Fruit weevil

Systematic position: Conotrachelus dimidiatus belongs to the order Coleoptera and the family Curculionidae. It is part of the diverse Conotrachelus genus, which includes many significant pests that impact agriculture by attacking the fruits and reproductive structures of woody plants.

Host crops: This pest primarily targets species within the Rosaceae family. It is particularly noted for causing extensive damage to stone fruits, including various cultivars of Prunus such as peaches, plums, and apricots. Its ability to infest developing fruit makes it a critical concern for fruit growers in its geographical range.

Biology and life cycle: The lifecycle of this weevil is closely synchronized with the flowering and fruiting period of its host plants. Adult weevils overwinter in the soil debris. In spring, they emerge to feed on young plant tissue before the females deposit eggs into the fruit. The larvae bore into the fruit to feed, which leads to distinct internal damage before they exit to pupate in the soil.

Damage and economic impact: The primary economic damage is caused by the larvae, which create extensive tunnels within the fruit. This infestation leads to premature fruit drop and facilitates secondary fungal infections. Heavily infested orchards experience reduced yields and significant economic loss due to fruit deformity and unmarketability of the produce.

Control measures: Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is essential for controlling Conotrachelus dimidiatus effectively:

• Sanitation through the immediate removal and destruction of fallen infested fruit.
• Soil cultivation around the base of trees to expose pupae to predators and environmental stress.
• Monitoring using specialized pheromone traps to determine the timing for chemical applications.
• Selective use of systemic or contact insecticides during the peak activity period of adult weevils.