Grey weevil

The grey weevil (Latin: Peritelus senex) is a significant pest belonging to the family Curculionidae (true weevils) of the order Coleoptera. This beetle is recognized as a serious threat to various agricultural crops, particularly in regions with temperate climates where it can cause localized but severe economic damage to orchards and vineyards.

This insect is a polyphagous pest, meaning it feeds on a wide range of host plants. It primarily attacks grapevines, apple trees, pears, and several berry crops. Adult weevils are known for their habit of feeding on swelling buds in the spring and subsequently skeletonizing leaves, which drastically affects the plant's ability to undergo photosynthesis and reduces overall vigor.

The biological development of Peritelus senex follows a complete metamorphosis. Adult beetles overwinter in the soil at depths of 15 to 20 cm. As temperatures rise in early spring, they emerge to feed on the above-ground parts of the plants. Meanwhile, the larvae develop underground, where they feed on the root systems of various host plants, which makes them particularly difficult to manage using standard spraying techniques.

The harm caused by the grey weevil is twofold: adult beetles destroy the reproductive potential of trees and vines by consuming buds, while larvae undermine the vitality of the plant by damaging roots. In cases of heavy infestation, young saplings may die, and mature orchards may experience significant yield losses, making this pest a priority for integrated pest management programs.

Effective control measures require an integrated strategy combining physical and chemical interventions. Key practices include:

• Deep tillage or soil cultivation in autumn to disrupt overwintering sites of the beetles.
• Manual collection of beetles in the early morning hours when they are less active.
• Application of contact or systemic insecticides during the peak of adult activity, before the flowering period.
• Installation of sticky barriers on tree trunks to prevent adult beetles from reaching the canopy.