D3297: Alternative chemical control tactics for the red-headed flea beetle in ornamentals

Systena frontalis (F.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), commonly known as the red-headed flea beetle, is a key pest under containerized nursery production, defoliating several plant taxa including hydrangeas, sweet spire iteas and hollies. Affected growers can spray both pyrethroids and neonicotinoids up to two times a week during the peak of seasonal activity of this pest. The main goal of this project is to propose alternative control tactics for this beetle, including the use of 1) drenches, 2) top-dressed granular formulations, and 3) foliar spray applications. This project will expand on previous research showing the effectiveness of drenches using tetraniliprole and spinetoram + sulfoxaflor on reducing the number of emerging adults from treated pots. Experimental treatments will include entomopathogenic nematodes, diamides, and other modes of action. Additionally, both the use of adjuvants and the volume for foliar applications will be changed to document any potential variation on the performance of effective tactics against this insect. Ultimately, this research seeks to provide additional information on effective control tactics to manage this pest while reducing operational costs, non-target effects and the exposure of workers in the nursery industry.