Document Type
Thesis - Open Access
Award Date
1963
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department / School
Entomology-Zoology
Abstract
No previous literature was found pertaining to the economic damage to crops by the weevil, Sitona scissifrons Say. Dr. Robert J. Walstrom of the Entomology-Zoology Department at South Dakota State College found heavy damage on roots of alfalfa in artificially infested cages which was believed to have been caused by this weevil. Field observations had revealed that many alfalfa as well as clover roots lacked nitrogen nodules. The S. scissifrons species alone or in combination with other root feeding insects was suspected of affecting the productivity and longevity of alfalfa plants in South Dakota. Considerable leaf and bud feeding by adult forms of S. scissifrons had been noted on caged alfalfa plants in other South Dakota tests which might have reduced yields if heavy infestations had been present. These indications of economic damage possibly caused by S. scissifrons to alfalfa under South Dakota conditions led the author to select the study of this insect as at thesis problem.
Library of Congress Subject Headings
Agricultural pests
Sitona
Description
Includes bibliographical references
Format
application/pdf
Number of Pages
38
Recommended Citation
Mast, Gale B., "A Study of a Legume Weevil, Sitona scissifrons say, in South Dakota" (1963). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 2910.
https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/etd/2910