A team of scientists at North Carolina State University has identified the beetle species responsible for damaging blueberry farms in North Carolina. The beetle, known as Prionus imbricornis, has been confirmed in the state for the first time. Its larvae threaten blueberry bushes by feeding on the roots, a situation that complicates pest control efforts.
“The key takeaway is that we now have the molecular tools to determine which exact species of Prionus are attacking blueberries,” said Kenneth Geisert, the lead author and a graduate student in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
North Carolina produces approximately 54 million pounds of blueberries annually, making it one of the largest blueberry hubs in the country. The emergence of P. imbricornis has heightened concerns among farmers, who already face a range of pests.
Adult Prionus beetles do not consume plant material, but their larvae pose a significant threat. Female beetles lay hundreds of eggs in the soil near host plants. Once hatched, the larvae burrow into the ground and feed on the roots, often resulting in plant death over time.
The first documented reports of blueberry infestations by Prionus date back to 2010. The subterranean lifestyle of the larvae has made identification challenging, compounded by the similarity in appearance among different longhorn beetle species.
Researchers employed traps at six blueberry farms across multiple counties to identify the beetles. These traps were equipped with pheromones to lure male adult beetles. Out of more than 5,000 beetles captured, nearly 90% were identified as P. imbricornis. Subsequent genetic sequencing of larvae confirmed the identity with 98% to 99% accuracy.
The findings were published in the Journal of Integrated Pest Management. Accurate pest identification is crucial for developing effective management strategies, as different beetle species may require tailored control methods.
Geisert highlighted the importance of understanding which species are present to formulate an effective treatment plan. “Often times, different species will occur at different times of the year to reduce competition,” he noted.
Currently, there is no straightforward solution to the P. imbricornis issue. The research team is investigating the most effective insecticides and optimal application timing to mitigate damage to blueberry crops. Geisert also suggested that researchers from different regions should investigate Prionus larvae to determine if other species are contributing to infestations in their areas.
Source: gizmodo.com via Google News.
