Milky Disease

Milky disease Common name Milky disease Causal agent Milky spore is a bacterium of the genus bacillus that is used to manage Japanese beetle attacks on crops. The beetles ingest the bacteria, which turns their body fluids milky, and they die, releasing the bacterial spores in the soil. Scientific name Paenibacillus popillae Symptoms & Signs Once the Japanese beetles ingest the bacterium, their internal body fluids turn opaque, milky white, giving them a distinguishing appearance. Transmission Birds and insects that feed on the Japanese beetles can spread the spores to other areas. The optimum temperature for milky spore disease is 60- and 70-degrees F. (15-21 C.) Time of concern Early spring to fall Common hosts Japanese beetle grubs