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Broad bean and pea weevils are field pests. The larvae eat circular holes in the seeds of field beans and peas, causing damage.

Biology

The female beetles lay eggs on the growing pods. The hatched larvae bore into the pods, eat circular holes in the seeds and pupate. Some of the young beetles leave the seeds before harvest, but some remain in the crop.

Host plants

The beetle is found in peas and field beans, respectively.

Verbreitung

Verstärkt in Regionen mit höherer Anbaubedeutung von Erbsen und Ackerbohnen.

Ausbreitung und Übertragung

Der Schädling kann über das Saatgut in Regionen verschleppt werden in denen er noch nicht vorkommt.

Economic importance

The beetle causes feeding damage, which is likely to result in loss of germination capacity and an increase in the level of contamination (especially through infested farm-saved seed). In case of heavy infestation, yield losses may also occur. The beetle is exclusively an outdoor pest and not a storage pest.

Prevention and control

• Use seeds free of infestation
• Insecticide treatment (see list of plant protection products approved in Austria) after the start of flowering or when the first pods appear is possible.

Services

Plant Health Services