The Strawberry root weevil (Otiorhynchus ovatus) gets its name from their preference for strawberry plants yet they are also known to feed on raspberry, rhododendron, grape and peppermint. Strawberry root weevil larvae cause serious damage to seedlings and young transplants in plantations and nurseries.
Damage
Adult weevils feed nocturnally on leaves and stems, leaving notches, while the larvae cause more severe damage by feeding on the roots and crowns of the plant. Symptoms of infested plants include wilting, stunted growth and reddish leaves that curl exposing the underside. The fine roots and sometimes even the hard fibrous roots are destroyed, allowing for the plants to be easily pulled from the soil. These plants have poor yields. Since adults do not fly, plants bordering older plantings show damage the first season, with damage spreading each year the on new plantings.
There are specific natural enemies and solutions for different weevils.
For more information contact your local BioBee field agent.
