Biology and Control of the Sweet Clover Weevil

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Abstract
Sitona cylindricollis. a pest of European origin, first reported from N. America near Montreal in 1924, now occurs across the northern states and Canada from the Atlantic coast to the Rocky Mts. The insects spread largely by flight. They are particularly destructive to the young sweet clover seedlings. Early spring applications of either a 3% or 5% DDT dust at 20 lbs. per acre in early spring has given most satisfactory control on the 2d yr. growth, but poor control on new seedings. Other measures include shallow tillage of the fields in midsummer after the sweet clover is cut for hay, delaying the seedings beyond June 15 when the seasonal activity of the overwintered weevils has diminished, and isolation of the new seedings about 1/2 mile from infested fields. Of 15 vars., Grundy County sweet clover received the least feeding injury. Through cooperation with the U. S. Dept. Agric. the N. Dakota station is endeavoring to propagate and establish the weevil parasites, Microctonus aethiops and Campogaster exigua (imported from Europe) in the Fargo area. Natural control agencies include the plains toad and a parasitic fungus.

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