Integration of physical and chemical tactics for managing Systena frontalis at ornamental nurseries

Authors: Werle, Christopher; Adamczyk, John; Sampson, Blair

Submitted to: Mississippi Academy of Sciences Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/26/2024
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: The Red-headed Flea Beetle is a costly pest of nursery plants. We tested discs of long-lasting insecticidal netting (LLIN) secured over rims of plant containers in spring of 2023, using four species of host plants: azalea (Rhododendron sp.), Hydrangea paniculata, Itea virginica, and Rosa sp. Mean flea beetle damage scores used to test differences among treated vs. untreated control plants over time. While there were no significant differences in mean feeding damage ratings between treated and untreated control plants, there were lower damage ratings for one LLIN treatment during the last 2 months of the field trial, providing evidence for a potential reduction in damage from the second generation of flea beetles. These preliminary data show the potential for LLIN as an RHFB management tool providing improved pest management efficacy while reducing intensity of insecticidal sprays.

Technical Abstract: The Red-headed Flea Beetle [Systena frontalis (F.); RHFB] is native to the central and eastern U.S. and has become a costly multivoltine pest of containerized nursery plants. We tested discs of long-lasting insecticidal netting (LLIN) secured over rims of plant containers in spring of 2023, using four species of host plants: azalea (Rhododendron sp.), Hydrangea paniculata, Itea virginica, and Rosa sp. Feeding damage ratings were assigned to bi-weekly overhead digital images of each plant by a panel of observers, with mean flea beetle damage scores used to test differences among treated vs. untreated control plants over time. While there were no significant differences in mean feeding damage ratings between treated and untreated control plants, there were lower damage ratings for one LLIN treatment during the last 2 months of the field trial, providing evidence for a potential reduction in damage from the second generation of flea beetles. These preliminary data show the potential for LLIN as an RHFB management tool; with several improvements in experimental design, this research could provide nursery producers improved pest management efficacy while reducing intensity of insecticidal sprays.