Prévention et Solutions Commerciales

The pear tree weevil ( Anthonomus pyri ) is a destructive pest for commercial orchards, particularly in organic farming. Its attacks directly target fruit buds, compromising harvests and the overall health of pear trees. This article explains how to identify, prevent, and treat this pest, while offering solutions for replacing affected plants.


Life Cycle of the Pear Weevil

Description of the insect

  • Adult: Weevil measuring approximately 4 to 5 mm, reddish-brown in color, detectable at the end of summer.
  • Larva: Whitish with a brownish head, measuring between 5 and 7 mm, feeds on bud tissue.

The main phases of development

  • Adult emergence: At the end of summer, adults leave their summer diapause to lay their eggs.
  • Laying and hatching: Eggs are laid in fruit buds, where the larvae develop over the winter.
  • Pupation and reappearance: In spring, the larvae become adults before returning to diapause.

Symptoms and Damage Caused by the Weevil

Signs of an infestation

  • Undeveloped buds: The larvae consume the internal tissues, preventing them from developing.
  • Visible perforations: Characteristic marks left by adults on the bud scales.

Impact on orchards

  • Yield loss: Heavy infestation significantly reduces fruit production.
  • Weakening of trees: Repeated attacks compromise their long-term productivity.

Prevention Strategies

Proactive monitoring

  • Bud Inspection: Check trees in late summer for the presence of adults.
  • Beating Technique: Beat branches to collect and identify weevils.

Prophylactic measures

  • Removal of affected buds: Remove buds that are punctured or contain larvae.
  • Winter Shelter Management: Clean up dead bark and remove shelters near trees.

Cultural management

  • Pruning wisely: Reduce weed regrowth, which serves as shelter for adults.
  • Ground Cleanup: Remove plant debris from under trees to minimize winter shelters.

Biological Control

  • Favoring beneficials: Encourage natural predators such as parasitoid hymenoptera.
  • Planting composite hedges: Incorporate shrubs to attract beneficial insects.
  • Pheromone traps: Capture adults during their active phase.
  • Diverse herbaceous layer: Maintain a varied plant cover to encourage natural predators.

Conventional Fighting

  • Mechanical trapping: Sticky traps effectively capture adults as they migrate.
  • Targeted treatments:
    • Ovicides: Apply specific products during the laying period.
    • Selective insecticides: Used in conventional agriculture, they must be regulated to avoid damage to beneficial insects.

Integrated Pest Management

  • Combined approach: Combine prevention, trapping and biological interventions for effective management.
  • Seasonal planning:
    • Late summer: Set sticky traps and monitor adults.
    • Winter: Remove affected buds and clean up winter shelters.
    • Spring: Apply targeted treatments if necessary.

Solutions for Impacted Producers

At Arboriverse, we understand that the pear tree weevil can pose a serious threat to your orchards. As a specialist wholesale supplier, we can help you replant your orchards with suitable plants and rootstocks.

Why choose Arboriverse?

  • Professional quality plants: Robust trees selected for their productivity.
  • Wide range of rootstocks: Adapted to your soils and climates.
  • Competitive prices: Decreasing rates with free quotes within 48 hours.

Personalized services

  • Technical advice: Our experts will help you choose your varieties.
  • Fast delivery: Receive your plants ready to be planted.

Discover our flagship products

  • Grafted pear trees: Available as scion, half-stem, or high-stem.
  • Certified rootstocks: Rapid recovery and optimal growth.

FAQ

  • What are the main symptoms of a pear tree weevil infestation? Undeveloped buds, visible perforations, weakened trees.
  • How to detect adults? Striking branches is an effective method.
  • What preventive methods should you use? Monitor buds, clean winter shelters, and remove plant debris.
  • Is chemical control effective? Yes, if used in a targeted manner to protect beneficial insects.
  • Does Arboriverse offer suitable plants? Yes, a wide range of grafted pear trees and rootstocks is available.

Contact Arboriverse for Your Fruit Plant Needs: Replenish your orchards with professional-quality plants delivered directly to your farm.