Pyrrhalta luteola (elm leaf beetle)
Index
- Pictures
- Identity
- Summary of Invasiveness
- Taxonomic Tree
- Description
- Distribution
- Distribution Table
- History of Introduction and Spread
- Introductions
- Habitat
- Habitat List
- Hosts/Species Affected
- Host Plants and Other Plants Affected
- Growth Stages
- Symptoms
- List of Symptoms/Signs
- Biology and Ecology
- Natural enemies
- Notes on Natural Enemies
- Means of Movement and Dispersal
- Pathway Causes
- Pathway Vectors
- Plant Trade
- Impact Summary
- Impact
- Social Impact
- Detection and Inspection
- Similarities to Other Species/Conditions
- Prevention and Control
- References
- Links to Websites
- Contributors
- Distribution Maps
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Top of pageIdentity
Top of pagePreferred Scientific Name
- Pyrrhalta luteola Müller, 1766
Preferred Common Name
- elm leaf beetle
Other Scientific Names
- Chrysomela luteola Müller, 1766
- Chrysomela xanthomelaena Schrank, 1781
- Crioceris calmariensis Fabricius, 1775
- Galerica ulmi Geoffroy, in Fourcroy, 1785
- Galeruca calmariensis Fabricius
- Galeruca luteola (Mull.)
- Galerucella crataegi Joannis de, 1866
- Galerucella luteola (Mull.)
- Galerucella xanthomelaena Schrank, 1781
- Galleruca gelatinariae Fabricius, 1801
- Xanthogaleruca luteola Muller, 1766
International Common Names
- English: elm leaf beetle; imported elm leaf beetle
- Spanish: galeruca del olmo; vaquita del olmo
- French: galeruque de l'orme; galéruque de l'orme
Local Common Names
- Germany: Blattkaefer, Ulmen-
- Italy: Galerucella dell'olmo
- Turkey: kizilagac yaprak bocegi
EPPO code
- GALELU (Pyrrhalta luteola)
Summary of Invasiveness
Top of pageThe elm leaf beetle P. luteola is a serious pest of ornamental elms in most areas where they are grown. This insect is native to southern Europe and was introduced to the USA in the 1800s, but has also reached Central Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and South America and was recently detected in Australia. It feeds on all species of native and introduced elms, including American (Ulmus americana), English (U. procera), Chinese (U. parvifolia) and Siberian elm (U. pumila).
Wu et al. (1991) identified elm leaf beetle as the second most important urban tree pest in the western United States and third most important nationally.
Taxonomic Tree
Top of page- Domain: Eukaryota
- Kingdom: Metazoa
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Uniramia
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Coleoptera
- Family: Chrysomelidae
- Genus: Pyrrhalta
- Species: Pyrrhalta luteola
Description
Top of pageAdults are about 6 mm long, oval-shaped, yellowish to olive green, with a black stripe along each wing cover and 3-4 dark spots on the segment right behind the head.
Eggs are yellow, oblong and are laid on the undersides of leaves in spindle-shaped clusters averaging 15 to 20 each. Eggs are deposited in double or triple rows.
The larvae develop through three instars. Larvae are black or black and yellow, are usually striped, and can reach up to 13 mm in length. Pupae are orange-yellow with black bristles.
Distribution
Top of pageThe elm leaf beetle is of Palearctic origin. It has been progressively introduced into North America, Argentina (Dahlsten et al., 1998), Chile (Dreistadt, personal communication), Central Asia, the Middle East, North Africa (Algeria), Siberia (Dreistadt, 2008) and South Africa (Aslan et al., 2000; Dreistadt, personal communication). Most reports and publications mention regions where the elm leaf beetle is present (e.g. Central Asia), but rarely countries within regions.
Distribution Table
Top of pageThe distribution in this summary table is based on all the information available. When several references are cited, they may give conflicting information on the status. Further details may be available for individual references in the Distribution Table Details section which can be selected by going to Generate Report.
