Notes on Strawberry Insects
Strawberry clipper weevil

Identification

The strawberry clipper weevil is a small, reddish-brown weevil, 2-3 mm long with a long snout. Adult weevils poke holes and lay eggs in strawberry buds and partially cut the stem below the bud, which causes it to dry out and drop off.

Strawberry clipper weevil

Period of activity

Overwintering adults become active in early spring, after several warm nights (16°C) when strawberry buds extend from the crown. Damage occurs until all flower buds are opened.

Monitoring and thresholds

Begin to monitor for clipper injury when strawberry buds emerge from the crown. Continue twice weekly until petal fall. Check plants at the edges of the field near woods, brush and other overwintering sites. A systematic method for the evaluation of injury has been developed. See OMAFRA Factsheet, Strawberry Clipper Weevil, Order No. 99-031.

Management notes

Apply an insecticide when the threshold is reached. Border sprays of the ten first rows may provide adequate control in newer plantings.

Learn more...

• Notes on Strawberry Diseases and Insects
• Strawberry Clipper Weevil: A Major Pest of Strawberry, OMAFRA Factsheet Order No. 99-031
• OMAFRA Publication 360 Strawberry Calendar (non-bearing)
• OMAFRA Publication 360 Strawberry Calendar (fruiting years)
• OMAFRA Publication 360 Fruit Production Recommendations
• OMAFRA Berry Crops Index page
  

| Top of Page |