The Role Of Biotic Factors In Gypsy Moth Population Dynamics In Slovakia: Present Knowledge

This paper presents the current knowledge about the bioregulation complex that affects gypsy moth population dynamics in Slovakia. The study involved the presence and efficacy of pathogens, parasitoids, and predators in naturally occurring oak forest stands in southwestern Slovakia from 1990 to 1999. Mortality caused by pathogens was 33.7% in the progression phase, 62.3% in the culmination phase, 33.3% in the regression phase, and 59% in latency. Mortality due to parasitoids was 47.3% in the progression phase, 51.1% in the culmination phase, 64.0% in the regression phase, and 60.3% in latency. Preliminary results on the predation of gypsy moth egg masses and pupae are also discussed.