Clover Root Weevil (Sitona lepidus) has been a pasture pest in the northern regions of New Zealand since the mid 1990s and is now present throughout much of the country.

Clover Root Weevil (CRW) affects clover production and survival and reduces the ability of clover to fix nitrogen. The weevil could potentially cost the pastoral economy around $400 million per year.

A combined management approach is required to maintain healthy and productive clover in the presence of CRW. Some of the recommendations for clover management are:

Applying small amounts of nitrogen fertiliser after grazing in spring and autumn can help clover withstand CRW larval attack on roots and nodules.

Pasture renovation using a non-host plant break crop such as brassicas or maize, removes pests such as CRW and nematodes so clover can be re-established into a “clean” site.

“Clover friendly” pasture management such as intensive grazing in spring enables the clover to compete with the grass and thrive. Conversely, sufficient pasture cover in summer protects clover stolons from burning in direct sunlight.