Green June Beetle Research Articles

Evaluation of Imidacloprid to Control Green June Beetle Grubs on a Golf Course Fairway in Gulph Mills, Pa, 1994

Abstract The fairway consisted primarily of annual bluegrass (30%) and creeping bentgrass (70%). Treatment plots were 9 × 6 ft, arranged in a RCBD, replicated 3 times. Liquid formulations were applied using a CO2 compressed air sprayer with 4 8004VS TeeJet nozzles mounted on a 6 ft boom, operating at 28 psi, and delivering 5 gal/1000 ft2. At treatment time (20 Jul), the following soil and environmental conditions existed: air temperature, 83°F; soil temperature at 1 inch depth, 82°F; soil temperature at 2 inch depth, 80°F; RH, 83%; amount of thatch, 0.25-0.5 inches; soil type, clay-loam; soil particle size analysis: 21.0% sand, 47.1% silt, 31.9% clay; soil moisture (oven baked), 23.7%; organic matter, 4.5%; water pH, 6—7; soil pH, 5.1; and cloudy skies. Immediately after treatment the experimental area was irrigated with 0.375 inches of water. Posttreatment counts were made on 20 Sep. The total number of new freshly constructed green June beetle burrows were recorded from each replicate (54 ft2).

Evaluation of Merit Formulations to Control Green June Beetle Grubs on a Golf Course Fairway in Wayne, Pa, 1994

Abstract The fairway consisted primarily of annual bluegrass (50%) and creeping bentgrass (50%). Treatment plots were 9 × 6 ft, arranged in a RCBD, replicated 3 times. Liquid formulations were applied by using a CO2 compressed air sprayer with 4 8004VS TeeJet nozzles mounted on a 6 ft boom, operating at 28 psi, and delivering 5 gal/1000 ft2. Granular formulations were applied with a hand held shaker and mixed with topdressing sand to facilitate product distribution. At treatment time (25 May), the following soil and environmental conditions existed: air temperature, 80°F; soil temperature at 1 inch depth, 80°F; soil temperature at 2 inch depth, 76°F; RH, 78%; amount of thatch, 0.125 inches; soil type, silt loam; soil particle size analysis: 24.5% sand, 60.6% silt, 14.9% clay; soil moisture (oven baked), 31.8%; organic matter, 8.0%; water pH, 6-7; soil pH, 4.8; and cloudy skies. Immediately after treatment the experimental area was irrigated with 0.25 inches of water. Counts were made 118 DAT (20 Sep). The total number of new freshly constructed green June beetle burrows were recorded from each replicate (54 ft2).

Mortality Response of Green June Beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) to Four Species of Entomopathogenic Nematodes

Four species of entomopathogenic nematodes, Steinernema carpocapsae (Weiser) (All strain), S. feltiae (Filipjev) (NC strain), S. glaseri (Steiner), and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora Poinar, were tested in the laboratory for their effect on larvae of the green June beetle, Cotinus nitida L. When nematodes were injected into the foregut of larvae (ca. 1,000 nematodes per larva), S. carpocapsae, S. feltiae, S. glaseri, and H. bacteriophora caused similar mortality (65, 45, 65, and 63%, respectively). At a concentration of 10 nematodes per larva, S. carpocapsae produced significantly higher mortality (51%) than the other three nematode species. Increasing nematode concentrations resulted in only a slight increase in mortality of larvae injected perorally with any of the four nematode species. Water filtrates from whole nematodes or ground nematode tissue supernatants from S. carpocapsae and H. bacteriophora injected perorally into the alimentary tract did not kill green June beetle larvae. Thus, live nematodes appeared to be necessary to cause mortality. Subcuticular or peroral injections of S. carpocapsae or H. bacteriophora (1,000 nematodes per larva) produced similar mortality of green June beetle larvae ranging from 60 to 70%. Nematode-killed larvae were dissected (n=277) but only two cadavers contained live nematodes and nematodes did not successfully reproduce in any nematode-killed green June beetle larvae. Possible explanations for the failure of cadavers to produce nematode progeny are discussed.

