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Abstract
Trunk boring beetles, such as flatheaded borers (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) and ambrosia beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), are devastating pests of ornamentals, pecan, and tree fruit production. Three projects were conducted in 2021 and 2022 to explore their role in Georgia. On-site trapping of buprestids in specialty crop systems show that a wide range of species and genera are present, with flight occurring from early March to mid-June. The impact of trunk boring beetles in urban landscapes was also examined, revealing that increased high or low temperatures, tree species, and the reduced pervious area surrounding trees may all play a role in driving attacks in these areas. In addition, the mechanism of how permethrin prevents ambrosia beetle damage was explored, with results showing that contact repellency is the primary underlying mechanism.