PARASITOIDS AND PREDATORS OF THE DOUGLAS-FIR TUSSOCK MOTH, ORGYIA PSEUDOTSUGATA (LEPIDOPTERA: LYMANTRIDAE), IN LOW TO MODERATE POPULATIONS IN CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

1977 ◽  
Vol 109 (5) ◽  
pp. 727-746 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. L. Dahlsten ◽  
R. F. Luck ◽  
E. I. Schlinger ◽  
J. M. Wenz ◽  
W. A. Copper
Keyword(s):  
Sierra Nevada ◽  
Egg Parasitoid ◽  
Host Population ◽  
Douglas Fir ◽  
Egg Mass ◽  
Moth Population ◽  
Tussock Moth ◽  
Orgyia Pseudotsugata ◽  
White Fir ◽  
Pupal Parasitoids

AbstractDouglas-fir tussock moth, Orgyia pseudotsugata (McDunnough), populations were studied on white fir at four areas in central Sierra Nevada mountains of California during 1971–73. Life tables were constructed for four populations in El Dorado County. The number of eggs per egg mass decreased and the percentage eggs parasitized doubled with declining moth populations. Hymenopterous parasitoids were collected from all immature stages of the moth: one egg parasitoid, Telenomus californicus Ashmead, six species of larval parasitoids, principally, Hyposoter sp., and 13 species of larval–pupal parasitoids. Tachinids were predominant and accounted for 73% of the parasitoidism of the cocoons in 1971. The apparent mortality of female pupae due to the parasitoid complex was greater than 97% in 1971 and 75% in 1972. One population in Placer County collapsed in 1971 apparently due to a combination of heat exhaustion and low levels of virus infection. Other defoliators, spiders, and several predatory insect species were collected from the foliage samples simultaneously with the tussock moth during larval sampling. Twelve species of "free living" spiders which could be capable of preying on the defoliator complex of white fir were collected. Parasitoids and predators appear to be potentially important biotic factors at low to moderate host population levels. This is the first recorded case where an agent other than the nucleopolyhedrosis virus has been responsible for the collapse of a Douglas-fir tussock moth population.

WITHIN AND BETWEEN TREE VARIATION OF LIVE AND PARASITIZED DOUGLAS-FIR TUSSOCK MOTH, ORYGIA PSEUDOTSUGATA (LEPIDOPTERA: LYMANTRIIDAE), COCOONS ON WHITE FIR IN CENTRAL CALIFORNIA AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR SAMPLING

1980 ◽  
Vol 112 (3) ◽  
pp. 231-238 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert F. Luck ◽  
Donald L. Dahlsten
Keyword(s):  
Sierra Nevada ◽  
Douglas Fir ◽  
The Other ◽  
Central California ◽  
Tree Distribution ◽  
Tussock Moth ◽  
Orgyia Pseudotsugata ◽  
White Fir ◽  
Sierra Nevada Mountains ◽  
Total Parasitism

AbstractThe distribution of Douglas-fir tussock moth, Orgyia pseudotsugata (McD.), cocoons was studied within and between the crowns of white fir, Abies concolor ((Gord. and Glend.) Lindl.), at six locations in the central Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. The within tree, between tree, and between plot distribution of cocoons in the crown, categorized by sex, mortality (including parasitization), and stage (larva or pupa) were analyzed. Only cocoons containing female pupae varied in their distribution within the tree and they were concentrated in the bottom third of the live crown but their densities at any one level bore little relation to those in the other levels within the crown. Cocoon density varied significantly between plots and between trees within plots. Total parasitism did not vary significantly between plots. The variable within tree distribution of cocoons containing female pupae and their increased percentage parasitism relative to those containing male pupae, suggested that the live crown should be stratified. A sample unit consisting of two branches selected from the midpoint of each of the three crown levels (total: 6 branches) sampled approximately 5% of the live crown of white fir. The relation between the number of sample trees and mean cocoon density at three levels of precision is provided.

