Development of a refuge-kairomone device for monitoring and control of the vine weevil, Otiorhynchus sulcatus, by lure-and-kill and lure-and-infect

Root weevils in the genus Otiorhynchus are an important pest in the nursery and small fruit production worldwide. The night-activity of the adult weevils obstruct timely monitoring and oviposition often starts before effective control measures are taken. The primary objective of this research goal was to develop an effective trap for monitoring that can be used in conjunction with the kairomone (Z)-2-pentenol and an effective means to kill the insects that enter the trap. A novel ruffle refuge trap (WeevilGrip) caught on average 4 to 5 times more weevils than a grooved board refuge in a field trial. Addition of the kairomone to the WeevilGrip further increased catches 52%. Linseed oil increased mortality to 59% and addition of Botanigard (ai Beauveria bassiana, strain GHA, Certis, BotaniGard WP 10–25%) increased mortality to 79%. The lure-refuge device consists of a flexible ruffle that can be wrapped around trees or placed on the soil within ground covers. This flexible shape maximizes contact with weevils compared to other available weevil trap designs. The WeevilGrip is an improved monitoring tool to support growers in integrated control strategies.