Control of Green June Beetle Grubs During Egg Hatch Resolves Problem of Grubs Dying on Turf Surface, 1993

Abstract This study was conducted in a mature, low-maintenance stand of Kentucky bluegrass in Lexington, KY. The turf was on a Maury silt loam soil (fine-silty, mixed, mesic Typic Paleudalf)- Thatch accumulation was negligible. Plots (10 × 10 ft) were established in a RCB with five replications. There were 2 ft untreated boundaries between plots. The turf was mown weekly to 3 inch height, with the clippings left on the plot surface. Treatments were applied 28 Jul, about 2 wk after peak adult flight activity. Conditions at the time of treatment were sunny, 92°F, with 5-10 mph winds. Granular treatments were diluted with dry sand and applied to the plots by gloved hand. The wettable powder formulation was mixed with water and applied with a Solo backback sprayer using 1 gal of spray per plot. All treatments were immediately irrigated with 0.25 inch of water, using a water truck and hose with a shower-type nozzle. The grub population at the time of treatment consisted of eggs and first instars. Effectiveness of treatments was assessed 61-62 DAT using an insecticide flush method. Triumph 4E (isazophos) was applied at the labeled rate (2 lb (AI)/acre) on 27 Sep, using a Solo backback sprayer that delivered 0.5 gal spray/plot. The flush spray was immediately syringed with 0.25 inch of water as before. Grub populations were assessed at dawn of the following 2 d. A frame (3.3 × 3.3 ft) made from PVC pipe was placed in the center of each plot, and dead green June beetle grubs within the sample area were counted and removed. Counts for the two samples were pooled and analyzed by ANOVA followed by Fisher’s protected LSD to separate treatment means.

Spiroplasma clarkii sp. nov. from the Green June Beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)

Spiroplasma strain CN-5T (T = type strain), isolated from the gut of the cetoniine scarabaeid beetle Cotinus nitida, was serologically distinct from other spiroplasma species, groups, and subgroups. Cells of strain CN-5T were shown by light microscopy to be helical, motile filaments. Cells in early passages exhibited strong translational motility that tended to be lost in later passages. Electron microscopy showed that the cells were bounded by a single cytoplasmic membrane with no evidence of a cell wall. The organism was not susceptible to penicillin. Strain CN-5T grew well in SM-1, M1D, and SP-4 liquid media and on solid SP-4 medium under aerobic or anaerobic conditions. The doubling time at 30°C, the optimum temperature, was 4.3 h. The strain also grew in 1% serum fraction medium. Strain CN-5T produced acid from glucose and catabolized arginine, but did not hydrolyze urea. The guanine-plus-cytosine content of the DNA was 29 ± 1 mol%. The genome size was 1,770 kb (1,186 MDa). Other uncloned isolates obtained from C. nitida or the cetoniine hermit flower beetle Osmoderma eremicola exhibited similar or identical serological patterns. Since no other hosts were discovered in extensive studies, strain CN-5T (previously designated group IX) appears to represent a cluster of relatively host-specific cetoniine beetle-associated strains. Strain CN-5 (= ATCC 33827) is designated the type strain of a new species, Spiroplasma clarkii.

Evaluation of Conventional and Experimental Formulations to Control Green June Beetle Grubs on Golf Course Fairway in Wayne, PA, 1992:

