A ‘mystery beetle’ is devouring North Carolina’s precious blueberries
Yahoo • • science
Key Points:
- Scientists in North Carolina have, for the first time, documented the longhorn beetle Prionus imbricornus feeding on blueberry bushes, posing a new threat to the state's valuable blueberry industry.
- Blueberries are a significant crop in North Carolina, ranked sixth in U.S. production and valued at around $70 million, making pest protection crucial for the industry.
- Prionus imbricornus larvae feed on roots, potentially killing blueberry bushes, and have been difficult to identify due to similarities with other longhorn beetle larvae, complicating pest management efforts.
- Researchers used pheromone traps and genetic barcoding to accurately identify P. imbricornus larvae, marking a breakthrough in understanding this pest's presence and behavior in blueberry fields.
- The discovery is concerning because no insecticides are currently labeled for controlling P. imbricornus in blueberries, highlighting an urgent need for targeted pest management solutions.