Pacific Pests, Pathogens and Weeds

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Summary

• Narrow distribution. Papua New Guinea, Australia. Major pests of avocado, capsicum and citrus in Papua New Giuinea, but also on many other vegetables and fruit trees.
• Eggs laid in soil. Larvae feed on roots, Adults dark 4-7 mm, do not fly, but are highly mobile.
• Cultural control: avoid overlapping crops; avoid land where weevils severe last crop; crop rotation, using tolerant crops, e.g., shallots, carrots, cabbage, asparagus, or use them as intercrops or borders; weed.
• Chemical control: synthetic pyrethroids at ¼ does recommended; apply early morning or later afternoon when weevils are on the plants.