CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Gypsy moth defoliation of West Virginia's forests dropped by 45.5 percent this year, thanks to a cool and wet spring.

Agriculture Commissioner Gus Douglass says weather conditions in late April and May were ideal for a fungus and a virus to develop. The two pathogens help control the gypsy moth population.

Douglass said Wednesday that 44,282 acres were defoliated this year, compared to 81,308 acres in 2008.

Gypsy moth defoliation was recorded in Greenbrier, Hardy, Monroe, Pendleton and Pocahontas counties.

 

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Gypsy moth defoliation of West Virginia's forests dropped by 45.5 percent this year, thanks to a cool and wet spring.

Agriculture Commissioner Gus Douglass says weather conditions in late April and May were ideal for a fungus and a virus to develop. The two pathogens help control the gypsy moth population.

Douglass said Wednesday that 44,282 acres were defoliated this year, compared to 81,308 acres in 2008.

Gypsy moth defoliation was recorded in Greenbrier, Hardy, Monroe, Pendleton and Pocahontas counties.