Green wood-boring beetle

The green wood-boring beetle (Agrilus viridis) is a member of the Buprestidae family within the order Coleoptera. It is recognized as a significant agricultural and forestry pest, capable of causing extensive damage to various tree species by tunneling through their vascular tissues.

This beetle is polyphagous and infests a diverse range of hosts. It is particularly notorious for damaging fruit trees such as apple, pear, plum, and cherry. In addition to cultivated orchards, it frequently attacks wild deciduous trees, including beech, birch, alder, and willow, which act as reservoirs for the pest.

The biological cycle of the beetle typically spans one year, though it can extend to two years in colder climates. Adult beetles emerge in late spring or early summer to feed on foliage. After mating, females deposit eggs into crevices in the tree bark. The resulting larvae bore into the bark and cambium, beginning their destructive feeding phase.

The damage caused by the larvae is severe. By creating zigzag-shaped galleries under the bark, they disrupt the translocation of nutrients and water. This girdling effect leads to branch dieback, thinning of the canopy, and reduced vigor. In cases of high infestation, the beetle can kill mature, healthy trees, making early detection crucial.

Effective management requires an integrated approach. The most critical step is maintaining tree health, as weakened or stressed trees are more attractive to the beetles. Control methods include:

• Prompt removal and destruction of infested or dead wood.
• Monitoring adult flight activity using pheromone or visual traps.
• Application of systemic insecticides during the peak activity period of the beetles.
• Maintaining optimal irrigation and fertilization to improve tree resistance.