Last updated: 17 Dec 2021Continent/Country/Region | Distribution | Last Reported | Origin | First Reported | Invasive | Reference | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Africa |
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Algeria | Present | Introduced | |||||
Morocco | Present | Introduced | |||||
South Africa | Present | Introduced | Original citation: Dreistadt, personal communication | ||||
Asia |
|||||||
Afghanistan | Present | Introduced | |||||
Armenia | Present | Introduced | |||||
Azerbaijan | Present | Introduced | |||||
China | Present | Present based on regional distribution. | |||||
-Qinghai | Present | Introduced | |||||
-Sichuan | Present | Introduced | |||||
-Tibet | Present | Introduced | |||||
-Yunnan | Present | Introduced | |||||
India | Present | Present based on regional distribution. | |||||
-Jammu and Kashmir | Present | Introduced | |||||
Iran | Present | Introduced | First reported in 1945 by Afshar but cited by Behdad in 1996 | ||||
Kazakhstan | Present | Introduced | |||||
Kyrgyzstan | Present | Introduced | |||||
Mongolia | Present | Introduced | Inner Mongolia | ||||
Tajikistan | Present | Introduced | |||||
Turkey | Present | Introduced | |||||
Turkmenistan | Present | Introduced | |||||
Uzbekistan | Present | Introduced | |||||
Europe |
|||||||
Austria | Present | Native | Invasive | ||||
France | Present | Native | Invasive | ||||
Germany | Present | Native | |||||
Italy | Present | Native | Population from Bolzano Italy invaded Britain (1986) and Australia (1980) | ||||
Russia | Present | Present based on regional distribution. | |||||
-Eastern Siberia | Present | Introduced | |||||
-Southern Russia | Present | Introduced | |||||
-Western Siberia | Present | Introduced | |||||
Spain | Present | Native | Data from 2007 in Parque Natural de Penyagolosa | ||||
Sweden | Present | Introduced | |||||
United Kingdom | Present | Introduced | |||||
North America |
|||||||
Canada | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
-British Columbia | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
-New Brunswick | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
-Nova Scotia | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
-Ontario | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
-Prince Edward Island | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
-Quebec | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
United States | Present | Present based on regional distribution. | |||||
-Alabama | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
-Arizona | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
-Arkansas | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
-California | Present | Introduced | Invasive | First detected in Fresno sometime around 1924 | |||
-Colorado | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
-Connecticut | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
-Delaware | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
-Florida | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
-Georgia | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
-Idaho | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
-Illinois | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
-Indiana | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
-Iowa | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
-Kansas | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
-Kentucky | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
-Louisiana | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
-Maine | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
-Maryland | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
-Massachusetts | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
-Michigan | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
-Minnesota | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
-Mississippi | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
-Missouri | Present | Introduced | Populations have decreased. Might no longer be a pest in Missouri and neighboring states (Puttler and Bailey, 2003) | ||||
-Montana | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
-Nebraska | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
-Nevada | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
-New Hampshire | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
-New Jersey | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
-New Mexico | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
-New York | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
-North Carolina | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
-North Dakota | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
-Ohio | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
-Oklahoma | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
-Oregon | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
-Pennsylvania | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
-Rhode Island | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
-South Carolina | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
-South Dakota | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
-Tennessee | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
-Texas | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
-Utah | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
-Vermont | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
-Virginia | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
-Washington | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
-West Virginia | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
-Wisconsin | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
-Wyoming | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
Oceania |
|||||||
Australia | Present | Present based on regional distribution. | |||||
-New South Wales | Present | Introduced | Invasive | Officially confirmed present in NSW in 2008. First detection in southern NSW, now spread to Holbrook | |||
-Tasmania | Present | Introduced | Invasive | Discovered in Launceston in 2002 and in Glenorchy Municipality in 2008 and Hobart | |||
-Victoria | Present | Introduced | Invasive | First discovered in Australia in Victoria on the Mornington Peninsula, in 1989. Present from Melbourne to Gippsland. Present in Geelong, Bendigo, Benalla and Mansfield and as far as Colac | |||
New Zealand | Absent | Not present until 2003. | |||||
South America |
|||||||
Argentina | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
Chile | Present | Introduced | Original citation: Dreistadt, personal communication |
History of Introduction and Spread
Top of pageIt was introduced into the eastern USA from Europe in the 1830s and is now found throughout the country (excluding Alaska and Hawaii), wherever elms grow (Glover, 1871; Riley, 1883; Miller and Ware, 2001a,b,c; EFETAC, 2013).
