Hi Pottsy
I get japanese beetles in erratic numbers here, while they ding quite a few buds, up to half of them at times making quite a mess, their activity seems to go in fits and starts. I pick them off when they make a start on buds which I hope to get good photos off and thats about it. One week they are a pain, next week they are gone, and things settle down... I'd just ride it out, and see what happens... its not like its going to terminally threaten the parent plant.
A strong jet of water might thin them out. I wouldnt resort to chemicals unless they were likely to destroy valuable plants or the habitat really....
As for raising waterlily seeds, yes it can be done. I'm sure you would have to offer exotic inducements or torture to pick the brains of the folk who know how to do that well
Regards, Andy
