Effects Of Hybrid Poplar (Salicaceae) Clone And Phenology On Gypsy Moth (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) Performance In Wisconsin

Gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) developmental interactions with two hybrid Populus species clones were studied in laboratory trials. Significant differences in larval performance were found between clones and within the same clone at different phenological states. No larvae were able to complete development on clone NM6. All gypsy moth larvae feeding on clone NC5271 survived when leaf flush was synchronized with gypsy moth eclosion in early May. However, neonates feeding on NC5271 foliage in July experienced increased mortality. Weights of surviving gypsy moth larvae feeding on NC5271 foliage in May versus July were not significantly different.