VIRGINIA DIVISION OF FORESTRY Box 3758 Charlottesville, Virginia 22903

ADMINISTRATION March 25, 1981 Reprots

TO: E. E. Rodger

FROM: C. L. Morris

SUBJECT: Quarterly Report, I & D Branch, January through March 1981

Gypsy Moth

The I & D Branch continues to work closely with the VDACS in support of their "elimination" effort in Floyd County. The Branch will assist in the male moth trapping program in Virginia during the summer of 1981 by manning a trap line in Albemarle and Washington Counties; placing traps on a 3KM grid.

Three draft "informational sheets" on various aspects of the gypsy moth problem have been developed and will be submitted to the Virginia Gypsy

Moth Advisory Committee for approval. These sheets will deal with individual aspects (control measures, biology and life history, facts and fiction, etc.) for use by all state and federal agencies during future gypsy moth outbreaks, and conceivably be modified to suit the needs of other states in a regional approach to the impending invasion.

Insect Control at the VDF Seed Orchards

Invitation for bids for aerial application of insecticide to control coneworms and seedbugs have been developed. Insecticide for that operation has been ordered. Special attention is being paid to reducing insect damage to the loblolly pine cone crop at New Kent Forestry Center since it is the largest seed orchard crop we have noted in several years. To assist seed orchard personnel in understanding the biology and control of seed orchard pests, an annual

training session was organized; seed orchard personnel,will cooperate with the -2-

USFS in a southwide survey for one of the coneworms, Dioryctria disclusa, using

( perhomone traps and pollen collections.

Mycorrhizae Studies

During the quarter, pine seedlings infected with specific mycorrhizae

from inoculated seedbeds were outplanted in 6 problem areas on I-64, on Kyanite

Mining land and in open fields at Piedmont Community College and Blue Ridge

Hospital, Charlottesville. A talk on mycorrhizal relationships was made at

UVA.

Nursery activities included an evaluation of the 2-0 white pine crop

at Augusta, reported as suffering possible problems from a root fungus, Fusarium,

and a check of the cause of seedling red pine mortality in flooded areas (caused

by Phytopthora) and an evaluation of blight infection on the 1-0 American chestnut

seedlings raised at Augusta.

Southern Pine Beetle Demo Project

The Branch is overseeing a $100,400 cooperative project with the USFS on

demonstrating the value of thinning to reduce SPB damage. During the quarter we

leased two logging winches for demonstration and evaluation, placing them in the

southern piedmont thinning pulpwood-sized loblolly pine plantations. An invitation

to bid was sent to selected consulting foresters in Virginia in an effort to

encourage thinning activities in a two county area in the southern piedmont.

Contacts were also consummated with VPI to assist us in identifying high hazard

stands (through photogrammetry) and to determine landowner attitudes regarding

thinning in Lunenburg County.

Environmental Education

Represented VDF at Social Studies Teacher Conference; set up interagency

EE course for Richmond City school teachers. Completed first set of 5 forestry

activities. Set up field trip programs for Albemarle County schools' science

week. Attended COE meeting - Short Pump. Participated in several programs for

Ivy Creek Foundation. -3-

Other Activities

1. Continued cooperation with Arnold Drooz, USFS, in assessing the incidence of egg parasites on the fall cankerworm.

2. Inventoried various chemical pesticides on storage and reported to EPA.

3. Gave two lectures on VDF activities to students of forest entomology at VPI &SU; gave an illustrated talk on GM to students at the Piedmont Community College.

4. Assisted several students in biology/environmental sciences in special research projects.

5. Attended one day of a two-day conference on air pollution impact on plants at VPI & SU.

6. Attended one day of multiple fire training course (all personnel).

7. One Forest Pest Survey Report was issued.

8. Artman attended the Southwide Forest Disease Workshop.

9. Examined WESTVACO's Virginia pine seed orchard for disease problems.

10. Made arrangements for minor renovating of greenhouse for use by WESTVACO for a seedling study this summer.

11. Evaluated the ASCS 35mm aerial slides for their usefulness.

12. Collected overwintering stages of Virginia pine sawfly, Hetrick's pine sawfly and the pine looper for survival and parasite study.

13. Evaluated possibility of Ips bark beetle attack in thinned research plantation in Buckingham County for WESTVACO.

14. Attended one Toxic Substances Advisory Committee meeting (plus sub-committee meeting on Exemptions) in Richmond.·

NOTE: Artman currently spends 75% of his time on coordinating and administering the State Lands Management Program. VIRGINIA DIVISION OF FORESTRY Box 3758 Charlottesville, Virginia 22903

FORESTRY RELATIONS July 7, 1981 Quarterly Report

TO: E. E. Rodger

FROM: C. L. Morris

SUBJECT: Quarterly Report - I & D Branch - April-June, 1981

Seed Orchards

Tigner continued to work closely with VDF seed orchard management personnel in arranging for two aerial applications of Guthion for control of cone moths and seedbugs. Evaluation of the effectiveness of these sprays continues, along with annual assessment of insect damage to cones and seed in treated and untreated stands on both the Buckingham and New Kent loblolly pine and white pine seed orchards.

A survey of egg parasites of the seedbug was instituted; cooperated with USFS on survey for coneworm D. disclusa in the South.

Gypsy Moth \v-.AftJ:L Four...,.b.sa~-infestations of the gypsy moth were located in northern Virginia (3 in Fairfax, 1 in Loudoun County) during the spring of 1981. These first-time discoveries in Virginia indicate the general invasion of this forest pest from the generally infested area to the north. In addition, a new isolated infestation in Lunenburg County was first confirmed by VDF personnel. An expanding program of cooperative survey and parasite collection and release is anticipated by the VDF and the VDACS as GM populations increase.

Pine Bark Beetles - remain at low populations with only occasional spot infestations (of SPB) reported in Greenville County. Air surveys of the State Forests in May revealed minimal populations; additional surveys are scheduled in mid-July.

The USDA-VDF cooperative southern pine beetle program to demonstrate the value of thinning to reduce SPB damage is well underway. Two consulting foresters have been employed to contact landowners in Lunenburg and Nottoway Counties to encourage thinning. Stands selected for demonstration thinning are based on assessment of aerial photos by VPI's remote sensing lab. In addition, three pieces of equipment (2 FARMI winches, 1 MOR-BELL logger) have been leased to determine their applicability to thinning of young pine stands. -2-

Hardwood Defoliators - were widespread this spring throughout Virginia. Thousands of acres of oaks and associated hardwoods were stripped of their leaves in the mountains, piedmont and coastal plain. The forest tent caterpillar was widespread in Richmond, Northumberland, Stafford, Chesapeake and Prince William Counties. The forest tent plus the fall cankerowrm caused extensive defoliation on the eastern shore and in the Portsmouth area. Linden looper, forest tent and cankerworms noticeable in scattered areas of the piedmont and the same complex plus Phigalia caused almost complete stripping of hardwoods on the northern½ of the Massanutten Mt.

Environmental Education

Contributed to conservation short course at Longwood. Developed and coordinated intra-agency training course for Richmond city school teachers. Represented VDF at Council on Environment meeting. Continued to serve as education committee chairman and board member, Ivy Creek Foundation, including several field trips to ICNA.

Pathology Studies ~ '7,, 1. Sampled dying Scotch pine in Harrisonburg and in 2-6 other locations for pinewood nemefude.

2. Continued mycorrhizal evaluation at New Kent nursery and in the field outplantings; inoculated pine tubelings with mycorrhizae for ChesapeakeG->p,

3. Annual check on E. Shore for sweetfern blister rust mortality.

4. Evaluated data on white pine blister rust permanent plots.

Other Activities II 1. Tigner participated in VDF "social assessment training program with Chuck Stanley et. al.

2. Tigner helped organize workshop for upcoming Southern Forest Insect Work Conference (Florida in August 1981).

3. Addressed Christmas tree growers on I & D problem.

4. Gave one I & D talk to D-4 personnel.

5. Continued cooperative study with USFS on fall cankerworm egg parasites at Bull Run.

6. Participated in I & D training session for county agents. FOREST P E S T S U R V E Y R E P O R T

Virginia Division of Forestry Charlottesville, Virginia 22903

!larch 1981

Current Status of Forest Pests in Virginia

Ips bark beetles up, pine looper do,m in the outbreak areas of two surners ago, expected to be up in populations in the Tappahannock area. The Virginia pine sawfly do,-m in numbers over last year (defoliation levels expecterl to be negligible in 1981), uhile the introduced pine sawfly (well established in the northern valley and in SH corner of Virginia) is at an early season low ebb due to high bird predation and a striking increase in parasite attack which averaged 40% in cocoons collected late fall 1981). Looper pupae and pine sawfly ergs weathered the low winter temperatures satisfactorily and hatched normally in the lab.

Hardwood defoliators: sticky banding for fall cankerworm, High Knob (Fise Co.), activity in the late fall 1981) indicates that only in two areas (High ]{nob, Wise County and Pine 11t. in Grayson County) will t½ere be visible defoliation. A light population expected at Pocosin Cabin on the Shenandoah National Park in Green County; negligible populations at Bull Run (Pr. William County), Apple Orchard Ht. (Bedford County), !1t. Lake (Giles County) or Hawks Bill (S!1P) in Madison County.

A 500-acre outbreak of the oak leaf tier (Croesia semipurnurana) on scarlet oak on the western slope of the Blue Ridge in the Haynesboro area showed hip;h egg levels and severe (over 50%) defoliation is expected in the same general area where the insect was active in 1980. Past history shows this buf! can be a killer if the trees suffer three years or more of severe defoliation.

