Bioecology of Elm Leaf Beetle (Xanthogaleruca luteola (Col.: Chrysomelidae)) in Kermanshah

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

Mohammadreza Paydar

Abbas Ali Zamani

Arezoo Jamshidi

Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Engineering, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran

10.22067/jpp.2026.95058.1248

Abstract

Introduction
The elm trees (Ulmus spp.) hold significant ecological, aesthetic, and economic importance in urban landscapes and natural forests. Renowned for their broad, dense canopies, elm trees contribute substantially to improving air quality, providing shade, and enhancing the visual appeal of green spaces. Beyond their ornamental value, elm wood is durable and semi‑hard, comparable to beech and walnut, and is used in furniture making, veneer production, shipbuilding, and automotive manufacturing. Moreover, urban elm populations support biodiversity by providing habitat and food for various insects and birds. However, elm trees are subjected to biotic stresses, among which the elm leaf beetle, Xanthogaleruca luteola (Müller) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), is a primary pest causing extensive defoliation and weakening of trees. The elm leaf beetle is an important pest of elm trees, causing significant damage by feeding on leaves, which reduces photosynthesis and weakens the trees. Given the impact of elm trees on urban green spaces, their role in reducing citizen stress, and their functions in air softening and shade provision, necessary measures should be taken to preserve them. This study investigated the infestation level of elm trees and the impact of environmental factors on the pest population in Kermanshah city, Iran.
Materials and Methods
Sampling of different life stages (eggs, larvae, and adults) was conducted every three days on 30 selected elm trees across 13 urban areas from March to December 2023. Population fluctuations were analyzed in relation to temperature and relative humidity. Spatial distribution patterns were determined using Taylor's power law and Iwao's regression methods.
Results and Discussion
The results showed that X. luteola has three distinct generations during the growing season under the climatic conditions of Kermanshah. Peak adult populations for each generation were observed on May 16 (2.67±0.30), July 3 (3.00±0.52), and August 28 (2.77±0.31). Temperature had a direct and significant positive effect only on egg population, while humidity had a non‑significant negative effect on egg and adult populations. The spatial distribution pattern was characterized using Taylor's power law and Iwao's index. Based on comparison of coefficients of determination (R²), Taylor's model provided a better fit to the data, and the spatial distribution was random for eggs, first‑instar larvae, second‑instar larvae, and adults, but aggregated for third‑instar larvae. The three distinct population peaks observed across different life stages confirm that temperature variations significantly impact population growth, especially during the egg‑laying stage. The determination of precise peak population timing for different life stages across three generations provides valuable information for implementing timely and targeted control measures in integrated pest management (IPM) programs.
Conclusion
The results of this study emphasize the critical importance of monitoring the population of the elm leaf beetle for effective pest management and help determine the optimal timing for implementing control measures. This study, through examining population fluctuations and environmental factors affecting different life stages of the elm leaf beetle in Kermanshah city, highlights the essential need for a comprehensive understanding of this pest’s population dynamics. Identifying distinct population peaks in each life stage offers valuable opportunities for precise and timely pest control interventions. This detailed bio‑ecological knowledge is crucial for developing effective IPM programs aimed at reducing pesticide usage, minimizing economic losses, and enhancing the health and sustainability of urban green spaces. Ultimately, the success of sustainably managing this pest depends on continuous, precise population monitoring and the thorough analysis of influential environmental factors.

Keywords

Humidity

Population fluctuation

Sampling

Spatial distribution

Temperature

Subjects

• pests

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Authors retain the copyright. This is an open access article distributed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0)

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