Feeding and movement behavior of S. frontalis (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in ornamental nurseries

Systena frontalis (F.) poses a serious threat to container ornamental plants in the central, mid-west, and eastern USA, causing substantial damage to nursery plants. The commercial potential and aesthetic value of ornamental plants is diminished by severe foliar damage. This study aimed to enhance our understanding of the flight and behavior of S. frontalis adults to develop effective integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. To investigate this, we deployed 0 (no barrier), 0.9, and 1.5 m tall mesh barrier treatments with six replications in RCBD in a container nursery. In the center of the barrier treatment, an 11.4 L panicled hydrangea plant was placed. The upper margin of the mesh barrier was coated with glue. The results showed that the number of S. frontalis adults and feeding damage on the foliage of panicled hydrangea was significantly lower for the 0.9 and 1.5 m tall treatments than for the 0 m tall treatments. There was no significant difference between the 0.9 and 1.5 m tall treatments. This suggests that most S. frontalis adults are less likely to fly about 0.9 m high in nurseries.