A survey of flea beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) on chile in southern New Mexico

Southern New Mexico is one of the leading producers of chile in the United States. Flea beetles are major early-season pests of the crop; however, little information is available on the biology and seasonal phenology of the species present in New Mexico. During 2009-2010, a study was conducted near Las Cruces at the NMSU Leyendecker Farm to determine the seasonal abundance and species composition of flea beetles on chile. In 2009 one acre of chile (two varieties: ‘Big Jim’ and ‘Joe Parker,’ one half acre each) was planted in late March and grown using local agronomic practices. The field was subdivided into four large plots (~.25 acre). In 2010 the experiment was repeated using a one-acre field of chile (variety AZ-20); planted in early April and subdivided in the same manner as 2009. Sampling methods consisted of yellow sticky traps, yellow pan traps, and bucket shakes. The sticky traps were mounted on cane poles in an “X” pattern, (five traps per plot). The pan traps were placed in a “cross” pattern (five pans per plot) and filled with soapy water. The shake samples were discontinued after 2009. Each method was performed weekly from mid-May through late October 2009 and late April through late October 2010. Specimens were taken to the laboratory, counted, and separated into morphotypes for later species identification. Results indicate that there appear to be seasonal differences in adult flea beetle populations, depending upon species. These data should prove useful in developing a management strategy for the flea beetles of southern New Mexico chile.