Cherry fruit weevil

The cherry fruit weevil (Furcipus rectirostris) is a member of the Curculionidae family, belonging to the Coleoptera order. This pest primarily targets stone fruit trees, with a strong preference for cherries and sweet cherries, making it a significant challenge for fruit growers globally.

The damage is caused by both adults and larvae. Adult beetles feed on developing buds and blossoms, while larvae bore into the fruit to consume the kernel inside the stone. This feeding activity leads to early fruit drop and significant economic loss as the infested fruit becomes inedible and loses its commercial value.

The lifecycle of this pest is univoltine, meaning it has one generation per year. Adults overwinter in the soil at depths of up to 20 centimeters. During the spring, when temperatures rise, they emerge to feed on developing buds before laying eggs inside the tiny, newly formed fruits through specifically drilled holes.

Identification of the infestation is usually marked by small, dark spots on the fruit surface. These spots are the sites where the female deposited an egg. Once the larva hatches and penetrates the stone, the fruit development is disrupted, and it eventually falls prematurely, often showing symptoms of rot or internal decay.

Effective control requires an integrated approach. Cultural practices, such as maintaining soil health and disrupting the pupation stage by tilling the soil under the tree canopy, are essential. When population density exceeds economic thresholds, targeted chemical applications are necessary, usually applied during the petal fall stage.

• Collecting and disposing of fallen fruit.
• Cultivating soil in late summer to expose pupae.
• Manual jarring of branches to collect beetles.
• Applying systemic insecticides during post-bloom.