Nodule preference by first instar clover root weevil

Laboratory experiments were undertaken to investigate attraction of first instar clover root weevil (Sitona lepidus) towards different clover nodules Two choice tests were used to assess larval preference between red and white clover nodules and nitrogen fixing and nonnitrogen fixing white clover nodules The assays were run over 24 h in individual Petri dishes No difference in attraction was found between red and white clover nodules but larvae showed a strong preference towards nitrogen fixing white clover nodules (P0001)