Project: 2001-05. Report - Risk modelling & strategies for eradication/control of gypsy moth for New Zealand

Date: 2003 Author: Travis R. Glare, Patrick J. Walsh, Malcolm Kay and Nigel D. Barlow Publication: Report Project reference: 2001-05 Report is available online Download report

Executive summary:

If GM establishes in New Zealand and eradication is unsuccessful, then ongoing population suppression will be required. If GM arrives in NZ without its natural control agents, as is most likely, then the population will go through substantial outbreaks. Early introduction of a range of agents, suitable for use in NZ, will be required. We suggest that:

· The nucleopolyhedrovirus LdNPV be introduced as soon as a population is found in
NZ. This virus has been shown to have no obvious non–target risks and should
maintain itself in populations in NZ, eventually leading to suppression at low levels, as shown by the model in Appendix 14.5. While obtaining enough virus for eradication in NZ may be problematic, sufficient quantities to introduce into a population should not be difficult to obtain.

· The introduction of the fungus Entomophaga maimaiga should be investigated and if suitable, released as soon as is practical. This fungus has become a major suppression factor in much of the North American population after its first epizootic in 1989 near Boston. While the fungus has not been tested for non–target safety in NZ, there is no indication from overseas studies that this will be a problem.

· Bacillus thuringiensis is a single action insecticide in most cases and would not be
useful as an ongoing control agent unless applied by spray against each target
population. It could be useful to protect particular areas such as stands of susceptible trees.

· Mass trapping, and mating disruption, based on the use of synthetic pheromone, may be useful in slowing the spread of GM.

· Parasites and predators from other countries are unlikely to be of use, due to their
broad host range and requirement for hosts often not present in NZ.

Report is available online