Classical biological control of Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica) with Ovavesicula popilliae

Ovavesicula popilliae,in the form of infected Japanese beetle grubs, was introduced at four golf courses in Michigan in 1999. The pathogen spread to infect 5% of the population on the same fairway within 3 years, 10-50% of the grubs on the same fairway in 7 years, and 5 - 10% of the grubs on nearby fairways within 7 years. Survival of all grubs from October to May is reduced by 50% on golf courses where Ovavesicula is active, compared with a population reduction of 25% on golf courses where Ovavesicula is not found. In addition, egg production of infected females is reduced by 50%.