Cooperative Distribution of Organisms Causing Milky Disease of Japanese Beetle Grubs1

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Abstract
Early observations in areas infested by the Japanese beetle indicated that diseases were important in the reduction of this insect. Two species of spore-forming bacteria, Bacillus popilliae and B. lentimorbus, are responsible for a disease known as milky disease, affecting larvae of this beetle. Methods for producing quantities of milky disease spores and for distributing them in the field have been developed, by the Bureau of Ent. and Plant Quarantine of the U. S. Dept. of Agric. In an effort to accelerate the natural spread of milky disease the Bureau has undertaken an extensive colonization program using the organisms causing milky disease, in cooperation with other agencies. Certain special equipment necessary for the program and available technical information needed were furnished the various cooperative agencies by the Bureau. Approx. 21,000 acres, comprising 25,593 colony sites, have already been treated with milky disease in the heavily infested beetle areas; in addition, 260 exptl. plots have been distributed in 7 states and the District of Columbia.

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