Abstract The fairway consisted primarily of annual bluegrass (50%) and creeping bentgrass (50%). Treatment plots were 9 X 6 ft, arranged in a RCB design, replicated 3 times. Liquid formulations were applied using a CO2 sprayer with 4 8004VS Teejet nozzles mounted on a 6 ft boom, operating at 28 psi, and delivering 5 gal/1000 ft2. Granular formulations were applied with a hand held shaker and mixed with top-dressing sand to facilitate product distribution. At treatment time (5 Oct), the following soil and environmental conditions existed; air temperature, 68°F; soil temperature at 1 inch depth, 62°F; soil temperature at 2 inch depth, 62°F; RH, 65%; amount of thatch, 0.125 inches; soil type, silt loam; soil particle size analysis: 24.2% sand, 71.1% silt, 4.7% clay; soil moisture (oven baked), 30.5%; organic matter, 5.0%; water pH, 7.0; soil pH, 5.8; and cloudy skies. Immediately after treatment, Dylox 9.2G and Sevin 7.15G were watered in with 0.25 inches of water. Twelve h after treatment all treatments were irrigated with 0.25 inches of water. Posttreatment counts were made 4 d later (9 Oct). The total number of new freshly constructed green June beetle burrows was recorded from each replicate (54 ft2).

THE USE OF FINE MESHED NETTING TO EXCLUDE PESTS OF THORNLESS BLACKBERRIES AND GRAPES

Four different netting types were evaluated in the field for excluding Japanese beetles and green June beetles from `Dirksen' thornless blackberry plants. These nets were bird net, crop net, rack mesh, and Agryl P17. Observations were made in an unreplicated trial on `Reliance' grapes using OV3018 and OV7100 nets in addition to those listed. Plants were not sprayed with insecticides or fungicides after net application. Rack mesh appears to be the best net of those evaluated during a dry season for excluding Japanese beetles and green June beetles on thornless blackberries and grapes. Plants covered with rack mesh had minimal fruit and foliage damage due to insects and fruit rot. The use of rack mesh eliminated the need for insecticide sprays for 53 days on thornless blackberries and 41 days on grapes. Light intensity was reduced by the netting, but did not reduce (hornless blackberry yield or soluble solids; however it did unacceptably reduce `Reliance' grape fruit coloration.

Evaluation of Conventional and Experimental Formulations to Control Green June Beetle Grubs on a Golf Course Fairway in Wayne, Pennsylvania, 1991

Abstract The fairway consisted primarily of annual bluegrass (50%) and creeping bentgrass (50%). Treatment plots were 9 × 6 ft, arranged in a randomized complete block design and replicated 3 times. Liquid formulations were applied in 2.0 gal water with a hand held 2.5 gal sprinkling can. Granular formulations were applied with a hand held shaker and mixed with dry Terra-Green top-dressing to facilitate product distribution. At treatment time (3 Sep), the following soil and environmental conditions existed: air temperature, 74°F; soil temperature at 1 inch depth, 84°F; soil temperature at 2 inch depth, 78°F; RH, 45%; amount of thatch, 0.125 inch; soil type, silt loam; soil particle size analysis: 28.5% sand, 59.0% silt, 12.5% clay; soil moisture (oven baked), 20.4%; organic matter, 3.4%; water pH, 6.0; and soil pH, 5.8; and the amount of rainfall recorded until posttreatment counts were made was 0.25 inch. Immediately after treatment, each replicate was irrigated with 0.075 inch of water, and 4 h after treatment the entire experimental area was irrigated with 0.3 inch of water. Posttreatment counts were made 9 DAT (12 Sep). The total number of new freshly constructed green Jun beetle burrows were recorded from each plot (54 ft2).

Evaluation of Conventional and Experimental Formulations to Control Green June Beetle Grubs in Chester Co., Pennsylvania, 1991

Abstract The fairway consisted primarily of annual bluegrass (50%) and creeping bentgrass (50%). Treatment plots were 9 × 6 ft, arranged in a randomized complete block design, replicated 3 times. Liquid and W formulations were applied in 2.0 gal water with a hand held 2.5 gal sprinkling can. Granular formulations were applied with a hand held shaker and mixed with a dry Terra-Green top dressing to facilitate product distribution. At treatment time (3 Sep), the following soil and environmental conditions existed: air temperature, 74°F; soil temperature at 1 inch depth, 84°F; soil temperature at 2 inch depth, 78°F; RH, 45%; amount of thatch, 0.125 inch, soil type, silt loam; soil particle size analysis: 28.5% sand, 59.0% silt, 12.5% clay; soil moisture (oven baked), 20.4%; organic matter, 3.4%; water pH, 6.0; and soil pH, 5.8; and the amount of rainfall recorded until posttreatment counts were made was 0.25 inch. Immediately after treatment, each replicate was irrigated with 0.075 inch of water, and 4 h after treatment the entire experimental area was irrigated with 0.3 inch of water. Posttreatment counts were made 9 DAT (12 Sep). The total number of new freshly constructed green Jun beetle burrows were recorded from each plot (54 ft2).

