Argentine Stem Weevil
Common Name
Argentine Stem Weevil
Seasons of Activity
All year round
Areas of Plant Affected
Foliage
Scientific Name
Listronotus bonariensis
Key Distinguishing Feature
Water stressed appearance in late spring/summer.
The adult Argentine Stem Weevil, which are dark grey to black in colour and have a distinctive protruding snout, lay eggs within the turfgrass canopy under the sheath of the leaf blades. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae (first instar) begins feeding on the inside of the plant stems, until the 2nd or 3rd instar, where they then burrow out of the plant and fall to the ground.
At this stage they then feed on the plants crowns and growing points causing significant damage. The older instars live in the thatch and feed on the roots. After the fifth instar is reached the larva pupates within the upper soil profile and the adult soon emerges. The cycle then begins once again with the adults laying eggs from July. The larvae are more destructive than the adult Argentine Stem Weevil.
Key Products for Control:
Quarterback Insecticide - 15mL/100sqm in 6-10Ltrs water,
Acelepryn Liquid - 15mL/100sqm in 6-10Ltrs water,
- For active infestations, after application, wait 24 hours before irrigating thoroughly into soil profile. For all other applications, irrigate within an hour of applying.
- Do not apply if soil is saturated with water.
- Apply product before or at peal egg hatch for maximum control (mid-September).
- Calibrate your spray equipment before applying product to your lawn.
- Mix 1/2 tank of clean water with product and agitate. Keep mixture agitated and suspended in solution at all times.
Acelepryn GR - 1.5Kg/100sqm, *For active infestations, after application, wait 24 hours before irrigating thoroughly into soil profile. For all other applications, irrigate within an hour of applying.
