Hungarian buprestid

Systematic position: The Hungarian buprestid (Anthaxia hungarica) belongs to the order Coleoptera, family Buprestidae (jewel beetles). It is recognized as one of the most destructive wood-boring insects, causing significant economic losses in temperate fruit-growing regions.

Host plants: The primary hosts are stone fruit trees, including apricot, almond, peach, plum, and sweet cherry. The beetles and their larvae specifically target stressed or weakened trees, although massive infestations can also affect vigorous trees.

Biology and lifecycle: The lifecycle of this beetle typically lasts one to two years. Adult beetles emerge in late spring or early summer, feeding on foliage and buds. After mating, females lay eggs in bark crevices. The emerging larvae bore into the bark, creating tunnels and feeding on the cambium and phloem, which disrupts the tree’s sap flow.

Damage and pest status: The larvae cause the most severe damage. By boring irregular galleries under the bark, they sever the vascular system. This results in dieback of branches, premature yellowing of leaves, and significant yield loss. In cases of severe infestation, the tree may perish within two to three seasons due to girdling.

Control measures: Managing the Hungarian buprestid is challenging due to the concealed nature of the larvae. Recommended practices include:

• Regular sanitary pruning and removal of infested wood.
• Whitewashing tree trunks and scaffold branches to discourage egg-laying.
• Maintaining tree health through proper irrigation and balanced fertilization.
• Applying insecticides during the peak flight period to reduce the adult population before egg-laying.