Blueberry Pests in Liaoning Province of China

During the summer of 2014, blueberry pests were investigated at the Laibao Agriculture plantation, Zhuanghe, Dalian, Liaoning Province, one of the biggest blueberry growing areas in China. Random samples were invested in greenhouses, outside planting areas and in nursery gardens. We found several kinds of insects infesting blueberries. There potential pests include scarabs such as Monolepta hieroglyphica, Hololtrichia diomphalia, Anomala corpulenta, Acanthurus nigrofuscus, Mimela splendens, moths such as fall webworm (Hyphantria cunea), Porthesia similis, Zamacra excavata, Orgyia gonostigma, gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar), which feed on the leaves of blueberry, and the piercing sucking pests, Dolycoris baccarum and aphids. Black cutworm (Agrotis ypsilon) and larvae of scarabs attack the roots of young seedlings and tender stems while adults scarabs feed on the flowers and fruits of blueberry. 

We are just beginning research on the control of blueberry pests in China. Current data are from one location within our province during the periods of spring and harvest of 2014, so these results are preliminary. Based on these data, we have further studies planned to do in the next two growing seasons to investigate serious pests on blueberry in Liaoning province in China. Because blueberries are becoming more commonly grown in China, we expect both the number of species and quantity of these pests to continue to increase on the farm. Our goal is to provide control management options to the farmers in China.