Control Of Japanese Beetle Research Articles

Evaluation of Steinernematid Nematodes Against Popillia Japonica (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) Larvae: Species, Strains, and Rinse After Application

We evaluated the efficacy of Steinernema glaseri Steiner (strains NC, NJ-43, and a strain genetically selected for improved efficacy, SI-12), Steinernema anomali Kozodai (Ryazan strain), and Steinernema sp. (RGV strain) for the control of Japanese beetle, Popillia japonica Newman, larvae in the laboratory and field. Virulence of nematodes was assessed by the mortality of the host larvae and by the number of nematodes established per host. In laboratory tests, NJ-43 and SI-12 strains of S. glaseri were significantly more virulent to larvae than the NC strain, S. anomaly or Steinernema sp. Similar results were obtained in field tests, where the NJ-43 and 51-12 strains produced 66 and 65% reductions of Japanese beetle larval population as compared with the NC strain that produced a 44% reduction. Steinernema anomali and Steinernema sp. were as effective as the NC strain of S. glaseri . Nematodes could be successfully applied during midday, if washed from the grass surface with a rinse after application. We conclude that the choice of nematode strain and rinsing of nematodes after application are important factors in obtaining control of Japanese beetle populations in turfgrass.

Control of Japanese Beetle and Northern Masked Chafer Larvae on a Golf Course Fairway, 1993

Abstract The study was located on a golf course fairway at Carrollton, Carroll county, OH. Insecticides were applied 24 Aug to plots 8 × 10 ft (2.4 × 3.1 m) arranged in a RCB, replicated 4 times. Granular materials were applied using a drop spreader. All liquids were applied with a CO2 sprayer with Teejet XR8006VS nozzles at 35 psi (2.46 kg/cm2) pressure that delivered a volume of 1 gal/1000 ft2 (407 liter/ha). Before the entire experimental area was irrigated approximately lA inch (6 mm) of water using the golf course system, plastic sheets 12 × 12 ft (3.6 × 3.6 m), were laid over one of the Orthene treatments in each replicate so they received no posttreatment irrigation. Environmental conditions at time of treatment were as follows. JB: ca. 270/m2, 15% 1st, 70% 2nd, 15% 3rd instars. Turf: level, dry, 1.5 inch (3.8 cm) height, 100% Kentucky bluegrass. Thatch: dense, moist, 0-VA inch (0-6 mm). Soil: moist, 80°F at 1 inch (2.5 cm) and 77°F at 3 inch (7.6 cm). Weather: sunny, 82°F, 2-10 mph (4-16 km/h). Water: pH 4.6. At the time of data acquisition a disease was found to have recently infected >30% of the JB larvae throughout the study area. Diseased grubs were collected for identification of the pathogen and further study of it. Efficacy data taken 5 Oct (41 DAT) were based on the number of live, sick, and freshly dead (appx 90% JB: 10% NMC) in six 7 × 7 inch (17.8 × 17.8 cm) square samples from each plot. No phytotoxicity was observed.

Control of Japanese Beetle and Masked Chafer Grubs in Turfgrass Using Pre-Seeding Application of Bifentrin, 1993

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine if soil application of bifentrin (Talstar T&0 0.2G) at the time of turfgrass establishment would provide residual protection against root-feeding white grubs during the following year. The test was conducted in a newly-seeded stand of tall fescue at Elkhorn Springs Sod Farm, near Frankfort, KY. The soil was a Maury silt loam (fine-silty, mixed, mesic Typic Paleudalf). Soil texture was 23% clay, 74% silt, and 3% sand, with 8.8% organic matter and pH = 6.4. There was no thatch. Plots (9 × 15 ft, with 9 ft untreated boundaries) were established in a RCB with six replications. Treatments were applied to bare soil with a Gandy spreader on 11 Sep 1992. The soil was then cultimulched and seeded the following day. The grub population was assessed on 14 Sep 1993 by cutting a strip (48 × 18 inches, 2.5 inches deep) from the center of each plot using a motorized sod cutter. The sod strips were broken apart and examined for grubs, which were collected, identified, and counted. Data were analyzed by ANOVA followed by Fisher’s protected LSD test to separate treatment means.