Larval populations of the gypsy moth may already be established across the Potomac in Fairfax County; knosm larval infestations just across the Loudoun County line in West Virginia will certainly continue to grow and spread, particularly down the mountain ridges; West Virginia Agriculture people do not plan any suppression efforts in 1981 in that area due to the number of residents in the immediate vicinity. In Floyd County, Virginia where additional small spot infestations are suspected both around the spray area of 1980 and to the south, a 1,400 acre spray program is planned for Hay 1981 together with a concerted trapping program to pinpoint any additional infestations. The USlJA' s "leading edge" project in the mountains of southern Pennsylvania - an attempt to slow the spread do"\-m the Appalachian l!t. ridges - has been shelved and support funds channeled to other regulatory (inspection) programs for 1981. Outdoor furniture has proven co be a prime' carrier" of gypsy moth when people move from place to place, and may be included on the list of "regulated articles,'' requiring an inspection certificate. Spraying of camp grounds ini~fested woodlands will be discontinued by the USDA in 1981. Efforts to anticipate the iupact of the Gt, in the southeast are underway via a committee (to be developed) of USFS and cooperating state pest control managers. Assessment of the value of the Comprehensive Gypsy l!oth Pest l1anagement System (developed under the USDA's expanded research program on G!!) and useful and applicable literature available and/or needed will be early points of emphasis. -2-

Maryland has been chosen for a proposed study by the USDA on the application of integrated pest management practices for the GH. Hidely-flung remote infestations have resulted in elimination efforts to be scheduled in 1981 in nine states (Virginia, Ohio, Hichigan, Illinois, Nebraska, Hashington, Wisconsin, Oregon and California).

One item of good news was EPA's final favorable review of SEVIN insecticide as being safe to use as labeled. Since SEVIN enjoys wide home and garden use, and is a valuable tool in the arsenal against gypsy moth, the clean bill was welcome news. The VDF will cooperate with the USDA and VDACS in the Statewide male moth trapping program in 1981 placing traps in Albemarle and Washington Counties.

The USPS and aerial pesticide applicators were relieved to learn recently that EPA will not be issuing application standards or guidelines which would further limit applicators beyond the normal pesticide label instructions.

Two wooly aphids warrant a brief update: The balsam wooly aphid, which was discovered for the first time on the peak of !ft. Rogers in the natural stands of Fraser fir several years ago will continue to be monitored by the USFS. The two small· spot infestations located to-date are not scheduled for any control treatments; but will provide individual trees for long-term observation and assessment. The hemlock wooly aphid, primarily·a pest of ornamental henlock, and well established from Philadelphia to Richmond, was confirmed on several hemlocks at the Quantico !1arine Base; Syd Miller, VDACS, reports additional spread from known areas of activity in Franklin and Hontgomery Counties where it has been found lightly infesting several natural stands of hemlock.

The pinewood nemetode has been receiving some press coverage recently, some of it with a very ··wolfish" ring to it. It no1·, appears this pest has probably been a resident in the good'ol US of A for many, many years and the Japanese may ,;ell have accidentally introduced it there from here rather than our having imported it from Japan. In any event, to date this pest has been primarily one of weakened, often exotic, species of conifers. Whether it becomes a serious problem remains a question of the future. Although it has been recovered on several occasions in Virginia by VPI pathologists, our occasional isolations have not yielded any pine­ wood nemetodes to date. Dr. Robert Lambe, VPI & SU, is plannine a Statewide survey for this pest in Virginia.

Pine bark beetles: Aerial surveys by District personnel in Suffolk, Isle of Wight and Halifax Counties in February indicated a few single and double tree spots (In Halifax a total of 105 spots with red-topped pines were noted in a two hour flight, but fewer than 10 contained five or more trees; ground checks of selected spots in Halifax will follo,,;),

Ips bark beetles continue to be the major pest reported across the piedmont and coastal plain, but a few SPB spots were noted in Surry, Hanover, Acconac (one spot with 150 trees) and Mathews Counties. On the Clinch Ranger District, Jefferson National Forest, three SPB spot infestations were reported in early February 1981. In District 1 (Haverly) the widespread Ips outbreak of late summer 1980 appears to have subsided somewhat by late fall. The effect of the long drought of 1980 (still continuing in many areas) may yet have an impact on bark beetle populations this next summer. -3-

General

A 6-day warm spell during the week of February 16 encouraged early stirrings from the plant community; red maple floi-rers were noted appearing in the Keysville area on February 25, 1981. Happily, temperatures became more seasonal and slowed further development.

Shortleaf pine seedlings raised at the Augusta Forestry Center suffered severe winter burn and dieback from the unusually low temperatures in January and early February 1981, An estimated 20% of the 1-year seedlings may be salable.

Examination of the American chestnut seedling crop at Augusta sh011ed 8% infection and mortality from the blight fungus during the first year in the seedbed; extensive aberrations in the seedling stems was evident this year.

North Carolina reports testing a promising new chemical called RIDOl!IL used for control of phytopthora root rot of Fraser fir in seedbeds.

Scleroderris canker has been found in six additional t01-mships in Vermont; New York added 25 additional tounships to their quarantine (parts of 13 counties are now in the NY quarantine area). Initial surveys indicate the European strain, which kills large trees, is probably also present in several locations in l,aine. The fungus has also been confirmed in 14 plantations in Quebec.

DISTRICT P..EPORTS (December 1980 - Harch 1981)

Pest or Condition Location

Southern Pine Beetle Accomack 95% mortality, 100% defol. of 150 loblolly pine Hanover 8 loblolly pine killed Hathews 5 Virginia pine yard trees killed Surry 15 loblolly pine, 100% defoliation

Turpentine Beetle Prince George 100% defoliation to 2 loblolly pines Prince George 1 loblolly showing signs of defoliation

Ips Caroline Spot infestations throughout county Gloucester 100% mortality of 6 Virginia pine Lunenburg 3 shortleaf killed lfocklenburg 10m; mortality to 16 shortleaf oines Isle of Hight 55 trees w/100% mortality, 4 locations

Pine Looper King & Queen 6 Virginia pine, 40% defoliation

Bag Harms Greensville Infesting yard tree

Ash Borer King & Queen 1 white ash tree, 100% mortality

Fornes Annosus King & Queen 20 loblolly pines, 30% mortality

Root Rot Lunenburg 1 white pine killed -4-

I:AIHFALL

Decer:J.ber January February Portsmouth 2.55 2.21 1.51 Eastern Shore 1.01 3.45 Courtland 2.00 o. 41, 2.33 Sandston 0.98

HOTEz 1930 deficit, fron average rainfall, 1-ras 11 .. 4 inches in Portsr.i.outh ..

C~ L. !:orris, Chief Insect & Disease Investigations

;·'arch 12, 1981

VIP.GIUIA nr,rsron OF FOit!;STP.Y P.O. Ilox 3758 Charlottesville, VA 22903 FOREST PEST SURVEY REPORT

Virginia DivisiQn of Forestry llox 3758 Cllarlot_tesvil],e, Virginia 22903

April 1981

GENERAL The high level of forest.fire :1-ncidence this spring indicates the loWlevel of rainfall during the period. Pine.bark'beetles continue to kill trees in small spots throughout the State.with tre ,!E.!!. species being primarily responsible, although occasional reports'of'the·southern pine·beetle continue to be received (see.District.Reports for SPll activity in Henrico, King & Queen and Isle of Wight). ' · • · • ' ' • 1 :·. , · , ••. • · . '. • •·. , .· l , Th~ summary comp~ndium on USDA's Expanded Southern Pine Beetle Research Program has· been widely distributed to State Foresters, industry foresters and consulting foresters throughout the SE. If you have not seen a copy, and are overcome with desire, write the Southern Forest''Experiinent Station. It is well written and has several chapters of special intetest:'to prai:ticing foresters, including one on silvicultural implications and one on methods to hazard-rate pine ·, stands. · · The EPA has officially ·adde4 ·eight additional pesticides to the "restricted" list. Included are Chloropicrin :{fumigant), Acti-dione· (streptomyc:l:n), Bidrin, Nicotine and zinc phosphide .(mouse poison) •. Appli'ca.t:6'r's using these pest:l:c:l:des must be registered by the '?i,:Acs' arid laiiels ufiually'tequire.spec:l:al protective clothing. · · · .. ,. · -· · '" .:·

EPA has concluded t;he review (RPAR) process on dimethoate (Cygon) insecticide. EPA plans to cancel all registrations unless manufacturers :1:nclude requirements that all applicators wear protective· clothing and equipment. USFS research on pruning hardwoods debunks the iong held re.commendation to "flushcut." To promote quickest healing and reduce chanceii of decay and stain, prune beyond the bark collar. Search for the coneworm Dioryctria disclusa, which caused exi:ens:1:ve damage to cones and conelets throughout tµe southeast last year, showed little ey:l:dcnce of act:l:vity in the male catkins· a'..t: the New Kerit loblo11y ·seed orchard to-date. Apparently the aerially-applied spra,y of last spr:l:ng was effective in reducing the pest to low population levels,' anci );he anticipated early season spray will' not be necessary. Pheromone traps for this.pest will·be placed in the Buckingham and New Kent seed orchards later :l:n the 'season in· an attempt to correlate moth catches with expected attack next year. Fall cankerworm (tentative identification) appears to lie fairly·common in the Portsmouth area on oak. Carikerworm activity reportedly on the•increase on the Eastern Shore, particularly in and around Salisbury, Maryland, where activity had been reported last year'.··

' ,, .•::ti', -2-

Hemlock wooly aphid survey (by VDACS): Syd Miller, Regional Supervisor, reports the results of a winter survey for new locations of HWA. Positive locatibns noted on natural stands or on ornamentals along 781 in the SE comer of Rockbridge County; eastern edge of Montgomery County along Rt. 637; northern comer of Floyd County along Rt. 653 from Simsons north; across Switzer Ridge on Rt. 606 (west of Fincastle) and along Rt. 611 (north of Rt. 11); along Rt. 43 (south of Rt. 11) and generally present in hemlock stands in the SE corner of Botetourt on the Jefferson National Forest. In Bedford County, the insect was present in the mf and SW comers, along Routes 640 and 766 and Rt. 43 north of Kelso Mill, and in scattered locations along routes 757, Rt. 800 and Rt. 634 (latter location in Franklin County). Thus far infestations of this pest have not resulted in strongly visible host reaction, although Syd reports some indication of slightly off-color foliage in a few natural stands; impact on heavily infested ornamentals is more obvious, however. A.recent call from Gary Traynham, US National Park Service, confirmed presence of the aphid at the Peaks of Otter campground.

Acid Rain is much in the news these days. An excellent general information bulletin by EPA is available, entitled "Acid Rain" (EPA-600/9-79-036, July 1980) available from Center for Environmental Research Infprmaion, USEPA, Cincinnati, Ohio 45268 •.

A recent article in "Virginia Air," a publication from the State Air Pollution Control Board, points out: The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) has sponsored a great deal of research on acid rain. They indicate that it is difficult to relate sulfur dioxide (S02) emissions. to the subsequent formations of acid sulfates. In one study, s02 emissions stayed virtually constant over the study period, .but there were radical changes of day-to-day sulfate levels which varied by hundreds.of percentage points.

EPRI .claims a discrepancy betw~en the so 2 emissions and the alleged increase in the acidity of rainfall in the East. The . Council on Environmental Quality claims a 5000 percent increase in acid rain over the past 25 years. However, Professor Gene Likens of Cornell University indicates an increase in sulfur oxide emissions of only about 5 percent from 1950 to 1975. It is essential that we understand the contribution that man and nature make in the acidity problem. For example, perhaps as much as 50 percent of the formation of nitric acid comes from lightning. Unless we are able to pinpoint the relationship between so2 and nitrogen dioxide (NOx) emissions from whatever source to the formation of acid rain in the area, it is unrealistic and a waste of resources to set up co~trol strategies for S02 and NOx emissions. We might find ourselves spending billions of dollars in building scrubbers for power plants and retrofitting boilers for NOx control only to find that little or no reduction in acid rain would be accomplished.

An example of this kind of premature control strategy is in Texas and California where millions have spent because of EPA's regulations to reduce volatile organic compound emissions, only to find that the ozone measurements remain approximately the same. ' -3-

In conclusion, there are many conflicting theories about the causes and effects of acid rain. The TAC Acid Rain Network, in conjunction with other monitoring stations in Virginia, will generate data in the ne'x1;-~ew years which,will allow the State Air Pollution Control Board to determine the trends in acid rain and.what control meth6ds may be appropriate for protection of the environment.

An "Air Pollution Laboratory" was dedicated at Virginia Tech this past winter; Dr. John Skelly," Director, will be looking at the acid rain problem also. ~ 1 The long-term impact of the extensive drought of last sunnner which continued throughout most of the State through the past winter and this spring, will influence tree vigor over the next. several years. Those stands in which late sunnner mortality was evident last year would be the ones to watch for this long-term influence. Shallow-rooted species are most likely to suffer continuous stress, particularly if deficit of rainfall continues in 1981.

GyPSY moth: several commercial products are now available for localities or individuals in the impending battle of suppression - male moth traps (two companies) and two forms of chemical disruption from Hereon (Sunnnit Chemical Company, Baltimore). The tape form can be dispensed by hand in lightly infested woodlands to confuse the male moths; once in place the pheromone tape is reportedly effective for several years.

A NEW CANDIAN FILJI! ON THE GYPSY MOTH WHICH DEALS PRIMARILY WITH THE BIOLOGY OF THE BUG HAS BEEN PURCHASED BY THE DIVISION. A SECOND COPY WAS, MADE AVAILABLE (I\ BY THE USFS. .-+J°(,,-e.,C \ or v~w

. \ . . ~' ... Pine looper moth populations reportedly at very high levels•in and around Tappahannock (4/24); also large numbers vicinity of West Point. Moths noted in somewhat higher than usual numbers in Buckingham (4/20), Sprouses Corner (4/17), and in Lunenburg County (4/21). Moth numbers, however, cannot be tied with any assurance to defoliation by late summer, however, since a number of unpredictable factors - primarily weather - affect the larvae as they develop. Collections of over-wintering looper pupae indicates a 10% level of parasitization, many by a large fly which is being identified by the USDA,

E. Tent Caterpillars are at a 10-year high in the central piedmont and in the northern Valley. Reports from Portsmouth indicate lower populations than normal, however. -4-

DISTRICT REPORTS

Pest or Condition Location Damage

Ips Cumberland 12 Virginia pine in bad shape Ips Lunenburg 1-10 trees infested Mecklenburg 3 shortleaf pines killed; rest still merchantable Surry 1 loblolly, 100% defoliation

SPB Henrico 60 loblolly pines, 100% defoliation & 75% mortality Isle of Wight 10 loblolly pines, 100% mortality King & Queen 5 loblolly pines, 100% mortality

Black Turpentine Beetle Accomack Lightning & fire damage (3 trees); equipment damage (2 trees)

Weevils Lunenburg 5-6 loblolly pines infested

Cytospora Canker Brunswick 1 Norway Spruce (20-25 yrs. old); 75% defoliation

Mouse Damage Bland 1 acre of Virginia pine killed

RAINFALL - March, 1981

Sandston 1.56 inches Portsmouth 1.82 II Accomac 2.09 II Courtland 2.28 II

C. L. Morris, Chief Insect & Disease Investigations April 29, 1981 F O R E S T P E S T S U R V E Y R E P O R T

.Virginia Division cif Forestry : .: ) Box 3758 Charlottesville, Virginii 22903

' . MAY'l981

Gene-raJ,

Las,t ll!O!'.\th we reported ·apparent '.low population levels of the cone mo.th Dioryctria disclusa in·the·male flower.catkins in the.loblolly pine seed orchard trees-. at· New .Kent .and Buckingham. Last minute reexaminations revealed an increase (to an-estimated 3-4% of the-conelets infested) which triggered'an aerial spray application of Guthion at New-Kent on May 3-5. Additional aerial applications of Guthiori are anticipated later in the season for seedbug and other late season cone moths.

Hardwood defoliators: May was~ banner month fora variety of hardwood defoliators, primarily the fall cariken~orm1(plus a scattering of spring cankerworm), linden looper and forest tent caterpillar ...A variety of-other-minor leaf feeders, the half-winged ,geometer, Phigalia titea, underwings and Catocala sp. were noted. Some increase·in defoliation by-the Virginia pine sawfly was noted in Halifax. g~~~fi~a: c~nti~ua~~on of a wid:spread. i'.nfestation ext~nding south into Nr~:~,,

. ··1 , ,The oak 1,eaf tier· (Croesia semipurpurana), which was predicted ·(by'.our winter egg surveys) to be moderate in populations this spring in the Waynesboro area (Augusta County) turned out to be much less a problem than anticipated. Many low land scarle.t oaks defoliared the past_ two. years have ,died or exhibit extensive. crown dieback; a. portion of the area where OLT.had been active was defoliated this spring by linden· looper (7, OOQ acres).:.· The OLT remain~d at low J,evel!! in other . sections o-f.the State. · ' . ' A summary-of the major forested areas defoliated this ·spring follows: VDF observers in Frederick and Clarke Courit;tes report county-wide defoliation of. hardwoods by linden looper, fall caµke,i:worm and forest tent caterpillar. Scattered defoliation noted.from the northern end of the Rlue Ridge (Clarke County) .southward to Afton Mt. (Waynesboro) where scattered patches of mixed oak and hickory (9,700 acres),were severely defoliated-mainly, by the linden looper, but also by cankerworms at_ 1'.qcosin Cabin. i Bull Run Mts exhibited some 3,000 ·acres of defoliation by canker- . worm and linden looper. . (ifa--0 rl,,~ct 1,a-h~€_0,[4);.. . . ' .· .. The northern half of the Massanutten }!t. (Shenandoah County) was defoliate!'! by the linden looper and cankerwormi~n estimated 30,000-~cres .,nth-visible defoliation·in late May).

Several small areas around Charlottesville had moderate to severe defoliation of oaks (primarily white oaks) south along Rt. 20, with a hundred plus acres defoliated in immediate vicinity of Keene (Albemarle County), mainly linden looper.

Along Rt. 64 north of Hampton, roadside oaks, hickories and maples were severely stripped of leaves for 5-6 miles by the fall cankerworm. Similar damage. widespread (cankerworm plus forest tent caterpillar) on the E. Shore of Virginia. Other scattered areas of defoliation noted -soµth of Portsmouth'along Rt. 64 an,;! at Seashore State Park. The forest tent caterpillar.continued its feeding activity in the lowland sites on tupelo anp. sweet gum ,o:n the ~estern edge. of the·· -2-

Dismal Swamp, with more extensive defoliation extending southward into North Carolina. A total of 2,900 acres were noted in Suffolk and Chesapeake Counties, with the cankerworm the primary feeder in Chesapeake. Other visible defoliation reported on Little North Mt. (west of Lebanon Church, Shenandoah Co.), Fox Mt. and Pigeon Top Mts (Rt. 821) and along Rt. 610 on Southwestern Mt. (Albemarle Co.) also vicinity Barboursville, Cowherd Mt and western slope Buck Mt, Albemarle Co. Defoliation also noted Pruetts Mt. and vicinity Bent Creek (Buckingham & Nelson Cos.)

In Richmond and Northumberland Counties, the Forest Tent Caterpillar was the primary defoliator along Rts.601 and 600 from Robley to Rainswood (1,500 acres). The forest tent was primarily involved in an estimated 20,000 acres on Quantico Marine Corps Base, Prince William Forest Park (Dept. Interior) and west on private land toward and beyond Bristersburg (into Culpeper Co.). Collection of recently cocooned FTC in Richmond county showed a considerable proportion of this stage parasitized'by a fly (maggots dropped out a few days after cocooning) and a large wasp.

Fall Cankerworm defoliation noted by Severt as complete on about 1,000 acres at High Knob in Wise County (an ongoing infestation first evident last year). Additional areas of oaks (particularly white oaks) defoliated reported in northern half of Botetourt County. Fonest tent caterpillar also noted. Hardwoods defoliated on·western slope of ridge on Franklin County side, Smith Mt. Lake (Bedford and Franklin Counties).

Prospects for continued high levels of this complex of defoliators next year remains probable, based on past history. The VDF will conduct egg surveys and banding surveys (for emerging adults next fall) in selected areas to assess the prospects for next spring.

The introduced pine sawfly (Diprion similis) was the subject of a continuing delimiting survey during May with the use of 20 traps and pheromone wicks provided by the USFS. Severt reports adult male sawflies trapped throughout Washington County, the western half of Wythe and as far north as Willis in Floyd County. He reports a few larvae half-grown, some egg-laying by adults on June l in Grayson Co. First and second instar larvae were present in a few scattered colonies in one stand ornamental white pine along Rt. 81, Harrisonburg on 6/4/81.

Oak sawfly adults emerging last week in May in Washington County.

Pitch canker more evident this year than usual in sampling Virginia pine in·the piedmont and coastal plian; noticeable for the first time in the Virginia pine seed orchard in Buckingham County.

Anthracnose on sycamore considerably more extensive throughout at least the northern 2/3 of the State this year with individual trees severely affected.

E. tent caterpillar adults 90% emerged from cocoons in the Charlottesville vicinity June 6, 1981.

------.,,,t,,, C Gyosy Moth Three new spot infestations of GM larvae were discover~d this past spring., One a few miles east of Keysville (in Lunenburg Co.) by Roscoe Ramsey, CFI~ Charlotte County. Two additional spots found in Fairfax County (Annandale and Great Falls) were confirmed by the VDACS and constitute the first infestations in suburban -3- populated areas. A possible fourth infestation is under investigation at the Plains, Fauquier County. Aerial application of DIMILIN and SEVIN insecticides to 200 acres in the Lunenburg infestation was completed May 22. Prior to the spray, larvae were collected and will be reared at VPI & SU for assessment of parasite incidence. An additional 1,400 acres was sprayed by the VDACS and USDA in the Floyd County infestation in a continuing effort to eliminate the pest there •. Intensive trapping will follow later this summer to delineate/identify any additional GM activity in the Floyd and Lunenburg infestations. No elimination activities are anticipated in the northern Virginia.area since infestations there are considered as part of the advancing edge of the general infestation.

An informational meeting with officials of Fairfax County on the GM situation was held June 11 with VDACS, VDF, Extesion and USDA(APHIS) represented.

The USDA reports a rising rate of allergic reactions by citizenry in the NE to the larval hairs. of the unusually large number of caterpillars present this year. ·Acreage of forests defoliated 'by GU is expected to reach all-time high levels in 1981.

Defoliation of Virginia pine by the pine looper, which increas_ed noticeably last year in the Tappahannock (Essex County) area late last fall, are predicted (based on punae counts in late winter 80-81) to continue at a high level in 1981. ' ~ District personnel will be keeping a cautious eye on trees suffering past 1 defoliation during late summer and Fall 81 to advise landowners of tree mortal;ity and need to salvage. Past moderate defoliation of Virginia pine noted along/ stretches of I-64 south of New Kent almost to Hampton noted this spring; mothI populations moderate on 5/14; eggs present on VP that date. Nearly 100% mopfality of VP reported in a 2-acre stand from earlier defoliation near Walkerton, / King & Queen County (see additional reports from Districts). / • ju / i I I Vi y<,co,I:' Pine spittlebug more evident than usual this year. J-.Jei1e &}' . •~} c/'- j d 111,0 I C,:,_;/J l J, ('. <"'' . 1 ------G . L1 ;\A I ..J1 v-0/ - fr v-• · D• n· 1" ' I!~ 1,, JI '1 e:-f,, ), c) 'g 1 · I 11;.tJ.I-' > d J,<

District Reports

Pest or Condition Location Damage

Forest Tent Caterpillar Dismal Swamp Heavily hit in areas of black gum esp. Fre/Clarke Countywide damage; 10-20% defoliation (Lunenburg Many cherry trees infested, 50-100% \ defol. Montgomery/ Giles Wild cherry/apple infested Mt. Vernon 3 cherry trees killed ) Richmond 10-100% defol. of 1,000 acres or more (mainly oaks and hickory) l, Shen/Pg/War Widespread severe damage to cherry

Fall Cankerworm Fauquier 30 trees (oak/hickory), 80% defol: Gloucester Oak & maple yard trees infested, some defol. Accomack Widespread throughout county, slight defol. -4-

Pest or Condition,_ Location Damage

Fall Cankerworm Cont'd Fre/Clarke Cduntywide damage to misc. hardwoods Shen/Pg/War Very severe damage to hardwoods

Ips Beetles Cumberland VA pine, 2 spots - 7 trees Fauquier 4 white pine, 100% mortality Herndon 2 VA pine nearly dead Gloucester 1 loblolly yard tree killed Lunenburg 20 VA & slash pine killed Rockingham white pines killed, 2 spots Sussex 6 loblolly,·100% mortality

SPB Amelia 10 loblolly pines infested, 3 killed King & Queen 15 loblolly infested, 100% mortality

Ips & SPB Greensville 8 loblolly pines, 20% mortality

Eastern Tent Caterpillar Bland & Wythe General infestation of wild cherry D-5 Higher incidence than usual Augusta Many spots of black cherry affected Fre/Clarke Countywide, 10-18% defol. of cherry Rockingham Widespread infestation of black cherry, 5% defoliation

Pine Sawfly Patrick VA pine infested Pr. Edward 10 acres VA pine; 10% defoliation Rockingham 1 acre slight damage to white pine Sussex 4 loblolly infested

Linden Looper Fre/Clarke Countywide defoliation of misc. hardwoods Madison 20 acres of oaks infested Shen/Pg/War Severe, widespread damage to hardwoods

Pine Looper Essex 10 VA pine, 70% defoliation King & Queen 2 spots, defoliation & mortality

Spittlebug Great Falls 15 VA pine affected Sussex 3 loblolly yard trees affected

Bagworm Emporia 1 white pine yard tree Rockingham 5-25% defoliation to evergreens Wythe Scattered white pines infested

Aphids Augusta Several scattered locations of light damage to white pine Roanoke 3 white pines; little damage Rockingham Several locations, light damage to white and Scotch pines -5-

Pest or Condition Location Damaoe

N. Pine Weevil Augusta ½ acre of moderate damage to white pine

Dogwood borers Sussex 1 tree with extensive damage

Dutch Elm Disease Rockingham American elm killed

Anthracnose Richmond Widespread in county Shenandoah Moderate damage

Fornes Annosus King & Queen 20 trees - 100% mortality

Fusiform Rust Mathews 5 yard trees affected

Drought Frederick 1 acre chestnut oak, 90% killed

Ozone Augusta laacre white pine, damage moderate to severe Rockingham White & Scotch pines damaged; several spots

Precipitation - May 1981

Portsmouth 3.17" Accomac 3.65" Courtland 4.36"

.::;;:-··- /'

,- / )/,(l ,·,r ,···"\ .. ·J , f ~..-, -~ , .-...._."'-.b,...,"-. ('\ ' ' ·'. _,,··-= LC. t. Morris, Chief Insect & Disease Investigations

June 17, 1981 VIRGINIA DIVISION OF FORESTRY P. o. Box 3758 Charlottesville, VA 22903

( F O R. E S T P E S T SURVEY 'l F P 0 R T . ' i

. ' , 'JULY 1981. '.

General'

Various hardwoods' defoliate!d 6ver'exteris:l,ve areas in v~rious ·pa~t;s/of the si:ate are producing a new set of leaves; little tree·.·1:1ortal':ilY: _is 'J:,/;pecte,f,this year. in. most·a:i:eas. However,·maturewhite oak seve'rely defol:l'.ated fol'·tl:ie'fii:st time this spring in Keene area, Albemarle County sho~s some outright mortality and extensive branch dieback by July 15, 1981.·

An aerial survey by the USFS for gY)>SY moth and other pests o~ the Georg~­ Washington National Forest was graciously extended to incl,ucle a l_ook at; private land in. Shenandoah, Freder:i,'ck;' Loudoun arid' '.Cl'ar!fe. Counties ori ,'June 2'4 .. No indications of defoliation by GH was i16ted, ·bui: 'an exteni,:lvJ area. of defoliation by forest , tent c'aterpi1lar'through Shenandoali'arid Southern Frederick Counties was mapped . (18-,000 ''acres of' vis'ibie de:foliatfrin aloJg Little ·tior.th Ho~nta'in w. of Straiiburg)i :·;<;:t> !.' "'. /•,. ' 11: ., . -.,•. • •, ... l -~(.-.>,., ',.• -, '/. , ' •. -- r · ·ff One a~ditim;,al area. of several hundred acres of''defoliation notsld in Chester- field County east of Powhatan County line.hetween Rt. 711 and the James ·River, cankerwornis, lea'f rollers and leaf tiers ·uo't:ed·, ' ' ' ... ·.' ...... \\~;: ~- -· Three additional areas of defoliation by fall cankerworm renorted by Severt; 20 acres, 90% defoliated, on south side of Burnley Creek between Rt. 1g and Rt. RO, north central Washington County; 10 acres, 95% defoliated on Cabin Ridge, encl,ll.t. ,75(), SW Grayson County; 400 acres, 100% defoliated, east of Pine 11t. and_ west of 'll.t. •··739, south of Rt. 25 in SW Grayson County

., I. Gypsy'}ioth

Reports of new finds of GI1 infestations south of the general infestation are mounting. Larvae were found in three northern WV counties (Jefferson, llorgan a,nd. Berkeley); there are. 5 known infestatio,ns in northern Virginia (e>ne in Loudoun · :, Co. near Leesburg, three in Fairfax Co,, Annandale, Springfield, _Great Falls) and one"in Fatiquie'r Co, ~t"fhe Plains. Tli'e Lurleributg C9ur:ty infeitation·, 'wher'e;',2_0_0 . acres t1erei sprayed by. the USDA/VDACS l\as reported. no male .moth. catches· as 'of .July 10. • • ' ' : '• • < ' ' • • .·-;;,. • ,' :-J. .. • I \ ,-.p.;.,,, The VDACS has released several larval parasites (the fly Compsilura coric'innata and the wasp Meteorus sp. in several o(the infesta,tionsc. VDF has releasE!d .£, concinnata _and Brachymeria intetmed:fa, a pupai. 'I\a,rasite; 9btainecj cdurt'e.s)I' t~e US~A, in the· five known locations in northern Virginia', . ' ~ ~- : ·, . ··- ' . . ·Recent ·reports cite a sfogle suspect' i,:.fe;.1;,;_tion (based ·on multiple moth · catches)' in North Cai:ciiiria (North Rale:1,gh) ,. and a co.nfirmed infestation ·just across the NC line of Rt. 11 'South of Ca1aba'sh .. Defoliadon irl the NE this· year' may well reach l;t. l)lillion acr;~ ~ . . " , ,.; -2-

A team of USPS entomologists returned recently from the USSR "with a large collection of potential gypsy moth parasite_s. :· Hopefully, this collection trip, the consummation of several·years of concerted i:tiplotriatic effort, will provide us with additional candid.ates for establishment in the U.S.

