Pecan weevil

Systematic position. The pecan weevil (Conotrachelus elegans) is a member of the order Coleoptera and the family Curculionidae. It is a well-known pest specialized in attacking the nuts of various species within the Juglandaceae family, causing significant economic losses in commercial orchards.

Host plants. The primary hosts for this species are hickory trees and pecan nuts. The beetles demonstrate a strong preference for the nuts of these trees during their physiological development, making them a major concern for nut growers in regions where these crops are cultivated.

Biology and lifecycle. The lifecycle of the pecan weevil is closely tied to the nut-filling stage. Adult females chew holes into the developing husks to deposit their eggs. Once the larvae hatch, they burrow deep into the interior of the nut to feed on the kernel. After completing their development, the larvae emerge from the nut and drop to the soil to pupate and overwinter.

Nature of damage and economic impact. The larvae are responsible for the damage, as they consume the developing nut kernel, leaving behind debris and waste. This results in hollow or destroyed nuts that have no market value. In severe infestations, the yield loss can be devastating, often leading to total crop failure if management interventions are not timely.

Management strategies. Effective control of the pecan weevil requires an integrated approach:

• Sanitation measures, including the prompt collection and destruction of infested nuts on the ground.
• Tillage of the soil beneath the canopy to expose overwintering larvae and pupae to predators and environmental stress.
• Monitoring populations using specialized traps to determine the optimal timing for pesticide application.
• Targeted use of systemic insecticides during the critical period of adult emergence and egg-laying.