Influence of soil and weed management practices on development and emergence of plum curculio (Conotrachelus nenuphar) in Alabama peaches

Studies were conducted during 2007-2009 peach seasons to determine the influence of soil and weed management practices on development and emergence of plum curculio, Conotrachelus nenuphar Herbst, a major pest of peaches in the U.S. The following orchard understory treatments were evaluated in plots (3m x 3m) located under tree canopies in peach orchards in Alabama: i) Centipede grass understory, ii) pine bark understory, iii) weedy (natural weeds) understory and iv) no (bare soil) understory. Emergence of 10 plum curculio (PC) larvae placed in each plot covered with cone trap was determined. Significantly fewer adult PCs emerged from the centipede grass understory treatments than other treatments. Additional tests conducted in the greenhouse showed similar trend.