USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -The cotton boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis grandis, was the most important pest of cotton in much of America’s Cotton Belt. Fortunately, it was eradicated in the United States by a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) program in cooperation with state agencies and cotton farmers.

Detailed explanation-2: -Boll Weevil Infestation of 1915: In 1915 and 1916, the boll weevil, a type of beetle that feeds on cotton buds and flowers, infested much of the cotton crops in the rural South. This infestation significantly reduced cotton production, as much as 70% in Alabama, and resulted in the loss of many cotton crops.

Detailed explanation-3: -What Causes Weevils in Food Storage Areas? Weevils generally gain entry into your home through purchased containers of whole-grain cereal products that have been infested at food processing and packaging centers. Once in your home, weevils can spread to whatever cereal grains are available to them.

Detailed explanation-4: -The boll weevil feeds on cotton pollen, but does its damage by laying eggs on cotton flower buds, called “squares, ” or on the young developing cotton boll (the songs often address boll weevil as a “he” or “Mr.” but clearly the crop damage is done by the female and her young).

Detailed explanation-5: -boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis grandis Coleoptera: Curculionidae.