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News Release 8-11-2000 |
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GYPSY MOTH CATERPILLARS DEFOLIATE 299, 418 ACRES OF FORESTLAND IN WEST VIRGINIA Agriculture Commissioner Gus R. Douglass said today that approximately 299,418 acres of forestland were defoliated by the gypsy moth in West Virginia during May and June. This is a substantial increase from the previous three years. Douglass said that only about 7,000 acres were treated in the generally infested areas of the State under the Cooperative State-County-Landowner (CSCL) Gypsy Moth Suppression Program. Another approximately 150,000 acres qualified for treatment, but landowners either chose not to participate or the land managers chose not to take any action. According to J.D. Hacker, Assistant Director of the West Virginia Department of Agriculture's Plant Industries Division, the hardest hit areas were in Hardy, Hampshire, Grant, Mineral, Pocahontas, Pendleton and Morgan Counties. A breakdown of acres defoliated by county follows
Hacker said there has been an increase in the gypsy moth population over the last two years. The extremely dry conditions have not been favorable for the gypsy moth fungus that had been responsible for reducing populations during the mid-to-late 90s. Field staff did find evidence of the fungus in several areas during June, but it was too late and not widespread enough to prevent heavy defoliation and female moths from laying egg masses. Douglass reminded landowners that the 2001 CSCL Program sign up for aerial gypsy moth suppression is underway until the end of August. Landowners are asked to contact their county extension agent and sign up as soon as possible if they want their property considered for treatment in 2001. For more information, contact WVDA, Plant Industries Division, Forest Health Protection staff at 304/558-2212 or the field offices at New Creek 304/788-1066, Moorefield 304/538-2397, Inwood 304/229-5828 or Elkins 304/637-0290. |
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©2001, 2002 West Virginia Department of Agriculture, All Rights Reserved |
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