Pear blossom weevil

Systematic position: The pear blossom weevil (Anthonomus piri) is a member of the order Coleoptera and the family Curculionidae (weevils). It is a specialized pest that specifically targets pear trees, often causing significant economic losses in commercial orchards and private gardens if left unmanaged.

Host plants and damage: The species primarily infests pear trees. Both adults and larvae are harmful. Adults damage the buds by puncturing them to feed, while larvae cause the most critical damage by consuming the internal tissues of the developing flower buds, effectively preventing fruit set and reducing the yield potential of the tree.

Biology and life cycle: The weevil overwinters as an adult in sheltered locations such as leaf litter, crevices in the tree bark, or the topsoil layer. In early spring, when temperatures rise, the adults emerge and begin feeding on swelling buds. Mating occurs shortly thereafter, and the female deposits eggs into the buds, where the entire larval and pupal development takes place.

Nature of damage: A characteristic symptom of infestation is the appearance of "capped" blossoms — buds that fail to open, turn brown, and dry out. Inside these capped buds, the larva completes its life cycle. If the infestation is severe, a high percentage of the floral buds can be destroyed, leading to a drastic reduction in fruit production for the season.

• Removing old, loose bark from tree trunks during winter.
• Using sticky bands on trunks to intercept ascending adults.
• Promptly removing and destroying infested (capped) flower buds.
• Applying targeted insecticides during the green cluster stage before blooming.
• Promoting natural predators such as parasitic wasps and insectivorous birds.