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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #68114
Title: FIELD-TESTING A SPRAY ADJUVANT FOR GYPCHEK

Author
item PODGWAITE, JOHN - USDA FOREST SERVICE
item Thorpe, Kevin
item Webb, Ralph
item REARDON, RICHARD - USDA FOREST SERVICE

Submitted to: Gypsy Moth Research Review Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/9/1996
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Gypchek, the gypsy moth baculovirus (LdMNPV) product, is desirable for use in environmentally sensitive areas where the use of broad- spectrum pesticides is not appropriate. Gypsy moth managers have had difficulty in using the product due to the necessity for two applications and the time consuming, labor intensive efforts involved in pre-mixing several formulation ingredients prior to spray. The objective of this study was to conduct a field test of a newly-developed commercial carrier at different numbers of applications and application volumes. The study was conducted on potentially defoliating gypsy moth populations in Virginia in 1995. The carrier + gypchek spray provided effective foliage protection at both the one gallon and the 0.5 gallon volumes, and with both single and double applications. The results of this study provide data to assist the effective use of the carrier + gypchek combination against the gypsy moth. This information should also help forest managers, gypsy moth control specialists, and government agencies decide if they should consider this treatment as an option for gypsy moth management.

Technical Abstract: This article provides a preliminary report of the results of a field test of a commercial carrier for the gypsy moth nucleopolyhedrosis virus product, Gypchek. The study, conducted in 1995, tested the following treatments: 1) double applications of carrier at one gallon per acre per application; 2) double applications of carrier at 0.5 gallons per acre per application; 3) a single application of carrier at one gallon per acre; 4) double applications of a lignosulfonate-molasses tank mix at two gallons per acre per application; and 5) an untreated control. All treatments except the control included gypchek at 4 x 10(11) viral occlusion bodies per acre. Larval mortality was greatest in the treated plots. Mortality was significantly lower among larvae collected from plots treated with only a single application. Estimated larval density was significantly lower in the treated plots. Defoliation in the control plots averaged 37%, which was significantly higher than the 18 to 23% defoliation which occurred in the treated plots. There was no detectable difference between the lignosulfonate-molasses tank mix and the double application of carrier at either the 1 gallon or the 0.5 gallon volume.