Scientists have developed a special trap to tackle a persistent pest to strawberry crops.

Jerry Cross and others at the Defra funded East Malling Research have identified a pheromone for the strawberry blossom weevil, a common pest, although the severity of damage it can cause can be unpredictable.

Field trials have led to the development of a “sticky stake” pheromone trap for monitoring the pest in commercial crops.

The adult weevil emerges in the spring and invades strawberry fields or tunnels. After egg laying, the female nips the stalk of a strawberry flower, just below the bud, causing it to wither.

The use of pheromone traps identifies the need for and timing of any pesticide application, said EMR. The group recommends traps be put in place well before flower stem extension takes place.

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