Vine weevil

Systematic position: The vine weevil (latin Auletes politus) belongs to the order Coleoptera and the family Rhynchitidae. It is a specialized pest primarily associated with grape cultivation, known for its distinct behavior of leaf-rolling, which is typical for the species within this taxonomic group.

Host plants: The primary host for Auletes politus is the cultivated grapevine (Vitis vinifera). While it shows a strong preference for grapevines, it may occasionally be found on related wild species, impacting the overall health and vigor of the vineyard.

Biology and life cycle: The lifecycle of this weevil follows a seasonal pattern synchronized with the phenology of the grapevine. Adult weevils overwinter in the soil or under leaf litter near the vines. As temperatures rise in spring, they emerge to feed on developing buds and young leaves before mating and beginning the oviposition process.

Damage and economic impact: The damage is twofold: adults consume leaf tissues and buds, while larvae develop within the characteristic leaf rolls (cigars) created by the female. This herbivory stunts the growth of new shoots, disrupts photosynthesis, and in cases of high infestation, can cause severe yield losses by destroying the reproductive potential of the grapevine.

• Cultural control: Deep soil cultivation during autumn and winter to disrupt the overwintering sites of the beetles.
• Manual removal: Collecting and destroying infested leaves and leaf-rolls during the early spring to reduce the local population.
• Chemical control: Targeted application of authorized insecticides during the adult emergence phase to prevent egg-laying and minimize feeding damage.