This agreement aims to assess how soil characteristics affect the persistence and transmission of a biocontrol pathogen targeting japanese beetles, and to develop models predicting beetle emergence…

The Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service awarded a $118,526 cooperative agreement to the University of Wisconsin System, operating through University of Wisconsin - Madison, on September 1, 2026, to assess how soil characteristics affect the persistence and transmission of a biocontrol pathogen targeting Japanese beetles and to develop models predicting beetle emergence based on abiotic factors.

Work performed in Wisconsin includes field sampling and screening of soils for beetle grub infection to evaluate the impact of soil type on pathogen effectiveness. Environmental variables such as temperature and moisture will be used to model beetle emergence and guide optimal inoculation timing. Deliverables include emergence models based on soil and weather data that enable stakeholders to time control measures more precisely, reducing pesticide use and costs while protecting agriculture and related industries from Japanese beetle damage to turf, flowers, and fruits.

The award runs through August 31, 2027.

This agreement aims to assess how soil characteristics affect the persistence and transmission of a biocontrol pathogen targeting japanese beetles, and to develop models predicting beetle emergence based on abiotic factors. Activities to be performed: field soils will be sampled and screened for beetle grub infection to evaluate the impact of soil type. Environmental variables such as temperature and moisture will be used to model beetle emergence and guide inoculation timing. Deliverables and expected outcomes: modeling beetle emergence based on soil and weather data enables stakeholders to better time control measures, reducing pesticide use and costs, and protecting agriculture and related industries. Intended beneficiary(IES): project outcomes will inform optimal pathogen deployment to control japanese beetle populations, which are spreading and causing damage to turf, flowers, and fruits.