Since the gypsy moth is among the most damaging insect pests of hardwood trees in the eastern United States, extensive ground-based research has been conducted to modify the gypsy moth's life cycle to create sterile moths.
(the gypsy moth; is; among the most damaging insect pests of hardwood trees in the eastern United States) (extensive ground-based research; has been conducted; to modify the gypsy moth's life cycle to create sterile moths)
the gypsy moth extensive ground-based research
is has been conducted
among the most damaging insect pests of hardwood trees in the eastern United States
to modify the gypsy moth's life cycle to create sterile moths