Alfalfa weevil (Jun 14, 2018; Wk 06)

Alfalfa Weevil (Hypera postica) – Approximately 70% of the population should be in the third or fourth instar stages and pupae may be occurring as well.  AAW populations near Winnipeg, Brandon, Regina, Saskatoon and regions in southern Alberta are predicted to be primarily in the fourth instar (Fig. 1). 

Figure 1.  Average predicted development stages of alfalfa weevil. 
Values are based on model simulations (April 1-June 11, 2018). 

Access last week's update to view photos and descriptions of all stages of alfalfa weevil.  

Alfalfa growers are encouraged to check the Alfalfa Weevil Fact Sheet prepared by Dr. Julie Soroka (AAFC-Saskatoon).  Additional information can be accessed by reviewing the Alfalfa Weevil Page extracted from the "Field crop and forage pests and their natural enemies in western Canada - Identification and management field guide" (Philip et al. 2015).  The guide is available in both a free English-enhanced or French-enhanced version.