What's eating my lentil?

Lentils (Lens culinaris) are most threatened by aphids, particularly the pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum) and black bean aphid (Aphis craccivora). Both spread viruses and drain sap from tender growth. Sitona weevils notch leaf margins and their larvae attack root nodules, reducing nitrogen fixation. Cutworms wipe out seedlings at soil level overnight.

Colonies on growing tips and pods; leaf curl, stunting, sticky honeydew; vectors of pea enation mosaic virus and bean leaf roll virus Encourage parasitic wasps and ladybirds; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; use reflective mulch; avoid late sowing into aphid-peak periods

Adults notch leaf margins in characteristic U-shaped bites; larvae attack root nodules, reducing nitrogen fixation and stunting whole plants Rotate away from legumes; apply beneficial nematodes (Steinernema spp.) to soil for larval control; pyrethrin spray for adults at emergence

Nocturnal larvae cut seedlings off at soil level; patches of missing plants in rows are the first sign Cultivate soil before planting to expose pupae; apply Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki) or beneficial nematodes; use cardboard collars around seedlings

Silvery stippling on leaves and flowers; curled, distorted growing tips; flower drop in hot dry spells Use blue sticky traps for early detection; apply spinosad or insecticidal soap; maintain adequate soil moisture