A very common fly parasite of an oak/hickory tussock moth active at the same time as gypsy moth larvae at Great Falls (Fairfax County) emerged in numbers from the tussock moth larvae collected June 11, 1981. They were identified by the USDA as Exorista mella, a common native parasite of lepidopterous caterpillars, and occasionally recovered from gypsy moths -in past years.

Early reports of male moth catches (July 10, 1981) in northern Virginia inaicate a repeat of last year's results: widespread multiple catches in Fairfax (3.8 moths/ trap in 37 traps); Arlington (8 moths/trap in 7 traps); Fauquier (1 moth/trap in 6 traps); Stafford (1.45 moths in 20 traps); Frederick (1 111ot.fi/~r1c

Flights by District personnel on the E. Shore (Accomack & Northampton) in Westmoreland and Halifax Counties revealed a very low lev,;,i•'of bark beetle activity. A few scattered single red-tops were noted in all ·c·ounties; but most appeared to be caused·by ~- The Pocahontas, Cumberland, Prin~e Edward·and po'rtions of the Appomattox-Buckingham State Forests were flown in earty July with only a few small spots noted; ·mostly due to~ attack.

The first report of active infestations of SPB (a 10-tree spot in.Powhatan, a 6-tree spot in Hanove·r) received in late July from District personnei.

Oak Wilt Survet.

Severt completei:l the annual survey of four' quads in Rockingham and four quads in Washington Counties in early July. He plotted 35 active infestations in Rockingham; 8 active in Washington. M9st were o_ld spots which have been active for a number of years. The numbers correspond closely with surveys in previous years.

Sawflies

. The -.hite pine sawf'l:y' (l!,,_, abbottii) was common in the white pine ·\'leer! orchard at Augusta ·Forestry Center· in June. Larvae which were cocooning on 7 /7 have yieldEid several intere\3ting parasites; a fly and,a bra~onid (?), the latter not · observed before in' Virginia collections. .

A continuous 'surv~y for the introduced.pine sawfly conducted by .Severt via roadside observations :indicates· the insect (cocoons or·• larvae) present in two additional counties in SW Virginia -- Wisia (Big Stone·'·Gap) and Tazewel! County (to the WIT line) and in Russell Co. (throughout). This pest appears to be a fast mover and no doubt will soon cover the areas in Virginia where white pine is a native. Cocoon collections from 6 1~cations on 6/30/81 yielded.the effective cocoon parasite Honodontorneris dentipes in ·iarge numbers in all locations - also several other hymenopterous parasites yet to be identified from.bne location (between Flat ),1.idge and Troutdale, NW Grayson County). Other collections points: Volney (intersection .. ;, l - .-. ~_i;_. -3-

58 ·and 16, Grayson·co,); 1.5 miles south of Chilhowie along w. side of Rt. 8: near intersection Rts. 603 and 675, Grayson Co.; Rt. 603, 3.5 miles w. of Troutdale; 2 miles east of Fox (Gold Hill), intersection Rt. 58 and 681, Grayson Col. All • v cocoons collected in·•orie area were primarily des.troyed by predation whtch the. ·usFS, Asheville, -•,is c-Onvinced--was-due to the blac;k7capped chickadee. An average of 2G"cocoons collected from each,·of• 6 locations on·•June 30, 1981, Grayson County, yielded a range of parasitization from 25-68%, averaging 35%, primarily by 1-lonodontomeris dentipes, although one fly and several large hymenops were also reared from the collection. Currently IPS populations -are at relatively low levels in the SH, even in ·areas where\ large ins.eat numbers were, nQted last fall.

The combined long-term' impact, of root'·,rot· caused by Fornes annO!'!US on the,, residual natural stand of loblolly pine (Chenault) near Aylett, VA, thinned 16 years ago (now 48 years of age) was strikingly evident this summer. Bark beetles have taken their annua'l:'•,toll ofr.rot-weakened ,trees and during, the past twq,,spr;lngs Hetrick's pine sawfly has caused moderate defoliation, along with the pine looper, An estimated 50% of the stand remaining after that first and only thinning now,;remains, and many trees•,are':dying,· · A classic example ·of: ..the :worst that can occut;. following widespread infection by F. annosus on a particularly high hazard soil! Happily, we have seen only a few stands over the last 15 years that rival losses of this magnitude...... , "''.. :: , . .- :

Needlecast (Hypoderma lethale) on loblolly pine at very low level this spring in both piedmont and cdastal--plain, apparently reflecting low level of infection during the dry weather of mid and late summer, 1980.

·"' Locust· leaf ·miner defoliation (first generation) is generally at :the . lowest point in the past 6 years,vin most areas of the State. The expected second generation damage in the Salem area is now commonly evident and at a somewhat higher level.

Five· recently. dead· (Jl·,months). and one 9 month dead Scotch pine in. Harrisop.burg were sampled in June for pinewood nematode - none were found. Ornamental ~cot~h pin!"s d are reported dying in larger numbers than normal beginning last summer.( cJ:,waf f?oC<-,J (ju.. , :·,,, :·:1 • . . . :w' .. , .·.. ,, ,,.-, cl,,(/e ). · · l .. , ,· Aphids". on; map.le and· yellow poplar were at particularly high levels this past spring --·• the .t,&0ly alder aphicj·(?) common at high-populations in several locations of Tappahannock and'on scattered·individuatl trees elsewhere in the piedmont.

An interesting example of "needle drop'' of E. white pine was submitted by the Fairfax County Extension Agent in mid July. The characteristic bending of the needles, noted in several• locations, genera]ly close 'to the proximal end seems· to· be similar to the malady noted in years past in the Lake States, mainly on red pine and is considered physiological. Many of the affected needles will apparently turn brown .J. .J ··· , -. '

_l)rought damage noted in two ~streaks" of hardwoods - mainly scarlet oak on thin, shaley soil '-:•noted ·in the course of the early July survey for SPB in Halifax County. -4-

Pest or Condition Location Damage

Ips Bark Beetle Piedmont Cos •. VA/whit" pine.yard trees killed Franklin ·l00l'; mortality.-: .:\.,,white pine Sussex 100% mortality:;: 30, loblolly 1>ines

1 ; i,

VA Pirie Sawfly' Halifax 1 .acre .VA & short.l·e;,_f' pine - 75% defol. Halifax 2 acres VA & shortlea{ pine - 85% defol. · Halifax 1 acre shortlea:I: .pin~ - 50-75% defol.

Gypsy Moth Annandale Slight defoliation of oaks Great Falls Slight defoliation of white oak Springfield Slight defoliation of oaks

Turpentine Beetle Pr. Edward Co. 1 shortleaf - 10% defoliation

E. Tent Caterpillar· · · D-7 Single cherry tree - severe.dama~e '

Linden Looper Pr. Edward 10 white oaks - 10~, defoliation

Elm Leaf Beetle Essex 1 American elm - 60% defoliation

Webworm Annandale 3 oaks - slight defoliation

Spittlebug Accomack General infestation of loblo1ly through­ out area

N. Tip !10th Burkeville 1,000 Scotch pines - tip kill

Aphids D-3 Found throughout !i'I\tire district Danville Silver maple - infestation citywide Essex 1 dogwood - 20% defoliation Lawrenceville 8 white pines infested Pr. Edward 2 sugar maples

Maple Spindle Gall Pr. Edward 1 sugar maple

Locust Leaf Miner Bath/Rockb'tidge Numerous spots - larval stage

Mites Vienna 2 N. spruce affected

Japanese Beetles Greenville maple yard trees affected -5-

Damage l Pest or Condition Location Verticillium Hilt Sussex 1 red maple affected

Dutch elm Disease Buena Vista 1 elm killed

RAINFALL: - June

Accomac 2.20" Courtland 5.87" Portsmouth 4. 35'' Salem 2.12''

c. L. Morris, Chief Insect & Disease Investigations

August 12, 1981 FOREST PEST SURVEY REPORT

VIRGINIA DIVISION OF FORESTRY Box 3758 Charlottesville, Virginia 22903

August 1981

GENERAL:

Since our report last month additional oak mortality has become evident, particularly in many areas where moderate to heavy defoliation occurred by the complex of native caterpillars. In one woodland at the foot of the Blue Ridge near Waynesboro (where the Oak leaf tier was active· for several years, followed by defoliation in Spring 1981--i;y-iinden looper) extensive mortality to white, black, scarlet and chestnut oak was noted recently over 100 acres. The oldest and least vigorous trees are primarily involved in areas where defoliation occurred only once, An August 26 flight over the area near Quantico, which was extensively defoliated this past spring by the forest tent caterpillar, showed refoliation and little tree mortality. However, the defoliated trees were quite evident due to the thinnness and small size of the new foliage. 'Residual drought conditions remain a problem in some areas of the State, although generally there has been sufficient top soil moisture to assure a reasonable crop harvest this yea.r.

