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Alfalfa Weevil Activity Prediction Update: May 12, 2022

Written with contributions by Shelby Pritchard, former SDSU Extension Pest Management Specialist.

Originally Submitted: May 12, 2022

During the last week, most of South Dakota accumulated enough degree days for alfalfa weevil larvae to be active. At this point in the season, all alfalfa fields should be scouted weekly to ensure that large populations of alfalfa weevils do not cause excessive defoliation. The forecast for the next week will continue to be favorable for the development of alfalfa weevils.

Calculating Degree Days for Alfalfa Weevils

To monitor for alfalfa weevils, we can estimate activity based on degree day accumulation. The equation for degree days is:

(Maximum daily temperature + Minimum daily temperature) ÷ 2 - The Developmental Threshold

For the alfalfa weevil, the developmental threshold is 48 degrees Fahrenheit. This equation is used for days during which the maximum temperature exceeds 48 degrees Fahrenheit. In cases where the minimum temperature is lower than 48 degrees Fahrenheit, the actual temperature is substituted by the 48 degrees Fahrenheit developmental threshold since no development is occurring below it. Degree day accumulation begins on Jan. 1. First overwintering adult alfalfa weevil activity is generally observed around 200-degree days and larvae hatch is generally around 300-degree days (Table 1).

The alfalfa weevil has four larval instars, with the first being the smallest larvae and the fourth being the largest larvae. The later instar larvae will consume additional leaf tissue, which results in increased defoliation. As a result, management would ideally be done while larvae are still in the first and second instar growth stages.

Table 1. Alfalfa weevil life stages based on degree days.

Accumulated
Degree Days
Alfalfa Weevil Activity
(Overwintering as Adults)
0-199
Limited to no activity of alfalfa weevils.
200-299
Overwintering adult activity is observed in alfalfa fields (begin scouting fields).
300-371
Spring laid eggs hatch.
First instar larvae begin feeding.
372-438
Second instar larvae feeding.
439-504
Third instar larvae feeding.
505-595
Fourth instar larvae feeding.
(Period when greatest damage will occur)
596-814
Pupation.
815-greater
Adult emergence (will overwinter).

Current Estimate on Alfalfa Weevil Activity in South Dakota

For assistance reading this graphic and data set, please call SDSU Extension at 605-688-4792.
Figure 1. Alfalfa weevil degree day accumulations for various South Dakota locations as of May 12, 2022.

Based on current degree day accumulations, alfalfa weevil larvae are likely active throughout South Dakota (Figure 1).

Scouting should be conducted in fields around those locations to monitor for weevil larvae activity. Activity and life stage may vary from this prediction.

Related Topics

Forage