Effect of Food and Mating on Longevity and Egg Production in the Green June Beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)

A laboratory rearing experiment was conducted to determine the effect of food intake and mating on longevity and egg production of the female adult green June beetle, Cotinis nitida (L.). A positive relationship existed between the number of eggs laid per beetle and beetle longevity (r = 0.37; P < 0.0001), where apple-fed beetles laid 2.2 eggs per day during a lifespan of 23.0 days and the water-fed beetles laid 1.87 eggs per day during a significantly shorter lifespan of 14.8 days (P < 0.0001). After mean adjustments for the effects of beetle longevity (by the LSMEANS procedure), the apple-fed beetles laid an average of 50.8 eggs which was significantly higher than the 26.9 eggs laid by the water-fed beetles (P < 0.0002). The number of matings had no effect on the numbers of eggs produced nor on beetle longevity. The treatment effects on percentage egg hatch by mating and feeding were insignificant. However, the effect of mating on the percentage of egg hatch differed depending on feeding. These differences were presumed to be due to soil differences between egg rearing containers and not to the effects of mating or feeding. These results suggest that feeding beetles live longer and produce more offspring than beetles that do not feed.

The Role of Trichosporon cutaneum in Eliciting Aggregation Behavior in Cotinis nitida (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)

Aggregation behavior was elicited in both sexes of the green June beetle, Cotinis nitida (L.), when green June beetle males fed on peach slices inoculated with one yeast species, Trichosporon cutaneum (de Beurm. Gougerot et Voucher) Ota. Peach puree monocultures were made by inoculating sterile peach puree with one of three yeasts ( Aureobasidium pullulans (de Bary) Arnaud, Candida krusei (Castellani) Berkhout, C. tropicalis (Castellani) Berkhout), which were all endemic flora isolated from the feces and gut of green June beetles collected from feeding aggregations on unsterile peaches in the field (natural bait). In a field bioassay, peach puree monocultures of C. tropicalis (in experiment A) and C. krusei (in experiment B), both without beetle feeding, were significantly more attractive ( P < 0.05) to both sexes of green June beetles than sterile peach puree with or without beetle feeding, but all peach purees were significantly less attractive than the most attractive natural bait. In experiment C, peach slices were inoculated with either of two yeasts (biovars A or B of T. cutaneum ), which were the predominant isolates from the gut of laboratory-reared green June beetles fed on unsterile peaches. These monocultures of T. cutaneum on peach slices without beetle feeding were relatively as attractive as monoculture-inoculated peach puree alone containing one of the three other yeasts noted above. But when laboratory-reared green June beetle males previously fed on the T. cutaneum -inoculated peach slices were included with these peach slices, the bait containing biovar A was as attractive as the natural bait. Although the bait of laboratory-reared green June beetle males feeding on peach slices inoculated with biovar B was significantly less attractive ( P < 0.05) than the natural bait, it was Similarly attractive to the laboratory-reared green June beetle males feeding on the biovar A-inoculated peach slices. The laboratory-reared green June beetles required a period of 1 d or more of feeding on yeast-inoculated fruit to achieve peak production of aggregation semiochemical.

