Biological control of gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) by the entomopathogenic fungus Entomophaga maimaiga in Bulgaria in 2021

In 2021, biological control programme against gipsy moth ( Lymantria dispar ) populations was carried out by introduction of the entomopathogenic fungus Entomophaga maimaiga on territory four State Forest Enterprises: Municipal Enterprise (ME) ‘Management Forests, Agriculture and Forestry’, Nessebar; Game Enterprises (SGE) Nessebar Balchik; Forestry (SF) Vidin. The pathogen introduced during period 15-26.03.2021 in 34 localities - five ME Nessebar, eight SGE ten Balchik eleven SF average number gypsy population density locations relatively high, ranging between 0.4-15.9 egg mass/tree area ​​SGE 11.9-65.0 ​​ME Nessebar. mortality young caterpillars (first-third instar) due to E. varied 2.6% (SGE Balchik) 13.0% (SF Vidin), later fourth-sixth instar 20.7% Vidin) 52.4% (ME Nessebar). overall lowest region (26.1%), followed Vidin (33.7%), (48.5%) (55.9%). As a result introduction, severe outbreaks significantly suppressed. high resting spores persists surface layers soil other two areas (Vidin has potential suppress L. dispar attacks next years.