Differential feeding by adult Japanese beetles on foliage of birch (Betula) species and hybrids

Abstract

Assessment of the relative resistance of various birches to foliar feeding by adult Japanese beetles was complicated by the insects' marked preference for leaves on spur shoots, as opposed to long-shoot leaves, on many trees. Based on the limited numbers of trees tested, the susceptible (most preferred) taxa were Betula alleghaniensis, B. davurica, B. nigra, B. nigra 'Heritage', B. papyrifera, B. populifolia, B. pubescens, B. uber, and B. utilis var. jacquemontii, although some resistant individuals of B. papyrifera and B. populifolia were found. Resistant taxa included B. lenta, B. maximowicziana, B. pendula, and B. platyphylla var. japonica. There was some indication that the factors influencing beetle feeding preferences were inherited.