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How to Manage Pests
UC Pest Management Guidelines
Alfalfa
Clover Root Curculio
Scientific Name: Sitona
hispidulus
(Reviewed 11/06,
updated 11/06)
In this Guideline:
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Adults of the clover root curculio are slightly smaller than
alfalfa weevil adults and are a mottled gray-brown with no distinct patterns.
The life cycle is similar to alfalfa weevil in that the adults leave the
alfalfa fields and spend the summer in protected areas.
The clover root curculio is a
recognized alfalfa pest in the eastern half of the US, but information on this
pest in California is extremely limited. Clover root curculio is apparently
more common in sandy soils than in the heavier soils.
The white, grublike larvae of the clover root curculio feed on alfalfa roots and
leave gouges in the tap root. They are most likely to be found in
June. This damage has been shown
to be detrimental to alfalfa yield and stand longevity in the eastern United
States. The feeding also promotes root rot diseases by providing entry points
for fungi.
There are no thresholds or control
measures for this pest.
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UC IPM Pest Management Guidelines: Alfalfa
UC ANR Publication 3430
Insects and Mites
C. G. Summers, Entomology, Kearney Agricultural Center, Parlier
L. D. Godfrey, Entomology, UC Davis
M. Rethwisch, UC Cooperative Extension, Riverside County (Blythe)
D. R. Haviland, UC Cooperative Extension, Kern County
P. B. Goodell, Entomology, Kearney Agricultural Center, Parlier
R. F. Long, UC Cooperative Extension, Yolo County
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