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Distribution (Rhynchites weevil)

It is widespread and though local in apple orchards is normally associated with hawthorn. The pest is more common in organic orchards and orchards that do not receive regular insecticide treatments at or after …

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Recognition (Rhynchites weevil)

Adult 2.5-4.5 mm long; wing cases (elytra) reddish brown and hairy; head and thorax darker, strongly punctured and with a purplish to bronzy sheen. Larva Up to 4 mm long; whitish, with the brownish head retracted into the swollen prothoracic region. Egg …

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Damage (Rhynchites weevil)

During blossom and early fruitlet development, the adult weevils drill small cylindrical holes into the flesh with their rostrum. Numerous holes may be made in one fruitlet or in a group of adjacent fruitlets by a single weevil. Feeding can continue till …

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Monitoring (Rhynchites weevil)

Adults Adults can be seen feeding on fruitlets during and after blossom and are readily collected by beating. Growers should also tap-sample nearby hawthorn and blackthorn hedgerows, to assess the risk of weevil damage. Damage to fruits during the growing …

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Chemical control (Rhynchites weevil)

Targeted control measures, levelled at both males and females as they prepare to mate, would reduce rhynchites numbers at the beginning of the season. In the past a spray of thiacloprid (Calypso) at late blossom or early fruitlet gave good control of …

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Cultural control (Rhynchites weevil)

Trees could be carefully searched and adults removed and destroyed after blossom but this would be labour intensive. Hawthorn is the main host but the weevils are only able to complete their development on trees/hedges that flower and bear …

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Natural enemies (Rhynchites control)

Around the world several organisms are know to attack various Rhynchities spp. In the USA, Rhynchities spp. larvae are parasitized by ichneumonid wasps of the genus temelucha. In laboratory studies it has been possible to infect Rhynchities spp larvae …

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Control (Rhynchites weevil)

Control  Before its use was revoked, thiacloprid (Calypso) at late blossom or early fruitlet was shown to give good control of adults and prevents further damage. From 2021, Calypso can no longer be used on apples. It is probable that other insecticides …

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