Overview of current research on Ovavesicula popilliae, a microsporidian pathogen of the Japanese beetle

Ovavesicula popilliae is a microsporidian pathogen of Japanese beetles (Popilliae japonica) first discovered infecting large numbers of larvae in Connecticut. Since its discovery, O. popilliae has been used in several biological control programs for the Japanese beetle with success. A brief review of historical research on O. popilliae is presented along with a summary of current research on the pathogen, including natural spread, host specificity, dose response, spore production, and its use as a biological control agent.