Host Plant Acceptance of Azalea Lace Bug (Heteroptera: Tingidae) For Selected Azalea Cultivars

The host plant acceptance of azalea lace bug, Stephanitis pyrioides (Scott) for 20 cultivars of azalea, Rhododendron spp., was evaluated. Lowest acceptance, as measured by significantly reduced oviposition in both years of the study, was observed on the cultivar ‘Macrantha.’ Lowest levels of leaf injury and percentage leaf injury were also observed on ‘Macrantha.’ Bloom color and abaxial leaf texture did not affect acceptance. Monthly comparisons of all cultivars indicated significantly higher oviposition of all cultivars indicated significantly higher oviposition by azalea lace bug in June and July, 1989, and July 1990, than in the other months of the study (May - September).