The Rose Flower Chaffer Beetle, Oxycetonia versicolor, belonging to the Family Cetoniidae of the Order Coleoptera, is a major pest that causes significant yield losses and reduces the quality of crops worldwide. Adult beetles will lay their eggs in the soil around rose plants, and the larvae will feed on the roots of the plants. It is a destructive pest because it can reproduce and establish large populations quickly, making it difficult to control the pest.
Effective management strategies are essential to minimize the impact of this pest on rose production. To effectively manage this pest, it is necessary to understand its life cycle, its preferred habitats, and the best methods for controlling it. This article will provide an overview and discussion of the Rose Flower Chaffer Beetle Pest in Rose crops, including its symptoms, identification techniques, and control.
Rose Flower Chaffer Beetle Pest Management
Life Cycle of Rose Flower Chaffer Beetle Pest in Rose Crop
The life cycle of the Rose Flower Chaffer Beetle pest has four stages. They are egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The lifecycle of the Rose Flower Chaffer Beetle begins when the female lays eggs by burrowing into the soil near rose plants. The eggs hatch into larvae after about two weeks. The larvae parasitize the roots of the rose plants, causing damage and stress to the plant. The larvae will molt many times as they grow, with each molt resulting in a larger, more mature larva.
After several months of feeding, the larvae will pupate in the soil. The pupae are inactive and resemble a small, brown capsule. Adult Rose Flower Chaffer Beetles emerge from the soil in the spring, around May or June, and feed on rose plants’ foliage, petals, and buds. Adult beetles are usually active during the day and can fly from plant to plant. Mating occurs in the summer, and the female beetle starts the lifecycle again. The entire lifecycle of the Rose Flower Chaffer Beetle takes about one year.
Occurrence of Rose Flower Chaffer Beetle Pest in Rose Crop
- Location of Rose Flower Chaffer Beetle Pest: This pest infests Rose crops in India, Africa, Sri Lanka, China, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, the United States, Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, the Philippines, and Australia.
- Host Range: The Rose Flower Chaffer Beetle pest infects crops like Roses, Apples, Grapes, Strawberries, Beans, Tomatoes, and Potatoes.
Factors Favoring the Population Increase of Rose Flower Chaffer Beetle Pest in Rose Crop
- Weather – The pest thrives in warm and humid weather conditions as they promote the growth and development of the beetle’s eggs and larvae.
- Weakened Plants – Plants stressed or damaged by other pests or diseases are more susceptible.
- Moist Soil – The pest lays its eggs in moist soil near the base of rose plants.
- High Organic Matter – Soil with high organic matter is typically moist and provides a good food source for the beetle’s larvae.