Preliminary studies on natural enemies of the gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar (L.)(Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) in Yasooj, Iran

This research was conducted in Yasooj orchards during 2007 and 2008 to identify the natural enemies and pathogenic agents of the gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar L. (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) and the following species were identify. Parasitoids: Barchymeria intermedia Nees (Hymenoptera: Chalcididae); Compsilura concinnata (Meigen), (Diptera: Tachinidae); Exorista Larvarum (L.) (Diptera: Tachinidae). Predator: Allothrombium sp. (Prostigmata : Trombidiidae) and Pathogens: Beauveria bassiana (Bals.), (Deutromycotina: Hyphomycetes); Bacillus thuringiensis Var kurstaki. Chemical toxicants pose destructive and mal effects as well as other side effects on living environment. It is therefore recommended to conduct more research on the effectiveness of the spore dusting of the B. thuringiensis in to the orchards in the spring to control pest. After confirmation of the effectiveness of this control measure in the field studies, they can be used in an IPM program of the gypsy moth in the Yasooj region.

Gypsy moth, natural enemies, Yasooj