- Author: Therese Kapaun
- Editor: Elizabeth Grafton-Cardwell
Dr. Beth Grafton-Cardwell has been conducting field trials in one of her research blocks at Lindcove REC to combat Fuller rose beetle. Fuller rose beetle deposits its eggs under the calyx in the stem area of the fruit. Fruit shipped to Korea must be free of Fuller rose beetle eggs - this has led to substantial grower efforts to skirt prune trees and apply trunk treatments to prevent the flightless beetle from gaining access to the canopy of the tree. Studies at Lindcove REC are determining if these treatments are effective. Beth's entomology staff have examined thousands of navel oranges for the presence of Fuller rose beetle eggs. They are using a small metal tool to lift up the edges of the calyx and the visors they are wearing have magnifying lenses that allow the eggs to be easily seen if they are present.
Detailed information about the pest as well as management strategies is discussed in Beth's Citrus Pest Web site at the following link: Fuller rose beetle biology and management