Survival of Type a Milky Disease of Japanese Beetle Larvae Under Adverse Field Conditions

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Abstract
Popillia japonica larvae infected with the causative agent of Type A milky disease were placed in the field in Oct. 1935 after the soiltemp.was below that required for development of the organism. Low soil temps. prevailed during the following months, causing a larval mortality of over 80% by the spring of 1936. Despite this abnormal condition, followed by alternate periods in which the soil was excessively wet and extremely dry, successful establishment of the Type A milky disease was obtained. A tremendous increase in larval population occurred only in the areas beyond the treated ones, causing very severe turf injury during the summer of 1939. When the soil is highly infectious with the causal agent, no substantial population of P. japonica larvae can exist. Serious turf injury can be reduced or prevented by the introduction of the causal agent of Type A milky disease. The ability of this agent to withstand adverse conditions and its permanence when once established emphasize its value as a factor in the control of P. japonica.

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