The Southern pine beetle continues to remain at very low levels. Several small spot infestations were reported in August near Doswell (Hanover Co.) and m,ar Owenton (King & Queen Co.). A flight on 8/26 over the Pocahontas State Forest and Park showed a dozen single tree spots only; most likely due to turpentine beetle or~- Rich Dorset, Pest Management Forester of Kentucky, reported recently that his .i. last winter egg.survey. for the Virginia'i>irie sawfly,(originally developed by VDF) · failed to predict a marked upswing in larvae populations this past spring. This is apparently the first time the system has failed; we have used it effectively in Virginia annually for the past 15 years.

The introduced pine sawfly, according to reports from the USFS in North Carolina, has spread significantly in 1981 in NC. A roadside survey in Virginia indicated eastward spread from Staunton to Fishersville along Rt. 250 in 1981; no evidence of infestation was found along Rt. 340 between Waynesboro and ·Elkton (eastern Augusta and Rockingham Counties).

Gypsy Noth: lfoth trap catches now being summarized across the State by the VDACS and USDA. At•this point over 20,000 moths were caught in essentially the same trapping area as in 1980 (although a more potent new bait was utilized this year in all traps, rather than only those in the northern part of the State in 1980). In 1980 only 1,700 moths were captured. -2-

l-!oth catches in Lunenburg County, where an isolated infestation was picked up in spring 1981 and 200 acres sprayed in June, showed 5 moths in 5 traps in t~e sprayed area; in the circle surrounding the spray area, 45 moths were caught in 35 traps; in the traps in the remainder of the county, 109 moths were caught in 32 days.

Again this year (the third episode in 10 years) extensive numbers of moths were caught along the coastal areas of Virginia and North Carolina. The unusually large number of catches throughout the northern half of the State and along the coastal areas seems to indicate a "blow-in phenomenon and make interpretation of those trap catches difficult if not impossible.

Trapping results to-date (courtesy USDA and VDACS) show expected highs in northern Virginia (269 moths ·in 17 traps·in ArlinP,ton; 1,354 moths in 104 traps in Clarke; 2,558 moths in 179 traps in Fairfax; 1,547 moths in 115 traps in Fauquier; 2,120 moths in 165 traps in Frederick; 2,428 moths in 162 traps in Loudoun; 1,566 moths in 82 traps in Prince William; 1,148 moths in 131 traps in Spotsylvania; 1,004 moths in 90 traps in Stafford). Elsewhere: 698 moths in 105 traps in Hanover; 365 moths in 79 traps in Orange Co.; 274 moths in 40 traps in Culpeper; 474 moths in 80 traps in Harren; 270 moths in 50 traps in Westmoreland. Other catch figures are considerably lower in other counties of the State. On the Eastern Shore over 2,500 moths were caught in traps in Accomack and Northampton Counties.

A new isolated infestation has been located in Arkansas; 2,000 acres are scheduled to be sprayed there in 1982.

The pine looper, which showed potential for a second year of extensive defoliation in the Tappahannock area (based on moth flights this past spring) apparently has suffered a population collapse similar to that experienced last year in Gloucester and Mathew Counties just to the south.

EPA issued its last position document on Lindane (insecticide) on July 3, 1981. That PD proposed either cancellation or restriction o_f virtually all uses of Lindane in the United States. EPA's Scientific Advisory Panel recommended that the agency reconsider its position and retain all agricultural, veterinary and industrial uses. Since that time producers and EPA have held meetings; additional studies of human exposure are underway. EPA's final regulations are expected llarch 1982.

A tachinid fly parasite emerged from pine looper puape coll. winter 80-31 in Westmoreland County: Peleteria anaxias (Walker), ident. by USDA. Back in 1981 the USDA identified another tachinid from pine looper in Virginia, Daepalpus hirsutus Tns.

The red-headed pine sawfly noted feeding on deodar cedar this summer (2 reports). -3- REPORTS FR0:1 THE DISTRICTS

Pest or Condition Location Damage

Southern Pine Beetle Doswell 6 loblolly pi:n:es affected, 3 killed Hanover 6 loblolly, 307. mortality King & Queen Loblolly·& VA pirte, 60% defoliation Powhatan 10 loblolly pines, 1007. mortality

Fall lve.bworm D-7 Prevalent throughout District on Pecan, Sourwood, Rlack p;um F­ Persinnnon Lunenburg Sourwood - 20% defoliation Lunenburg 10-15% defol±ation of Perisrnmon & Sourwood Wythe Scattered hardwoods affected

Ips Beetle Fairfax 20 VA pine killed Brunswick 1 loblolly pine killed Prince Ed. 1 shortleaf & 1 VA pine k:!.lled

White Pine Sawfly Clarke 5 acres, 15% defoliation Wythe 1 acre slight defoliation T-Tythe 1 tree defoliated

Pine Looper Essex 7 acres VA pine, 207. mortality, 80o/. defoliation Essex 5 acres VA pine, 100% mortality, 90% defoliation . i !

Turpentine Beetle Brunswick 3 loblolly pines killed.

Forest Tent Caterpillar Fairfax Several hardwoods with 30il defoliation

Fall Cankerworm Fairfax 30i( defoliation of man~ hardwoods

White Pine \Jeevil Frederick 1 white pine affected

Elm Bark Beetle Essex 1 Chinese elm 80% defoliated ( Japanese· B.eetles Augusta 2 sugar maple, moderate damage Greensville 3 yard trees with 30% defoli.ation Rockingham Widespread moderate to heavy damage -4-

Pest or Condition Location · .Damage~==------Locust Leaf !liner Hon t go mer y, \,!despread throughout counties Pulaski, Giles

Red Headed Pine Sawfly !lighl1:-nd Moderate damage to several scattered trees

Pine Tip !10th Essex 2 loblolly, 10% defoliation

Bagworms Essex 1 loblolly, 10% defoliation

Orange Striped Oakworm Lunenburg 1 willow oak, 20% defoliation

Oak Skeletonizer Essex 10% defoliation to 1 pin oak

Mites Essex 1 cedar 40% defoliation

Dutch Elm Disease Fred. f, Clarke 12 American elms killed Hanover Slight damage to 1 elm Rockingham Several shade trees killed

White Pine Decline Essex 1 of 8 white pines killed Lunenburg 1 white pine killed

White Pine Blister Rust Rockingham 2 trees killed

Armillaria Root Rot Amelia 3 loblolly pines killed

Precipitation - July

D-5 Salem 4.11'

Precipitation - August

D-2 2.74" D-6 Below normal for month D-7 Frederick & Clarke Cos, 1.27" D-8 Accomac 4. 02" Courtland 5.43" Portsmouth 7. 77" c. L. Morris, Chief Insect & Disease Investigations August 17, 1981 FOREST PEST SURVEY REPORT

Virginia Division of Forestry Box 3758 Charlottesville, Virginia 22903

September~ October 1981

The gypsy moth survey (delta) trap catch summary follows (courtesy of VDACf; and USDA). The VDF trapped Albemarle and Hashington Counties this year. II Positive 'lo. Male II Positive T\1o .. ~1ale County Trap Sites Moth Rec. County Trap Sites Noth Rec.

Accomack 126 1,916 Mecklenburg 5 5 Albemarle 32 42 Hontp,omery 1 1 Amelia* 1 9 Nelson 0 0 Amherst 1 1 Norfolk (IC) 10 37 Arlington 11 292 Northampton 52 330 Augusta 15 16 Northumberland 4'l 187 Bath 0 0 Nottoway* 25 138 Bedford* 1 1 Orange 79 386 Botetourt 0 0 Page 60 135 Carroll 0 0 Patrick 0 0 Charlottet, 55 81 Portsmouth (IC) 0 0 Chesapeake (IC) 41 75 Prince Edward* 15 32 Chesterfield 4 18 Pr. William 89 1,777 Clarke 59 1,410 Pr. Wm. Forest Park 90 1,632 Craig 0 0 Pulaski* 1 1 Culpeper 90 497 Rappahannock 64 282 Fairfax 142 4,073 Richmond (IC) 1 10 Fauquier 197 2,231 Roanoke 1 1 Floyd 35 50 Roanoke (IC)* 1 1 Franklin* 1 1 Rockbridge 2 2 Frederick 105 2,120 Rockingham 87 199 Hinchester (IC) 3 153 Harrisonburg (IC) 1 2 Greene 17 26 Russell 0 () Hanover 108 707 Scott 0 0 Henrico 1 22 Shenandoah 110 793 Henry 0 0 Spotsylvania 113 1,324 James City 4 10 Stafford 70 1,137 Williamsburg (IC) 6 8 Virginia Beach (IC) 28 249 King & Queen 2 2 Warren 56 474 Loudoun 148 4,004 Washington 1 1 Louisa* 98 498 Westmoreland SO ?.70 Lunenburg* 66 152 York 4 6 ~!adison 55 . 111 2,4119 27,938 *First Find.

One or more moths were caught in 54 counties or independent cities (of 64 trapped). The pattern of catches seemed to incicate an unusual number of "blow-ins" from the north. The Division of Forestry, in cooperation with the Virginia Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Extension, VPI & SU and the County of Fairfax is proposing to -2- test the effectiveness of a "trap-out" and male GH confusion technique in four selected areas in Fairfax County in keeping GM populations at their current low level for a two year period, A proposal for a pilot project has been submitted to the USDA-Forest Service in Atlanta requesting assistance in this project to provide basic background information on the practicality of Managing lo,~ level;-: · :. gypsy moth populations. An extensive search for egg masses is underway in the six areas where GH caterpillars were found in the survey of 1981 (3 in Fairfax, 2 in Loudoun, 1 in Fauquier). Thus far it appears that larval finds in Fairfax and Fauquier are indicative of localized infestations which might be effectively held at these low levels by available methodology proposed in the pilot project. Several additional egg masses were found in woodlands nearby to the two locations (2 mi. east of Lucketts and 3 mi. south of Lucketts in Loudoun Co., indicating a more widespread population there.

Eleven northeastern states have indicated their interest to the USFS in applying for cooperative suppression funds for GM in 1982, It is obvioug already the ··pest control funds currently available will fall far short of being adequate to match all the anticipated requests.

0 If you haven't seen the attached compilation of selected letters receiv ~ by the Pennsylvania Dept. of Environmental Resources, you should find them interesting, entertaining and occasionally frightening!

