The Egyptian Alfalfa Weevil and Its Control in Southern California12

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Abstract
Hypera brunneipennis, since its discovery in Yuma, Arizona in 1939, has spread over much of California. Biological studies showed that life history and habits are very similar to those of the more northerly located Hypera postica. Although the ecological limitations are not known, H. brunneipennis is a potential problem to the clover- and alfalfa-industry in California. The following insecticides at the rates per acre indicated gave excellent control of the larvae: heptachlor and aldrin (1 oz.), chlordane (0.5 lb.), perthane, methoxychlor, and dilan (1 lb.). Somewhat less effective than the above were DDT and toxaphene (1 lb.) and lindane (0.25 lb.). Of the phosphate insecticides tested for larval control, EPN and methyl parathion (0.25 lb.) were most promising and somewhat superior to parathion and metacide (0.25 lb.) and malathion (0.75 lb.). When applications were made to stubble alfalfa to kill adult weevils prior to oviposition, the following insecticides gave larval reductions above 93%: heptachlor (0.4 lb.), dieldrin (0.2 lb.), and aldrin (0.4 lb.). Toxaphene (2.7 lb.), endrin (0.24 lb.), lindane (0.53 lb.) and chlordane (0.9 lb.) were somewhat inferior, and DDT (1.4 lb.), perthane (1.14 lb.) and EPN (0.4 lb.) gave only fair results.

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