North Carolina Researchers Identify Beetle Larvae Destroying Blueberry Roots, Seek Pest Control Solutions
Scientists at North Carolina State University have identified a species of longhorn beetle larvae, *Prionus imbricornis*, as the cause of extensive damage to blueberry roots in the state. These larvae, capable of growing up to five inches long, have been attacking blueberry bushes for over a decade, with reports of unexplained damage dating back to 2010. North Carolina is the first state to document this specific species feeding on blueberry plants. Researchers used DNA barcoding to accurately match larvae found in affected fields to adult beetles, achieving a 98-99% match with *P. imbricornis*. This genetic analysis was crucial because the larvae of different longhorn species appear very similar, making visual identification unreliable. The study, led by Kenneth Geisert, a graduate student, involved work on six blueberry farms across Pender, Sampson, Bladen, and New Hanover counties. The identification of the pest is a significant step, as previous assumptions about the species based on adult identificati...
