HORTICULTURE

Detailed explanation-1: -Alfalfa weevil. The alfalfa weevil is primarily a pest of alfalfa but may also attack several species of clover. The larvae damage the plants by feeding on the leaves and buds, stunting plant growth and reducing forage yield and quality.

Detailed explanation-2: -Predators: Predators known to feed on alfalfa weevil larvae include lady beetles (Figure 9), damsel bugs, lacewings, and some spiders. However, if aphids are abundant the aphids may be preferred as prey over alfalfa weevil larvae.

Detailed explanation-3: -The United States and Argentina are the world’s largest alfalfa-producing countries, but significant land area is devoted to alfalfa in Australia, South and North Africa, Southern Europe, Chile, Mexico, Canada, China, and the Middle East.