Inhibition of Aggregation Behavior in the Green June Beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) by Antibiotic Treatment of Food Substrate

A trapping study using a Latin-cube design was conducted in an apple variety block in 1987 to determine the effect of microorganisms on the attraction of green June beetles Cotinis nitida (L.) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) to fruit. Baffle and funnel traps baited with male beetles fed nystatin-treated peach puree diet caught significantly fewer beetles than beetles fed untreated peach puree, streptomycin-penicillin-treated puree, streptomycin-penicillin-nystatin-treated puree, 20% untreated glucose diet, and beetles caged with diet but prevented from feeding ( P < 0.05). In 1988 a study was conducted in a vineyard using the same traps and a similar experimental design. Traps baited with beetles fed nystatin-treated diet caught significantly fewer beetles than traps baited with beetles fed untreated puree and beetles caged with untreated puree but prevented from feeding. Traps baited with beetles fed untreated puree again caught significantly more beetles than all other treatments (P < 0.05). These results suggest that yeasts contained in diet, and possibly in beetle digestive tracts, contributed significantly to the production of volatiles, which induce beetle aggregations on fruit.

Development of a Yeast Flora in the Adult Green June Beetle (Cotinis nitida, Scarabaeidae)

Adult green June beetle guts contained no yeasts prior to the beetles' emergence from pupation. As beetles emerged from soil and fed, a gut yeast flora developed, increasing in size and changing in character with feeding duration from a largely fermentative flora to one in which obligately respiratory yeasts were prominent. Newly emerged adults after 24 hour feeding contained ca 103 colony-forming units of yeasts per milligram of gut; longer feeding on peach slices yielded ca 2 × 107 colony-forming units per milligram of gut. Aureobasidium pullulans, Candida guilliermondii, C. krusei, C. sake, C. tropicalis, Cryptococcus albidus var. albidus, Debaryomyces hansenii (3 biovars), Hanseniaspora uvarum, Hansenula californica, Rhodotorula glutinis, R. rubra, and Trichosporon cutaneum (2 biovars) were identified from gut and fecal samples. Peaches which had been fed upon acquired the major part of their yeast flora from the feeding beetles. Trichosporon cutaneum was positively selected in both beetle gut and peach slice environments; this species is predicted to be involved in production of semiochemical(s) responsible for beetle feeding aggregation enhancement.

Development of a Yeast Flora in The Adult Green June Beetle (Cotinis Nitida, Scarabaeidae)

Adult green June beetle guts contained no yeasts prior to the beetles' emergence from pupation. As beetles emerged from soil and fed, a gut yeast flora developed, increasing in size and changing in character with feeding duration from a largely fermentative flora to one in which obligately respiratory yeasts were prominent. Newly emerged adults after 24 hour feeding contained ca 103 colony-forming units of yeasts per milligram of gut; longer feeding on peach slices yielded cal x 107 colony-forming units per milligram of gut. Aureobasidium pullulans, Candida guilliermondii, C. krusei, C. sake, C. tropicalis, Cryptococcus albidus var. albidus, Debaryomyces hansenii (3 biovars), Hanseniospora uvarum, Hansenula californica, Rhodotorula glutinis, R. rubra, and Trichosporon cutaneum (2 biovars) were identified from gut and fecal samples. Peaches which had been fed upon acquired the major part of their yeast flora from the feeding beetles. Trichosporon cutaneum was positively selected in both beetle gut and peach slice environments; this species is predicted to be involved in production of semiochemical(s) responsible for beetle feeding aggregation enhancement.

Trapping the Green June Beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) with Isopropanol

Trapping the Green June Beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) with Isopropanol

Control of Green June Beetle and Surfacing of Grubs Following Application

Abstract This study was conducted on an established Kentucky bluegrass turf in Fayette County, KY. Treatment plots were 6 × 6 ft with 2 ft untreated borders, arranged in a randomized complete block design with 6 replicates. Insecticides were applied 28 Sep. Granular insecticides were mixed with dry sand and handshaken onto the plots. Liquid formulations were applied with a CO2 powered sprayer that delivered 1.3 gal/1000 ft2. The plot was then irrigated with 0.75 inches water. Dead and moribund GJB on the turf surface were sampled twice on 29 and 30 Sep. by counting all grubs within a 1 m2 frame placed in the center of each plot. Samples were pooled before analysis. Living GJB still in the soil were sampled on 5-7 Oct by digging 3 areas (1 ft2, 1 ft deep) within each plot.

