Capnodis tenebrionis (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), an important pest of stone fruits in the Mediterranean basin: current management strategies and prospects for integrated pest management

Abstract

Capnodis tenebrionis (Linné) is a devastating pest of stone fruits (Prunus spp.) in the Mediterranean region. The endophytic root-boring larvae cause the main damage and can kill a large tree within 2 years. For several decades, with the absence of an effective biological control strategy, the management of this pest has mainly relied on the use of nonselective insecticides. These insecticides are applied either as a foliar spray targeting adults or as a soil treatment targeting neonate larvae. The search for alternative management options has increased since 2000 as a result of reduced efficacy of chemical control, decreased number of available insecticides, and the need for control measures suitable for organic stone fruit production. The main focus was on entomopathogenic nematodes and fungi. Several isolates/strains of these pathogens were found to be effective against larvae and adults of C. tenebrionis under laboratory and semi-field conditions. In this article, we review the current management options of C. tenebrionis, including chemical, biological, resilient rootstock, and cultural options. The prospects for developing an integrated management approach for this pest are also discussed.