Prevalence of natural enemies of Popillia japonica in Arkansas

Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica) is a new and serious agricultural and horticultural pest in Arkansas. Previous control measures have largely been focused on trapping insecticides. To facilitate the establishment of a biological control program for Japanese beetle in northwest Arkansas, the prevalence of existing natural enemies of the beetle over two years was determined. Ovavesicula popilliae, Paenibacillus popilliae, and entomopathogenic nematodes were found in <1% of the population. O. popilliae has been introduced into the state and its establishment as a biological control agent is being monitored.