Rose Chafer beetles have emerged in significant numbers this year.
A beetle that wreaks havoc on flowers and fruit has emerged in significant numbers this year.
TRAVERSE CITY -- A beetle that wreaks havoc on flowers and fruit has emerged in significant numbers this year, forcing gardeners and growers to take precautions.
Doctor Duke Elsner, an agriculture expert with MSU Extension says the pesky beetle is destroying rose and peony blossoms.
Dr. Elsner says, "Single rose flowers can have 30 to 40 feeding on it. There are thousands on apple trees in my backyard."
Rose Chafer beetles also eat grapes, strawberries, and even apple and cherry leaves.
Normally they can be hand removed from plants, but an insecticide will have to be used this year because there are so many.
