A Forest Tent Caterpiller Outbreak in the Mississippi Delta: Host Preference and Growth Effects

Abstract

Abstract - An outbreak of forest tent caterpillars (FTC) began ln spring, 1989 and lasted three years.This is the first recorded epidemic of FTC in the Mississippi Delta. Species fed upon and defoliated, or nearly defoliated, include: willow oak, water oak, nuttall oak, overcup oak, green ash, and sweetgum.Water hickory, and sugarberry were not fed upon. Tree crowns recovered to near normal condition by the end of each growing season during the epidemic, and showed few effects of defoliation at Delta National Forest (DNF) and Delta Experimental Forest. Slight growth decreases in nuttall, willow, and water oaks occurred during the outbreak at the DNF.

Citation

Leininger, Theodor D.; Solomon, J.D. 1995. A Forest Tent Caterpiller Outbreak in the Mississippi Delta: Host Preference and Growth Effects. General Techinical Report SRS-1. USDA Forest Service Southern Research Station Asheville, North Carolina.pp 126-131.