Black Vine Weevil

The problem

The Black Vine Weevil (Otiorhynchus sulcatus) is a dark-coloured weevil beetle that can harm plants by feeding on their roots.

Soil-dwelling larvae cause extensive damage of ornamental crops through root damage and subsequent wilting
Medium-size weevils (8.5mm long adults and 11.5mm long larvae)
Wide host range in ornamental production
Black vine weevil causes losses of £40 million to UK horticultural industry; and £4 billion worldwide, annually (floraldaily.com)

A changing industry and culture

We are seeing a big change in the way that plant protection products are being utilised and seen. Legislation and environmental concerns are driving change to more biological methods of control.

Laws

Development of public territories with no chemicals (“zero pesticides”), withdrawal of registration of insecticides (bad ecotoxicological or toxicological profile) and a sustainable use directive.

Safety

Increased interest in biological products to lower residues on crops and increase safety for workers and consumer health.

Environmental ethics

Concern for beneficial insects (honeybees) and an interest in overall reduction in chemical use.

Practical benefits

Limit development of pest resistance by introducing new modes of action and biopesticides typically have much lower re-entry intervals (REI).

The Solution

Lalguard M52

Biological insecticide based on the soil-borne, insect-pathogenic fungus Metarhizum brunneum strain Ma43**
Control for Black Vine Weevil Larvae (Otiorhynchus sulcatus)
Well-suited as a biopesticide because it does not need to be ingested like virus/bacteria to be effective (infect upon contact)
They can also exist in nature as saprophytes
High compatibility with existing plant protection products

2 Brands found

The biological insecticide for Black Vine Weevil

The UK and Ireland ornamental horticulture industry now has a groundbreaking solution at its disposal to help combat Black Vine Weevil (Otiorhynchus sulcatus) – Lalguard M52 GR (Lalguard). Black Vine weevil is a prevalent pest in ornamental horticulture and is a persistent problem within the UK and Ireland, if not managed correctly it can lead to extensive losses. Black vine weevil larvae damage roots, causing stunted growth, wilting, and plant loss. Meanwhile, adults chew notches in leaves, causing unsightly damage and poor plant health. Lalguard is an advanced, eco-conscious solution to help control this devastating pest. Derived from a specific soil-borne insect-pathogenic fungus, Lalguard acts primarily against Black Vine Weevil larvae. Lalguard can easily be incorporated into growing media and is well suited as a biopesticide as it does not need to be ingested to be effective. For UK and Ireland growers, Lalguard is the choice for effective and sustainable vine weevil management, especially in conjunction with a bespoke ICL plant protection plan. By integrating Lalguard into your strategy, you not only reduce the Black Vine Weevil’s impact but also lead the way in sustainable horticulture. Lalguard: Where plant protection meets environmental stewardship.