Pea and Bean weevil
Pea and Bean Weevil .jpg "Pea and Bean Weevil") Identification- Pea and Bean Weevil eggs are small, smooth, and sub-spherical. They are white when laid but darken to almost black as hatching approaches.The larva, or immature stage, is a light milky color, has a dark brown head, and measures about 1/4 inch long when fully grown. It is curved, legless, cylindrical, soft and fleshy, with long setae or hairs protruding vertically from the bulge of each segment.The pupa of the pea and bean weevil is white and adult-like. This stage is immobile and is spent within an earthen cell.The adult is slender, about 1/5 in (20mm) long, and grayish brown. Its beak is short and snub-nosed. Three light,inconspicuous stripes—one central and two lateral— run lengthwise on the thorax, tending to extend onto the elytra or wing covers. The wing covers are marked lengthwise by fine, parallel lines. Susceptible Plants - Plants of the family papilionaceae (legumes) are the major food of the adult pea and bean weevils. The larvae feed only on Rhizobium sp. nodules of these plants. In cool moist climates, peas and vetch are the principal hosts, but at times the adults feed heavily on alfalfa and clovers. Leaf weevil has also been observed feeding on such plants as sweet pea, black locust, and prostrate knotweed in August Symptoms- Characteristic scalloped holes are eaten out of the edges of leaves in spring and summer. Young plants may be more severely damaged early in the season when growth is slow. Otherwise healthy plants can usually tolerate the pea weevil damage. Biological Control- Beneficial Nematodes - H. bacteriophora , Praying Mantis Egg Cases Prevention and Control- Avoid using vetch as an overwintering green manure. Prepare the ground well before sowing to encourage fast growth. Cover young plants with a barrier or row cover or mesh immediately after sowing can eliminate pea and bean weevil damage. Garlic Barrier Insect Repellent has been tested and found to be effective in controling weevils.
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