It was detected in Canada in 1945 and is now found in British Columbia, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, on Prince Edward Island, and in Quebec (Humble and Allen, 2004; Natural Resources Canada, 2013).
In Australia, it is present in the southeastern part of the country, where it has invaded three states: Victoria, New South Wales and Tasmania (CSIRO Entomology, 2004).
Introductions
Top of pageIntroduced to | Introduced from | Year | Reason | Introduced by | Established in wild through | References | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Natural reproduction | Continuous restocking | |||||||
Iran | Europe | 1945 | Yes | No | Behdad (1996) | Considered a pest | ||
USA | Europe | 1830s | Yes | No | Miller and Ware (2001a) | Considered a pest |
Habitat
Top of pageThe elm leaf beetle is native to temperate climates. In its introduced range it is usually found anywhere elm trees are grown.
The beetles overwinter as adults in sheltered places such as woodpiles, garages, and attics. When ready to pupate, the larvae crawl into holes in the trunk of the tree or limb crotches, beneath loose bark, or commonly at the base of the tree, where they gather in large numbers.
Elm leaf beetle has become a significant pest in urban landscapes in all countries it has become established in (Kielbaso and Kennedy, 1983; Nielsen et al. 1985; Wu et al., 1991).
Habitat List
Top of pageCategory | Sub-Category | Habitat | Presence | Status |
---|---|---|---|---|
Terrestrial | Managed | Rail / roadsides | Present, no further details | Harmful (pest or invasive) |
Terrestrial | Managed | Buildings | Present, no further details | Harmful (pest or invasive) |
Hosts/Species Affected
Top of pageThe elm leaf beetle is a pest only of elm trees (Ulmus sp.). Damaged leaves cause physiological stress for the trees and are an aesthetic problem (Kaya et al., 1981).
Several studies have been carried out to evaluate the impact of elm leaf beetle on various elm species and hybrids in North America (Luck and Scriven, 1979; Hall, 1986; Hall and Young, 1986; Young and Hall, 1986; Hall et al., 1987; Miller and Ware, 1997; 1999; 2001a,b; 2002; Miller et al., 2003). This extensive body of work has demonstrated that the Siberian elm (Ulmus pumila L.) and hybrids with Siberian elm parentage, as well as most European elm species such as U. glabra Huds. and U. hollandica Mill., are highly suitable to elm leaf beetle feeding and oviposition (Miller and Ware, 2002) and therefore very susceptible to damage by this pest. Asian elms, including Chinese elm (U. parvifolia Jacq.) and members of the U. davidiana Planch. complex (U. davidiana, U. propinqua Koidz., U. wilsoniana Schneid and U. japonica Sang.), have high tolerance to elm leaf beetle feeding and reproduction and are good candidates for breeding programs (Bosu and Wagner, 2007). American elms (U. americana L.) seem to have intermediate tolerance, although the American elm ‘Valley Forge’ tends to show high tolerance to elm leaf beetle defoliation (Miller and Ware 2002; Bosu et al., 2007).
The Host Plants or Crops Affected table is not exhaustive. Many species and their hybrids have been tested over the past 20 years. For complete lists of hosts, refer to the work of Miller and Ware (1993 to 2002), Mahani et al. (2003) and Bosu et al. (2007). Another Ulmaceae, Zelkova serrata (the Japanese zelkova or saw leaf zelkova), has been reported occasionally as a host of the elm leaf beetle but tends to show good resistance to this pest (Dreistadt, 2008).
