Soil moisture and soil texture preferences of Popillia japonica
Experiments in Ohio, US, were conducted in order to determine if the soil moisture content and the soil structure have any influence on oviposition of Popillia japonica (EPPO A1 pest).
It was found that in choice tests no eggs were laid when the soil moisture is lower than 5% and more eggs were laid the wetter the soil, up to field capacity. In non-choice tests Japanese beetles also laid fewer eggs in dry soils. Medium clay content in the soils also resulted in a higher oviposition.
Sources
Allsopp, P.G.; Klein, M.G.; McCoy, M.L. (1992) Effect of soil moisture on oviposition by Japanese beetle and rose chafer (Coleoptera: Scarabaidae)