Biology, Ecology, and Management of the Pea Weevil (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

7-1-2018

Abstract

The pea weevil, Bruchus pisorum L. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), is a seed-feeding chrysomelid beetle. It is a strictly monophagous pest of Pisum sativum L. (Fabales: Fabaceae), and is a major pest of peas in the world, including the United States, Australia, Europe, Ethiopia, and parts of Asia. The genetically diverse U.S. population of B. pisorum suggest the introduction of B. pisorum individuals from several distinct populations. Infestations destroying ranges from 0 to 90% in various parts of United States. B. pisorum is univoltine and each generation takes 50-80 d from oviposition to adult emergence. Adults overwinter adjacent to fields and colonize pea fields at bloom. Volatile cues from pea plants attract B. pisorum females to oviposit. Cultural methods to control B. pisorum, including early planting and harvesting, are effective. Chemicals such as acetamiprid, pyrethroids, and organophosphate insecticides are commonly used as contact insecticides. Parasitoid Uscana senex Grese (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae), through augmentative releases seems promising for control of B. pisorum, and such efforts have met with success in Russia and Chile. In terms of plant resistance, the α-AI-1 gene, an α-amylase inhibitor, can control of B. pisorum in both outdoor and greenhouse pea crops. The neoplasm gene (Np allele) is an inducible form of resistance whose expression is induced by natural products of lipid origin found in B. pisorum. Expression of the neoplasm gene in resistant pea may be a possible approach for reducing B. pisorum infestation. Integrated pest management (IPM) strategies include cultural control, biological control, and planting of resistant pea varieties.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

Annals of the Entomological Society of America

First Page

161

Last Page

171

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS