A historical overview of North American gypsy moth controls, chemical and biological, with emphasis on the pathogenic fungus, Entomophaga maimaiga

摘要

Several techniques have been used to control the gypsy moth in North America since its introduction in 1869. Chemical insecticides, predators, parasitoids, mating disruption, and biological insecticides have all been utilized with varying degrees ofsuccess. Entomophaga maimaiga, a fungus pathogenic to the gypsy moth, has rapidly grown in popularity as a natural control since appearing in North American gypsy moth populations in 1989. Entomophaga maimaiga exhibits an extremely narrow host range, a rapid rate of spread, and persistence in the environment, but is dependent upon environmental moisture for activity. Questions remain regarding interaction with other gypsy moth control agents and incorporation of E. maimaiga into a long-term gypsy moth management program.