Most losses are due to root damage incurred by the subterranean larvae.
Growers need new tools to assess larval infestation and reduce management costs, while researchers must determine the efficacy of larval management strategies. The larvae are detected by an accelerometer attached magnetically to the head of the spike, connected to a portable charge amplifier, headphones, and a digital audio tape recorder. Our objectives are to improve field sampling methods, improve laboratory analyses, devise a portable and low-cost system, reduce its environmental limitations, and correlate larval with adult populations. The detection of Diaprepes and estimation of its populations are essential steps in protecting citrus groves and nurseries. Recent improvements in traps for adult weevils have improved our ability to detect their populations, though trapping is still inadequate.