Synergism of the Parasite, 'Glyptapanteles flavicoxis', and the Biological Insecticide, 'Bacillus thuringiensis' for Gypsy Moth Control

摘要

The objective of the research was to determine the feasibility of combing the release of the parasite, Glyptapanteles flavicoxis, and application of the biological insecticide, Bacillus thuringiensis, towards the integrated pest management of the gypsy moth. Laboratory and small scale field experiments were conducted to determine the dose of B. thuringiensis and timing of parasite release to maximize gypsy moth control. The results of both laboratory and field tests showed that the release of G. flavicoxis in combination with B. thuringiensis has an additive effect on gypsy moth mortality over that induced by B. thuringiensis alone. Parasites released one day prior to the application of B. thuringiensis induced greater mortality than when parasites were released later. These findings indicate that the combination of parasites and B. thuringiensis offer a feasible approach for the integrated pest management of the gypsy moth, and an alternative to chemical insecticides.