Japanese Beetle Grubs Research Articles

Fall Control of Japanese Beetle Grubs with Turcam 76W and Vector Grub on a Golf Course Fairway in State College, Pa, 1994

Abstract The fairway consisted primarily of annual bluegrass (50%), Kentucky bluegrass (25%), and perennial ryegrass (25%). Treatment plots were 9 × 6 ft, arranged in a RCB design, replicated 4 times. Two ft untreated barriers were placed between each treatment replicate. Liquid formulations were applied with a hand held sprinkling can in 2.2 gal water. At treatment time one (26 Aug) the following soil and environmental conditions existed: air temperature, 76°F; soil temperature at 1 inch depth, 74°F; soil temperature at 2 inch, 72°F; RH, 72%; amount of thatch, 0.25-0.5 inches; soil type, clay-loam; soil particle size analysis: 22.1% sand, 47.5% silt, 30.3% clay; organic matter, 6.7%; soil moisture (oven baked), 23.5%; water pH, 6-7; soil pH, 6.0; and partly-cloudy skies. Immediately after treatment one the experimental area was irrigated with 0.35 inches of water. At treatment time two (16 Sep) the following soil and environmental conditions existed: air temperature, 78°F; soil temperature at 1 inch depth, 74°F; soil temperature at 2 inch, 72°F; RH, 75%; amount of thatch, 0.25-0.5 inches; soil type, clay-loam; soil particle size analysis: 22.1% sand, 47.5% silt, 30.3% clay; organic matter, 6.7%; soil moisture (oven baked), 33.6%; water pH, 6-7; soil pH, 6.0; and partly-cloudy skies. Immediately after treatment two the experimental area was irrigated with 0.25 inches of water. Posttreatment counts were made 42 DAT (7 Oct). Three ft2 sod samples were randomly taken from each replicate, and the total number of Japanese beetle grubs/ft2 was recorded.

Preferences of Japanese Beetle and Southern Masked Chafer (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) Grubs Among Cool-Season Turfgrasses

Feeding preferences of Japanese beetle, Popillia japonica Newman, and southern masked chafer, Cyclocephala lurida Bland, grubs for six common cool-season turfgrasses were evaluated in choice tests in the greenhouse. On the basis of larval distributions, Popillia japonica consistently preferred perennial ryegrass, Lolium perenne L., over all other turfgrasses tested. In contrast, C. lurida showed no consistent pattern of preference. Presence of one grub species did not affect distribution of the other species. Grubs did not discriminate between tall fescue, Festuca arundinacea Schreb., infected with the endophyte Acremonium coenophialum Morgan-Jones & Gams and endophyte-free tall fescue.

Soil Application Effects of Metarhizium anisopliae on Japanese Beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) Behavior and Survival in Turfgrass Microcosms

The effect of mycelial and conidial formulations of the insect pathogenic fungi, M. anisopliae , on the survival and behavior Japanese beetle, Popillia japonica Newman, larvae and ovipositing adults in turfgrass-soil microcosms was explored. Changes in Japanese beetle grub feeding site selection on sod roots, movement patterns, and survival in Metarhizium anisopliae inoculated soil were examined in greenhouse studies and through the use of radiographic analysis in the laboratory. Our studies indicate that the application of mycelial particles in soil affected the behavior of both larval and adult Japanese beetles. Japanese beetle grubs avoided soil that contained high concentrations of pathogen for up to 20 d after application. Conversely, the incorporation of mycelial particles increased oviposition in both choice and no choice studies. Our findings on scarab response to inundative applications of M. anisopliae mycelium may help explain some of the inconsistency in results that often occur when fungal pathogens are used to control insects in the field.

