U.W. Extension Reports Insecticide Resistance in Wyoming Weevils
Written by Andrew-Rossi on December 13, 2022
Wyoming alfalfa farmers will want to read the latest research on how a well-known enemy – the alfalfa weevil – is showing signs of resistance to insecticides already in their arsenal.
A new publication released by the University of Wyoming Extension assesses insecticide resistance in alfalfa weevil populations in Wyoming, Montana, and Utah. Suggestions for preventing and combating resistance are also provided.
“This is the first recorded documentation of insecticide resistance for alfalfa weevil in Wyoming,” says UW Extension Educator Jeremiah Vardiman, a co-author of the report. “Producers and agronomists have been suspicious of resistance, and now we have confirmation.”
The publication, “Management of Insecticide Resistance in Alfalfa Weevil for the Intermountain West: Montana, Utah, and Wyoming,” was co-authored by researchers at UW, Montana State University, Utah State University, and the University of Nebraska – Lincoln.
Resistance occurs when economically damaging levels of the pest survive after labeled rates of an insecticide are properly applied.
Courtesy University of Wyoming Extension
Weevils resistant to pyrethroid insecticides have been identified in Montana and Wyoming. While not yet documented, there are suspected cases in Utah as well.
“We hope this publication will bring awareness to this new information and provide the recommended management for combating known resistance or delaying resistance,” says Vardiman.
The authors advise that the best method for delaying and combating resistance is a strong integrated pest management system, which relies on a robust monitoring program.
Monitoring weevil populations before and after insecticide application is the only way to track potential resistance.
Current management recommendations include rotating insecticide modes of action, applying insecticide treatments at the highest labeled rate, and harvesting early when possible.
The authors recommend applying insecticides only when potential losses due to damaged crops reach a certain economic threshold. Once resistance occurs, effective management options are minimal.
If resistance to common insecticides develops, producers must rely on less familiar, often more costly, insecticides.
Ultimately, resistance to these treatments can also occur, leaving early harvest as the only viable management option.
To learn more about insecticide resistance in alfalfa weevil, download a free copy of the report at bit.ly/alfalfa-weevil-resistance.
