What visual damage should be counted when assessing Alfalfa Weevil?

When assessing Alfalfa Weevil damage, leaf tip feeding is the most indicative visual damage to consider. Alfalfa Weevils primarily feed on the young leaves, which they consume starting from the tips. This feeding can create a characteristic appearance where the leaf tips are chewed off, leaving behind a jagged edge. This type of damage can significantly impact the plant's ability to photosynthesize effectively and can hinder growth, leading to reduced overall biomass and yield.

Other types of damage, such as stem discoloration, may occur due to various stress factors but are not specifically tied to the feeding behavior of Alfalfa Weevils. Root damage typically involves foundational aspects of the plant and is not a direct outcome of the insect’s feeding habits in this case. Overall plant height may reflect multiple factors, including other pests or environmental conditions, and is not solely representative of Alfalfa Weevil damage. Thus, focusing on leaf tip feeding provides the clearest evidence of active infestation and potential severity of the problem.