Integrated pest management of redheaded flea beetles in the mid-Atlantic

The redheaded flea beetle (Systena frontalis) is a bivoltine, polyphagous ornamental plant pest in the mid-Atlantic. Our project focused on investigating host plant preferences and control strategies for S. frontalis. Plant phenological indicators (PPI) were documented, and growing degree days (GDD₅₀) were calculated when larva and adult activity was observed. Azaleas, Virginia sweetspire, and wild cherry were in bloom when first generation larvae were active as early as 242 GDD₅₀. Southern magnolia and winterberry were in bloom when first generation adults emerged, which occurred starting around 500 GDD₅₀. Second generation larvae were active when Hosta, Crape myrtle, and Hibiscus were in bloom starting around 1600 GDD₅₀. Observations for phenological indicators during second generation adult emergence has been unsuccessful, but we have observed adults emerge around 1800 GDD₅₀. We surveyed different varieties of Hydrangea, Itea, and Salvia for host preferences at a local nursery.   Adults did show some preferences between the varieties of hosts examined. Insecticide efficacy trials were conducted on S. frontalis larvae and adults.  The biology of S. frontalis and its susceptibility to biological control are being investigated. Our results improve management strategies available to nursery professionals on a regional scale.