Book Description

Case histories of five tussock moth outbreaks that occurred in California and Oregon between 1935 and 1965 are discussed. Information is given on the size and duration of the outbreaks, the presence of natural control agents and the damage caused. Most of the outbreaks were eventually treated with DDT. However, enough information was available from untreated portions to show the probable trend of natural events in the absence of direct control. Repeated patterns observed in each of the outbreaks enabled certain generalizations to be made about natural population behavior and tree impact. All infestations followed a 3-year cycle with inconspicuous to minimal defoliation the first year, severe foliage loss the second year, and ultimate collapse of the population by the end of the third year. The most severe tree damage occurred in the second year. Additional loss of foliage before population collapse in the third year was usually of minor importance in terms of total impact. Although other natural factors were involved, a virus disease appeared to be the principal cause of insect mortality during collapse.