Biological Control of Oriental Beetle (Anomala orientalis) for Commercial Growers

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Biological control of Oriental beetle (Anomala orientalis)

The Oriental beetle (Anomala orientalis) is a destructive pest in many crops and ornamental plants. Both larvae (grubs) and adults can cause serious damage, especially in turfgrass, nurseries and field crops. The larvae (white grubs) feed on plant roots, leading to reduced vigor and even plant loss. Instead of relying on chemical pesticides, biological control offers sustainable and effective solutions to manage Oriental beetle populations while protecting soil health and biodiversity. Biological control uses beneficial organisms such as beneficial nematodes to target beetle larvae in the soil. These solutions are safe for workers, crops, and beneficial insects, making them ideal for integrated pest management (IPM) strategies.

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Control

The most effective and sustainable way to control Oriental beetle larvae is with beneficial nematodes. These naturally occurring soil organisms are highly specialized predators of beetle larvae. Once applied, they actively seek out the larvae, penetrate them, and release symbiotic bacteria that quickly kill the host. After reproducing inside the larvae, new nematodes are released into the soil to continue the cycle, providing ongoing protection.

The beneficial nematode Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (Capyphor) is proven highly effective against Oriental beetle grubs, actively searching for larvae in the root zone. Apply nematodes when larvae are young and feeding (late summer to early autumn, or spring before pupation). Keep the soil moist before, during, and after application to help nematodes move through the soil and reach their targets.

With correct timing and soil conditions, beneficial nematodes offer growers a safe, reliable, and natural solution to protect roots and maintain healthy crops.
Recognize Oriental beetle

Adult Oriental beetles are small, oval-shaped beetles, typically 8–11 mm long, with a brown to black mottled pattern on their wing covers. Larvae are C-shaped white grubs with brown heads, found in the soil feeding on plant roots.
Life cycle
Eggs are laid in the soil during summer.

Larvae hatch and feed on plant roots throughout late summer and autumn, overwintering in the soil.

Pupation occurs in spring, and adults emerge in early summer to restart the cycle.

The larval stage is the most damaging, making it the primary target for biological control.
Damage

Larvae feed on roots, causing stunted growth, yellowing, and plant death in severe cases.

Adults feed on foliage and flowers, though their damage is generally less significant compared to larvae.

Infestations can cause economic losses in turfgrass, nurseries, ornamental plants, and fruit crops.
Prevention
Monitor fields and turf regularly for signs of larvae and adult beetles.

Maintain healthy soil and crop rotations to discourage pest buildup.

Use pheromone traps to monitor adult populations and optimize timing of biological treatments.

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