PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Christine L. Favre
AU  - James L. Sherald
AU  - Noel F. Schneeberger
TI  - Gypsy Moth Management In Rock Creek Park, Washington, D.C.
AID  - 10.48044/jauf.1993.027
DP  - 1993 May 01
TA  - Arboriculture & Urban Forestry (AUF)
PG  - 160--167
VI  - 19
IP  - 3
4099  - http://auf.isa-arbor.com/content/19/3/160.short
4100  - http://auf.isa-arbor.com/content/19/3/160.full
SO  - JOA1993 May 01; 19
AB  - The National Park Service (NPS) first detected the gypsy moth in Rock Creek Park in the late 1970s. The potential tree defoliation caused by this exotic insect presented a serious threat to the recreational and ecological value of Rock Creek Park. In response to NPS policy concerning the management of exotic biota, an integrated pest management plan was adopted in 1983 to manage the gypsy moth in this unique urban park. The plan, a cooperative effort between the USDA Forest Service and the National Park Service, was designed to minimize defoliation and tree mortality while avoiding the adverse effect of management tactics on nontarget species. A variety of control methods were directed by intensive monitoring. Mating disruption and parasite releases, tactics designed for use in isolated, low density populations, were used initially. As the population increased, the biological pesticides Bacillus thuringiensis (B.t.) and the gypsy moth specific nucleopolyhedrosis virus (Gypchek®) were applied to distinctly defined areas of heavy infestation. Defoliation never occurred in the Park and further treatments have not been necessary since 1989. Monitoring activities continue.