Economic thresholds for Hypera nigrirostris in red clover seed production

This project estimates economic injury levels (EILs) and economic thresholds (ETs) for the lesser clover leaf weevil (Hypera nigrirostris) in red clover (Trifolium pratense) seed production systems.

Using multi-year field trials, I measure:

• yield loss across a gradient of larval densities
• plant damage relationships
• seed production responses
• cost-effective insecticide timing

The goal is to provide growers with quantitative, defensible thresholds to guide management decisions and reduce unnecessary insecticide use.