PEST MANAGEMENT OF DOUGLAS-FIR TUSSOCK MOTH (LEPIDOPTERA: LYMANTRIIDAE): A SEQUENTIAL SAMPLING METHOD TO DETERMINE EGG MASS DENSITY

1984 ◽  
Vol 116 (7) ◽  
pp. 1041-1049 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. F. Shepherd ◽  
I. S. Otvos ◽  
R. J. Chorney
Keyword(s):  
Sampling Method ◽  
Mass Density ◽  
Sequential Sampling ◽  
Douglas Fir ◽  
Egg Mass ◽  
Tussock Moth ◽  
Incipient Stage ◽  
Orgyia Pseudotsugata ◽  
Detection Tool ◽  
Variability Data

AbstractA sequential egg-mass sample system for Douglas-fir tussock moth, Orgyia pseudotsugata McDunnough (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae), was designed, based on visual scanning of the lower branches of Douglas-fir trees, Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco. A branch was removed from each quadrant from the upper, middle and lower crown level, and from the lowest whorl of a total of 59 non-defoliated trees in 10 areas. No consistent trend in egg-mass density per branch could be found between crown levels and no level proved superior as a representative of the tree. Therefore, the lower whorl of branches was selected for survey purposes because of sampling efficiency. Sample stop lines were determined from egg-mass density and variability data collected on 55 sites and subsequent defoliation estimates were related to these densities. The system is designed as an early detection tool to be used only in non-defoliated stands at the incipient stage of an impending outbreak.

MORTALITY OF LARVAE IN STOCKED COHORTS OF THE DOUGLAS-FIR TUSSOCK MOTH, ORGYIA PSEUDOTSUGATA (LEPIDOPTERA: LYMANTRIIDAE)

1983 ◽  
Vol 115 (9) ◽  
pp. 1119-1127 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. R. Mason ◽  
T. R. Torgersen
Keyword(s):  
Douglas Fir ◽  
Total Loss ◽  
Abies Concolor ◽  
Bird Predation ◽  
Tussock Moth ◽  
Orgyia Pseudotsugata ◽  
White Fir ◽  
Arthropod Predation ◽  
Early Larvae

AbstractCohorts of instar I larvae of the Douglas-fir tussock moth, Orgyia pseudotsugata, were stocked on branches of white fir, Abies concolor. Branches were either exposed naturally over drop-trays or protected with cages of nylon netting. Only 8.7% of the larvae in exposed cohorts survived to pupate, compared with 68.0% survival in caged cohorts where dispersal and predation were prevented. Losses from the exposed cohorts were caused mostly by arthropod predation, disappearance, and non-replaced dispersal. Disappearance of early larvae was attributed primarily to predation by spiders and insects while disappearance of late larvae was suspected to be due mostly to bird predation. In an analysis of k-values, actual or suspected predation accounted for 47.2% and dispersal 40.5% of the total loss.

DOUGLAS-FIR TUSSOCK MOTH (HEMEROCAMPA PSEUDOTSUGATA) EGG-MASS DISTRIBUTION ON WHITE FIR IN NORTHEASTERN CALIFORNIA

1967 ◽  
Vol 99 (11) ◽  
pp. 1193-1203 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert F. Luck ◽  
Donald L. Dahlsten
Keyword(s):  
Sampling Method ◽  
Douglas Fir ◽  
Egg Mass ◽  
Egg Masses ◽  
Sample Unit ◽  
Tussock Moth ◽  
White Fir ◽  
Cardinal Direction ◽  
Sources Of Variation ◽  
Cardinal Directions

AbstractThe distribution of Douglas-fir tussock moth (Hemerocampa pseudotsugata McD.) egg-masses on white fir (Abies concolor (Gord. and Glend.) Lindl.) was studied in three areas of northern California. In each area 100 trees between 4.5 and 8.4 in. in diameter were stratified into five defoliation classes and four crown classes, giving a total of 20 classes per study area with five trees per class. Trees were divided into four crown levels and samples were taken at each of the cardinal directions at each level. Two branches comprised n sample unit in the top half of the tree (eight branches per level) and one branch the sample unit in the bottom half of the tree (four branches per level). Egg masses were recorded per 10 sq. ft of foliage or branch area. Eighty per cent or more of the egg masses were found in the bottom half of the crown. This percentage in the bottom half of the crown increased on trees with heavy defoliation or with increased exposure of the crown. Of the four possible sources of variation considered in this study, crown level, defoliation class, and crown class were significant while cardinal direction was not. A sampling method is proposed on the basis of the information gathered in this investigation.

