WATCH OUT for renewed pea and bean weevil attack, particularly on newly emerging spring bean crops, the Processors and Growers Research Organisation (PGRO) has warned.

“Attacks slowed when night time temperatures fell, after initial weevil activity during a mild March,” said the PGRO’s Anthony Biddle.

“Any warm, sunny days now will see feeding and egg laying recommence.”

PGRO recommends two sequential insecticide treatments, 7-10 days apart, when characteristic signs of leaf notching damage are seen.

A typical yield loss from weevil attack of 10-15% could be worth up to £80/ha for a 5t/ha spring crop, Dr Biddle estimated.

For pea and bean husbandry advice, see Baseline Advice on p44 of this week’s FARMERS WEEKLY (April 29).