Host Plants and Other Plants Affected
Top of pagePlant name | Family | Context | References |
---|---|---|---|
Eucalyptus | Lithomyrtus | Unknown | |
Ulmus (elms) | Ulmaceae | Main | |
Ulmus americana (American elm) | Ulmaceae | Unknown | |
Ulmus davidiana (japanese elm) | Ulmaceae | Main | |
Ulmus glabra (mountain elm) | Ulmaceae | Unknown | |
Ulmus hollandica (hybrid elm) | Ulmaceae | Main | |
Ulmus minor (European field elm) | Ulmaceae | Unknown | |
Ulmus parvifolia (lacebark elm) | Ulmaceae | Unknown | |
Ulmus procera (english elm) | Ulmaceae | Unknown | |
Ulmus pumila (dwarf elm) | Ulmaceae | Unknown | |
Vitis vinifera (grapevine) | Vitaceae | Unknown |
Symptoms
Top of pageAdult feeding is characterised by small holes in the foliage and circular holes eaten completely through the leaves. The most damaging stage of the elm leaf beetle’s life cycle is the larval stage, which develops through three instars. Larval feeding can be distinguished from adult feeding because larvae skeletonise the foliage, leaving a thin membrane (instead of holes) all the way through the leaf. Heavy infestations can cause leaves to drop and can completely defoliate a tree. The larvae feed on epidermal tissue from the underside of the leaves where the eggs have been originally laid. The skeletonized leaves desiccate and drop prematurely. Trees that lose their foliage during the early season will produce a new set of leaves, but later generations of elm leaf beetle may attack the second flush of growth.
Generally, the elm leaf beetle causes only partial defoliation that may kill individual limbs and leave a tree in a weakened condition. However, this damage may leave trees vulnerable to wind breakage or attack by bark beetles, woodborers and disease, and consequently reduce the aesthetic value of the trees, or even kill them (Bosu et al., 2007; Bosu and Wagner, 2008).
List of Symptoms/Signs
Top of pageSign | Life Stages | Type |
---|---|---|
Leaves / abnormal colours | ||
Leaves / external feeding | ||
Leaves / honeydew or sooty mould | ||
Whole plant / discoloration |
Biology and Ecology
Top of pageReproductive Biology
As foliage begins to develop in early spring, the adults leave their protected overwintering sites to mate and lay eggs on the underside of the new leaves. Adults feed on the foliage for 1 to 2 weeks before they start to lay eggs. Eggs hatch after 7 to 10 days and the larvae feed by skeletonising the undersides of leaves. Larvae feed for three weeks, during which they develop through three instars.
Mature larvae migrate down the bole of the tree to pupate at the tree base or in bark fissures on the lower tree bole. Some larvae also may drop directly from the tree crown and migrate to protected sites to pupate. The pupal stage lasts around 10 days to two weeks.
In mid-summer, the adults emerge and return to the foliage of the same elm or adjacent elms to produce the second generation. One female may produce as many as 600 to 800 eggs during her lifetime. When the days shorten to less than 14 hours, egg production stops and the adults feed for a brief period before they search for an overwintering site (Bosu et al., 2007; Morton Arboretum, 2013).
Physiology and Phenology
The elm leaf beetle has 2 to 4 generations per year, depending on the region and climate where they occur. Two generations have been observed in east-central Arizona (USA), with peak populations in July and August. Depending on climate, there can be one to three generations per year in the northern part of California and even more in the southern part of the state (Dahlsten et al. 1998; Lawson and Dahlsten, 2003).
The life cycle of one generation was found to be around 50 days in Tuscon, south-central Arizona. Densities vary between generations and years, such that the beetle may occur in low numbers in the first generation and high numbers in the second or vice versa. Details of elm leaf beetle life history and related information can be found in, for example, Wene (1968) and Weber and Thompson (1976) (Bosu and Wagner, 2008).
Life Cycle
Its life cycle can be affected by a cold climate and lengthy, frosty winters. Overwintering adults can be killed by long winters or late springs. Strong winds can blow larvae off trees (Morton Arboretum, 2013).
Environmental Requirements
The elm leaf beetle requires a minimum of 300 growing-degree days and a maximum of 912 growing-degree days for development (Adams, 2013).