AERIAL APPLICATION OF NUCLEAR POLYHEDROSIS VIRUS AGAINST DOUGLAS-FIR TUSSOCK MOTH, ORGYIA PSEUDOTSUGATA (McDUNNOUGH) (LEPIDOPTERA: LYMANTRIIDAE): II. IMPACT 1 AND 2 YEARS AFTER APPLICATION

1987 ◽  
Vol 119 (7-8) ◽  
pp. 707-715 ◽  
Author(s):  
I.S. Otvos ◽  
J.C. Cunningham ◽  
R.I. Alfaro
Keyword(s):  
Tree Mortality ◽  
Nuclear Polyhedrosis Virus ◽  
Douglas Fir ◽  
Aerial Application ◽  
Moth Population ◽  
Tussock Moth ◽  
Orgyia Pseudotsugata ◽  
Polyhedrosis Virus ◽  
Nuclear Polyhedrosis ◽  
The Impact

AbstractFollowing aerial application of a Douglas-fir tussock moth, Orgyia pseudotsugata (McDunnough), nuclear polyhedrosis virus (NPV) product called Virtuss on four plots in 1982, observations were made to determine the impact of these treatments in 1983 and 1984. Treated plots as well as buffer zones between and adjoining the treated plots, and three of the four check plots established in 1982, were monitored. The NPV appeared to have spread from the treated plots to adjoining areas in 1982, effectively reducing the Douglas-fir tussock moth population. This observation suggests that a strategy of spraying alternate swaths of Douglas-fir tussock moth infested stands with this viral insecticide may effectively initiate an epizootic that would control the population at a reduced cost.A naturally occurring NPV epizootic decimated the Douglas-fir tussock moth population in the three check plots in 1983, but severe tree mortality occurred in two of these plots with 60 and 62% of sample trees dead in 1984. Light tree mortality was noted in 1984 in two of the four treated plots with 4 and 7% of sample trees killed. It is concluded that the virus treatments in 1982 were successful in preventing tree mortality.

PEST MANAGEMENT OF DOUGLAS-FIR TUSSOCK MOTH, ORGYIA PSEUDOTSUGATA (LEPIDOPTERA: LYMANTRIIDAE): MONITORING ENDEMIC POPULATIONS WITH PHEROMONE TRAPS TO DETECT INCIPIENT OUTBREAKS

1985 ◽  
Vol 117 (7) ◽  
pp. 839-848 ◽  
Author(s):  
R.F. Shepherd ◽  
T.G. Gray ◽  
R.J. Chorney ◽  
G.E. Daterman
Keyword(s):  
Pest Management ◽  
Mass Density ◽  
Douglas Fir ◽  
Population Cycle ◽  
Poor Correlation ◽  
Egg Mass ◽  
Pheromone Traps ◽  
Threshold Density ◽  
Tussock Moth ◽  
Orgyia Pseudotsugata

AbstractThe numbers of Douglas-fir tussock moths (Orgyia pseudotsugata) (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) caught in sticky, delta-shaped pheromone traps baited with different concentrations of synthetic lures were compared with egg-mass densities and subsequent defoliation throughout a population cycle. A lure containing 0.01% pheromone by weight in the form of a 3 × 5-mm polyvinylchloride rod provided more consistent catches than pheromone concentrations of 0.0001, 0.001, 0.1, or 1.0%. Trap saturation occurred when >40 moths per trap were caught. To achieve a standard error of 30%, 6 traps were required at each site. There was a poor correlation between numbers of moths caught and egg-mass density or defoliation estimates in the following generation, but a threshold density was found that provides a warning of an incipient outbreak. Ground surveys for egg masses are recommended to confirm suspected infestations after continuous increases in moth catches for 2 to 3 years or if an average of 25 moths or more per trap has been caught.

