Grubs & Other Root Feeding Pests
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go.ncsu.edu/readext?646748
go.ncsu.edu/readext?646748
Grubs and other root-feeding insects can cause poor seedling growth and even death. Diagnosing what is wrong requires pulling up the tree and examining the roots during the growing season.
Online Information
CTN 8: Control of Root-Feeding Insects in Fraser Fir Christmas Trees – fact sheet on white grubs, black vine weevils, and root aphids
Grubs – Facts at a Glance – quick facts about white grubs (1-page pdf version with photos)
White Grubs in Turf – NC State Extension information on white grubs
Entomology Insect Notes: Black Vine Weevil – biology and control of black vine weevils
Photo Gallery
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- Poor, chlorotic growth and seedling mortality can be signs of grubs
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- All the feeder roots have been eaten off of this seedling root system
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- White grubs are typically curled up in a C-shape
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- Green June beetle grubs appear to ‘crawl’ on their backs. They do not feed on tree roots.
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- Root weevils don’t have legs like white grubs
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- Trees with root aphid feeding are often chlorotic and grow poorly
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- Root aphids feeding on a root
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- Root aphids feeding on fine feeder roots
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- Close-up of root aphids
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- An individual root aphid