ARS | Publication request: INSECTS AFFECTING PRODUCTION OF NATIVE LEGUME SEED IN THE GREAT BASIN

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: February 7, 2005
Publication Date: February 7, 2005
Citation: Hammon, B., Cane, J.H. 2005. Insects affecting production of native legume seed in the great basin. Meeting Abstract.

Technical Abstract: Several insects affect collection and production of Astragalus, Dalea and Hedysarum seed from wild and managed stands in the Great Basin. Weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and seed weevils (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) attack and destroy maturing seed at most locations that were collected or sampled in 2003 and 2004. Pest species varied with host plant species and locations, but life histories and damage were quite similar in most cases. An understanding of the life history of each pest species is essential to the development of an integrated management program to prevent seed loss. These pests have the potential to limit seed production in any area in which it is attempted. A management program must focus on monitoring for adult weevils and applying preventative sprays to prevent young larvae from attacking the developing seed. Control timing will vary with pest species and geographic location, and general recommendations will be based on host plant phenology. Control measures for seed attacking will be applied early post bloom in most cases. No pesticides are labeled specifically for the production of seed of these native plants. Several label interpretations and label expansion options are available for immediate and future control needs.