The Friendly Bug blog
GARDEning with THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND the BUGLY!
(SCIENCE-BASED OPINIONS FROM A PUBLIC HORTICULTURE EDUCATOR)
The lily leaf beetle (Liliocerus lilii) is an invasive pest of growing concern in North America. This beetle targets “true lilies” (genus: Lilium), however it has also been recorded on some other hosts. The larval form causes significant feeding damage on the leaves of native and exotic lily species and hybrids. Distribution
It is currently prevalent in the north eastern U.S. and is continuing to spread towards the Midwest with recent reports of lily leaf beetle detection in south eastern Michigan, central Wisconsin and eastern Iowa. Hosts The primary hosts for lily leaf beetles are plants in the genus Lilium and Fritillaria. They are commonly found on tiger lilies, Easter lilies, Asiatic and oriental lilies, and Fritillaries, making them the most at-risk for significant feeding damage. Daylilies (Hemerocallis) are not affected by this pest. Management Contact insecticides can be used to control larval feeding on plant foliage. Products containing Permethrin, Cyhalothrin, Deltamethrin, Pyrethrin and other insecticides labeled for ornamental use have shown the most effective control. Systemic insecticide such as imidacloprid have reportedly provided effective control applied either as a foliage spray or soil drench depending on label instructions. Azadiractin (neem oil) products and insecticidal soaps have also shown some control of lily leaf beetles. Hand-picking and destroying adult beetles, larvae and eggs is also effective in reducing damage. As with any insecticide, only use products appropriately labeled for desired use and always read the label. Report sightings Please be vigilant of this emerging pest and spread awareness amongst anyone who grows lilies in Michigan. Monitor lilies throughout the growing seasons for signs of larvae, feeding damage or eggs. A map of lily leaf beetle reports is currently being curated by Naomi Cappuccino of Carleton University in Ontario, Canada. For more information on her ongoing research or to report a detection of lily leaf beetle infestation, visit her Lily Leaf Beetle Tracker website. See full article here
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🐝 Abi SAEED 🐝Entomologist, Pollinator Specialist, Public Science Educator, and Archives
July 2017
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