IPM Case Study: 2021-2024 LCCMR Biocontrol of Bee Lawns in Parks and Landscapes - Consumer Survey

Long Term Management

Example of a Japanese beetle trap

The goal is to survey the TwinCities for the presence of the JB specific Ovavesicula microsporidean pathogen.

For two summers, we surveyed Japanese beetle (JB) populations at 30 golf courses and parks and caught over 80,000 JB/yr. Pathogens were found in 11 sites around Stillwater. Experiments showed that spores spread on leaves in traps can inoculate adults with spores and can be used to disseminate the pathogen. At 4 sites at the MPRB we released pathogen spores into JB grubs. Data analysis showed that spore count and mean infection % in JB (P<0.001); and mean CT value and mean infection % (0.018) were highly correlated, which means the CT analysis and spore counting both can be used to identify pathogens.

Soil samples collected for 2 years for analysis for soil health (pH, N, P, K, and soil type) and biomass (fungal and bacterial biomass). Data from multiple regression analysis found that mean % infection was highly correlated to bacterial % (0.02), total biomass (0.025) and protista % (0.015). JB numbers were correlated to moisture (0.01) and negatively correlated to % clay (0.003).

An online educational workshop was taken by 40 homeowners.

Outcomes of Research

The research and outreach program will help mitigate decline of native bees and beneficial insects that control pest insects. The USFWS identified insecticides and bee pathogens as a major factor contributing to the bee decline. The outreach programs included a table at the Monarch Festival for two years, an online Master Gardener educational program with site visits, and an Advisory Committee meeting for stakeholders, state agencies, Master Gardeners, Golf Course, Nursery Industry and others that met three times. We wrote eight articles for the nursery industry, golf course, and Master Gardener newsletters. We gave 36 talks, produced 3 peer-review papers, and supported two UMN UROP students and one Post Doc that received a UAL professorship.

For the research program 38 golf courses and parks were surveyed for two summers for two dates and over 80,000 JB/year were collected. Ovavesicula spores can be identified through dissection and morphological determination and qPCR analysis. However, qPCR analysis is faster.

In the Master Gardener homeowner site visit and online education program, we found out that 95% of the homeowners were using organic milky spore insecticide, that does not work. Instead, homeowners were educated to use Scott's GubEx, which does not kill bees.

Short Term Management

The goal is to use EPA registered biorational insecticides until biocontrol by the microsporidean pathogen Ovavesicula is widespread and can manage JB as it does in the East Coast where JB populations are low. The efficacy of EPA approved biorational and conventional insecticides for killing JB were researched though LC50 bioassays. Bioassays showed that the biorational insecticides chlorantraniliprole (Acepepryn), Beauveria, and Bacillus thuringiensis galleriae killed JB, but also killed painted lady butterfly larva. Consequently, biocontrol by the Ovavesicula pathogen is very important as most insecticides used to manage JB kill pollinators, except for chlorantraniliprole, which is found in Scott's GrubEx, and does not harm bees visiting flowers in bee lawns. We gave 36 talks, produced 3 papers, and supported two UMN UROP students and one Post Doc that received a UAL professorship.

In addition, we showed that commercial JB traps can be filled with leaves covered with cellulose and pathogen spores. The spores attach to the JB adult surface and are found in the gut. The adults move the pathogen spores with them to oviposition sites in the turf. Using JB traps offers a better way to distribute pathogen spores compared to the current method.

Vera Krischik, Michael Angstman, Carrie Deans, Simran Rana, Julie Semrow, and Sophia Stone

The Krischik lab is conducting research on Japanese beetle (JB) management with a native, soil inhabiting pathogen, Ovavesicula popilliae. We know the pathogen can be found in Stillwater and the UMN St. Paul campus. We are trying to locate other places that the fungus might be present. Eventually, we will release the pathogen at volunteer sites. Funds from an LCCMR state grant have been provided to research the effects of this fungus on JB in MN. The University of Minnesota, Entomology Department, is collaborating with Michigan State University, where the fungus has been studied for 10 years and was released in five states, including Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Kentucky, and Michigan. In Michigan, at 6 years post-inoculation, JB grub numbers dropped by 30%.

We are looking for cooperators

Our team is looking for collaborators that will allow us to set up Japanese beetle traps on their property to determine if Ovavesicula popilliae is present. Every 2 weeks, JB traps would be set up and removed after 24 hours from July thru September.

Please fill out this short survey so we can learn more about Japanese beetle issues in MN. Also, whether you are interested in being a cooperator with us. We will call you if you want to join us. We are cooperating with the MGCSA on this research.

Japanese Beetle Information

2021 Japanese Beetle Invitation to Collaborate (pdf)

2021 Japanese Beetle Identification, Life Cycle, and Managment Recommendations

2021 Japanese Beetle Management in Minnesota (pdf)

2021 Draft of Handout for Demonstration Plots (pdf)