Prionus Borers

The Prionus borer is the larval stage of a large longhorned beetle called the broadnecked root borer, Prionus laticollis, which has become an increasing problem in certain apple growing regions of New York.  The borer is among the largest of the North American beetles, and can reach 3.5 inches.  During the past few years, these borers have been found infesting apple trees in both Long Island and the Hudson Valley, as well as in parts of Rhode Island and New Hampshire.  Researchers in the western US identified the sex pheromone of a closely related species, P. californicus, as a first step in the possible development of non-insecticidal methods of monitoring and managing this important class of pests.  For several years, we have set out field-trapping trials to assess the effectiveness of this pheromone in detecting the distribution and seasonal activity of this species in NY apple systems.  We hope that through these efforts, we can provide more detailed information about this species’ activity and distribution for management purposes.

Publications & Resources

• Agnello, A. M., L. Loizos and D. Gilrein.  2011.  A new pheromone for Prionus root-boring beetles.  NY Fruit Quarterly 19 (2): 17–19.
• Verification of mating pheromone for management of longhorn Prionus borers in NY apple trees
• Screening of a specific pheromone isomer for management of longhorn Prionus borers in NY apple trees
• Field testing of a newly developed pheromone for trapping and management of longhorn Prionus borers in NY apple trees

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