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Title: TEMPORAL AND SPATIAL DYNAMICS OF GYPSY MOTH MATING SUCCESS AT LOW POPULATION DENSITIES

Author
item THORPE, KEVIN
item TCHESLAVSKAIA, KSENIA - VA. TECH

Submitted to: Annual Gypsy Moth Review Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/31/2005
Publication Date: 11/11/2005
Citation: Thorpe, K.W., Tcheslavskaia, K.S. 2005. Temporal and spatial dynamics of gypsy moth mating success at low population densities. Annual Gypsy Moth Review Proceedings. Annual Gyspy Moth Review, Philadelphia, PA October 31, 2005 - November 11, 2005

Interpretive Summary: The gypsy moth is the most important defoliating insect pest of eastern hardwood forests. Mating disruption, an environment friendly, target-specific pest management tactic against this pest, was used on 288,000 acres in the United States in 2005. While mating disruption is a highly effective tactic for slowing the rate of spread of gypsy moth populations, it is sometimes difficult to determine which infested areas should be treated for maximum effectiveness. A better understanding of how low-density gypsy moth populations grow and spread will help in the development of computer models to assist in directing gypsy moth control operations. During 2005, experiments were conducted in Virginia to measure the numbers of male moths during the entire 3-week flight period at different locations and to relate the moth numbers to female mating success. This information will help researchers develop methods for directing gypsy moth managers to areas that require mating disruption treatments and to evaluate the effects of the treatments on gypsy moth populations.

Technical Abstract: An important but largely unstudied aspect of gypsy moth population dynamics at low densities is the relationship between population density, moth capture in pheromone-baited traps, and mating success. Studies designed to investigate these relationships across both space and time were conducted during 2005 in Virginia. Male moth flight occurred from June 30 to July 26, and season-long male moth capture in pheromone-baited traps ranged from 7 to 157. Female mating success was monitored in each of 20 plots through the entire flight period. Data from these studies will assist in predicting gypsy moth mating success in isolated colonies and in low density populations occurring in the STS Action Zone. This information should assist in efforts to evaluate and model gypsy moth spread, colony establishment, and treatment effectiveness.