A new four-year collaboration between Teagasc (Dr Michael Gaffney), Harper Adams University (Drs Tom Pope and Joe Roberts) and Keele University (Prof. Toby Bruce) will see Walsh Scholar, Eugenia Fezza investigate new methods for controlling adult vine weevil on commercial soft fruit and hardy nursery stock nurseries. Despite recent advances in the development of biological control agents for the control of the larval form of this pest, options for the control of the adult are limited and it still remains an economically important pest. This new project will focus on the control of the adult vine weevil, focusing on the development of improved trapping either by the design of the trap or incorporating novel attractants or repellents into the trap. In addition, the impact of biopesticides, particularly those previously shown to cause sterility in the adult weevil will be investigated to see how they can be deployed at a nursery level to aid in the management of the adult weevil.
The project commenced in September 2020, and if any grower is interested in participating or finding out more, please feel free to contact Michael.Gaffney@Teagasc.ie.
