Old pest, new environment: The annual bluegrass weevil invades North Carolina

The annual bluegrass weevil is a significant pest of cool-season turfgrass in the northeastern US. In recent years, it has been found damaging fairways and greens at two geographically-distinct sites in North Carolina. The majority of research focusing on the development of an effective management approach for this insect has been conducted in states where it has historically been an issue. Management of this insect in northeastern states may not be effective in North Carolina due to the difference in a number of environmental parameters (air temperature, soil moisture, day length and elevation) that could have an impact on the effectiveness of a particular approach. Four golf courses in western North Carolina were sampled weekly for annual bluegrass weevil adults and larvae from March 2015 until September 2015. Timing of life stage appearance and weevil outbreaks were compared with degree day data, obtained from monitors installed at each site. Previous sites of weevil infestation were selected for insecticide trials to evaluate the current management of these insects in North Carolina. The results of this first year population study will be presented.