Natural enemies
Top of pageNatural enemy | Type | Life stages | Specificity | References | Biological control in | Biological control on |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Aprostocetus celtidis | Parasite | |||||
Bacillus thuringiensis | Pathogen | California | ||||
Bacillus thuringiensis san diego | ||||||
Bacillus thuringiensis san-diego | Pathogen | |||||
Bacillus thuringiensis tenebrionis | Pathogen | |||||
Beauveria bassiana | Pathogen | |||||
Carabidae | Predator | Arthropods|Larvae | ||||
Coleomegilla maculata | Predator | |||||
Erynnia ocypterata | Parasite | |||||
Erynniopsis antennata | Parasite | California; USA; Victoria | Ulmus | |||
Lebia scopularis | Predator | USA | Ulmus | |||
Medina collaris | Parasite | |||||
Nosema galerucellae | Pathogen | |||||
Oomyzus brevistigma | Parasite | Arthropods|Pupae | to species | California | ||
Oomyzus gallerucae | Parasite | Eggs | to species | California; USA; Victoria | Ulmus | |
Oplomus cruentus | Predator | |||||
Podisus nigrolimbatus | Predator | |||||
Steinernema carpocapsae | Parasite | |||||
Stiretrus decastigma | Predator | |||||
Stiretrus erythrocephalus | Predator |
Notes on Natural Enemies
Top of pageThere are many natural enemies of elm leaf beetle, including two eulophid wasps in the genus Tetrastichus, Oomyzus (=Tetrastichus) gallerucae and Tetrastichus brevistigma.
Means of Movement and Dispersal
Top of pageAlthough adult elm leaf beetles can fly between trees, they are natural hitchhikers and can spread quickly to new areas and over long distances in cars, caravans and other vehicles. Without outside assistance elm leaf beetles do not move far from their host trees. Elm leaf beetles can also be spread long distances via cargo shipment on containers.
Pathway Causes
Top of pageCause | Notes | Long Distance | Local | References |
---|---|---|---|---|
Botanical gardens and zoos | ELB spreads where elm trees were planted in urban areas, incl. gardens, car parks, streets, etc. | Yes | Yes | |
Forestry | Yes | Yes | ||
Hitchhiker | Yes | Yes | ||
Landscape improvement | Urban areas, street tree planting, gardens, parks etc. | Yes | Yes | |
Nursery trade | From Europe to USA and Australia probably with European settlements | Yes | Yes | |
Ornamental purposes | Reproducing European gardens (USA, Australia) | Yes | Yes | |
People sharing resources | Yes | Yes | ||
Self-propelled | ELB can only fly short distances | Yes | ||
Timber trade | Pupae could be transported short and long distances in crevices in the bark | Yes | Yes |
Pathway Vectors
Top of pageVector | Notes | Long Distance | Local | References |
---|---|---|---|---|
Bulk freight or cargo | Adults could be transported in containers, on ferries (vehicles) | Yes | Yes | |
Containers and packaging - wood | Less probable | Yes | Yes | |
Debris and waste associated with human activities | When cutting trees and taking debris to landfill sites, for example | Yes | ||
Germplasm | Establishment of botanical gardens in colonies | Yes | Yes | |
Mulch, straw, baskets and sod | Yes | |||
Plants or parts of plants | Yes | Yes | ||
Wind | Adults are not long distance flyers – can move from tree to tree | Yes | Yes |
Plant Trade
Top of pagePlant parts liable to carry the pest in trade/transport | Pest stages | Borne internally | Borne externally | Visibility of pest or symptoms |
---|---|---|---|---|
Bark | arthropods/pupae | Yes | ||
Leaves | arthropods/eggs | Yes | ||
Seedlings/Micropropagated plants | arthropods/eggs | Yes | ||
Stems (above ground)/Shoots/Trunks/Branches | arthropods/eggs | Yes |
Impact
Top of pageWu et al. (1991), in a survey conducted in 1986 of over 1,500 urban tree managers, concluded that the elm leaf beetle was the second most important urban tree pest in the western USA and the third most important nationally.