Efficacy of Entomopathogenic Nematode Strains Against Popillia Japonica (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) Larvae

Control of Japanese beetle ( Popillia Japonica Newman) larvae by Heterorhabditis Bacteriophora Poinar (HP88 strain and a New Jersey strain, NJ-2) and Steinemema glaseri Steiner (NC strain and a New Jersey strain, NJ-43) showed that all strains reduced larval populations to a level comparable with that achieved by use of bendiocarb. Nematode strains and species did not differ significantly in mean level of population reductions ( H. bacteriophora HP88 and NJ-2, 51.0 and 71.6%; S. glaseri NC and NJ-43, 50.4 and 70.1%, respectively). However, variation in the level of population reduction provided by NJ-43 was less than that by the NC strain. After a 3-wk test period, nematode persistence and downward migration in the field did not differ among species and strains. In a laboratory bioassay, New Jersey strains provided higher levels of larval mortality compared with strains cultured in the laboratory for at least a decade. A new method used to count viable bacteria retained by individual infective juveniles showed that NJ-43 not only retained more bacteria than the NC strain (19.5 ± 0.2 compared with 4.9 ± 0.06 bacteria per infective juvenile) but also that the proportion of nematodes retaining bacteria was higher (77% compared with 55%). Bacterial retention by infective juveniles did not differ significantly between H. bacteriophora strains.

Japanese Beetle Control on Containerized Taxus Plants, Michigan, 1992

Abstract Field potted (3 gal) and balled and burlapped (28 inch diameter) Taxus plants were used for this experiment. Plants were watered daily with a drip irrigation system. Both types of plants were seeded with Japanese beetle larvae. The larvae were collected from infested turf from a golf course in Kalamazoo, MI on 13 and 22 May. Twenty larvae were released into each containerized Taxus plant by placing 10 larvae in the pots on 14 May and 10 more on 26 May. The larvae were allowed time to establish before chemical applications were made on 3 Jun. Each treatment was replicated six times. Treatments were applied by injection, drench, or granular application. The injections were made through a modified Ross root feeder connected to a CO2 tank and a tank containing the chemical solution. Each pot or rootball was injected with 1 liter of solution at 50 psi. The drench treatments consisted of 1 liter of solution applied to the top of the field soil in the pots. Granular applications were made by spreading the granules evenly around the base of each plant. All pots and rootballs were irrigated immediately after insecticide treatment until water was running out of the bottom of the containers. Treatments were evaluated on 22 and 24 Jun. The soil and roots were removed from containers and sectioned with a large butcher knife in a tray. Plants and loose soil were placed over double screens and washed with a pressurized hose. The number of live larvae found after washing away the soil was counted.

Effects of Entomopathogenic Nematode Species, Rate, Soil Moisture, and Bacteria on Control of Japanese Beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) Larvae in the Laboratory

Several strains or species of entomopathogenic nematodes, Steinernema Carpocapsae Weiser (All and Mexican strains), S. feltiae (=bibionis) (Filipjev) (Biosys #27), S. glaseri (Steiner) (Biosys #2), and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (= heliothidis) Poinar (HP88 and Cl strains) were tested in the laboratory for their effect on larvae of Japanese beetle, Popillia japonica Newman. Mean larval mortality ranged from 17.8 to 99.4% depending upon nematode strain and rate of application. S. glaseri caused a greater percentage of mortality of P. japonica larvae than any other species or strain of nematode tested. No interactions between nematode strains, application rates, and soil moisture were significant. Larval mortality generally increased with increased nematode rates. In separate experiments, nematode symbiotic bacteria, Xenorhabdus luminescens Thomas & Poinar, X. nematophilus (Poinar & Thomas), and X. poinarii (Akhurst) were injected into Galleria mellonella (L.) and P. japonica larvae to determine pathogenicity. X. luminescens was the most pathogenic bacterium to both species, followed closely by X. nematophilus. X. poinarii demonstrated low pathogenicity to both insect species.

