Summary

The lucerne seed production industry needs to increase its knowledge base of the white fringed weevil (Graphognathus leucoloma) and the Leptopius species of beetle also associated with lucerne damage in the Keith region of South Australia. Before any specific research is conducted it is necessary for the industry to assess the vast amount of research already conducted into the white fringed weevil across the world. The existing research may present suitable management options that would focus any specific research work that may be appropriate into the management of the pest in the Keith region in the future.An abstract search into these pests in lucerne and allied crops suggested a significant amount of research has already been conducted on the white fringed weevil across several continents including North and South America. Some of this research is pertinent to the Australian scenario and needs to be examined to assist in formulating the best option for industry regarding any future work with these pests, which while from different genii, have similar biology and life systems. There is a need to assess the literature cited in the abstract search to develop a better understanding of the pest’s biology and how the pest is managed in other crop production systems in other environments. The proposed literature review would be finalised in 2008 to allow for commencement of any appropriate research to commence in 2009. The review would present the knowledge base of the weevil species, in particular the white fringed weevil which has been far more researched, and suggest any suitable actions that the lucerne seed production industry could take to assist in managing this pest species.

Program

Pasture Seeds

Research Organisation

Alpha Group Consulting

Objective Summary

The proposed literature review would be finalised in 2008 to allow for commencement of any appropriate research to commence in 2009. The review would present the knowledge base of the weevil species, in particular the white fringed weevil which has been far more researched, and suggest any suitable actions that the lucerne seed production industry could take to assist in managing this pest species.