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Member Symposium

Plant-Insect Ecosystems

Systematics, Evolution, and Biodiversity

Flatheaded Borers in Specialty Crops: Lessons Learned and the Challenges Ahead

Comparing monitoring traps and experimental lures for the surveying of Chrysobothris species (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) in Florida southern highbush blueberries

Wednesday, November 12, 2025
11:00 AM - 11:15 AM Pacific
Location: Oregon Convention Center, Portland Ballroom 252, OCC
Oral Presentation
Southern highbush blueberry cultivars (Vaccinium corymbosum L. x V. darrowii Camp) are highly valued in Florida due to their heat tolerance adaptability and early-season production, making them the first blueberries to hit the market in the US. In order to remain competitive with markets in Mexico, California, and Georgia, Florida researchers are dedicating resources towards investigating occasional blueberry pests. Specimens from the genus Chrysobothris were collected from blueberry canes and submitted to the University of Florida by growers in 2015. Previous investigations into this wood-boring pest involved various strategies including monitoring, pest distribution, and managing infestations in organic blueberry fields. We implemented two experiments using randomized complete block design (RCBD) and found that traps baited with various types of experimental lures and differing trap silhouettes may affect capture rates of Chrysobothris species. Results from recent field studies supported the previous claims and found that the silhouette of the pole-shaped traps were significantly more effective at attracting and capturing Chrysobothris species than the previously used flat-panel traps. Likewise, the experimental lures [Addesso Lure] that were created specifically to target Chrysobothris species were more attractive to the beetles, and led to increased captures in comparison to the previously used lure, ethanol acetate lures.