2016 Virginia Tech 3104-1564 (ENTO-209NP)

RoseChafer

EricDay,DepartmentofEntomology,VirginiaTechDescription:Grayor fawn coloredbeetlewith a reddish-brownhead. It is long leggedand slender, 1/2inchlong.CommonHostPlant(s):Blackberry,raspberry,strawberry,cabbage,beans,beets,andpepper.Damage:Feedsonfoliage,budsandflowers.Distribution:EasternUnitedStates.Life cycle:Rose chafer larvae overwinter inthe soil. As temperatures rise in the springlarvaemoveup towards the soil surface andpupate. In a fewweeksadultbeetles emergeandbeginfeedingforaperiodofaboutfourtosix weeks. Females deposit groups of 6-40eggsaboutsixinchesbelowthesoilsurfaceinsandyorgrassyareas.Larvaehatchinonetothreeweeks,dependingon temperature,andbegintofeedonroots.OnegenerationoccursannuallyinVirginia.Cultural Control: Handpick beetles wherefound.Organic/Biological Control: A temporarycheeseclothfence(slightlyhigherthantheplant)canbeusedtodeterthebeetles.Thebeetlesseemnottoflyoverthefence.Chemical Control: Start treatment with aregistered insecticide when cut buds or leafholes are seen. This is usually just afterbeginning of bloom (late March or earlyApril). Treat at weekly intervals as needed.Rotate strawberries to a part of the gardenthathasnothadstrawberriesinthelastyear.Replaces:3104-1564