| Abstract: | The life-cycles of three willow beetle pests, Phratora (= Phyllodecta) vulgatissima, Phratora (=Phyllodeeta) vitellinae and Galerucella lineola (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae), were investigated during 1994–95 in a plantation of short-rotation coppiced willows (Salix viminalis cv. Bowles Hybrid) at Long Ashton, Bristol, UK. The P. vulgatissima had one generation during the year. Overwintered adults emerged from hibernation in April and after a short feeding period, copulation and egg-laying occurred. Larval stages were found from May–July. The new generation of adult beetles appeared in July–August and fed for a while before hibernating. Hibernating adults were found in hedgerows around the site and in the plantation on willow stools and ground vegetation. Dispersal of adult beetles between feeding and overwintering sites appeared to be fairly localized. Hence, crop management strategies that reduce the potential for overwintering in and around plantations may help to minimize spring re-invasion and damage. Although based on limited observations, the biology of P. vitellinae and G. lineola appeared similar to that of P. vulgatissima. However, there is evidence in the literature that both these species, unlike the latter, can have a partial second generation in some years. The potential effect of insect herbivory on the growth and biomass yield of S. viminalis cv. Bowles Hybrid was investigated experimentally by artificial hand-defoliation of pot-grown plants. Yield losses were strongly correlated with the amount and time of defoliation. Results indicated that even slight or moderate damage by insect herbivores could have a significant impact on the biomass productivity of coppiced willows. |
