Effect of Gypsy Moth Suppression Tactics on Litter- and Ground-Dwelling Arthropods in Central Hardwood Forests of the Cumberland Plateau

• Published in: Forest ecology and management Vol. 149; no. 1; p. 181
• Main Authors: Rieske, L K, Buss, L J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.08.2001
• ISSN: 0378-1127

In the mixed mesophytic forests of southeastern Kentucky, the ecological impact of three gypsy moth management strategies on ground- and litter-dwelling forest arthropods were examined prior to gypsy moth establishment in the region. The treatments, which included a single application of diflubenzuron, a single application of Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Btk), and an untreated control, were applied approximately two weeks after hatch of sentry gypsy moth eggs. Arthropod sampling began concurrently with treatment applications and continued into the following year. Results revealed that diflubenzuron and Btk did not impact long-term abundance of most ground-dwelling arthropod groups significantly, but both applications significantly affected the abundance of non-oribatid mites, thrips, and spiders in litter samples during the year of application and 1-yr post-application. All arthropod species data are tabulated.