Gypchek®: past and future strategies for use

The development of the gypsy moth nucleopolyhedrosis virus product Gypchek, and strategies for its use, have been largely patterned after conventional pesticide technology. Prior to Gypchek registration with the Environmental Protection Agency in 1978, several field tests involving variations in virus product, application hardware, dose rates, timing and formulation were conducted. Further tests since 1978 have been promising, but nonconclusive, and 6 years after registration, Gypchek is not in commercial production. It is clear that if this product is to be seriously considered as either an alternative or adjunct to other control tactics, it must either be formulated in such a manner as to extend or amplify its activity on foliage, or it must be genetically manipulated to enhance its virulence.