Seasonality and management of apple flea weevil (Orchestes pallicornis) in organic apples

Apple flea weevil has emerged in the past few years as a sever orchard pest in organic apples. Although native to the United States, growers have experienced outbreak populations similar to an invasive species. Apple flea weevil is an early-season pest, doing much of its damage prior to fruit set – none the less Michigan growers have experienced crop looses up to or exceeding 90%. We studied the seasonality of AFW and damage thresholds. To combat high populations we investigated management programs at apple phenological stages prior to bloom against the “Spring” adults which emerged from diapause, the first generation adults, and the soil-dwelling overwintering stages. Results from one year of field and laboratory data will be presented.