Biological Control of Japanese, Oriental, and Black Turfgrass Ataenius Beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) Larvae with Entomopathogenic Nematodes (Nematoda: Steinernematidae, Heterorhabditidae)

Several strains or species of entomopathogenic nematodes-Steinernema carpocapsae Weiser (All), S. feltiae (= bibionis ) (Filipjev) (Biosys strains 27 and 980), S. glaseri (Steiner), and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (= heliothidis ) Poinar (HP88)—were tested in the field for control of Japanese beetle, Popillia japonica Newman; Oriental beetle, Anomala orientalis Waterhouse; or black turfgrass ataenius, Ataenius spretulus (Haldeman) larvae. A spring field trial against A. orientalis , in which half of the plots were aerated to assist in nematode dispersal in soil, showed no significant differences between control plots and those treated with H. bacteriophora (HP88) or S. carpocapsae (All). A fall field trial in which half of the plots were dethatched before nematode application (to enhance nematode-larva contact) also showed no significant differences between plots treated with S. feltiae and control plots. Four other fall field trials with S. carpocapsae, S. feltiae, S. glaseri , and H. bacteriorphora against Japanese beetle larvae showed a range of 0-81% control. The greatest mortality of P. japonica larvae occurred with S. glaseri at 24.7 × 109 per ha. A field trial with S. carpocapsae against A. spretulus showed 94% mortality at a 24.7 × 109 per ha rate.

Control of Japanese Beetle on a Golf Course Fairway, 1990

Abstract Six insecticide treatments were applied on 16 Aug for control of white grubs. The only species present was Japanese beetle, and at treatment time the population consisted of 9.4% 2nd instars and 90.6% 3rd instars. Pretreatment counts of grubs on 2 Aug averaged 14.4/ft2. Experimental plots were arranged in a completely random design, replicated 4 times. Plot size was 10 × 10 ft. Liquid formulations were applied in 2 liters of water with a hand-held sprinkling can; granules were applied with a hand shaker. Treatments were irrigated with 2 liters of water per plot about 1/2 to 1 h after application. Environmental and soil conditions at treatment time were as follows: air temperatv.re, 26°C; RH, 71%; partly cloudy; soil type, silt loam (28.5% sand, 52.5% silt, 19.0% clay); soil moist; soil temperature, 24°C (2 inches); soil pH, 5.9; organic matter, 6.1%; thatch layer 1/4 to 3/8 inches (not compressed). Precipitation over the posttreatment period was 3.35 inches. Four locations on each plot were sampled 28 DAT using a cup changer (4.25 inches diam).

Control of Japanese Beetle with Entomogenous Nematodes on a Golf Course, 1991

Abstract Treatments were applied on 15 Aug to an area that was converted from fairway to rough about 2 months before the trial; grass cutting height was 2Vi inches. Pretreatment counts averaged 24.4 larvae/ft2 and were mixed 2nd and 3rd instars. Plots were 8 × 8 ft arranged in a completely random design, replicated 4 times. Before applying nematodes, each plot was irrigated with 2 liters of water, then the nematodes were applied in 2 liters and immediately irrigated with an additional 2 liters of water. Applications were made with a sprinkler can. Treatments were applied in late afternoon from 1630 to 1730 h. Environmental conditions were: air temperature, 29°C; soil temperature, 26°C (1 inch and surface); RH, 60%; partly cloudy and plot area in tree shade. Plots were sampled 21 DAT with a cup changer (4.25 inches diam) to a depth of 2 to 3 inches; 4 samples/plot were taken. Soil type, silt loam; soil particle size analysis: sand 32.4%, silt 51.0%, clay 16.6%, organic matter 7.4%, pH 5.4. Nematode viability counts at treatment time were: Biosys #2, 65% and Biosys #27 about 50%. Additional amounts of the nematode form were added in an attempt to offset the low viability counts and maintain the desired 1.0 billion/acre rates.

