Hylastinus obscurus
Pest description and crop damage Adults are bark beetles, 0.1 inch long and dark brown. They begin activity as early as March and may disperse from March through August. Larvae are creamy white and burrow within the roots of red clover, causing extensive damage and reducing stand density and longevity. Root damage by clover root borers also predisposes the plant to secondary pathogens, particularly root rot fungi, which further affect stand persistence.
Management-chemical control
No insecticides, registered or otherwise, are effective for controlling this pest.
Management-cultural control
Rotational cropping is effective for minimizing clover root borer over time.