A large field study to investigate the movement of spores produced by Entomophaga maimaiga, an entomopathogen that attacks the damaging forest defoliator, Lymantria dispar (Gypsy Moth), is being conducted. Understanding of the movement of this entomopathogen will allow optimization of limited resources to combat infestations of Gypsy Moth. As part of this study, fluorescent microspheres are used to simulate the movement of the spores. To release the microspheres, a novel mechanical system will be designed. In nature, spores are propelled from larval cadavers and thereby released in the atmosphere. After this initial event, the spores are airborne and may be entrained in the airflow and transported some distance or deposited on foliage or the ground surface close to the point of release. The percentage of these spores that are eventually transported regionally is the question of interest in this study. This presentation will focus on the use and analysis of the microspheres as a tracer and also the potential of this tracer technology to aid in various issues of atmospheric transport in pest control in the future.

Investigation of atmospheric transport of the beneficial microorganism Entomophaga maimaiga using microspheres

256th National Meeting (2018)

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