Spatial pattern of gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar (L.) (Lep.: Lymantriidae) egg masses distribution in relation to forest types and roads

This research reports analysis of spatial pattern of egg masses of gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar (L.) and their relationship with forest types and distance from roads in the Daland Park. Using a global position system with a width of 20m and azimuth polygon specific, the spatial coordinates of defoliated trees was recorded. Indices of dispersion were determined using the distance method and using T-Square index. Overlaying road maps allowed calculating the distances of defoliation from the road. The results showed that defoliation by gypsy moth, has a clustered pattern based on T-Square index (C=0.781683) and distance dispersion index (I=2.429744) and is negatively correlated with distance from the road (R=-0.973). The maximum number of defoliated trees (147) was 0-50 m and the minimum number of defoliated trees (2) was 550-600 m from a road. Defoliation was significantly greater in forest types dominated by Parrotia persica, Zelkova carpinifolia, Quercus castanifolia, and the lowest defoliation was occurred in the Cupressus sempervirens forest type.