Green-legged leaf weevil

The green-legged leaf weevil (Polydrusus marginatus) is a beetle belonging to the order Coleoptera and the family Curculionidae. These weevils are commonly found in orchards and wooded areas across Europe, where they function as defoliators that can cause noticeable damage to foliage and buds.

This pest has a preference for a variety of deciduous trees. Its primary hosts include fruit crops such as apples, pears, cherries, and plums. Beyond fruit orchards, it is frequently found on forest trees like oaks, birches, and beeches, often moving from natural habitats into managed agricultural environments.

The biological cycle is synchronized with the spring development of host plants. Adult weevils emerge during the early growing season, feeding on emerging buds and young leaves. After mating, females lay eggs in the soil near the base of the trees. The larvae then descend into the ground, where they develop while feeding on the roots of plants.

The damage caused by adults is primarily observed on leaves, where they create irregular, scalloped edges, leaving the leaf tissue looking ragged. In cases of high infestation, significant defoliation can occur, leading to reduced photosynthetic capacity, stunted shoot growth, and an overall decrease in the vigor of the infested tree.

Management strategies focus on reducing the adult population before egg-laying occurs. Monitoring should start during the green-tip stage of bud development. Chemical control with appropriate insecticides is effective during the peak activity of adults. Additionally, physical barriers or mechanical collection (shaking branches) can be useful in smaller gardens to keep populations below economic injury levels.