European gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar dispar L.) completes development and defoliates exotic radiata pine plantations in Spain

• DOI: 10.1186/s40490-016-0074-y
• Publication Date: 2016-09-13T12:06:13Z
• Authors: Fernando Castedo-...; Gorka Lago-Parra; María J. Lombardero; Andrew M. Liebhold; María F. Álvarez-...
• Keywords: Lymantria dispar; Radiata; Pinus radiata; Gypsy moth

Like most pines, radiata pine (Pinus D.Don) is conventionally considered resistant to defoliation by European gypsy moth, i.e. it only consumed late larval stages, or when susceptible species are not available scarce. The ability of this moth complete development on host in field conditions has never been reported. A outbreak a pure plantation was observed north-western Spain, where insect endemic. During the 2 years culmination (2012 and 2013), approximately 46 ha were severely defoliated (>75 % leaf area removed) no evident nearby stands species. Large numbers egg masses present stems trees. Larvae feeding exclusively needles beginning with first instar continuing pupation. Nearly 100 tree mortality occurred defoliated. occurrence contradicts previous observations that larvae cannot comprised entirely pines. These results suggest strains hold great potential for damage commercial plantations utilised forestry, such as New Zealand Australia.