RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Gypsy Moth Management In Rock Creek Park, Washington, D.C.
JF Arboriculture & Urban Forestry (AUF)
JO JOA
FD International Society of Arboriculture
SP 160
OP 167
DO 10.48044/jauf.1993.027
VO 19
IS 3
A1 Christine L. Favre
A1 James L. Sherald
A1 Noel F. Schneeberger
YR 1993
UL http://auf.isa-arbor.com/content/19/3/160.abstract
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.