During severe infestation, defoliation can be as high as 100%. Trees that lose their foliage during the early growing season will usually produce a new set of leaves, but later elm leaf beetle generations may attack the new growth. Generally, elm leaf beetle causes only partial defoliation that may kill individual limbs and leave a tree in a weakened condition. However, this causes stress and renders an elm susceptible to wind breakage or attack by lethal wood-boring insects and disease (Bosu and Wagner, 2008). Most trees will not be killed outright as a result of this destruction, unless it is nearly complete and is repeated for 2-3 consecutive years (Morton Arboretum, 2013).
Social Impact
Top of pageElm leaf beetles may become a nuisance in the autumn when they move into homes searching for overwintering sites. The adults may be a problem in the spring when they congregate in windows as temperatures increase.
Detection and Inspection
Top of pageDuring feeding, the larvae skeletonize the leaf, leaving the upper surface and veins intact. This gives the foliage a net-like appearance. Areas of the leaf around the feeding site will dry up and die, causing the leaf to drop prematurely. Adults, on the other hand, chew small, irregularly-shaped holes in the expanding leaves. Trees that lose their leaves often develop a second flush, only to have them consumed when the next generation is produced. The larval stage is the more destructive part of the elm leaf beetle’s life cycle, and the presence of many egg clusters can give an indication of the extent of the defoliation that will occur later on. Most trees will not be killed outright as a result of this destruction, unless it is nearly complete and is repeated for 2-3 consecutive years (Morton Arboretum, 2013).
Similarities to Other Species/Conditions
Top of pageThe elm leaf beetle can be easily confused with other beetles, such as the western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte), the striped cucumber beetle (Acalymma vittatum (Fabricius) and other species of elm beetles such as the European elm bark beetle (Scolytus multistratus) and the native elm bark beetle (Hylurgopinus rufipes). The elm leaf beetle can be positively identified by the distinctive black spots on the body segment behind the head (Walker, 2009).
Prevention and Control
Top of pageDue to the variable regulations around (de)registration of pesticides, your national list of registered pesticides or relevant authority should be consulted to determine which products are legally allowed for use in your country when considering chemical control. Pesticides should always be used in a lawful manner, consistent with the product's label.
Host Resistance
The use of insect-resistant trees is one of the current control methods. Previous efforts to control this pest have focused on the preference for, and suitability of, various elm species and their hybrids for feeding by the elm leaf beetle (Miller and Ware, 1999). Townsend (1979) reported that 175 elm species and hybrids were then available for planting in the USA. Many of these elms were hybrids developed for resistance to Dutch elm disease and originated from Asia and Europe. New species have been introduced to the USA from China in recent years and this has accelerated hybridization (Miller and Ware 2001a,b,c; 2002). It was estimated by Bosu and Wagner (2008) that over 200 elm genotypes are now available in the United States.
Early Warning Systems
The elm leaf beetle is a ‘List A pest’ declared under section 101(a) of the Plant Quarantine Act 1997 in Australia, and measures must be undertaken by landowners to control or eradicate the pest.
Biological control
Foliar sprays with Bacillius thuringiensis ssp. tenebriosis have been used (Dreistadt, 2008). Several attempts to release natural enemies of the elm leaf beetles have been only partially successful. In the eastern and midwestern United States and California, biological control was attempted from 1908–1936 (Dowden, 1962; Clausen, 1978) and during the 1970s and 1980s (Clair et al., 1987; Dreistadt and Dahlsten, 1991; Dahlsten et al., 1998).
The eulophid egg parasite Oomyzus (=Tetrastichus) gallerucae (Fonscolombe) was the primary organism introduced and released during these periods (Clausen, 1978; Clair et al., 1987). These programs in California resulted in limited establishment of O. gallerucea. Impact was only significant when releases of the parasite were made each year, allowing it to become marginally established (Ehler et al., 1987; Dahlsten et al., 1998). Some success was obtained with O. gallerucae in southern California (Luck and Scriven, 1976).
