Almond weevil

The almond weevil (Anthonomus amygdali) is a beetle belonging to the order Coleoptera and the family Curculionidae. It is a specialized pest that primarily targets trees of the Rosaceae family, with almond orchards being the main focus of its economic activity and habitat.

The damage caused by this insect is concentrated on the generative organs of the host plant, specifically the buds and young fruit. By feeding on these tissues, the weevil significantly reduces the fruit set, leading to substantial economic losses for growers. Its impact is most severe during the early stages of plant development in the spring.

The biology of the pest is characterized by an overwintering stage as adults in bark crevices or plant debris. As soon as temperatures rise in the spring, the beetles emerge and begin feeding on the developing buds. Females use their rostrum to drill into the buds to lay eggs, which facilitates the larvae's immediate access to nutrition once they hatch.

The damage caused by the larvae results in the drying and premature shedding of flower buds, often referred to as "blossom drop." The larvae complete their development inside the bud, where they also pupate. After emerging, the young adults feed on the foliage before eventually entering a period of summer diapause or seeking hibernation sites for the winter.

Management of the almond weevil requires an integrated pest management (IPM) strategy. Cultural practices, such as removing old bark and destroying infested plant material, can help reduce the overwintering population. Chemical control is most effective when applied at the onset of bud break, ensuring the suppression of the adult population before egg-laying occurs.

• Monitoring adult activity using pheromone traps.
• Application of selective insecticides during the green bud stage.
• Sanitation of the orchard to eliminate wintering sites.
• Use of biological control agents where feasible.