SV CIRCULAR 639, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 
The vegetable weevil (Listroderes obliquus Klug), which occurred in 
harmful abundance in this region for the first time during the spring 
of 1937, was found infesting a tobacco plant bed in considerable num- 
bers. Larval feeding on the tender leaves was extensive (ez ar 
and frequent instances were observed where the insects had entirely 
eaten away the buds of the plants. The infestation increased during 
the first part of April and caused a considerable loss of plants in 
the portion of the bed attacked. Two fields of newly set tobacco were 
observed in which the larvae were feeding on the plants. In each 
instance the insects had apparently been car ried on the plants from the 
infested bed to the fields. This is apparently the first recorded in- 
stance of the vegetable weevil feeding on tobacco in the United 
4 
FIGuRE 57.—Tobacco seedlings, showing the injury caused by the larvae of the 
vegetable weevil. 
States. In 1938 and 1939 a considerable number of tobacco plant beds 
were infested with the weevils, and control measures were found 
necessary in several instances. Preliminary tests indicate that this 
insect may be controlled on plant beds by applications of lead arsenate. 
The vegetable weevil has become well established in a tobacco- 
producing region for the first time, and it may possibly become an 
economic pest of this crop. 
WHERE INSECTICIDES MAY BE OBTAINED 
The insecticides mentioned in this circular are usually available 
locally in drug, seed, hardware, and general stores. Information 
regarding the purchase of these materials can be obtained from the 
county agricultural agent, State agricultural experiment station, State 
