Hawthorn blossom weevil

Taxonomic position: Pseudanthonomus crataegi is a member of the Curculionidae family within the order Coleoptera. This species is recognized as a specific pest that primarily targets plants belonging to the Rosaceae family, showing a clear preference for hawthorn species.

Host plants: The primary host is the hawthorn (Crataegus), but the beetle can cause significant economic damage in commercial orchards by attacking apples, pears, and other pome fruits. The presence of unmanaged hawthorn hedges near orchards often increases the risk of infestation for cultivated trees.

Biology and life cycle: The life cycle is strictly synchronized with the phenology of the host plant. Adult weevils overwinter in sheltered locations such as leaf litter, soil crevices, or under tree bark. In early spring, as temperatures rise, the beetles emerge to feed on young buds and foliage before mating and laying eggs inside the developing flower buds.

Damage and economic significance: The larvae are the most destructive stage, as they feed on the internal structures of the flower buds, specifically the stamens and pistils. This feeding leads to the failure of the flower to open, causing it to wither and drop prematurely. Significant population densities can result in severe yield loss by destroying potential fruit-bearing sites.

Protection measures: Effective management includes a combination of cultural and chemical strategies. Key practices include:

• Removal and destruction of fallen leaves and plant debris to eliminate overwintering sites.
• Monitoring of orchard margins where hawthorn serves as a primary source of infestation.
• Application of selective insecticides during the green-bud to pink-bud stage when pest threshold levels are exceeded.