Alfalfa winter cutting: Effectiveness against the alfalfa weevil, Hypera postica (Gyllenhal) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and effect on its rate of parasitism due to Bathyplectes spp. (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae)

The alfalfa weevil Hypera postica (Gyllenhal) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is a major pest of worldwide. In Spain, insecticide sprayings are mainly used for control with low efficacy. As potential more sustainable method, we determined the effectiveness an winter cutting reducing populations in spring and its interaction parasitism rate due to Bathyplectes spp. (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae). Forty-two commercial fields were split two parts one was mowed during winter. Larval abundance each part field sampled by sweep netting 2019 2020 before first cutting, when damage caused. rates anura (Thomson) curculionis estimated rearing larvae laboratory. Winter significantly reduced larval favored parasitism. Our results suggest that can be useful cultural method has component integrated management program.