Meadow Weevil Larvae Management in Nut Trees

This factsheet outlines integrated pest management strategies for controlling meadow weevil (*Melolontha melolontha*) larvae on nut trees in sandy soils, published in April 2025 under the 'Perspectief met Bomen' project. Key measures include netting during adult flight (April–May), application of entomopathogenic nematodes (*Heterorhabditis bacteriophora*) in July–August, maintaining bare soil through tilling, and monitoring with light and pheromone traps. Biological control using fungi (*Beauveria brongniartii*, *Metarhizium robertsii*) and parasitic wasps is under research but currently restricted in the Netherlands. Repellent plants like *Buxus* and reflective materials show experimental promise. The approach prioritises reducing chemical use through combined cultural, biological, and monitoring techniques. Funded by the European Union and agricultural partners, the project supports sustainable orchard management.