Oak leaf quality declines in response to defoliation by gypsy moth larvae

Leaves of red oak trees that had been defoliated by gypsy moth larvae during the previous year and again during the period of the study had higher values of tanning coefficients, total phenolics, hydrolyzable and condensed tannins, dry matter contents, and toughness than did leaves of undamaged trees. These changes may influence larval growth and alter the course of further outbreaks.