Evaluation of Granular Formulations of Insecticides for Control of Japanese Beetle and Northern Masked Chafer Grubs on a Golf Course Rough in Franklin County, Ohio, 1991

Abstract Experimental plots consisting of approximately 80% Kentucky bluegrass and 20% perennial ryegrass were established and treated on 29 Jul. Treatment plots were 3.05 m squares, separated by 0.9 m alleys, arranged in a randomized complete block design and replicated 4 times. Liquid treatments were applied using a C02 sprayer (40 psi with four 8015 Teejet nozzles) calibrated to deliver 0.16 liter/m2, and granular products were applied using a 0.61 m Gandy Turf Tender drop spreader. The entire experimental area was irrigated with 6.35 mm water (7.96 pH) immediately after treatments were applied. At treatment time, conditions were: sky cloudy, air temperature 24.4°C, wind 0-19 km/h, soil temperature at 2.5 cm = 26.7°C and at 7.6 cm = 25.0°C, and the turf had a dense thatch 6.35-12.7 mm thick, with mowing height 4.4 cm. Posttreatment counts were made 58 d later (25 Sep) by taking six 17.8 × 17.8 cm (= 0.03 m2) samples randomly from each treatment plot and recording the number and species of grubs.

Chemical Evaluations for Control of Japanese Beetle and Grape Berry Moth on Grapes, 1990

Abstract Five treatments were evaluated for efficacy against the Japanese beetle and grape berry moth in an experimental Concord grape vineyard at Wooster, Ohio. Plots consisted of 2 grape vines, with 4 replications/treatment in a randomized block design. Treatments were applied as foliar sprays at a rate of 100 gal/acre (935 l/ha) on 13 Jun, 23 Jul and 8 Aug, using a hand held CO2 sprayer operating at 45 psi (3.2 kg/cm2) and equipped with a 9505-E-TeeJet nozzle. After treated foliage was dry, 10 grape leaves were removed from the outside canopy of each plot for use in the bioassay. Leaves were brought into the lab on 0, 1, and 6 DAT and placed inside 1 gal ice cream containers along with 10 Japanese beetles. The 1 gal containers were modified by placing plastic liners inside and cheese cloth over the top. After holding beetles on treated foliage for 24 h, a count of the number of dead beetles was taken. The insect holding room was maintained at 75°F (23°C) with 75% RH. On 12 Sep, 10 grape clusters were randomly removed from each replicate and examined for the number of berries infested by grape berry moth.

Late Summer Control of Japanese Beetle, 1989

Abstract Thirteen treatments were applied 28 Aug on a golf course fairway in Ossipee, NH. Treatments were applied early morning and immediately watered in after application with 0.3 in. water. Plot size was 10 × 10 ft repeated 4 times in a randomized complete block design. Liquid and powder formulations were applied with a watering can at a spray volume of 5 gal/1,000 ft2. Granules were applied using a homemade salt shaker. Sample size consisted of five, 4.25 in. cup cutter plugs from each plot. Live grubs were recorded and converted to a ft2 count. Plots were rated on 5 Oct 38 DAT. Conditions at the time of treatment were: air temperature, 70°F; soil temperatures at 1 inch, 76°F, soil temperature at 3 inch 2°F; thatch depth (natural), 0.25 inch; soil pH, 5.2; thatch pH, 5.6; slope, 0%; soil texture (loam), sand 53%, silt 37%; clay 10%; soil organic matter, 9.1%; soil moisture, 23.6%; post treatment precipitation, 4.8 inch rain. Pretreatment grub counts averaged 40 grubs/ft2.

Pyracantha, Evaluating Foliar and Topical Sprays for Control of Japanese Beetle, Wooster, Ohio, 1988

Abstract Pyracantha (0.2 m tall) growing in containers were used to evaluate efficacy of selected insecticides against Japanese beetle adults. A CO2 compression sprayer with a Teejet SS8004 flat-fan nozzle was used to apply foliar and topical sprays to run-off. Foliar applications were made at 40 psi on 25 Jul under sunny skies, 29°C, and a 16-24 kph breeze. Treatments received ca. 0.8 cm rainfall 4 h after sprays were applied and 2.0 cm additional rainfall throughout the test period, along with 3.8 cm of weekly overhead irrigation after first samples were removed. Sprayed foliage was fed to field-collected adults at specified intervals after application. Foliar sprays were evaluated by removing two 10-15 cm twigs from each plant at specified intervals and, along with 5 field-collected adults, were placed in a 1-liter Fonda cup with a mesh top. Residual efficacy of insecticides was evaluated 1, 3, 7, 14, and 21 d after foliar sprays were applied by allowing adults to feed on sprayed foliage for 48 h. After 48 h, moribund adults were placed on unsprayed foliage, and final percent mortality was assessed 48 h later. Topical applications were made at 15 psi on 27 Jul under sunny skies, 27°C, and a 8-16 kph breeze. Three 10-15 cm twigs were placed upright in culture tubes with the cut end in water to keep sprigs fresh. Five field-collected adults were placed on each twig, and sprays were applied. Adults and twigs were immediately transferred to 1-liter Fonda cups fitted with a mesh top. Treatment effectiveness was evaluated 48 h later by assessing percent mortality. All treatments were replicated 3 times.

