed because:
- adult beetles can hide around pots and benches
- eggs are laid directly into growing media
- larvae remain close to concentrated root systems
- root damage develops out of sight
- infested plants can be moved between sites
A relatively small larval population can seriously damage a plant with a restricted root volume.
Host plant inspection
Inspect high-risk plants for:
- notched leaf margins
- weak growth
- unexplained wilting
- poor root development
- loose or damaged crowns
- larvae around the root ball
- adults hiding beneath containers
Stock plants and carryover crops should receive particular attention.
Reducing host-plant risk
Useful actions include:
- inspecting incoming plants
- checking weak plants immediately
- removing heavily damaged stock
- replacing old substrate where practical
- cleaning pots and trays
- separating new and carryover stock
- monitoring adult activity at night
- applying biological control preventatively