Biology and Management of Japanese Beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) in Corn and Soybean

Abstract

Japanese beetle, Popillia japonica Newman, is an invasive insect to the United States. This beetle was first discovered in New Jersey in the early 1900s and has since successfully spread across much of the eastern United States. In its invaded range, Japanese beetle has become a significant insect pest of turfgrass and ornamental, horticultural and agricultural plants. The significance of Japanese beetle is increasing throughout more recently infested areas. Currently, the United States is the world's top producer of both corn and soybean, with most of this production occurring in the Midwest. Due to the recent activity of Japanese beetle in the Midwest and this insect's ability to injure soybean and corn, this review will focus on relevant information regarding Japanese beetle identification and biology, and its impacts and management in corn and soybean.