Chemical Evaluations for Control of Japanese Beetle and Grape Berry Moth on Grapes, 1989

Abstract Five treatments were evaluated for efficacy against the Japanese beetle and grape berry moth in an experimental vineyard of Concord grapes at Wooster, Ohio. Plots consisted of 2 grape vines, with 4 replications/treatment in a randomized complete block design. Treatments were applied as foliar sprays at a rate of 100 gal/acre (935 1/ha) on 18 Jul and 31 Jul, using a hand-held CO2 sprayer operating at 45 psi (3.2 kg/cm2) and equipped with a 9505-E-TeeJet nozzle. BIOASSAY FOR JAPANESE BEETLE: After treated foliage was dry, 10 grape leaves were removed at random from the outside canopy of each plot for use in the bioassay. Leaves were brought into the laboratory on 0, 1, 3, 7 and 9 d after first treatment and placed inside ventilated 1 gal ice cream containers with 10 Japanese beetles. The 1-gal containers were modified by placing plastic liners inside and cheese cloth over the top. After holding beetles on treated foliage for 24 h, a count of the number of live beetles surviving was taken. The insect holding room was maintained at 75°F (23°C) with ca. 75% RH. FIELD STUDIES JAPANESE BEETLE: In addition to the bioassay, a reading of the number of live JB present in the field plots was taken at 1 h pretreatment and 0, 1, 3, 7, and 9 d posttreatment. This was accomplished by counting the number of live beetles present on the outside grape foliage on both sides of each plot. GRAPE BERRY MOTH EVALUATION: On 19 Sep, 10 grape clusters were randomly removed from each replicate and examined for the number of berries infested by grape berry moth.

Control of Japanese Beetle, 1988

Abstract Container-grown roses were trimmed before treatment to obtain uniform plant size. Blossoms were removed as they opened during the experiment. Five replicates were arranged in a randomized complete block on a golf course rough in Lexington, Ky. Roses were sprayed to run-off on 14 Jul and retreated 22 Jul. Temperature at the time of the treatments was 90° and 86°F, respectively. Plants were hand watered as needed. Four commercial Japanese beetle floral lures were placed on stakes around the plot to augment the unusually low beetle numbers. Injury was evaluated on 21, 25, and 28 Jul by visually estimating defoliation to the nearest 10%. Defoliation ratings were based on mean estimates of 3 independent observers. Data were subjected ANOVA following angular transformation, and means were separated by Tukey’s test.

Japanese Beetle Control, 1988

Abstract Two species of entomogenous nematode were applied 24 Aug to a golf course fairway for control of Japanese beetle. Plot size was 10 by 10 ft and replicated 4 times in a completely random design. Treatments were applied in 2 liters water with a sprinkling can and irrigated immediately with 11.3 liters water (pH 6.49). Environmental and soil conditions at treatment were as follows: air temperature, 80°F; ground surface RH, 65%; sunny during application with 0.25 inches of rain about 4 h after application; soil temperature (2 inches), 76°F; soil moisture, 23.5%; soil pH, 6.2; organic matter, 5.3%. Thatch layer varied from one-eighth to three-quarters inches (not compressed). Rainfall during the trial period at 35 and 49 DAT and 6.15 and 6.60 inches, respectively. Treatments were evaluated by sampling 4 locations in each plot using a cup changer (4.25 inches diam).

