The present invention relates to a method for controlling a
weevil infestation, in particular a beet
weevil infestation, in the agricultural production of
crop plants, wherein: (i) either a composition comprising one or more types of
nucleic acid molecules, in particular interference
RNA (RNAi) molecules, which inhibit the
metabolism, development, reproductive ability or
survivability of weevils (Curculionidae), in particular beet weevils (
sugar beet weevils; Asproparthenis punctiventris), is applied to an area of
agricultural land; or (ii) a composition which comprises one or more types of
nucleic acid molecules, in particular of RNAi molecules, which inhibit the
metabolism, the development,
reproductive capacity or
survivability of weevils, is applied to bait-
plant strips at the edge of, in and / or around the area of
agricultural land, wherein these bait-
plant strips are sown with a bait-
plant density of at least 50 plants / m2; such that the weevils, in particular the beet weevils, come into contact with the
nucleic acid molecules, in particular the RNAi molecules, such that the development,
reproductive capacity or
survivability of the weevils is inhibited.