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Abstract
Pennsylvania's first experience with using Bt on insect control occurred in 1964. For the next 17 years, various projects were conducted, in cooperation with the USFS and industry, in an effort to secure operational status of Bt for gypsy moth suppression. This point was reached in 1982, and the Governor was convinced that the time was right to convert most gypsy moth suppression operations from chemical spray to Bt. In 1983, 326,000 acres of high-use areas were treated with Bt, making it the largest Bt operation on the gypsy moth undertaken to date. Suppression results were virtually on a par with formerly used chemicals, spraying objector problems dropped to near zero, and the per acre suppression cost was cheaper. Some problems with Bt still remain, and these are discussed.
Parent Publication
Citation
Nichols, James O. 1985. Pennsylvania''s experiences with microbial control of the gypsy moth. In: Grimble, David G.; Lewis, Franklin B., coords. Proceedings, Symposium: Microbial control of spruce budworms and gypsy moths; 1984 April 10-12; Windsor Locks, CT. Gen. Tech. Rep. NE-100. Broomall, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northeastern Forest Experiment Station. 29-30
