| Protecting Forests Through Early Detection of Lymantria mathura (Pink Gypsy Moth) |
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| Investigators |
| Dr. Gerhard Gries, Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University
Dr. Paul Schaefer, USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Beneficial Insects Introduction Research Laboratory
Dr. Tadao Gotoh, Tohoku Research Centre, Japan
Yasutomo Higashiura, Hokaido Forestry Research Institute, Japan
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What is the Issue? |
| FOREIGN FOREST PEST INFESTATION |
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The moth Lymantria mathura Moore [Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae], also known as the Pink Gypsy Moth, is a close relative of the gypsy moth, L. dispar. It is widespread in Asia, including eastern Russia, China, Japan, Taiwan, and India. The caterpillars feed on trees of many genera, including Quercus, Malus, Rhus, Zelkowa and Fagus. This moth is a potential threat to the forests of British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, Alaska and Northern California. The introduction and establishment of the Pink Gypsy Moth in North America would threaten both the integrity of North American forest ecosystems, and the sustainability of forest industries and nursery trades. Since this exotic pest is drawn to pheromones (chemicals that female moths release to attract male moths), these pheromones can be used to lure and detect early infestations. Pheremone-based detection surveys are superior tools for the early detection and eradication of this moth. The objectives of this research are: 1) to develop an optimally attractive pheremone lure for the detection of the Pink Gypsy Moth in North America; and 2) to test the efficacy of this lure for the attraction and capture of the moth over a wide geographical range. Scientists at Simon Fraser University, in conjunction with United States and Japanese collaborators, are synthesizing and field testing artificial pheromones to be used in lures for use in detection surveys, which will extend along the Pacific coast from northern Alaska to southern California. This will facilitate early detection and greatly assist eradication of exotic pest infestations, thus avoiding widespread damage to both Canadian and American forests.
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What is our goal? |
| PROTECTING FORESTS OF WESTERN NORTH AMERICA
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Where we currently stand. |
| Three experiments have been conducted near Toyota City in southern Honshu, Japan, in mixed deciduous forests. For each experiment, sticky delta traps were suspended above ground in replicated randomized complete blocks. Lure traps were impregnated with test pheromone blends. Male moths were attracted to the traps in two out of the three experiments. In 2001, similar experiments in other geographic locations will be conducted.
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