Enhanced Efficacy of Isazophos Against Japanese Beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) Grubs Using Subsurface Placement Technology

Two methods of subsurface placement technology, high-pressure liquid injection (HPLI) and an adapted overseeder (OS), were used to apply isazophos (Triumph) to golf course roughs that were infested with Japanese beetle ( Popillia japonica Newman) grubs. In every instance (five trials with an emulsifiable concentrate formulation, one trial with a granular formulation), isazophos applied subsurface at 1.1 or 0.6 kg (AI)/ha performed as well or better than isazophos applied conventionally on the surface at 2.2 k (AI)/ha. This apparent enhancement of efficacy of isazophos should provide turf managers with an alternative that can reduce the amount of insecticide on turf, at least under certain field conditions. In addition, irrigation after application on plots treated with HPLI appeared to be less critical to efficacy of isazophos than on plots treated conventionally.

Efficacy of Entomopathogenic Nematodes Against the Japanese Beetle Grub on a Golf Course Fairway, 1993

Abstract Three formulations of nematodes were tested against Japanese beetle grubs at the Amherst Country Club, Amherst, NH. Treatments were applied to 2nd instar grubs on Sep 2 from 1800 to 2100 h. Plot size was 8 × 8 ft with a 3 ft buffer between plots. Plots were arranged in a RCB design with 4 replicates. All treatments were applied in a watering can. All treatments were applied in water at a volume of 5 gal/1000 ft2. Immediately after application, plots were irrigated with 0.5 inch water and kept irrigated as necessary to keep the soil moist. Conditions at the time of treatment were: soil pH, 5.9; water pH, 6.8; soil texture, loam, 40% sand, 40% silt, 20% clay; soil moisture, 19.7%; OM, 5.1%; soil temperature at 1 inch 77.2°F, soil thatch, 0.5 inch; sky, cloudy. Plots were rated on Sep 30 by counting the number of live grubs under a 3 ft2 section of sod cut by a sod cutter.

Efficacy of Entomopathogenic Nematodes Against Japanese Beetle Grubs, 1992

Abstract The experiment was conducted on a golf course fairway rough in Amherst, NH. The experimental design was a RCB, replicated 4 times with 8 ft × 8 ft plots. Treatments were applied 3 Sep and rated 24 Sep. At the time of application, JB were predominantly 2nd instar. Nematodes and Triumph were applied with a watering can in 5 gal/1000 ft2 at 1700 h. Nematodes were checked for viability before application. Treatments were not watered in because it was unnecessary due to the high soil moisture and rain. The plots were irrigated as necessary throughout the trial period to maintain good soil moisture. These plots hadn’t received any other insecticides for at least 1 year previously. Plots were rated by counting the number of live grubs per 2.25 ft2 of turf. Conditions at the time of treatment were: air temperature, 55.4°F, 1 inch depth 62°F, 2 inch depth 62.7°F; soil pH, 5.8: slope, 0% soil texture, loam, 43% sand, 47% silt, 10% clay; soil organic matter, 6.8%; soil moisture, 24.8%; precipitation, drizzle for 8 h pretreatment and 14 h posttreatment.

Fall Control of Japanese Beetle Grubs with Conventional and Experimental Formulations on Turfgrass in Wayne Pa, 1993

Abstract The turfgrass area consisted primarily of annual bluegrass (50%) and creeping bentgrass (50%). Treatment plots were 9 × 6 ft, arranged in a RCB design and replicated 3 times. Granular formulations were applied with a hand-held shaker and mixed with a fine grade top-dressing sand to facilitate product distribution. Liquid formulations were applied with 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 (23 Aug) the following soil and environmental conditions existed: air temperature, 66°F; soil temperature at 1 inch depth, 70°F; soil temperature at 2 inch, 69°F; RH, 85%; amount of thatch, 0.125 inches; soil type, loam; soil particle size analysis: 37.0% sand, 45.0% silt, 18.0% clay; organic matter, 5.0%; soil moisture (oven baked), 31.6; water pH, 7.0; soil pH, 5.1; and overcast skies. Immediately after treatment the experimental area was irrigated with 0.5 inches of water. Posttreatment counts were made 49 DAT (11 Oct). Japanese beetle grub control was evaluated by removing four 0.087 ft2 sod samples from each replicate, and the total number of grubs were recorded and converted to a ft2 count. Sod samples were removed with a 4 inch diam cup cutter.