The search for new methods to protect valuc.ble plants or stored products continues. A few years ago efforts were made to isolate compounds from yellow poplar, ginko, etc. which might protect certain plants from defoliation by the g gypsy moth. Conclusion: there was no antifeedant present in the plants tested, rather a lack of a feeding stimulant which caused certain plants to remain un­ touched. Recently, tests by USDA-SEA scientists confirm that extracts of neem seeds (Azadirachta indica) were effective in preventing feeding by the cucumber beetle. Extrac6s from tung nuts also show excellent antifeedant activity against the cucumber beetle and other insects. Other extracts that showed antifeedant properties were those from wheat stem, tulip tree, ailanthus, spicebush, dogwood, greenbrier, marginal shield fern, white pine cones, Japanese honeysuckle, blood­ root, juniper leaves, holly leaves, etc.

Other investigations (SEA; Berkeley) isolated various growth inhibiting compounds (to caterpillars) from corn, cotton, tomato, sunflower and soybean. These compounds included flavonoids, tannin, terpenoids, cyclopropenoid acids and cyclitols, whose presence seems to explain, for the most part, the resistance of certain plant varieties to insect attack,

A rather puzzling condition noted at the foot of. the Blue Ridge ih-the Waynesbo.ro area where 25% of the residual white oaks left after a selective logging operation completed spring 1981 are currently dead or dying. Conclusion: a combination of shallower than normal soil, soil moisture deficiency and an abnormal warming and drying of the surface soil, the result of the logging - plus 1 year of moderate defoliation by the linden looper - resulted in the die-back and mortality.

An unusual condition of banding and spotting of the current needles of F.. white pine (samples received from three VD:F foresters and others in Craig, Wythe, Floyd and Highland Counties). No fungi appeared involved and after consulting with Dr. John Skelly, air pollution expert at Virginia Tech, we eoncluded that since the ozone (oxidant) level was higher than normal over a longer period of time this year, that perhaps that agent was involved in producing the sy')lptoms. -3-

Rainfall deficits remained the subject of conversation throughout most of the State. Well levels were continuing to drop throughout the fall as scattered rainfall, adequate to assure good crop yields for the most part, failed to restore ground water supplies.

A successful logging and thinning equipment demonstration was held on September 29-30, 1981 at Champlain (Essex Co.). With the help of District Forester Roland Geddes and Staff and funding from the APHIS~SPB demonstration project, and cooperation from Chesapeake Corp and a half-dozen equipment manufacturers/dealers. Twelve different pieces of equipment were put to work in the woods thinning a loblolly pine plantation. One hundred-fifty visitors joined us the first day, 80 the second.

Sticky bands for evaluation of cankerworm, Phigalia and linden looper populations have been installed in the rlassanutten and along Little North Mt. (Shenandoah Co.), at Keene (Albemarle Co.) and on the southern end of the Shenandoah National Park, at Ht. Lake (Giles), Wise Co. and Washington Co. Severt reports first male fall cankerworm moths flying near Norton (Wise Co.) on October 26.

Cocoons of the introduced pine sawfly (Diprion similis) were noted by Severt on two white pine ornamentals planted near the Harrenton VDF office (Fauquier Co.); The seven cocoons noted were all parasitized. This is the first report of this pest in the northern piedmont. Larvae of the white pine sawfly (N. abbottii) were still feeding on the same trees on November 10, 1981. -

Populations of the orange-striped oak worm noted somewhat higher in numbers than last year in several areas of the State.

Artman had occasion to spend part of a day in the field in Madison County with Dr. John Elliston, Connecticut Agric. Exp. Station, looking at old residual native American chestnuts. These trees are heavily cankered and likely are infected with a hypovirulent (less virulent) strain of the chestnut blight fungus, hence their survival. Elliston sampled many of the cankers to iso.late and test the fungus strain in his Connecticut lab (see article by Elliston in October 1981 ''Journal of Forestry").

The southern pine beetle and other pine bark beetles remained fairly quiescent, although SPB was noted killing loblolly pine in a 20-acre portion of a 73-acre tract near Farrington (D-2) in September. Ips noted killing a few trees in two locations, Henry Co.

Reports from the Districts

Pest or Condition Location Damap,e

SPB Farrington 20 acres loblolly pine, heavy damage Hanover Several spots of heavy damage to loblolly pines

Ips Henry 2 spots, 100% mortality of 8-11 VA pines, 3 loblolly pines Westmoreland 1 white pine killed

Turpentine Beetle Sussex 7 loblolly pines infested Hestmoreland 10 loblolly pines infested: 1 dead -4-

Pest or Condition Location Dama e

Elm Leaf Beetle Westmoreland 1 English elm, 50% defoliation

Red Headed Pine Farmville 1 Norway spruce, 0% defol., feeding on dead Sawfly needles Halifax 20 2-yr. old loblolly pines, 10-100% defoliation Pr. Edward 4 loblolly pines with 30% defoliation

White Pine Sawfly Shenandoah Hinor damage to 1 white pine

Pine Sawflies Augusta Moderate damage to several loblolly pines Augusta Severe damage to several Scotch pines Highland Several pitch pines with moderate damage

Aphids - Pine Hanover 2 white pines with light damage Westmoreland >linor damage throughout county

Aphids - lldwd. Rockbridge Small infestations on silver maple scattered throughout the county

Orange Striped Augusta Nany spots on east side of Co. infesting red, Oakworm black £., scarlet oaks; damage slight to mod. Lunenburg 1 red oak with 50% defoliation

Pine Webworm Augusta Several loblolly pines with slight damage

Bagworms Pr. Edward 1 R. red cedar, 100% defoliation

Tip 'foth Accomack ltinor damage to 15 loblolly pines

Dagger Hoth Amelia 1 red maple yard tree, 10% defoliation

Carpenter Worm Portsmouth 1 S. red oak affected, 4 or S large exit holes 2-3 feet above ground

Scales Lunenburg 1 shrub, 50% defoliation

White Pine Decline Essex 1 3-yr. old white pine killed Portsmouth 1 18-yr, old white pine killed

Rainfall Oct.

Accomac 3.51" 2.38" Courtland 1.80" 4.40" Portsmouth 2.08" 3. 91'' Salem 3.37" Sandston 2.66" ,,- Shenandoah Co. 4+" ,. ···,I / . \_ I I I /\ 0 ,f rnfli" ~ ~- ,; ...,,\. .. , . L/'l"V ... l-'LJ--'4cWUU'· -::J C. 'L. Horris, Chief Insect & Disease Investigations

November 19, 1981 Excerpts From Gypsy Moth Mail Dear Governor Thornburgh:

This is worse than Three-Mile-Island. Couldn't the State evacuate the area for a period of time when they are spraying and do the job thoroughly, Dear Secretary Jones:

The gypseys are everywhere.. and we can't get out the door. I am upset and concerned over the lack of interest of the local authorities. Dear Sir:

Please send us some of your flies to control these p.ypsy moths. They sprayed down the road -after a good battle with the.County Commissioners, Thank God the State didn't cut its funding. The County Commissioners will either have to put up or get out of office. Dear Governor:

This is unbelievable! We just came here from Texas and I'm.ready to go back, There was only one egg mass here that we could find. Now we are completely inun­ dated with no warning. To Whom it May Concern:

I do not want any spraying on my property. Furthermore, P. o. Box.,...,-- is an underground box not used by me, It belongs to criminal snakeface David "'., of Fort Washinrton who uses it in his illegal Russian espionage activities ---to defraud our government by using my name illegally--he must be arrested. Dear Mr. Nichols:

I am still on the trail of-the gypsy moth. I have devoted 10 years of my life to find a no poision way to destroy this insect. I have made a great discovery that Plaster of Paris dust will kill millions of these pypsys. The action of this dust is suffocation and lock jaw if taken in the mouth as it hardens in 5 minutes. This dust will kill every insect that inhales it, Birds will leave the area as the crop duster appears. If they were caught in the dust they would also die. It ·will also kill.humans if they inhale it. There is one bad f~ature of this. There is no material left after the second day. Evaporation has.lifted it from the leaves and deposited it in the atmosphere for you and I to breathe, I have one more test to make and that will end my career as a gypsy moth killer. My eyes are now so bad I can hardly see. I have the go ahead on this work from the medical and dental professions as they use lots of Plaster of Paris in their work, The only danger is to humans. Dear Sir:

You money grubbers will find out that you can't take it with you, God will reap his just reward on you people and to these no good objectors.to spraying. I am 78 and have worn out two brooms trying to get rid of these damn caterpillars. Dear Governo~ Thornburgh: In my earlier letter to you, I was given assurance the State would spray our property. I even offered to pay but was told it was unnecessary. Hell, the area was sprayed, but after this was done, we hired an outside firm to come in and re­ spray. Unfortunately, it was too late and we have lost most of our trees,

Dear Governor Thornbureh: All vegetation up here ls being denuded by the gypsy moth. As a result, all life is bein~ threatened (even human) and life is our greatest resource. As trees die, animal life will disappear, and the water will not be held in the ground. This problem is as great a national disaster as any tornado, earthquake or flood. It just acts a little slower.

Dear Mr. Thorpe: I am writing to share with you our appreciation for the spraying ln our area. Your Department's work in stopping the destruction of these moths makes our job a little easier. Dear Secretary Jones: My own recommendation is that the entire State be sprayed next year with Dylox. I Dear Mr. Nichols: I Who authorized any person to make judgements over me? How does any person obtain permission to tell me whether or not my land shall be sprayed? Since this is now in the hands of counsel, whose name s·hall appear on a temporary injunction order? To whom would we issue an arrest warrant? •with whom would we start suit for damages? Thank you for your kind and helpful assistance.

