Boll weevil

Authors: Suh, Charles; SPURGEON, DALE - Retired ARS Employee

Submitted to: Compendium of Cotton Diseases and Pests
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/29/2025
Publication Date: 7/29/2025
Citation: Suh, C.P.-C., Spurgeon, D.W. 2025. Boll weevil. In: Faske, T.R., Kirkpatrick, T.L., Rothrock, C.S., Woodward, J.E., editors. Compendium of Cotton Diseases and Pests. 3rd edition. St. Paul, MN: American Phytopathological Society. p. 110-113.

Interpretive Summary: The boll weevil has been considered by many to be the most destructive insect pest of U.S. cotton since it was first detected in the U.S. near Brownsville, TX, in 1892. It rapidly spread eastward through the southern cotton belt, reaching Virginia by the 1920s. Westward expansion through New Mexico and Arizona was more episodic with weevil populations finally reaching southern California by the early 1980s. Given its severe impact on U.S. cotton production during much of the 20th century, national efforts to eradicate the boll weevil were initiated in the late 1970s. Presently, the boll weevil has been eradicated throughout the U.S. except in the Lower Rio Grande production area of Texas. Consequently, many of today's younger generation of cotton producers have little to no firsthand knowledge of the weevil and the destructive nature of this pest. This book chapter provides a brief overview of the boll weevil, focusing on its description, life cycle, injury and symptoms, and management in the U.S.

Technical Abstract: The boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis grandis Boheman (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), was first detected in U.S. cotton near Brownsville, TX in 1892. It rapidly spread across the southern cotton belt toward the Atlantic coast, reaching Virginia by 1922. Westward range expansion through New Mexico and Arizona was more episodic with populations reaching southern California in 1982. The boll weevil’s ability to disperse and survive prolonged periods between cotton-growing seasons established it as the key pest of cotton wherever it occurred. Damage from the boll weevil was so extensive, entire local economies were severely impacted, often resulting in agricultural diversification and a shift away from cotton production. Given its tremendous impact on U.S. cotton production, a pilot eradication program was initiated in North Carolina and Virginia during the late 1970s. Based on the success of the pilot program, national eradication efforts soon followed. Presently, the boll weevil has been eradicated throughout the U.S. except the Lower Rio Grande Valley production area of Texas. However, vigilance will be required to contain the boll weevil and prevent its spread into previously eradicated areas. This book chapter provides a brief overview of the boll weevil, focusing on its description, life cycle, injury and symptoms, and management in the U.S.