Gypsy Moth Management with LdMNPV Baculovirus in Cork Oak Forest

Abstract

(1) Research Highlights: Applications of a species-specific baculovirus is a promising method to control the gypsy moth and regulate its population dynamics in forest ecosystems. (2) Background and Objectives: Cork oak protection against the Lepidopteran defoliator Lymantria dispar requires an appropriate forest ecosystem management program, involving the application of eco-sustainable microbial products during population outbreaks. The species-specific multicapsid nucleopolyhedrovirus (LdMNPV), agent of natural epizootics in gypsy moth populations, represents an option that was investigated in a multi-year field study, involving viral applications either from the ground or by aerial treatment. (3) Materials and Methods: Efficacy trials against L. dispar populations were conducted in 2018 and 2019 in Sardinia, according to a randomized block design. Each year, two trials were conducted, applying a baculovirus commercial formulation with an atomizer from the ground and assessing the effects of different doses and application timing, respectively. An aerial application trial distributing LdMNPV at ultra-low volumes (2 L/ha) was also conducted in 2019 to assess the virus efficacy at a larger field scale. (4) Results: In both years, a significant increase in larval mortality was detected in plots treated with higher viral occlusion body (OB) doses and with an earlier application targeting younger larvae, in comparison with untreated controls. Due to an observed retrogradation phase of the target pest in 2019, no significant differences in larval density between areas treated from a helicopter and control were detected, but in the few weeks following application, a meaningful vitality decrease in larval samples from treated plots was observed. (5) Conclusions: Based on the results of this study, the use of LdMNPV in forest protection programs against gypsy moth can be worth consideration in multi-year integrated program strategies to modulate population dynamics.

Management of Needle-Eating Caterpillars Associated with Pinus massoniana and P. merkusii in Vietnam

“…To extend IPM uptake, an operations' manual will be produced for the forest sector through the State Forestry Administration. Further research is planned with the aim to assess other biological agents, such as Beauveria bassiana [25][26][27], Bacillus thuringiensis [19] and baculovirus (B. thuringiensis kurstaki (Btk) strain ABTS-351) [65]. To reduce manual labor, we will also explore whether trunk trap nets are effective [66].…”

Effects of Lymantria dispar multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus and Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki on different larval instars of Lymantria dispar asiatica

“…Among such microbial agents, the L. dispar multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (LdMNPV) and Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Btk) possess high pathogenicity and are commercially used as effective biopesticides in the control of L. dispar (Arthurs & Dara, 2019; Blackburn & Hajek, 2018; Ruiu et al, 2021).…”

Effect of fluorescent brighteners on the insecticidal activity of Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki and LdMNPV on Lymantria dispar asiatica in Korea

“…Integrated management of the spongy moth has been implemented using chemical control as well as various biological control agents, including entomopathogenic microorganisms such as Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Btk) and Lymantria dispar multiple nuclear polyhedrosis virus (LdMNPV) (Hwang et al, 2023;Ruiu et al, 2021).…”