Impact of late-season orangestriped oakworm (Lepidotpera: Saturniidae) defoliation on oak growth and vigor
Coffelt, M.A. | Schultz, P.B. | Wolf, D.D.
The orange striped oakworm, Anisota senatoria (J.E. Smith), has caused widespread defoliation of urban oak (Quercus) species in southeastern Virginia. The hypothesis that consecutive years of late-season defoliation by A. senatoria would cause a significant reduction in Quercus growth and vigor was tested from 1987 to 1990. Late-season A. senatoria defoliation had a significant impact on Quercus growth and vigor. Pin oak, Q. palustris (Muenchhausen), and willow oak, Q. phellos L., planted in fabric containers, had significant reduction in growth with increased defoliation. Starch content and tree vigor in Q. palustris, planted in the urban landscape, was significantly reduced with increased defoliation, and some tree mortality occurred. Quercus phellos was a hardier species compared with Q. palustris and was not significantly affected by consecutive late-season defoliation. In addition, data suggested that Q. palustris was affected more by A. senatoria late-season defoliation when trees were planted in stressed urban sites. These data have important implications for A. senatoria management strategies. High populations that have the potential to cause 100% late-season defoliation during consecutive years should be controlled to prevent progressive decline in tree health.
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