Invasive species threats and management implications for berry production in British Columbia

Global trade and transportation has led to an increase in the unintended movement of insects to new locations.  Establishment of non-native insect species poses a major threat to agricultural production and global food supply.  Here we report the first establishment of the strawberry blossom weevil, Anthonomus rubi (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa in North America.  This species is a serious pest of Rosaceae plants, including important agricultural crops such as strawberries and raspberries.  Adult weevils and bud damage have been observed in cultivated strawberries, raspberries, and unmanaged wild hosts throughout Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley of British Columbia (BC), Canada.  Adult female weevils cause significant damage when they lay their eggs inside developing flower buds and sever the stalks below to prevent further bud development. Larvae feed inside the damaged buds and adult weevils emerge.  We have observed at least one natural enemy, identified to the genus Pteromalus (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) associated with A. rubi in BC.  Here, we discuss the observed distribution of A. rubi, associated crop damage, and potential management implications.