Asiatic Garden Beetle- A New Pest of Field Crop and Potato Production in Southwest Michigan
Applied Research
Bruce Mackellar
MSU EXTENSION
Paw Paw
Abstract
Southwest Michigan agriculture is blessed with a tremendous diversity of crops. It also has been known for the number of unique plant pests found within the region. In the summer of 2007, a new aggressive white grub, larvae of Asiatic Garden Beetles (AGB), were found to be creating stand losses in many corn fields across southwest Michigan and northern Indiana. Further investigation throughout the growing season revealed that the pest was also impacting potato tuber quality as well as alfalfa seeding stands in the fall. Research conducted in 2008 suggested that seed treatments and soil insecticides were effective at reducing the impact from AGB white grub feeding by reducing corn stand and subsequent yield losses. Producers have reported reduction in frying quality because of browning caused by potato tuber feeding of early instar AGB Larvae. Further study is needed to evaluate the potential impact of AGB on the chipping potato Industry.
Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
A poster file has not been provided
Authors: * B.A. MacKellar
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MacKellar, *. Field Crop/Specialty Crops Educator, Van Buren County Michigan State University Extension, Michigan, 49079