Curative Control of Japanese Beetle Grubs with An Experimental and Conventional Formulation on a Golf Course Rough in Carbon County, Pa, 1993

Abstract The turfgrass area consisted primarily of annual bluegrass (40%), Kentucky bluegrass (40%), and perennial ryegrass (20%). Treatment plots were 9 × 6 ft, arranged in a RCB design and replicated 3 times. Granular formulations were applied with a hand-held shaker and mixed with a fine grade top-dressing sand to facilitate product distribution. At treatment (18 Aug) the following soil and environmental conditions existed: air temperature, 75°F; soil temperature at 1 inch depth, 74°F; soil temperature at 2 inch, 74°F; RH, 78%; amount of thatch, 0.125-0.5 inches; soil type, sandy-loam; soil particle size analysis: 72.0% sand, 16.0% silt, 12.0% sand; organic matter, 5.0%; soil moisture (oven baked), 51.9; water pH, 7; soil pH, 6.0; and clear skies. Immediately after treatment the experimental area was irrigated with 0.25 inches of water. Posttreatment counts were completed on 23 Sep. Three ft2 sod samples were taken from each replicate, and the total number of viable Japanese beetle grubs ft2 was recorded.

Full Season Japanese Beetle Grub Control with Merit, 1993

Abstract Two formulations of Merit were compared for efficacy against Japanese beetle grubs on a golf course fairway in Amherst, NH. Plots were 10 × 10 ft, replicated 4 times in an RCB design. Treatments were applied 26 Apr and rated 24 Sep. The granular formulation was applied with a homemade salt shaker. The wettable powder was applied in a watering can at a volume of 5 gal water/1000 ft2. After application, plots were irrigated with 0.5 inches water. Plots were rated by counting the number of live grubs in a 3 ft2 sample. Conditions at the time of treatment were: air temperature, 53.3°F; soil temperature, 2 inches, 50.8°F; thatch depth, 0.5 inch; soil pH, 5.8; slope, 1%; soil texture, sandy loam, 53% sand, 43% silt, 4% clay; soil organic matter, 6.5% soil moisture, 19.4%.

Full Season Control of Japanese Beetle Grubs with Ntn, 1992

Abstract An experiment was conducted to determine the efficacy of two formulations of NTN for full season control of JB grubs. The experimental site was a golf course fairway rough in Amherst, NH. The trial consisted of 10 × 10 ft plots, in an RCB design, replicated 4 times. The liquid formulation was applied in a watering can at a rate of 5 gal/1000 ft2. The granular formulation was applied with a homemade salt shaker type applicator. Plots received 0.5 inch of irrigation after application. Conditions at the time of application were: soil temperature, 1 inch, 81.1°F; 2 inches, 77.9°F; thatch, 0.75 inch; pH 5.6; texture, silt loam, sand 46%, silt 50%, clay 4%; soil moisture; 15%; OM, 10.1%. Treatments were applied 20 May and rated 28 Sep. Plots were rated by counting the number of live JB grubs per 2.25 ft2.

Preventive Control of Japanese Beetle Grubs with Experimental Formulations on a Golf Course Rough in Palmerton, Pa, 1993

Abstract The fairway (site two) consisted primarily of annual bluegrass (40%), Kentucky bluegrass (40%), and perennial ryegrass (20%). Treatment plots were 9 × 6 ft, arranged in a RCB design and replicated 3 times. Liquid formulations were applied with a CO2 compressed air sprayer with four 8004VS TeeJet nozzles mounted on a 6 ft boom, operating at 28 psi, and delivering 5 gal/1,000 ft2. Granular formulations were applied with a hand-held shaker and mixed with a fine grade top-dressing sand to facilitate product distribution. At treatment time (29 Apr) the following soil and environmental conditions existed: air temperature, 59°F; soil temperature at 1 inch depth, 60°F; soil temperature at 2 inch, 58°F; RH, 51%; amount of thatch, 0.125-0.5 inches; soil type, loam to sandy loam; soil particle size analysis: 51.0% sand, 37.0% silt, 12.0% sand; organic matter, 5.0%; soil moisture (oven baked), 31.1; water pH, 7.0; soil pH, 6.5; and clear skies. Immediately after treatment the experimental area was irrigated with 0.25 inches of water. Posttreatment counts were made 137 DAT (13 Sep). Three ft2 sod samples were randomly taken from each replicate, and the total number of Japanese beetle grubs ft2 was recorded.