Japanese Beetle Control, 1988

Abstract Two species of entomogenous nematode combined with isazophos were applied 24 Aug to a golf course rough for control of Japanese beetle. Plot size was 10 by 10 ft and replicated 4 times in a completely random design. Treatments were applied as a mixture of 1 liter water containing the species of nematode and 1 liter water containing isazophos; the two were combined in a sprinkling can just before application. Treatments were irrigated with 11.3 liters water immediately after application. Environmental and soil conditions at treatment time were as follows: air temperature, 84°F; ground surface RH, 76%; partly cloudy during application with 0.25 inches of rainfall about 2 h after application; soil temperature (2 inches), 77°F; soil moisture, 23.5%; soil pH, 6.2. Thatch varied from one-eighth to three-quarters inches (not compressed). Rainfall during trial period at 28, 35, and 49 DAT was 6.15, 6.15, and 6.60 inches, respectively. Treatments were evaluated by sampling 4 locations in each plot using a cup changer (4.25 inches diam).

Summer Control of Japanese Beetle, 1988

Abstract Tests were conducted on a golf course fairway in Lewistown, Pa. The fairway consisted primarily of annual bluegrass (20%), Kentucky bluegrass (40%), and perennial ryegrass (40%). Treatment plots were 9 x 6 ft, arranged in a randomized complete block design and replicated 3 times. Liquid and soluble powder formulations were applied with a CO2 sprayer with four 8004VS Teejet nozzles mounted on a 6-ft boom, operating at 28 psi and delivering spray at 5 gal/1,000 ft2. At treatment time (30 Aug) the following soil and environmental conditions existed: air temperature, 82°F; soil temperature at 1 inch depth, 70°F; RH, 50%; amount of thatch, 0.25-1.25 inches; soil type, silt loam; soil particle size analysis: 32% sand, 58% silt, 10% sand; soil moisture condition, moist; organic matter, 2.0%; water pH, 6.0; soil pH, 5.3; 4.6 inches of rainfall was recorded over the posttreatment period. Immediately after treatment the experimental area was irrigated with 0.5 inches of water. Posttreatment counts were made at 7 (6 Sep), 14 (13 Sep), and 21 (20 Sep) DAT. Four samples of 0.087 ft2 each were removed randomly from each replicate on each posttreatment date, and total grubs were recorded and converted to a square-foot count. Sod samples were removed with a 4-inch cup cutter.

Summer Control of Japanese Beetle, 1988

Abstract Tests were conducted on a golf course fairway in Lewistown, Pa. The fairway consisted primarily of annual bluegrass (20%), Kentucky bluegrass (40%), and perennial ryegrass (40%). Treatment plots were 9 by 6 ft, arranged in a randomized complete block design and replicated 3 times. Liquid and powder formulations were applied with a CO2 sprayer with 4 8004VS Teejet nozzles mounted on a 6-ft boom, operating at 28 psi at delivering spray at 5 gal/1,000 ft2. Granular formulations were applied with a hand-held shaker and mixed with a fine grade of sand top dressing to facilitate product distribution. At treatment time (30 Aug) the following soil and environmental conditions existed: air temperature, 78°F; soil temperature at 1 inch depth, 70°F; RH, 50%; amount of thatch, 0.25-1.25 inches; soil type, sandy clay loam; soil particle size analysis: 55% sand, 24% silt, 21% sand; soil moisture, 16.8%; organic matter, 2.7%; water pH, 6.0; soil pH, 5.1; 6.5 inches of rainfall was recorded over the posttreatment period. Immediately after treatment the experimental area was irrigated with 0.5 inches of water. Posttreatment counts were made 27 DAT (26 Sep). Three sod samples of 1 ft2 each were randomly taken from each replicate, and the total number of Japanese beetle grubs ft2 was recorded.

Irrigation and Use of Entomogenous Nematodes, Neoaplectana spp. and Heterorhabditis heliothidis (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae), for Control of Japanese Beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) Grubs in Turfgrass

Neoaplectana carpocapsae Weiser, N. glaseri Steiner, and Heterorhabditis heliothidis (Khan, Brooks, and Hirschman) require at least 0.64 cm irrigation after spray application to turf to promote establishment into the soil. Experiments were conducted in microplots (15.25-cm-diameter turf with soil plugs) and on dry golf course turf. Applications of N. carpocapsae and H. heliothidis (at 12.35 × 10 nematodes per ha), with irrigation following application and moderate soil moisture, produced 53% and 73% control of Japanese beetle, Popillia japonica Newman, larvae in golf course turf.