Evaluation of Aerially-Applied Nuclear Polyhedrosis Virus for Suppression of the Gypsy Moth, Lymantria dispar L.

Abstract

Single and double applications of the nuclear polyhedrosis virus of Lymantria dispar L. were evaluated for suppression of a gypsy moth infestation in Pennsylvania. The virus material, purified by isopynic centrifugation, was applied by air at the rate of 2.47 x 10¹² polyhedral inclusion bodies per hectare. Two formulations of the virus were evaluated: one consisted of 1.12 kg of IMC-90001®, 0.88 liter of Chevron spray-sticker®, 4.67 liters of CIB®, and 13.14 liters of water/ha; the other was 9.34 liters of Sandoz virus adjuvant® and 9.34 liters water/ha. Application of the virus provided foliage protection, population reduction, and increased the number of virus-infected larvae. No consistent differences were observed between the two formulations, and the second application did not enhance treatment effects. In the following year, larval emergence from egg masses was significantly lower in the virus-sprayed areas than in the untreated population.

Citation

Wollam, J.D.; Yendol, W.G.; Lewis, F.B. 1978. Evaluation of Aerially-Applied Nuclear Polyhedrosis Virus for Suppression of the Gypsy Moth, Lymantria dispar L. Res. Pap. NE-396. Broomall, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northeastern Forest Experiment Station. 8p.