Green weevil

Systematic position. Chlorophanus viridis, commonly known as the green weevil, is a member of the Curculionidae family within the order Coleoptera. This species is widely distributed across Europe and Asia, often becoming a significant pest in both intensive agriculture and home gardening environments.

Affected crops. The green weevil is a polyphagous pest, meaning it feeds on a diverse range of botanical families. Its primary targets include sugar beet, various brassicas (cabbage, radish), potatoes, and several fruit-bearing shrubs like raspberries and currants. It easily moves from wild host plants into cultivated fields, causing sudden infestations.

Biology and life cycle. The adult beetles overwinter in the soil or protected leaf litter, emerging in early spring. After a period of feeding and mating, females lay eggs near the base of host plants. The larvae live and feed underground, consuming root hairs and smaller roots, which marks the hidden phase of the insect's life cycle before they pupate and transform into adults.

Type of damage and harmfulness. Adults are known for their distinct edge-feeding pattern on foliage, which looks like notches or irregular holes. This damage reduces the plant's photosynthetic capacity. Larvae cause more severe but less visible harm by damaging the root system, which can stunt plant growth, weaken the plant's structure, and even lead to plant death in severe cases.

Protection measures. Effective management starts with cultural control methods, such as regular soil cultivation and the removal of alternative host weeds. Keeping the farm environment clean helps reduce the overwintering population. When threshold levels are exceeded, chemical control using systemic or contact insecticides is recommended, ensuring application adheres to safety and residue regulations.