Ladino Clover Resistance to the Clover Root Curculio (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)1

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Abstract
Ninety-six genotypes of Ladino clover were tested for resistance to larval root feeding by Sitona hispidulus (F.) in greenhouse, field, and hydroponic laboratory tests. Highly significant differences were found among genotypes when clover roots from field plots were rated by percent surface area damage. Larvae reared on 7 of 11 genotypes on hydroponic slant boards had smaller body weights than larvae reared on ‘Tillman,’ the cultivated variety. Clover plants infested with larvae of the clover root curculio had smaller foliage and root weights than uninfested plants after 20 days. Mean numbers of larvae surviving and mean larval size significantly affected plant aboveground growth and size, but not root growth or size. The effect of larval feeding on plant size was related to plant genotype. Plant growth (weight gain) varied among infested genotypes. Only one of four resistant genotypes achieved good growth. Two genotypes achieved superior growth even when exposed to high larval populations, indicating tolerance. Plant genotype affected the number and size of larvae surviving. In comparison with ‘Tillman,’ four genotypes consistently impaired larval growth and survival. Larval weight appears to be the best larval character for the assessment of nonpreference or antibiosis.

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