Tetrastichus brevistigmaGahan (1936) is apparently a native of the northeastern USA. This other species of eulophid wasp attacks elm leaf beetle pupae. It is a gregarious internal parasite. First described in 1932 in Massachusetts, it is widespread throughout the eastern states and is present as far west as Indiana and Kentucky. In 1934 it was shipped to California, released, established immediately and became widely distributed and abundant in some areas and during some years, but seems to be unimportant compared with other elm leaf beetle parasitoids introduced there. The females lay from 1 to 8 eggs at a time in beetle pupae or prepupae. T. brevistigma commonly parasitizes 50-80% of the beetle pupae in midseason. In areas where parasitization is less, augmentative releases might prove effective. Although rearing techniques have been developed, neither T. brevistigma nor T. gallerucae is currently commercially available (Marh, 1998).
Chemical Control
For many years, chemical treatment has been the primary method of control for the elm leaf beetle. Both foliar and systemic insecticides have been used with various levels of success. Systemic insecticides have several advantages over foliar applications when used on large trees in an urban setting: they eliminate the problem of pesticide drift, which is of particular concern in densely populated urban areas, and much lower amounts of pesticide per treatment can be used.
In recent years, new systemic insecticides have appeared on the market for control of elm leaf beetle, including trunk injection formulations of imidacloprid (a synthicic chloronicotinyl insecticide) and abamectin (a fermentation product of a soil bacterium). These insecticides have been integrated in a city-wide integrated pest management (IPM) in Sacramento, California, by Lawson and Dahlsten (2003), who showed that trunk injections of abamectin and imidacloprid reduced the defoliation caused by elm leaf beetle when applied at the peak density of eggs. The problem with this treatment is the potential scarring and wounding of trees, which may serve as entrance points for pathogenic or decay fungi.
Bark banding is also used (with broad spectrum insecticides) to stop migration of larvae down the trunk of the trees (Dreistadt, 2008).
Intergrated Pest Management (IPM)
Current recommendations are to use an integrated program that incorporates resistant elm hybrids, good cultural practices, conservation of natural enemies and regular monitoring for the presence or absence of eggs for better timing of insecticide applications.
References
Top of pageAdams NE, 2013. Using growing degree days for insect management. University of New Hampshire, Cooperative Extension. http://extension.unh.edu/agric/GDDays/Docs/growch.pdf
Beenen R, 2006. Translocation in Leaf Beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelydae). In: Proceedings of the 6th International Symposium on the Chrysomelidae, Bonn, Germany.
Behdad A, 1996. Encyclopedia of Plant Protection. Isfahan, Iran: Yadbood Publications.
Borowiec L, 2010. The Leaf Beetles of Europe and the Mediterranean Subregion (Checklist and Iconography). Chrysomelidae. Wroclaw, Poland: Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Taxonomy, University of Wroclaw. http://www.biol.uni.wroc.pl/cassidae/European%20Chrysomelidae/index.htm
CISR, 2013. The Elm Leaf Beetle, Xanthogallerucae luteola. Xanthogallerucae luteola. California, USA: University of California, Riverside. http://cisr.ucr.edu/elm_leaf_beetle.html
CSIRO Entomology, 2004. Pyrrhalta luteola (Muller). CSIRO (online). http://www.ces.csiro.au/aicn/name_s/b_3546.htm
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EFETAC, 2013. Elm Leaf Beetle, Xanthogaleruca luteola. Eastern Forest Environmental Threat Assessment Center. USDA (online). http://www.threatsummary.forestthreats.org/threats/threatSummaryViewer.cfm?threatID=199
Farm Forestry New Zealand, 2012. European elm leaf beetle (Pyrrhalta luteola). Pests and diseases of forestry in New Zealand., New Zealand: New Zealand Farm Forestry Association. http://www.nzffa.org.nz/farm-forestry-model/the-essentials/forest-health-pests-and-diseases/Pests/Pyrrhalta-luteola
Flower News NSW, 2008. NSW Flower news, 9. http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0017/211319/Flower-News-issue-9-Summer-2008.pdf
GBIF, 2013. Global Biodiversity Information Facility. Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF). http://data.gbif.org/species/
Glover T, 1871. Report of the Commissioner of Agriculture for the Year 1870. Washington, DC, USA: Government Printing Office, 65-91.
Hall R; Townsend AM; Barger JH, 1987. Suitability of thirteen different host species for elm leaf beetle Xanthogaleruca luteola (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). Journal of Environmental Horticulture, 5:143-145.
