Population dynamics of overwintering life stages of the alfalfa weevil, Hypera postica (Gyllenhal)

Virginia is a natural laboratory for studying overwintering habits of the alfalfa weevi1. At higher elevations, winters are relatively harsh and weevil pressure on the alfalfa crop is usually light. Much heavier pressure is the rule at lower elevations where winters are milder. The goal of this study was to examine the effects of fall and winter temperatures, parasites, and fall regrowth management on population dynamics of overwintering stages of this insect. Sixteen commercial alfalfa fields in Montgomery Co. (elevation 610 m) and Bedford Co. (elevation 300 m) were used in the study. Approximately half the fields each year were either harvested or grazed to remove fall regrowth. In the other fields, fall regrowth was left standing through the winter.

Six different pitfall trap designs were compared for collection efficiency, installation and servicing effort, and cost. Barrier traps outperformed the other trap designs and were inexpensive and easy to install and service. Sweepnet samples were used to monitor weevil adults during their fall migration. A newly designed sampling device which removes all plant material, litter, and approximately 2 cm of soil from a 1/20 m² area, was used to measure absolute densities during fall and winter. Based on these absolute density samples fewer adults overwintered within fields in which fall regrowth was removed.

Dissections revealed the presence of three parasites: Hyalomyodes trianqulifer (Loew), Microctonus aetheopoides Loan, and M. colesi Drea. Total parasitization rates were low. The highest measured rate was 16.1% in Bedford Co. in 1984-85. Female reproductive development also was determined through dissection. Females reach sexual maturity shortly after returning to alfalfa fields in the fall. Most contain full-size eggs in their oviducts from late fall through the winter.

Egg densities as measured by laboratory incubation of field collected plant material indicated no differences related to elevation in early February, but significantly more viable eggs were present by late March at the low elevation site. In 1984, Bedford Co. samples indicated significantly more eggs in fields receiving no fall regrowth management.

A simulation model called OAWSIM (Overwintering Alfalfa Weevil Simulation) was developed to examine the influence of factors which affect overwintering life stages. Model predictions indicate fall and winter temperatures, and fall regrowth management are major influences on the population dynamics of this insect.