Feeding performance and preference of the Asiatic garden beetle, Maladera castanea, in field crops

The Asiatic garden beetle, Maladera castanea Arrow, was first introduced to the United States in 1921. Starting in New Jersey, the Asiatic garden beetle has now spread to 24 U.S. states and 2 Canadian provinces. The Asiatic garden beetle is a generalist species that can feed on over 100 species of plants, historically causing sporadic problems in turf grasses, ornamentals, and vegetables. Recently, populations have emerged as early-season pests of corn in sandy soils located in Indiana, Michigan and Ohio. Grub root-feeding is cause for severe damage to field corn, including discoloration and death. There is anecdotal evidence that Asiatic garden beetles also show preference for common agricultural weeds, like marestail, which are often present in corn fields. However, it is unknown how the presence of alternative hosts influence grub feeding behavior. Do grubs perform better on, and show preference for, non-crop hosts relative to the main crop? The objectives of this research were to 1) assess how Asiatic garden beetle grubs feed and develop on different diets present in agricultural systems, and 2) evaluate grub feeding preferences for these diets using a choice test. Understanding grub feeding behavior may ultimately contribute to management decision-making of the Asiatic garden beetle.