Preventive Control of Japanese Beetle Grubs with Experimental Formulations on a Golf Course Rough 1993

Abstract The fairway (site one, Palmerton, Pa.) consisted primarily of annual bluegrass (40%), Kentucky bluegrass (40%), and perennial ryegrass (20%). Treatment plots were 9 × 6 ft, arranged in a RCB design and replicated 3 times. Liquid formulations were applied with a CO2 compressed air sprayer with four 8004VS TeeJet nozzles mounted on a 6 ft boom, operating at 28 psi, and delivering 5 gal/1,000 ft2. Granular formulations were applied with a hand-held shaker and mixed with a fine grade top-dressing sand to facilitate product distribution. At treatment time (29 Apr) the following soil and environmental conditions existed: air temperature, 59°F; soil temperature at 1 inch depth, 60°F; soil temperature at 2 inch, 58°F; RH, 51%; amount of thatch, 0.125-0.5 inches; soil type, loam to sandy loam; soil particle size analysis: 51.0% sand, 37.0% silt, 12.0% sand; organic matter, 5.0%; soil moisture (oven baked), 31.1; water pH, 7.0; soil pH, 6.5; and clear skies. Immediately after treatment the experimental area was irrigated with 0.25 inches of water. Posttreatment counts were made 126 DAT (2 Sep). Three ft2 sod samples were randomly taken from each replicate, and the total number of Japanese beetle grubs ft2 was recorded.

Efficacy of Dylox Granular Formulations for the Control of Japanese Beetle Grubs in Turf, 1992

Abstract Trials were conducted at Amherst Country Club, NH to determine the efficacy of two formulations of Dylox granules. The site was a fairway rough. The trial consisted of 8 × 8 ft plots, replicated 4 times in an RCB design. Treatments were applied Sep 14 and rated Oct 5. At the time of application conditions were: soil temp at I inch depth, 66.7°F; at 2 inches, 65.6°F; thatch, 0.75 inch; pH 5.5; texture, silt loam, 46% sand, 50% silt, 4% clay; moisture, 25%; OM, 10.1%. Granules were applied with a homemade salt shaker. Oftanol was applied in water at a rate of 5 gal/1000 ft2. Plots received 0.5 inch irrigation after application. Plots were rated by counting the number of live grubs/2.25 ft2.

Behavioral Interactions Between Japanese Beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) Grubs and an Entomopathogenic Nematode (Nematoda: Heterorhabditidae) within Turf Microcosms

Distribution of Japanese beetle, Popillia japonica Newman, grubs and dispersal of an entomopathogenic nematode, Heterorhabditis bacteriophora Poinar ‘Oswego’ strain (an isolate from New York state), were examined for 5 wk within soil-filled flats containing grass. Japanese beetle grubs uniformly dispersed to all sections of the flats not infested with H. bacteriophora ‘Oswego’ strain. In flats infested with H. bacteriophora ‘Oswego’ strain, however, greater proportions of Japanese beetle grubs were recovered in sections near the nematode release site or center sections of the flats. H. bacteriophora ‘Oswego’ strain dispersed to all sections of the flats but dispersed more rapidly within the flats infested with Japanese beetle grubs than in flats not infested with Japanese beetle grubs.

