Viburnum Leaf Beetle Pyrrhalta viburni (Paykull) is moving southward in NW Pennsylvania. I have recently discovered Viburnum Leaf Beetle 45 miles south of Erie, PA. The photos, in this blog, are from wild Viburnums infested with and defoliated by the Viburnum Leaf Beetle. The Viburnum Leaf Beetle shots were taken on May 23, 2008.
Viburnum Leaf Beetle is an invasive isect pest that will kill a Viburnum plant in 2-3 years. This is because the larvae are voracious feeders and eat the first leaves of the season. They then drop to the ground, pupate, and emerge as adults. Adults of the Viburnum Leaf Beetle feed on the leaves. Thus a plant will be defoliated twice each season, lose energy from lack of foliage, and die.
Viburnum Leaf Beetle will attack both wild and domestic Viburnums. Different cultivars vary in susceptibility to Viburnum Leaf Beetle.
Viburnum Leaf Beetle originated in Europe and entered the US in New York in 1996. It has been moving west and south for years. New York has had severe problem with Viburnum Leaf Beetle for a number of years. Cornell University has extensive information about Viburnum Leaf Beetle on it's website. Google Viburnum Leaf Beetle Cornell and you will be amazed at the information you will receive.
Control of Viburnum Leaf Beetle is best on young larvae. Insecticidal soaps and oil can be used in Mid-April when larvae first hatch, or slightly before hatch. Insecticides may knock down Viburnum Leaf Beetle larvae and adults in emergency situations. Consult your local County Extension office for assistance.
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