AERIAL APPLICATION OF NUCLEAR POLYHEDROSIS VIRUS AGAINST DOUGLAS-FIR TUSSOCK MOTH, ORGYIA PSEUDOTSUGATA (McDUNNOUGH) (LEPIDOPTERA: LYMANTRIIDAE): I. IMPACT IN THE YEAR OF APPLICATION

1987 ◽  
Vol 119 (7-8) ◽  
pp. 697-706 ◽  
Author(s):  
I.S. Otvos ◽  
J.C. Cunningham ◽  
L.M. Friskie
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Polyhedrosis Virus ◽  
Mass Density ◽  
Adult Emergence ◽  
Douglas Fir ◽  
Egg Mass ◽  
Tussock Moth ◽  
Orgyia Pseudotsugata ◽  
Population Reduction ◽  
Polyhedrosis Virus ◽  
Nuclear Polyhedrosis

AbstractFour 10-ha plots located in Kamloops Forest District, British Columbia, containing Douglas-fir trees infested with Douglas-fir tussock moth were aerially sprayed with nuclear polyhedrosis virus (Virtuss) in 1982 when most larvae were in the first instar. A dosage of 2.5 × 1011 polyhedral inclusion bodies (PIB) per hectare was applied in an emulsifiable oil tank mix to one plot and the same dosage in an aqueous tank mix containing molasses was applied to a second plot. The remaining two plots were treated with dosages of 8.3 × 1010 and 1.6 × 1010 PIB per hectare, respectively, in the oil mix. The treatments were applied with a fixed-wing aircraft fitted with boom and nozzle equipment and calibrated to deliver 9.4 L/ha. A further four plots were selected as checks.Population reduction at 6 weeks post-spray (calculated using a modified Abbott’s formula) was 65% in the plot receiving the lowest dosage and from 87 to 95% in the remaining three plots. Incidence of virus infection, determined microscopically, peaked at 5–6 weeks post-spray with 85–100% of the larvae scored as positive. Levels of naturally occurring virus remained low in the check plots. Adult emergence from the pupae collected in the treated plots ranged from 4 to 19% and from 28 to 43% in the check plots. Reduction in egg-mass density attributed to the treatments was 97% in one plot, 99% in two others, and not determined for the fourth.A virus dosage of 8.3 × 1010 PIB per hectare, which is one-third of the previously recommended dosage, is adequate, and either tank mix is acceptable.

scholarly journals Impact of Biochar on Douglas-Fir Tussock Moth (Orgyia pseudotsugata Lepidoptera: Erebidae) Larvae Reared on Synthetic Die

Insects ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 1065
Author(s):  
Stacey Rice-Marshall ◽  
Stephen P. Cook ◽  
John Randall
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Larval Mortality ◽  
Douglas Fir ◽  
High Concentration ◽  
Larval Weight ◽  
Synthetic Diet ◽  
Tussock Moth ◽  
Orgyia Pseudotsugata ◽  
Compensatory Feeding ◽  
Significant Difference

The use of biochar as a soil amendment in forest ecosystems can be beneficial in the restoration of degraded soils. Forest insects such as the Douglas-fir tussock moth, Orgyia pseudotsugata (McDonnough) (Lepidoptera: Erebidae), may be exposed to biochar when the material is applied. Two experiments were conducted using biochar either (1) applied to the surface of the diet at three rates (0, 5, and 10 mg) or (2) incorporated into synthetic diet at four rates (0, 10, 20, and 40% volume/volume). The objective of both experiments was to determine if biochar on the surface or incorporated into a synthetic diet affected development and survival of O. pseudotsugata larvae. In both experiments, there was a significant decrease in estimated time to larval mortality in all biochar treatments compared to untreated controls. In the surface-applied biochar experiment, there was a significant difference in larval weight gain at day 12 between the control and 10 mg biochar treatments. In the experiment with biochar incorporated into the diet, mean larval weight at day 12 was highest in the low (10%) biochar treatment compared to all other treatments, although weight gain was only significantly different between the low- and high-concentration (40%) biochar treatments. Our results suggest that larvae, feeding on a low amount of biochar in the synthetic diet, may respond by engaging in compensatory feeding behavior. Fewer surviving larvae in the biochar treatment groups may contribute to the lack of significance found in the comparison of weight gain at day 24 in each experiment.

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