Review and Current Status of Systena frontalis (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae): An Insect Pest Associated with Nursery Production Systems¹

Systena frontalis (F.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is an insect pest of nursery production systems throughout the Midwest, Southeast, and Northeast regions of the United States. The original scientific name was Galleruca frontalis F. before reclassification of the genus to Systena. There is minimal information in the scientific literature providing evidence that S. frontalis is native or an introduced species. In addition, the overwintering life stage is unknown. However, records indicate that S. frontalis is native to North America based on reports of this beetle being found in 5 provinces of Canada and 31 states in the United States. Records also indicate that the adult may be the overwintering life stage. Current management strategies implemented to reduce feeding damage caused by S. frontalis adults to container-grown nursery plants are associated with foliar spray applications of contact insecticides. However, applying contact insecticides to plant material in nursery production systems is labor intensive and not cost efficient. Application of systemic insecticides to the growing medium is a management strategy that nursery producers can use to reduce feeding damage caused by S. frontalis adults. Research demonstrates that the systemic insecticides dinotefuran and thiamethoxam protect container-grown nursery plants 45 d after application. Therefore, based on empirical, scientific-based research, applying systemic insecticides before S. frontalis adults are active provides practical and cost-effective plant protection from adult feeding damage during the growing season, thereby allowing nursery producers to grow, market, and sell container-grown nursery plants.