Preventative Management Time Studies of Japanese Beetle Grubs with Bioneem on a Golf Course Fairway in Lewistown, PA, 1992:

Abstract The fairway consisted primarily of annual bluegrass (40%), Kentucky bluegrass (40%), and perennial ryegrass (20%). Treatment plots were 4 x 4 ft, arranged in a RCB, replicated 4 times. Liquid formulations were applied with a CO2 compressed air sprayer with 2 80O4VS Teejet nozzles mounted on a 4 ft boom, operating at 28 psi. 790-800 ml of mixed solution were applied to each replicate. Treatment applications were completed on four dates as follows: 5 Aug (air temp, 80°F; soil temp at 1 inch depth, 74°F; soil temp at 2 inch depth, 72°F, % RH, 65; amount of thatch, 0.125-0.25; soil type, loam; soil particle analysis: 40.0% sand, 47.1% silt, 12.9% clay; organic matter, 5.0%; soil moisture (oven baked), 21.5%; water pH, 7.0; soil pH, 4.6; and cloudy skies), 10 Aug (air temp, 90°F; soil temp at 1 inch depth, 82°F; soil temp at 2 inch depth, 82°F; % RH, 60; amount of thatch, 0.125-0.25; soil type, loam; soil particle analysis: 36.5% sand, 48.6% silt, 14.9% clay; organic matter, 2.6%; soil moisture (oven baked), 11.9%; water pH, 7.0; soil pH, 4.9; and clear skies), 20 Aug (air temp, 66°F; soil temp at 1 inch depth, 66°F; soil temp at 2 inch depth, 66°F; % RH, 100; amount of thatch, 0.125-0.25; soil type, loam; soil particle analysis: 40.0% sand, 48.0% silt, 12.0% clay; organic mater, 4.5%; soil moisture (oven baked), 18.8%; water pH, 7.0; soil pH, 4.7; and cloudy skies), and 24 Aug (air temp, 84°F; soil temp at 1 inch depth, 72°F; soil temp at 2 inch depth, 72°F; % RH, 80; amount of thatch, 0.125-0.25; soil type, loam; soil particle analysis: 42.0% sand, 47.6% silt, 10.4% clay; organic matter, 5.0%; soil moisture (oven baked), 16.3%; water pH, 7.0; soil pH, 4.7; and clear skies). Immediately after treatment only Turcam 76W replicates were irrigated with 0.25 inches of water. Posttreatment counts were completed between 22-24 Sept. Three ft2 sod samples were randomly taken from each replicate, and the total number of Japanese beetle grubs ft2 was recorded.

Fall Control of Japanese Beetle Grubs with Conventional and Experimental Formulations on a Golf Course Fairway in Lewistown, PA, 1992:

Abstract The fairway consisted primarily of annual bluegrass (40%), Kentucky bluegrass (40%), and perennial ryegrass (20%). Treatment plots were 9 X 6 ft, arranged in a RCB design, replicated 3 times. Granular formulations were applied with a hand-held shaker and mixed with a fine grade top-dressing sand to facilitate product distribution. Liquid formulations were applied with a CO2 compressed air sprayer with 4 8004 VS Teejet nozzles mounted on a 6 ft boom, operating at 28 psi, and delivering 5 gal/1000 ft2. At treatment time (25 Aug) the following soil and environmental conditions existed: air temperature, 82°F; soil temperature at 1 inch depth, 74°F; soil temperature at 2 inch, 74°F; RH, 92%; amount of thatch, 0.125-0.25 inches; soil type, loam; soil particle size analysis: 45.3% sand, 45.6% silt, 9.1% clay; organic matter, 2.6%; soil moisture (oven baked), 22.1; water pH, 7.0; soil pH 5.6; and clear skies. Immediately after treatment the experimental area was irrigated with 0.25 inches of water. Posttreatment counts were made 34 d later (28 Sep). Three ft2 sod samples were randomly taken from each replicate, and the total number of Japanese beetle grubs ft2 was recorded.

Fall Control of Japanese Beetle Grubs with Conventional and Experimental Formulations on a Golf Course Rough in Palmerton, PA, 1992:

Abstract The fairway consisted primarily of annual bluegrass (40%), Kentucky bluegrass (40%), and perennial ryegrass (20%). Treatment plots were 9 x 6 ft, arranged in a RCB, replicated 3 times. Granular formulations were applied with a hand-held shaker and mixed with a fine grade top-dressing sand to facilitate product distribution. At treatment time (29 Sep) the following soil and environmental conditions existed: air temperature, 68°F; soil temperature at 1 inch depth, 60°F; soil temperature at 2 inch, 58°F; RH, 60%; amount of thatch, 0.125-0.25 inches; soil type, loam; soil particle size analysis: 50.0% sand, 39.0% silt, 11.0% sand; organic matter, 5.0%; soil moisture (oven baked), 38.8; water pH, 7.0; soil pH, 6.0; and skies were overcast. Immediately after treatment the experimental area was irrigated with 0.25 inches of water. Posttreatment counts were made 19 d later (18 Oct). Three ft2 sod samples were randomly taken from each replicate, and the total number of Japanese beetle grubs ft2 was recorded.