Hall RW; Young CE, 1986. Hall, R., and C. Young (1986) Host suitability of three Asiatic elms to the elm leaf beetle Xanthogaleruca luteola (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). Journal of Environmental Horticulture, 4:44- 46.
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Lopatin IK, 1977. Leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) of Middle Asia and Kazakhistan. Nauka, Leningrad 268 pp.
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Smith KGV, 1990. Pyrrhalta luteola accidentally introduced into Britain. Entomologist's Monthly Magazine, 126:190.
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Distribution References
Beenen R, 2006. Translocation in Leaf Beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelydae). [Proceedings of the 6th International Symposium on the Chrysomelidae], Bonn, Germany:
Behdad A, 1996. Encyclopedia of Plant Protection., Isfahan, Iran: Yadbood Publications.
CABI, Undated. Compendium record. Wallingford, UK: CABI
CABI, Undated a. CABI Compendium: Status inferred from regional distribution. Wallingford, UK: CABI
CABI, Undated b. CABI Compendium: Status as determined by CABI editor. Wallingford, UK: CABI
CISR, 2013. The Elm Leaf Beetle, Xanthogallerucae luteola. Xanthogallerucae luteola., California, USA: University of California, Riverside. http://cisr.ucr.edu/elm_leaf_beetle.html
Dreistadt S, 2008. Elm Leaf Beetle, Xanthogaleruca (=Pyrrhalta) luteola (Muller) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). In: Encyclopedia of Entomology, [ed. by Capinera JL]. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press. 1297-1300.
EFETAC, 2013. Elm Leaf Beetle, Xanthogaleruca luteola., Eastern Forest Environmental Threat Assessment Center. USDA (online). http://www.threatsummary.forestthreats.org/threats/threatSummaryViewer.cfm?threatID=199
Farm Forestry New Zealand, 2012. European elm leaf beetle (Pyrrhalta luteola). In: Pests and diseases of forestry in New Zealand, New Zealand: New Zealand Farm Forestry Association. http://www.nzffa.org.nz/farm-forestry-model/the-essentials/forest-health-pests-and-diseases/Pests/Pyrrhalta-luteola
Flower News NSW, 2008. NSW Flower news., 9 http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0017/211319/Flower-News-issue-9-Summer-2008.pdf
GBIF, 2013. Global Biodiversity Information Facility. http://www.gbif.org/species
Howard, 1899. Three insects enemies of shade trees. Imported elm leaf beetle. In: Farmer Bulletins, 99 9.
Jolivet P, 1967. Systematic and ecological notes on Morrocan Chrysomelidae (second note). (Notes systematiques et ecologiques sur les Chrysomelides Marocains (2e note)). In: Bulletin de la Société des Sciences Naturelles et Physiques du Maroc, 46 305-393.
Lopatin IK, 1977. Leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) of Middle Asia and Kazakhistan., Leningrad, Nauka. 268 pp.
Natural Resources Canada, 2013. Home page. Natural Resources Canada., http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/home
Smith KGV, 1990. Pyrrhalta luteola accidentally introduced into Britain. In: Entomologist's Monthly Magazine, 126 190.
Links to Websites
Top of pageWebsite | URL | Comment |
---|---|---|
Chrysomelidae, The Leaf Beetles of Europe and the Mediterranean Subregion | http://www.biol.uni.wroc.pl/cassidae/European%20Chrysomelidae/index.htm | |
Forestry Images | http://www.forestryimages.org/browse/subimages.cfm?SUB=216 | |
Midwest Biological Control News, University of Wisconsin, Madison | http://www.entomology.wisc.edu/mbcn/kyf512.html | |
PaDIL (Pest And Disease Image Library) | http://www.padil.gov.au/viewPestDiagnosticImages.aspx?id=1791 | |
The Mortom Arboretum | http://www.mortonarb.org/tree-plant-advice/article/816/elm-leaf-beetlexanthogaleruca-luteola.html |
Contributors
Top of page11/08/10 Original text by:
CRCNPB Australia, CRC for National Plant Biosecurity, Canberra, Australia
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