viburnum chewed up? - Ask Extension
Several viburnum bushes had leaves destroyed last year and almost died, yet some new growth appeared this spring but it still being chewed on. Anothe...
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viburnum chewed up? #874351
Asked June 23, 2024, 9:06 PM EDT
Several viburnum bushes had leaves destroyed last year and almost died, yet some new growth appeared this spring but it still being chewed on. Another variety that was okay last year is now being eaten up this year ... I cannot find evidence of the insects or blight that is eating the leaves down to the stems!
Ramsey County Minnesota
Expert Response
Following is a reply to a similar question. It addresses the subject.
https://ask2.extension.org/scp/tickets.php?id=871331
https://ask2.extension.org/scp/tickets.php?id=871331
Thanks for your quick response! I set up an account and can see the question and photos I submitted, but whenI try the link to the "similar question" https://ask2.extension.org/scp/tickets.php?id=871331 I cannot access the site because my email and password don't work for that link. The sign-in just flickers and does not connect to anything.
Please send another link that I can access with my account.
Thank you!
Terry Brueck
Here's the reply to the similar question:
Viburnum leaf beetles were first reported in Minnesota (Twin Cities area) in 2019. This pest is spreading rapidly and it threatens the health of several commonly planted viburnum species.
Apparently we need to deal with the larvae in May and early June and the adult beetles from late June into the summer.
The larvae are visible and abundant when they are present, but they grow rapidly and in many cases they fall to the ground and pupate before the damage is noticed.
The following publications discuss this pest's life cycle, what can be done to control it, and when control measures must be taken.
https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/viburnum-leaf-beetle/
https://ag.umass.edu/landscape/fact-sheets/viburnum-leaf-beetle
In the long run we may need to replace susceptible viburnum species with those that are resistant.
http://www.hort.cornell.edu/vlb/suscept.html
Given the beetles' rapid spread, we don't know whether reports from locations in the Twin Cities area are still needed. In any case, because reports might still be useful, go here to follow up:
https://www.mda.state.mn.us/reportapest
Viburnum leaf beetles were first reported in Minnesota (Twin Cities area) in 2019. This pest is spreading rapidly and it threatens the health of several commonly planted viburnum species.
Apparently we need to deal with the larvae in May and early June and the adult beetles from late June into the summer.
The larvae are visible and abundant when they are present, but they grow rapidly and in many cases they fall to the ground and pupate before the damage is noticed.
The following publications discuss this pest's life cycle, what can be done to control it, and when control measures must be taken.
https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/viburnum-leaf-beetle/
https://ag.umass.edu/landscape/fact-sheets/viburnum-leaf-beetle
In the long run we may need to replace susceptible viburnum species with those that are resistant.
http://www.hort.cornell.edu/vlb/suscept.html
Given the beetles' rapid spread, we don't know whether reports from locations in the Twin Cities area are still needed. In any case, because reports might still be useful, go here to follow up:
https://www.mda.state.mn.us/reportapest
Thank you so much for the info!
You are welcome. I wish it was better news. We have the beetles where I live too.
