Effectiveness of mulches in preventing Popillia japonica (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) oviposition in nursery potted plants.

ABSTRACT: Popillia japonica Newman (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) is a priority quarantine pest of the European Union that can pose an economic threat to certain agricultural activities. When female beetles have a choice, container substrates are not the preferred or suitable oviposition sites; however, plant nurseries are a potential pathway for spreading the pest. For this reason, producers must abide by restrictive measures to guarantee P. japonica-free plants, leading to major restrictions on their commercial activities. An innovative and sustainable approach to P. japonica control involves the application of a mulch layer to potted plants to physically prevent beetle oviposition. A choice test compared the effectiveness of 13 mulching materials in preventing P. japonica oviposition and the influenc

SUBMITTER: Dal Zotto G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12449163 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature