Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
boll weevil
Noun
/ˈbɒl ˈwiːvəl/
Definition
A small, dark, beetle that feeds on cotton buds and is known for its destructive impact on cotton crops.
Examples
- The boll weevil played a major role in the decline of the cotton industry in the southern United States.
- Farmers often implement pest management strategies to combat boll weevil infestations.
- Historically, the arrival of the boll weevil led to economic hardships in many cotton-growing regions.
Meaning
The boll weevil is a pest that predominantly targets cotton plants, causing significant damage to the bolls, which are the seed pods of the cotton plant.
Synonyms
- cotton weevil
- Anthonomus grandis (scientific name)
