Some Factors Affecting Infestation of Strawberry Fields by the Black Vine Weevil in Western Washington12

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Abstract
Summer adults of Otiorhynchus sulcatus (F.) emerged from May 31–June 21, 1976, and began oviposition 7 wk later. Oviposition was greatest in early Aug. Egg viability was low initially but increased after the 2nd wk of ovi position. During winter, 1975–76, 42.5% of adults observed survived outdoors. They began oviposition Apr. 26, 1976, and produced more eggs than the summer adults. Oviposition ceased by Sept. 1 for both overwintered and summer adults. Adults deposited eggs on or in the soil to depths of 5 cm. Most were placed under the strawberry foliage. Eggs buried in the soil were more likely to result in mature larvae than those deposited on the surface. When plants were artificially infested with eggs or 1st instars, only a small percentage was recovered as mature larvae. At best, only 3.7% were recovered from eggs buried 2.5 cm deep. Eggs and larvae placed on the soil surface had poor survival. The practice of mowing off strawberry fields after harvest may help reduce weevil populations. In 1975 and 1976, 60% of adults died after the foliage was mowed off and removed as compared to 0–12% mortality in unmowed plots.

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