Gypsy moth seminar on campus

Gypsy moth, the exotic and voracious defoliator of trees, has become a serious concern in Wisconsin. But will Wisconsin and Madison experience the kind of massive defoliation events that have occurred in the eastern United States?

No one is sure. But the current status of the gypsy moth in Wisconsin and the Madison area will be discussed at a forum to be hosted by the Department of Entomology.

Andrea Diss of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and Dave Schumacher of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection will detail the status of the gypsy moth here, what we can expect to see as the moth expands its range, and what the state is trying to do about it. Information on what citizens can do to help stop the spread of the moth will also be available.

The forum will be held Friday, Feb. 12 at noon in Room 150 Russell Labs, 1630 Linden Drive. The free event is open to the public. For more information, contact Susan Paskewitz, professor of entomology, at (608) 262-1269.