Scout First, then Use Evidence-based Tools for Integrated Pest Management of Lesser Clover Leaf Weevil in Red Clover Seed Production Fields
2026 UPDATE: New Tool for Red Clover Seed Growers
A new Red Clover Economic Threshold Calculator, now available in a beta version, will help red clover seed growers make evidence-based decisions when managing lesser clover leaf weevil, Hypera nigrirostris
Developed by University of Saskatchewan researchers, the tool is based on laboratory studies conducted in Saskatchewan and multi-year field trials completed with the participation of Saskatchewan red clover seed producers.
The online decision-support tool is designed to help growers and agronomists assess pest risk, support timely scouting and guide the use of integrated pest management practices, reducing unnecessary insecticide use in red clover seed production. https://entomologist.ca/tools/red-clover/
This calculator turns field scouting information into a practical recommendation by combining:
Observed larval densities
Cost of control
Market value of seed
Expected injury per larva
The tool is based on results published in:
Economic Thresholds for Hypera nigrirostris in Red Clover Seed Production from On-Farm Trials. Journal of Economic Entomology https://doi.org/10.1093/jee/toaf290
If you have any questions, please contact:
Jeremy R. Irvine, Department of Plant Sciences, University of Saskatchewan @JeremyIrvine jeremy.irvine@usask.cajeremy@entomologist.ca
Other Resources
Western Canada field guide resources for forage and field crop pests
https://prairiepest.ca/field-guides/
https://prairiepest.ca/2023/week-10/#post_14488
https://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2018/aac-aafc/A59-23-2018-eng.pdf
Pacific Northwest Management Handbooks