News Releases

Friday, January 24, 2003Contact: Edward L. Bowen (859) 224-2850
Open Session on Caterpillar Control

Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation has arranged a briefing open to all horsemen on some of the work being conducted at the University of Kentucky aimed at eliminating eastern tent caterpillars in the spring of 2003. Prof. Dan Potter, a noted entomologist, will address interested parties at an open meeting at the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky sale pavilion in Lexington at 9 a.m., on Friday, Jan. 31.

Prof. Potter and his staff have been seeking improved ways to spray tent caterpillar egg masses and the alternative technique of injecting trees to kill caterpillars before or as they hatch.

“The timing is delicate, and we appreciate Prof. Potter’s understanding that farm managers are facing decisions that must be made prior to definitive results of ongoing projects being possible,” said Edward L. Bowen, president of Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, which is funding one of the specific caterpillar control projects at the University of Kentucky. “We look forward to helping provide the opportunity for horsemen to learn more about Prof. Potter’s experiments and rationale.

“Any member of the public who has an interest is welcome at this open meeting.”

Various projects have associated caterpillars with the pattern of Mare Reproductive Loss Syndrome, which has seriously affected the horse industry in the last two springs.