Researchers Identify Beetle Threatening North Carolina Blueberries

WHO:

Gizmodo - Kenneth Geisert, a graduate student in NC State’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, is the lead study author.

Yahoo - Lorena Lopez, a study co-author and entomologist at NC State, is involved in the research.

WHAT:

Gizmodo - Researchers at North Carolina State University identified the beetle species Prionus imbricornis as the cause of damage to blueberry farms.

Yahoo - The blueberry industry in North Carolina is valued at roughly $70 million.

Yahoo - The larvae of P. imbricornis can grow up to five inches long and feed on the roots of blueberry bushes.

Gizmodo - The study's findings were published in the Journal of Integrated Pest Management.

WHERE:

Gizmodo - The research was conducted across multiple counties in North Carolina, specifically at six blueberry farms.

Yahoo - The counties involved in the study include Pender, Sampson, Bladen, and New Hanover.

WHEN:

Yahoo - Reports of unidentified larvae from the Prionus beetle genus damaging blueberry roots date back to 2010.

Gizmodo - The study was published on a Monday.

WHY:

Gizmodo - Identifying the correct pest species is crucial for effective pest management, as different species require different control methods.

Yahoo - Misidentification of beetle species can lead to ineffective treatment strategies and harm non-target insects.

HOW:

Gizmodo - Researchers used traps laced with pheromones to attract male adult beetles and captured over five thousand beetles, with nearly 90% identified as P. imbricornis.

Yahoo - The team employed genetic barcoding to analyze the larvae and matched them to adult P. imbricornis with 98% to 99% accuracy.

(UPDATED June 4, 2026 11:53 UTC)

Researchers at North Carolina State University have identified the beetle species Prionus imbricornis as a significant threat to blueberry farms, which are valued at around $70 million in the state. The study, led by graduate student Kenneth Geisert and co-authored by entomologist Lorena Lopez, revealed that the larvae of this beetle can grow up to five inches long and feed on the roots of blueberry bushes, potentially causing extensive damage. To ensure accurate pest management, the researchers captured over five thousand beetles using pheromone traps and confirmed their findings through genetic barcoding, achieving an impressive identification accuracy of 98% to 99%.