Myllocerus curvicornis weevil

Systematic position. This insect belongs to the order Coleoptera and the family Curculionidae. Known primarily as a tropical and subtropical pest, Myllocerus curvicornis represents a significant challenge for farmers due to its broad host range and rapid reproduction capabilities in favorable environments.

Host plants. The species is highly polyphagous, attacking a wide array of agricultural crops. Major host plants include cotton, various fruit trees like mango and citrus, legumes, and several ornamental shrubs. This dietary flexibility allows the pest to persist in various agro-ecosystems throughout the year.

Biology and life cycle. The life cycle involves egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages. Adult weevils are active diurnal feeders, causing visible damage to the canopy. Females oviposit in the soil, and upon hatching, the larvae move to the rhizosphere to feed on plant roots, often staying hidden from traditional foliage-applied treatments.

Damage and economic impact. Adult weevils cause severe leaf damage by feeding on the edges, which creates a serrated appearance and eventually leads to total defoliation. The larval stage damages root systems, leading to nutrient deficiency, stunted growth, and in severe cases, the death of the host plant, resulting in major economic losses for producers.

Integrated control measures include:

• Monitoring adult populations using light traps and field scouting.
• Applying systemic or contact insecticides during the peak of adult emergence.
• Cultivating the soil to expose and destroy larvae and pupae within the soil profile.
• Encouraging natural predators and utilizing biological control agents such as Beauveria bassiana.