Observation and background information
The gypsy moth is one of the most devastating forest pests. It is currently one of the most damaging tree defoliators in the United States. It originated from Europe in 1868 (Davidson 12). The first gypsy moth in the United States occurred in the Boston area. The outbreak can quickly and effectively destroy forests. The gypsy moths are voracious eaters, and they completely destroy the entire trees. Their destruction impact forest and other related industries. The gypsy moths have natural few enemies because they are nonnative (Davidson 65).
The Gypsy moth causes various environmental and economic impacts. The Gypsy moths destroy trees hence exposing them to attack by opportunistic diseases and insects. Their continuous destruction causes plant stress and death. In the forested areas and the urban parks, dead trees are a hazard. Also, the gypsy moth cause skin and respiratory allergies. The fecal droppings from the gypsy moths cover large areas causing nuisance. The caterpillars also limit outdoor activities such as swimming and picnics. In addition, there is reduced attendance in the recreational areas and resorts during gypsy moth outbreaks.
Bacillus thuringiensis is a product registered to control caterpillars. In 1915, it was discovered from diseased flour moth caterpillars. There were also few experiments and attempt to use the bacterium until 1950s (Howard 33). The actual mode of action of Bacillus thuringiensis is simple. It acts by producing the toxin that kills the cells in the insect gut. Once ingested, the bacterial cell wall is digested which releases the toxin. This method of controlling gypsy moths has several advantages. The Bt and its protein toxins have no effect on people, livestock, pets or honey bees. The bacterium can be grown in the artificial media or gallons and produced economically. This is possible with the development of fermentation technology. However, there is a misunderstanding about the effects of Bacillus thuringiensis sprays. It kills young caterpillars that ingest it as they feed on treated plant leaves. Also, it can kill damaging caterpillars as well as harmless butterflies and moths.
Position/Hypothesis
The Bacillus thuringiensis should be used to control the gypsy moth. The Bacillus thuringiensis is effective to control gypsy moth on public and private lands. While there are many registered insecticides to control gypsy moth, Bacillus thuringiensis is the least toxic method. There are other biological pesticides such as Nucleopolyhedrosis virus. Nucleopolyhedrosis is more specific for gypsy moth caterpillars, but it is expensive to produce and use. In addition, Nucleopolyhedrosis virus is not commercially available.
Relevant Information and Data The Bacillus thuringiensis is most effective when the caterpillars are young. When caterpillars are small, they have thin gut linings enough for the bacterium toxin to punch holes in it (Howard 23). The best time to apply Bacillus thuringiensis is after all eggs have hatched and when the caterpillars are not in the third instars. In 1915, it was discovered from flour moth caterpillars.
The local governments and states should use Bacillus thuringiensis products to control gypsy moths on public and private lands. It is the least toxic method of control. Also, it is not expensive to produce and use the bacterium. In addition, Bacillus thuringiensis products for control of caterpillars are commercially available. The Bacillus thuringiensis products are usually labeled because they look like any insecticide. There are several over-the-counter products such as Caterpillar attack.
The Bacillus thuringiensis is also perfect for control of cabbage worms, fall webworms, and bagworms. The bacterium is excellent when these caterpillars are very small. The Bacillus thuringiensis bacteria and toxins are destroyed after three to five days. The caterpillars killed stop feeding, drop to the ground and decompose harmlessly. The Bacillus thuringiensis sprayed does not accumulate in the environment. The Bacillus thuringiensis bacterium can be grown in the artificial media and gallons. The revolution came with the discovery of fermentation technology (Davidson 44).
Bacillus thuringiensis is not toxic for people, animals, birds, fish and other insects. Also, it has no harms to water supplies. The bacterium has not shown to cause infections to people exposed through aerosol spraying. However, a small number of people have reported allergies including skin rash, irritation of the eyes, nose and throat (Davidson 51). The bacterium has not been proven to be responsible for the symptoms. People in the spray areas should minimize exposure to Bacillus thuringiensis. It includes peoples with infections such as Leukemia and AIDS. It is imperative to control Gypsy moths to prevent both environmental and economic impact.
Conclusion
The Bacillus thuringiensis is the most effective method to control European Gypsy Moth. The government should apply Bacillus thuringiensis to control gypsy moths in both public and private land. The method is mostly preferred because it is the least toxic. In addition, Bacillus thuringiensis bacterium is not expensive to produce and use. Therefore, the best time to apply Bacillus thuringiensis is before the caterpillars reach the third instars.
Works Cited;
Caterpillar Courier: Topical Information on the Gypsy Moth: an Update to the National Gypsy Moth Environmental Impact Statement Project. Radnor, PA: USDA Forest Service, and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 1994. Print.
Davidson, Christopher B, Kurt W. Gottschalk, and James E. Johnson. European Gypsy Moth (lymantria Dispar L.) Outbreaks: A Review of the Literature. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northeastern Research Station, 2001. Print.
Howard, L O. "The Gypsy Brown-Tail Moths and Their European Parasites. Yearbook, 1905. (1906) N.p., 23-138. Print.
