A Population Study of Alfalfa Weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in Kansas

The alfalfa weevil, Hypera postica (Gyllenhal) is one of the most damaging pests of alfalfa in Kansas causing crop loss of 10-15% annually. No formal population study has been conducted. The strain distribution of H. postica in Kansas was determined for eight fields located in six major alfalfa growing counties. mDNA from individuals collected at each field location was digested and sequenced to differentiate among strains. Eastern, western and Egyptian strains were recovered with eastern being the dominant strain. All sites examined had populations of eastern and western strains within the same fields. This study is the first reported instance of the Egyptian strain in Kansas. This intergrade of weevil strains may have significant implications for Integrated Pest Management strategies.