|
The Japanese
Beetle is a serious pest in the larval stage (as white grubs) and as adults. The
larval stage feeds on roots and emerging soybeans. The
adult beetles are present from late June through mid-August. They feed on the
foliage and fruits of over 350 kinds of plants. The main damage to soybeans is
caused by adults. They feed in groups, starting at the top of a plant and
working downward, and prefer plants exposed to direct sunlight. A single beetle
does not eat much; it is group feeding by many beetles that causes the severe
damage. Adults feed on the upper surface of foliage, chewing out tissue between
the veins. This gives the leaf a characteristic skeletonized appearance.
Infestations often begin on smartweed, a favorite food of this insect, and spill
over to soybean plants after the weeds are eaten up. Another
consideration for Japanese beetle control measures is the impact that a higher
than average population of adult beetles will have on the white grub population
next spring.
|
|
