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BIOLOGICAL CONTROL OF THE ALFALFA WEEVIL HYPERA POSTICA (COLEOPTERA: CURCULIONIDAE) IN NEW YORK1

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 May 2012

R. Larry Richardson ,
Dean E. Nelson ,
Alan C. York  and
George G. Gyrisco
R. Larry Richardson
Affiliation:
Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
Dean E. Nelson
Affiliation:
Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
Alan C. York
Affiliation:
Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
George G. Gyrisco
Affiliation:
Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
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Abstract

Two hymenopterous parasites Bathyplectes curculionis (Thomson) and Tetrastichus incertus (Ratzeburg) parasitized 16.5% of their principal host the alfalfa weevil Hypera postica (Gyllenhal) in 1970. A total of 2703 parasites was reared and released in localities where their activity was reported low or non-existent prior to this study. Maximum parasitism by T. incertus and B. curculionis occurred later than periods of peak weevil larvae activity; however, T. incertus emerged earlier in several areas possibly as a natural adjustment of its life cycle, and B. curculionis persisted in multiple non-diapausing generations until late fall. The braconid parasite Microtonus aethiops (Nees) shows promise in becoming a very effective control agent through its ability to prevent weevil oviposition now that it is rapidly dispersing throughout New York. Having parasites established statewide through both releases and natural dispersal has lowered weevil populations below critical levels, and will increase parasite effectiveness in dealing with future alfalfa weevil generations.

Type
Articles
Information
The Canadian Entomologist , Volume 103 , Issue 12 , December 1971 , pp. 1653 - 1658
Copyright
Copyright © Entomological Society of Canada 1971

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