Farmers warned to be on high alert for Bruchid beetle infestations in winter bean crops as temperatures soar

A bean field in flower. (Image: Archant)

Insectides field technical specialist Max Newbert, of agrochemicals firm Syngenta said adult beetles should be targeted in crops at risk when there has been two consecutive days of temperatures above 20C.

Bruchid larvae feeding on developing beans in pods can result in yield loss and low-value damaged beans.

Last year saw an increase in bean damage.

“Weather conditions indicate that the pest is more likely to be active in the south, but damaging outbreaks have been recorded as far north as Yorkshire and Humberside,” he warned. “Whilst the average levels of infection have typically been reducing, most seasons we see instances of catastrophic failure where growers have not treated – with lower yields of beans acceptable for premium export.”