What type of pest does milky spore disease specifically target?

Milky spore disease specifically targets Japanese beetle grubs, which are the larval stage of the Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica). This disease is caused by the bacterium Bacillus popilliae, which infects the grubs when they ingest the spores. Once infected, the grubs will develop a white, milky appearance as the bacteria multiply within them. Eventually, this leads to the death of the grubs, effectively controlling the population of Japanese beetles in the soil.

This method of pest control is particularly advantageous because it is a biocontrol strategy that is specific to the Japanese beetle grubs and does not harm beneficial insects or the environment. The spores can remain viable in the soil for many years, providing long-term control of this specific pest without the need for chemical pesticides. Understanding this specificity is crucial for integrated pest management, as it allows for targeted treatment without broad-spectrum effects.