Elm Leaf Beetle Treatment

The Elm Leaf Beetle (Xanthogaleruca luteola) was first discovered in rural Victoria in 1989 and quickly spread to the inner city suburbs of Melbourne.

Elm Leaf Beetle was first detected in South Australia sometime in 2011. However, it was not declared a pest at that time under the Plant Health Act (SA).

This meant that it was not a notifiable pest and Biosecurity SA did not treat or apply specific measures to control the beetle.

We are now observing the consequences of its presence in South Australia with wide spread infestations on our states 'Elm Trees'.

Life cycle and identification

Adult beetles are known to become active in October and are then present through until April the following year.

They are evidenced by a 'shot hole' appearance in leaves. They have the ability to travel through flight (fly) or 'hitch a ride' on vehicles, humans, etc. They move from tree to tree feeding and laying eggs on the underside of leaves.

Beetle larvae then destroy all but the veins of the leaves, creating a ‘skeleton’ effect.

This damage destroys the trees ability to achieve photosynthesis, produce and store energy, maintain growth, vigour and active defence mechanisms. There may be up to three life cycles of the beetle in a single season, depending upon weather conditions.