Effects of RH 5849, a Novel Insect Growth Regulator, on Japanese Beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) and Fall Armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Turfgrass

RH 5849 (1,2-dibenzoyl-1-tert-butylhydrazine), a nonsteroidal ecdysone agonist representative of a novel class of insect growth regulators, was tested against larval and adult Japanese beetles, Popillia japonica Newman; and fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda J.E. Smith, caterpillars in turf. RH 5849 was effective against Japanese beetle grubs at concentrations as low as 1 ppm in soil. Symptoms of toxicity included discoloration, weight loss, apparent neurotoxic effects, cessation of feeding, and developmentally premature, lethal molting at higher rates. Sublethal effects on overwintered third instars included earlier formation of prepupae. Against second-instar grubs, RH 5849 was nearly as effective as isazophos (Triumph 4E) at comparable rates in the field. Subsequent egg production by female beetles that fed once on RH 5849-treated sassafras foliage was reduced by 66-74%, but hatching success of eggs was not affected. RH 5849 caused premature molting and 100% mortality of fall amlyworms fed tall fescue foliage that wassprayed once with 30 or 100 ppm, or treated systemically through the roots. Systemic activity of RH 5849 is noteworthy because it could provide simultaneous control of both root-feeding and foliar-feeding turfgrass pests.

Efficacy of Neem Extract and Entomopathogenic Nematodes Against Japanese Beetle Grubs, 1991

Abstract Small plot trials were conducted at two sites to investigate the efficacy of neem extract and three species of entomopathogenic nematodes against Japanese beetle grubs. Both trials consisted of 2.6 × 2.6 m plots, replicated 4 times, in a complete randomized block design. Both sites (a home lawn in Deerfield, MA, and a golf course fairway in Amherst, MA) consisted primarily of Kentucky bluegrass. The Deerfield site had a considerable population of broad-leafed weeds. Applications at Deerfield were made on 7 Aug (4 cm rain 48 h pretreatment, irrigated with 1.2 cm water, pH 5.5, immediately after application). Applications at Amherst were made on 19 Aug (2.5 cm rain immediately before and during application, an additional 12 cm rain within 36 h after application). All applications were made with watering cans, using 3 liters water per plot.

Efficacy of Several Formulations of Carbaryl Against Japanese Beetle Grubs, Golf Course Fairway, 1991

Abstract Five formulations of carbaryl were tested at two rates on overwintered Japanese beetle grubs on a golf course fairway in Longmeadow, MA. The fairway consisted of creeping bentgrass (60%), Kentucky bluegrass (25%), and annual bluegrass (15%), mowed at 2.0-2.5 cm. Materials were applied to 2.6 × 2.6 m plots, replicated 5 times, and arranged in a complete randomized block design. Applications were made on 29 Apr. At the time of application, air temperature was 12°C. Soil was a silty loam, soil pH was 6.5, water pH was 7.1, turf was maintained at 2.8 cm, thatch was 2.0 cm thick and moderately dense. The area received 1.0 cm irrigation 30 min after the last application was completed, and 1.5 cm rain fell 18 h after application. Granular materials were applied using hand shakers, while liquid materials were applied using watering cans and 3 liters/plot. In all cases, half the material was applied in one direction and the remaining material was applied at 90° angles. Product efficacy was evaluated 10 Jun (42 DAT) by cutting two 0.1 m2 samples out of each plot (at least 0.6 ni from any edge), dislodging soil with a hand trowel, and counting all grubs to a depth of 10 cm.