Losses resulting from gypsy moth defoliation in the Northeast in 1981 were $764,000,000. (USDA APHIS, 1981). This pest is dispensing at about 500,000 acres per year despite large scale chemical spraying. The objective of this research is to determine the feasibility of combining the release of parasites, Gly,,ptapantele,@flavicoxis, and the application of the biological insecticide, Bacillus thuringiensi,@, towards the integrated pest management of the gypsy moth. Laboratory and field tests will be conducted to determine the dose of B. thuringiensis and timing of the parasite release to maximize gypsy moth control. Results of research with a similar parasite and B. thuringiensis showed record rates of parasitism, reduction in gypsy moth larval populations, and foliage protection. Despite these significant results this combination has not been operationally used because of the high cost of the parasite. Glyptapanteles flavicoxis, imported from India in 1980 by the USDA, is much less expensive to rear. The National Gypsy Moth Management Group produced 520,000 and 720,000 specimens in 1983 and 1984, respectively, for several state agencies. The release of this parasite has demonstrated promising results. Several biological and economic attributes of this parasite make it desirable for this research and probable operational use.The potential cone iercial application as described by the awardee: Successful completion of this research should stimulate the integrated pest management of the gypsy moth, development of the parasite rearing industry and the biological insecticide industry, and the creation of jobs.