Dear Governor Thornbur~h: The Lord wants the State to do something about the gypsy moths. (Entire letter) Dear Secretary Jones: There is no doubt in my mind that all levels of State government acted re­ sponsively in dealing with the gypsy moth problem in 1981. (From a State Senator)

Dear Sir: ) I just read how you are gettinr. wasps from New Jersey to kill off the moths, Look no further. We can provide you with as many as you can use, and they are large wasps--not the small Jersey type. Now my question--who's going to control "' the wasps? I have some that even chew plaster. They are the killers, being the only bugs I know which will stand up and fight back. Don't have one of your politicians or braggards get my letter, copy it and sifn his name to it to show how sMart they are. The neighbors ai,ound hei,e use this method to obscure my high ideals. If you i,eally want to do something good, get rid of Philadelphia. And get my husband a good job. I am planning on suing the U. s. Government if these wasps attack me. Dear Mr. Nichols: A highly selective, safe, effective, and durable principle for the control of ey9sy moth has been at disposal since 1965. This accomplishment has been suppres­ sed and sabotaged by all means living within the reach of the countervailing and selfish interest groups. The officialdom has been unbendingly determined to pre­ vent the ascendence into the public domain of the only extant means that alone could have prevented further spread of this voracious pest. The presently com­ manded and tolerated arnamentarium proves spectacularly ineffective for the stemming of this depredation. This is, naturally, in accordance with the plot, with the master plan of the self-servinr, interests whose world-wide conspiracy is aimed at the preservation of the hegemony of the synthetic toxicants thru all sorts of subterfuge and counter-convoluted tactics. Any future discussion of this prin­ ciple must, with respect to the circumstances, be made contingent upon the prepar­ edness and determination of you and the officials of Pennsylvania to follow a path, a course of action, different from that pursued and thus far enforced by the parties on whose conscience the fostering and the augmentation of the current predicaments is resting. Otherwise, your freedom in-action remains severely limited by the exponents of seldom concealed malversation. (7 page letter) To Whom it May Concern: (from a GOVERNMENT DEVASTATED AREA, Bucks County) The answer is NO - if you care not to read on. We were deeply depressed to learn that the "devil," the powers of DEATH, DESTRUCTION and DEVASTATION is to be let loose again this year, after 8 Years and a.t least 13 DESTRUCTIVE and DEVASTATillG bombardments of your DEADLY POISONOUS spraying which FAILED MOST IUSERABLY to phase even a single "GYPMO" and HAS CAUSED SO MUCH PAIN, SORROW, DEATH, DESTRUCTION and DEVASTATION to private Citizenry and private property. We are most deeply depressed to learn that THE SCOURGING and THE CRUCIFING of God's people will resume again by SATAN'S LEGATION, THE CYNICISTS. Our hard-earned money is taken from us and used to DESTROY us and DEVASTATE our properties, to FEED WELL THE PARASITES and LEECHES, who live VAINGLORIOUSLY and LAVISHLY on TAXES IMPOSED on us. For, to possess these VAINGLORIOUS POWERS, it's necessary to be on the TAXpayers payroll. To possess the GLORIOUS POWERS of co~pensation, reparation and restitution for ALL EVIL, CRitlINAL and IMMORAL WRONG DOINGS, you must be on God's payroll, where the ETERNAL REWARDS ARE GREAT. TRY IT - YOU'LL LIKE IT. Dear Secretary: In view of your strong disinclination to·resist the operation of the ubiqui­ tous third law of thermodynamks, I have no choice but to recommend to the Chairman of the CEQ disapproval of Pennsylvania's portion of the USDAFS Environmental Impact Statement. I am arranging a three day meeting to discuss issues. There will be representatives from the Forstliche Bunde·sversuchsanstalt, Der Budesminister fur Ernahruag, Landwirtschaft und Forsten, Skoeshoeakolan, Institute Federale di Richerche Forestali and those other interested groups which would be coming from abroad; Dear Mr. President, Please do something about the gypsy moth. They are devouring everything. We have written to everyone and the only response we have received is a lot of literature and referrals of one kind or another. Dear Governor Thornburr,h: I want to ask you something. Here goes - is anything being done about the gypsy moth? Th

I would imagine that finding this fly (a gypsy moth parasite) in this letter is very distasteful to you, My point is this: these obnoxious little pests were literally driving the people away from Colonel Denning ~tate Park. I was informed that the park has been sprayed to eliminate the moth, My questions is: what will you import to rid the park of the fly? Dear Editor (Pocono Record): For three weeks the destruction wore on and the incessant "munching" almost led me to insanity. The house was covered and those creatures were beginning to find their way inside, It was devastating and it seemed so hopeless until the morning of June 8th. I wasn't quite willing to believe that spraying would do that reuch good, but within hours a blanket of dead caterpillars covered everything in sight, Within 24 hours the munchinr, had ceased and I jumped for joy.

I say the Bureau of For~s.try deserves a round of applause--no--perhaps a standing ovation for a job Well done. I am sure· the·Bureau has received thousands of complaints oil the epidemic, a mishap not caused by Mother Nature, but also not the fault of the Bureau, I think they did a great job on combating the moths and I'm sure there are many who put in long hours and much endurance to control these pests.

That's all for this year, hopefully.

James 0. Nichols, Chief Division of Forest Pest l!anagement PA Dept. of Environmental Resources August 1981 -6- VIRGINIA DIVISION OF FORESTRY Box 3758 Charlottesville, Virginia 22903

FORESTRY RELATIONS September 22, 1981 Quarterly Report

TO: Ed Rodger

FROM: C. L. Morris

SUBJECT: Quarterly Report - I & D Branch - July - September 1981

Gypsy Moth The imminent threat of gypsy moth to Virginia's woodlands has added impetus to efforts by the VDACS and the VDF to develop a coordinated working plan to combat the pest. The VDACS has accepted the responsibility for suppression (sprays) in forested communities, suburbia, parks and other high-use areas, while the VDF retains responsibility for aerial defoliation surveys, collecting impact data, developing an demonstrating control measures, and will continue to assist the VDACS in egg mass surveys and in the annual male moth trapping program as needed. The major impact of the gypsy moth is from its "nuisance value" wherever the caterpillar and the homeowner, the camper, the tourist or the outdoor recreationist interact. Of considerable importance is the loss of shade or ornamental trees and forest trees which provide lumber and protect our watersheds. The oaks, particularly the white oaks, are most susceptible to attack; but few trees will escape defoliation when outbreaks occur.

The VDF completed male moth trapping programs in Albemarle and Washington Counties this quarter.

Southern Pine Beetle Five years of USDA Forest Service sponsored research has showed the value of thinning to reduce southern pine beetle hazards. A demonstration of modern thinning equipment organized and coordinated by the Division is scheduled for September 29-30 near Champlain in Essex County, Virginia.

• Seed Orchards

Completed this quarter at both New Kent and Buckingham Seed Orchards: a cooperative survey with the USFS for adults of the coneworm 12__,_ disclusa, a third aerial application of insecticide, the annual field monitoring of insect impact and cone picking for lab analyses of seed losses and yield.

A survey of seedbug egg parasites was continued in a company seed orchard near Charlottesville.

Other I & D Activities

Severt completed the annual oak wilt survey; no new establishment or significant -2- expansion of infection centers.

Artman inspected the Augusta Nursery for I & D problems and monitored mycorrhizal colonization of New Kent Nursery seedlings to be used in outplanting seedling studies.

An unusual number of I & D related telephone inquiries, correspondence, office vists and samples were processed.

Morris and Tigner attended the annual Southern Forest In,ect Work Conference in Gainesville, Florida and conducted segments of the program.

Tigner provided forest insect training for youth involved in the National Forestry judging competition.

Environmental Education

Tigner taught forestry portion of VRUEC course at William and Mary. Continued representing VDF at Council on the Environment and Ivy Creek Founcation functions. Continued planning and coordination of VAEE annual conference and participation at Social Studies Teachers Annual Conference. Completed social assessment draft for Chuck Stanley with inputs from D-1, D-4 and D-5.

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ADMINISTRATION December 22, 1981 Reports - Quarterly Report

. .TO: . E. E, Rodger

FROM: C. L, Morris, Chief, Insect & Disease Branch

SUBJECT: Quarterly Report, October-December 1981

.Ii. number of meetings have been held with VDACS, USFS, APHIS and Extension (Fairfax County and VPI) in developing : · • 1) A comprehensive plan- for gypsy. moth management 1n Virginia, and 2) A pilot project for managing low level populations of the Gl'l in Fairfax County,

The number of .talks to groups about the GM has increased with Artman (5) · and Morris (3) sharing the responsibility. Morris contributed to a ~roup ·, developing a long term plan· for research on the gypsy moth, Tigner and Horris 'attended the annual "Gypsy Moth Review" in New Jersey· in December.

Defoliator Survey

Sticky bands used to catch tree climbing females of the fall cankerworm, the linden looper and Phigalia were put in place in late October in nine different areas of the State, Counts of wingless females caught on the band will give us an indication of the potential ins·ect populations (and defoliation) in 1982. '

~ Orchard Pests

Newly adopted.methods to collect seed at the pine seed orchards - through the use of nets.spread beneath the trees - has resulted in a large-scale_ effort at.Buckingham to control high populations of meadow mice which cause unacceptable losses by feeding on the seed and by damaging the plastic netting. The success of the project is currently being evaluated. Other continuing investigations at the pine seed orchards involve the collection and dissection of sever-al hundred pine cones to determine their seed yield and the influence of various insect control sprays, etc, applied earlier to prevent i.nsec t damage, •

Chestnut Blight (Artman)

• A visit by researchers from the Connecticut Agriculture Experiment Station, who have been working closely with Tom Dierauf on the chestnut project on the Lesesne State Forest, resulted in an agreement tcx::ontinue to work with them on evaluating new (American) hypovirulent strains of the chestnut blight fungus, As new strains are isolated by them from old residual chestnut trees in Virginia, they will be tested for effectiveness in inactivating more virulent (killing) strains of the fungus at the Lesesne.

Environmental Education (Tigner)

Served on steering committee for AFJ's Project Learning_Tree

- Completed teaching evening EE course at UVA

Served out term as president, VAEE, Presided over annual conference and handled follow-up

Participated in workshop at annual social studies teachers conference

- Continuedsupport of Ivy Creek Foundation (training, exhibits, meetings)

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•