Southern Iowa farmers are re­­porting unprecedented alfalfa weevil activity this spring, significantly more severe and widespread than in previous years, Iowa State University (ISU) agronomists said this month.

For the second consecutive year, alfalfa weevil has become the most prominent spring pest for many farmers. High weevil densities are expected to move north in Iowa during May as temperatures warm.

Erin Hodgson, Iowa State University Extension entomologist, said, “Alfalfa weevil has been the number one pest of the year so far. Weevil injury is being...