North Carolina Faces Threat from Newly Identified Blueberry Pest
A ‘mystery beetle’ is devouring North Carolina’s precious blueberries

Image: Popular Science
Scientists in North Carolina have identified the longhorn beetle Prionus imbricornus as a new threat to blueberry crops, which are valued at approximately $70 million. This pest damages the roots of blueberry bushes, prompting researchers to begin insecticide trials to mitigate its impact.
- 01Prionus imbricornus has been documented for the first time feeding on blueberry bushes in North Carolina.
- 02The blueberry industry in North Carolina is significant, valued at around $70 million, making pest management crucial.
- 03Larvae of P. imbricornus can grow up to five inches long and feed on the roots of plants, potentially killing them.
- 04Genetic barcoding was used to accurately identify the beetle species with 98-99% accuracy, aiding in pest management efforts.
- 05Currently, there are no insecticides approved for use against P. imbricornus in blueberries, prompting ongoing trials for effective treatments.
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North Carolina's blueberry crops are facing a new threat from the longhorn beetle Prionus imbricornus, which has been documented for the first time feeding on the roots of blueberry bushes. This beetle, along with its larvae, can cause significant damage to the plants, which are a vital part of the state's agriculture, valued at approximately $70 million. The identification of P. imbricornus is critical, as previous assumptions about pest species could lead to ineffective management strategies. Researchers employed black panel traps and genetic barcoding to confirm the presence of this species, achieving a match with 98-99% accuracy. The discovery is a double-edged sword; while it is crucial to know the specific pest affecting crops, there are currently no insecticides approved for use against this beetle in blueberries. To combat this, entomologists at North Carolina State University are initiating insecticide trials to find effective treatments that could limit larval development and protect the blueberry industry from further damage.
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The identification of P. imbricornus poses a significant threat to North Carolina's blueberry crops, which are economically important.
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