Gypsy Moth Management Programs in the United States: Status, Evaluation, and Recommendations

Abstract

A national survey of gypsy moth (GM), Lymantria dispar (L.), program implementors was conducted to determine the status of GM management in the United States. The goal of this study is to provide GM management recommendations to individuals with large-area (e.g., state, county, city) program development and implementation responsibilities. We concluded that functional working groups must be formed with representatives from research, extension, and implementation groups, and those who are affected by GM, before truly effective management can take place. As a result of formation of these groups, large-area management packages must be developed. Management packages should include standardized sampling protocols, computer based geographic information systems, and a range of control techniques appropriate for a given situation. To foster development of management packages and transfer of new technologies, adequate monetary incentives must be provided to functional working groups by appropriate state and federal agencies. Results from this study stressed the need for closer scrutiny of the entire way in which GM is dealt with at local, state, regional, and national levels.