California Ag Supply

Supplying the specialty needs of growers.

Puncture Vine Weevils

The Puncture Vine (Tribulus terrestris) is a problem weed in the San Joaquin Valley and other parts of California. For a description of this plant click on the University of California of Integrated Pest Management web site. The big problem with this weed is how it spreads via the prickly seeds that are transported on wheels or shoes from field to field.

One of the classic examples of biological control is the use of Puncture Vine Weevils (Microlarinus spp.) to manage this weed. Both the seed (Microlarinus lareynii) and the stem (Microlarinus lypriformis) weevils were imported into California in the 1920's for long term control of puncture vine. Getting these two weevil species established in your fields will provide you with long term control !

The important points in use Puncture Vine Weevils are:

	1 -	Place both species of weevils in the field as soon after the seeds have formed as possible. This provides for the maximum number of generations of the puncture vine weevil before winter dormancy sets in. In the Coachella and Imperial Valleys, the time of application is in late May to early June. In the San Joaquin Valley this timing is about July 4th.
	2 -	Leave areas of the weed undisturbed so the weevils can multiply. The number one mistake in using Puncture Vine Weevils is to destroy the weeds by discing, applying herbicides etc... after applying the weevils. If you do this you will eliminate the food supply for the weevils and they will starve.
	3 -	Puncture Vine Weevils are a long term control answer to puncture vine. Over a period of several years they will greatly reduce the amount of puncture vine in your fields. Be patient. They are relatively cheap and effective.

Puncture Vine laying prostrate on the ground	Close up on Puncture Vine with a young seed forming
Note the more mature seed in the top center	What makes Puncture Vine so tough to control is its tap root. This weed is well adapted to finding water and surviving

To purchase puncture vine weevils contact us at the address below.

California Ag Supply

968 Sierra Street # 128

Kingsburg, California 93631

Tel/FAX: 559-221-7954
e-mail: info@californiaagsupply.com

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