Treesearch

The sex attractant pheromone, disparlure, is utilized in several aspects of gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar L.) management programs.

Cotesia melanoscelus (Ratzeburg) is a bivoltine, solitary, endoparasite of larvae of the gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar (L.). Imported from Europe after the turn of the century, it readily became established and now occurs throughout the generally infested area. Rates of parasitization are highly variable, particularly during the second (overwintering) parasite generation when females attack third and fourth instars of the gypsy moth. Detailed observations on parasitization of gypsy moths by this species were made in yellow pine-hardwood stands at Belleplain State Forest on the coastal plain...

Specialized gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar L.) management programs were developed for moderately sized, high-valued forested public lands.

History of research to develop models of gypsy moth population dynamics and some related studies are described. Empirical regression-based models are reviewed, and then the more comprehensive process models are discussed. Current model- related research efforts are introduced.

Statistical comparison of AGDISP prediction were made against data obtained during aerial spray field trials ("Mission III") conducted in March 1987 at the APHIS Facility, Moore Air Base, Edinburg, Texas, by the NEFAAT group (Northeast Forest Aerial Application Technology). Seven out of twenty one runs were observed and predicted means (O and P), mean bias error (d) standard deviation of the difference (od), root mean square error of the difference (RMSE), and average absolute gross error of the difference (|d|), index of agreement (r), variance comparison (Var), fraction of positive...

Nuclear polyhedrosis virus (NPV) is the only entomopathogen that plays an important role in the natural regulation of North American gypsy moth populations. Recent European studies suggest that populations of gypsy moth in Eurasia are regulated primarily by the interactions between NPV and several species of microsporidia. Researchers have proposed that the introduction and permanent establishment of microsporidia into North American gypsy moth populations may reduce the frequency, duration, and severity of population fluctuations.

As gypsy moth expands into a new region, the threat of damage from its infestation is increasing greatly. The potential economic damage from the pest is extensive, considerably compounding the already substantial aesthetic damage and urban nuisance problems. One way to help forest managers deal with this threat is by providing them with a computer program which can help them determine how to set priorities for their forest lands by relative risk from gypsy moth. The program being developed, called GypsES, will serve as a surrogate "expert" on gypsy moth treatment, so it is referred to as...

In the gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar L.), mating causes a decrease in the titer of the sex pheromone.

Interest in the use of microbial pesticides has intensified because of public concern about the safety of chemical pesticides and their impact in the environment. Characteristics of the five groups of entomopathogens that have potential as microbial pesticides are briefly discussed and an update is provided on research and development activities underway to enhance the performance and use of microbial products. Emphasis is placed on viral and bacterial pesticides and their use in managing gypsy moth populations. The status of microbial pesticides registered by the Environmental Protection...

Insect metamorphosis is under precise hormonal control. During the last larval stadium, the degradation of juvenile hormone by juvenile hormone esterase (JHE) is essential for the initiation of pupation. Therefore, we have targeted this system for disruption with a strategy to produce a recombinant gypsy moth virus which expresses JHE. In order to clone and insert the JHE gene into the virus, purification of the enzyme, amino acid sequence information, and polyclonal antibody were needed.