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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #99705
Title: GYPSY MOTH MATING DISRUPTION USING HERCON FLAKES WITH AND WITHOUT A STICKER

Author
item Thorpe, Kevin
item LEONARD, D. - USDA, FS
item MASTRO, V. - USDA, APHIS
item MCLANE, W. - USDA, APHIS
item REARDON, R. - USDA, FS
item SELLERS, P. - USDA, FS
item TALLEY, S. - ROCKBRIDGE CO., VA
item Webb, Ralph

Submitted to: United States Department of Agricultural Interagency Gypsy Moth Research Forum
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/1/1999
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Multi-year field plot studies have demonstrated that gypsy moth mating can be effectively disrupted, and subsequent populations reduced, by aerial applications of gypsy moth sex pheromone in a plastic flake formulation (Disrupt II, Hercon Laboratories, Emigsville, PA). Studies were conducted in Rockbridge County, VA in 1997 and 1998 to determine if the addition of sticker increases the efficacy of Disrupt II applications. Biological efficacy was determined by monitoring gypsy moth pheromone trap catch and mating success within each plot both at the ground level and in the canopy. Both the with- and without-sticker treatments reduced male trap catch compared to the untreated plots. Male trap catch and mating success was reduced most in the plots with sticker. Egg production was reduced 93% with no sticker and more than 99% with sticker in 1997. In 1998, egg production was reduced 95% with no sticker and 100% with sticker. Based on these results, the wet flake treatment appears slightly more effective than the dry flake treatment, and both treatments should be highly effective at reducing subsequent gypsy moth population growth.