Viburnum Leaf Beetle - Chewing its way across America

Viburnum Leaf Beetle (VLB) is a foreign invader which is munching its way through the native stands of viburnum throughout the northern United States forests and landscapes. In a few seasons they have the potential to kill viburnums by eating so much foliage that the plant is unable to recover. Their strength is in numbers and the multitudes will skeletonize leaf tissue between the veins. To make matters even worse the adult VLB develop and continue consuming foliage on the same plant! Soon the shrub has exhausted all resources. MD forests have had infestations occurring since the mid 1990’s. One check and balance occurs in the VLB life cycle, their eggs must experience a prolonged cold period for hatching. This factor is limiting its southern expansion! If this voracious feeder finds your native or ornamental viburnums you don’t want to be caught off guard. Another good aspect is they dislike the hairy-leaved forms of viburnums. Be watchful over your viburnums in spring when leaf damage rapidly occurs. Refer to the University of Maryland Exotic Insect fact sheet for recommended actions and controls. https://extension.umd.edu/sites/exten... Fact Sheet-UMD.pdf Joyce Browning Horticulturist, Master Gardener Coordinator Video credit: Bethany Evans Longwood Gardens Professional Gardener Program Alumni; CPH The University of Maryland Extension Home and Garden Information Center's mission is to develop and deliver science-based, sustainable gardening information and solutions through outreach education for better human and environmental health. Send us your plant and pest questions. Our Certified Professional Horticulturists are ready to help! http://extension.umd.edu/learn/ask-ga... Explore our extensive gardening content online. http://extension.umd.edu/hgic