Green June Reetle Control, 1988

Abstract Two species of entomogenous nematodes were applied 23 Sep to a sheep pasture for control of green June beetle. Plot size was 10 by 10 ft and replicated 3 times in a completely randomized design. Treatments were applied in 2 liters water with a sprinkling can and irrigated within 20 min of application with 11.3 liters water (pH 8.14). Environmental and soil conditions at treatment time were as follows: air temperature, 79°F; ground surface RH, 84%; overcast during application with 0.5 inches of rain about 30 min after application; soil temperature (2 inches), 73°F; soil moisture, 23.4%; soil pH, 5.5; organic matter, 2.8%; rainfall during trial period, 3.88 inches. Treatments were evaluated at 38 DAT by treating the entire test area with Sevin SL at 6.0 lb (AI)/acre and counting beetle grubs on the surface of each plot 24 h later.

Demonstration of Semiochemically Induced Aggregation in the Green June Beetle, Cotinis nitida (L.) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)

A trapping study was conducted in an apple variety block to determine if feeding green June beetles (GJB), Cotinis nitida (L.) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), produce semiochemicals that induce their aggregation. Yellow baffle and funnel traps were baited with fruit only (ripe peach slices), three males and three females (no fruit), six males (fruit access blocked), six males (free access to fruit), six females (fruit access blocked), and six females (free access to fruit). Traps were arranged in a Latin cube design (six row × six column) and randomized daily for 6 d. Analysis of data showed that column, day, treatment, and day by treatment interaction were significant sources of variation ( P < 0.01). Males or females feeding on ripe peach attracted significantly higher numbers of male and female beetles than all other treatments (Waller-Duncan k -ratio t test, k = 100, P < 0.05).

Green June Beetle Control, West Virginia, 1987

Abstract Spring and summer applications of insecticides to a sheep pasture area were evaluated for efficacy in controlling green June beetle larvae. Treatments were applied in separate but nearby areas on 4 May and 21 Sep and replicated 4 times in a completely random design. Plots were 3 × 3 m and 1.8 × 1.8 m for spring and summer treatments, respectively. Liquid and soluble powder formulations were applied in 0.22 liter of water/m2 with a hand-held sprinkling can. No treatments were irrigated except the Dylox 5G plots, which received 0.22 liter of water/m2. Granules were applied with a hand shaker. Environmental and soil conditions at the spring treatment time were as follows: air temperature, 16.8°C; soil temperature (10 cm), 14.6°C; minimum overnight temperature before 1 DAT counts 0°C; soil dry. In the summer, conditions were as follows: air temperature, 24.1°C; soil temperature (10 cm), 20.2°C; minimum overnight temperature before 1 DAT counts 18.5°C; soil moist. Soil in the test area was pH 5.3 with an organic matter level of 5.5%. The only precipitation during the trial periods was 0.05 inches overnight after summer treatments were applied. There was no hatch layer in either test area and much of the ground was bare of grass due to grazing and activity of sheep. Treatment evaluations consisted of counting and removing all grubs on the surface of each plot at 1 and 7 DAT. Twenty-four h prior to the 7 DAT evaluation, the entire test area was treated with Sevin SL at 6.72 kg (AI)/ha.

Control of Green June Beetle Grubs on a Golf Course, 1986

Abstract The test was conducted on a golf course fairway near Bowie, Prince George's County, Md. Damage to the turf on 19 Aug was moderate. Plots were 8 × 8 ft, arranged in a randomized complete block design, and replicated 3 times. Granular formulations were applied with a hand-held shaker can. Liquid formulations were applied with a 2-gal sprinkling can. All applications were made in 2 directions across each plot. Treatments were watered into the thatch with 0.5 inches of water with the golf course irrigation system. The number of dead grubs on the surface of the plots was counted on 20 Aug.