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The Influence of Herbivory on the net rate of Increase of Gypsy Moth Abundance: A Modeling Analysis

Informally Refereed

Abstract

A differential equation model of gypsy moth abundance, average larval dry weight, and food abundance was used to analyze the effects of changes in foliar chemistry on the net per capita rate of increase in a gypsy moth population. If relative consumption rate per larva is unaffected by herbivory, a reduction in the nutritional value of foliage reduces the net rate of increase at relatively low larval densities, and increases the larval density needed to bring about starvation. This result is achieved by reducing larval assimilation efficiency, or by increasing larval death rate, or both, in response to declining nutritional value of foliage associated with herbivory. An increase in relative consumption rate in response to herbivory reduces the larval density needed to bring about starvation, and reduces the net rate of increase of the larval population at all higher larval densities.

Parent Publication

Citation

Valentine, Harry T. . 1983. The Influence of Herbivory on the net rate of Increase of Gypsy Moth Abundance: A Modeling Analysis. In: Talerico, Robert L.; Montgomery, Michael, tech. coords. Proceedings, forest defoliator--host interactions: A comparison between gypsy moth and spruce budworms; 1983 April 5-7; New Haven, CT. Gen. Tech. Rep. NE-85. Broomall, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northeastern Forest Experiment Station: 105-111.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/research/treesearch/4105