Milky Spore disease bacterium is targeted at which turf pest group?

• A. Japanese beetle grubs
• B. Chinch bugs
• C. Leafhoppers
• D. Mole crickets

Answer: (A)

Milky Spore disease bacterium is used as a biological control specifically for the grub stage of the Japanese beetle. The spores of Paenibacillus popilliae are ingested by Japanese beetle larvae living in the soil; once inside, the bacteria grow and kill the grub, giving the characteristic milky appearance. This control is species-specific, so it targets Japanese beetle grubs and won’t affect other turf pests like chinch bugs, leafhoppers, or mole crickets. In practice, applying Milky Spore helps reduce damage from Japanese beetle larvae over time as the soil population builds, though it may take several years to establish and is not a quick fix for adult beetles.