Northern Research Station

Title: Sampling low-density gypsy moth populations

Author: Wallner, William E.; Jones, Clive G.; Elkinton, Joseph S.; Parker, Bruce L.

Date: 1991

Source: IN: Gottschalk, Kurt W.; Twery, Mark J.; Smith, Shirley I., eds. Proceedings, U.S. Department of Agriculture interagency gypsy moth research review 1990; East Windsor, CT. Gen. Tech. Rep. NE-146. Radnor, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northeastern Forest Experiment Station. 40-44.

Station ID: GTR-NE-146

Description: The techniques and methodology for sampling gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar L., at low densities, less than 100 egg masses/ha (EM/ha), are compared. Forest managers have constraints of time and cost, and need a useful, simple predictable means to assist them in sampling gypsy moth populations. A comparison of various techniques coupled with results of recent habitat research studies indicates that a series of burlap banded trees can be utilized to monitor egg-mass density change over time. Egg masses beneath bands accurately reflect densities on unbanded trees, yet are easier to deploy and use as well as being less costly than other conventional methods. Habitat does not seem to be a major factor in determining the distribution of gypsy moth egg masses; however, forest stands selected for banding should have a major oak component. Predicting a 2-year lead time to outbreak is possible based upon two consecutive years with an increase of one order of magnitude or greater of egg-mass density beneath bands.

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Citation

Wallner, William E.; Jones, Clive G.; Elkinton, Joseph S.; Parker, Bruce L.  1991.  Sampling low-density gypsy moth populations.   IN: Gottschalk, Kurt W.; Twery, Mark J.; Smith, Shirley I., eds. Proceedings, U.S. Department of Agriculture interagency gypsy moth research review 1990; East Windsor, CT. Gen. Tech. Rep. NE-146. Radnor, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northeastern Forest Experiment Station. 40-44..