Objectives

The basic aim of LIFE eGymer is to utilize non-chemical control by developing and implementing smart traps, mass and larval trapping and MD techniques, to remotely monitor and effectively control more than one life stage of the gypsy moth, and, most importantly, to allow a much wider application time window compared to chemical control methods (against larvae: May/June, against moths: July/August).

Objective 1

Design and develop novel recyclable e-traps for the capture of larvae and adults, evolving technology acquired from LIFE PISA project products, and adapting mass trapping and MD methods, as judicious control strategies of the gypsy moth, eliminating the dependence on chemical control in target areas and its negative environmental impact

Objective 2

Continuously monitor infestation levels with the use of ICT and allow early warning to management bodies, preventing the moth from spreading and allowing biological control with non-toxic agents such as Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki (Btk)

Objective 3

Minimize infestation levels in specific and diverse target areas, demonstrating the wide applicability of the methods and to disseminate these methods to protected areas’ management bodies and local authorities

Objective 4

Drastically reduce application costs compared to that of insecticidal applications and reduce ineffective chemical applications due to decreased accessibility (recreational areas, high trees, etc.)

Objective 5

Commercialize novel traps and application techniques with materials from renewable resources/recycled materials, actively promoting circular economy and reducing both the cost and the carbon footprint of raw materials

Objective 6

Minimize health problems and risks arising from the presence of the gypsy moth larvae in forests and urban/recreational areas, for both humans and animals, and reduce Social Security expenditure

Objective 7

Demonstrate the positive influence to local biodiversity conservation and beneficial fauna, that can be further utilised for natural biological control in a wide range of microclimates

Objective 8

Ensure long-term sustainability through a business plan that provides income for companies involved in trap manufacturing and replicability & transferability by promoting their use to local authorities

Objective 9

Demonstrate and validate the techno-economic and environmental feasibility of the proposed model and its transferability, as it forms a transparent global protocol easily applied to other areas where gypsy moth is a problem