Forage experts in Manitoba and Saskatchewan are urging prairie growers to check their alfalfa fields for weevils as soon as possible.

According to a Manitoba Agriculture crop report from June 19, alfalfa weevils have been detected in the southwest, the Parkland region and the Interlake. The adult alfalfa weevils lay eggs on the alfalfa plants in the spring. The larvae emerge from the eggs and feed on the leaves of the alfalfa plants.

Lorne Klein, Saskatchewan Agriculture’s forage specialist in Weyburn, SK., says alfalfa weevil populations are also high in southeastern and southwestern Saskatchewan, and has heard reports of weevil damage in the Yorkton area. 

If weevil larvae numbers get too high, the alfalfa crop should be cut immediately if the weather permits. But if that’s not possible, producers should consider applying a pesticide. According to Klein, cutting the alfalfa stops the larvae from feeding on it, since they need green and growing plant tissue.

Click here to read the full article from the Western Producer.