- Clover root weevil (Sitona lepidus) (CRW) adults prefer white clover over other clover species. High adult densities can lead to extensive defoliation. However, it is the larvae that do the most damage, firstly attacking the nitrogen-fixing nodules then the root system as they develop.
- Biocontrol should be the preferred approach. The parasitoid wasp Microctonus aethiopoides has been released at sites in Canterbury. Early results indicate it is providing significant control.
- The insecticides which could be used to control other white clover pests with least impact on the CRW parasitoid were Mavrik®, Chess® and Pirimor®.
- Karate® and Diazinon® proved the best products tested for controlling CRW but were very damaging towards the parasitoid wasp.