![]() A grant to perform outreach and extension was also awarded to Penn State University. Efforts will focus on identifying the host range of the pest, its impact on grapes, and an analysis of its DNA. Most of the award was made available to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture to implement control and perform survey work. Since 2014, Pennsylvania has been awarded $5.5 million through the Farm Bill to perform control work, conduct research, and implement outreach to affected citizens. The Spotted Lanternfly begins laying eggs in masses of 30 to 50 eggs, covered in a brown, mud-like substance, in late September or early October.Įgg masses may be found on adult host trees, especially Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus alitissima), moderately-sized stones and other smooth surfaced outdoor items, such as lawn furniture, stone and brick work, and outdoor recreational vehicles. In large population areas, adults will also be seen feeding on other trees in the surrounding area, including willows, maples, poplars, tulip poplars, birch, ash, and others. ![]() The egg mass poses, perhaps, the greatest risk for accidental transport of the Spotted Lanternfly to new areas. Increased activity of wasps, hornets, bees, and ants can be seen feeding on honeydew secretions and at tree wounds. Heavy populations may causing honey dew secretions to build up at the base of the tree, blackening the base of the tree and surrounding soil around the base with sooty mold fungal growth. Fruit trees and grapes may be more susceptible to damage and mortality when larger populations of Lanternflies are found nearby.Īs they approach maturity, adults will migrate to Tree of Heaven or Paradise Tree (Ailanthas altissima) as a primary host, and may be seen feeding on the trunk and branches, which can be afflicted with weeping wounds of sap. In the Spring, beginning in late April to mid-May, search for the nymphs on smaller plants and vines, and any new growth on trees and shrubs. Early detection is vital to the effective control and the protection of PA agriculture and natural resources-related businesses. ![]() “This pest poses a significant threat to the state’s more than $28 million grape, $87 million apple, and more than $19 million peach industries, as well as the hardwood industry in Pennsylvania which accounts for nearly $17 billion in sales,” according to the PA Department of Agriculture. In the United States, it has the potential to greatly impact the growing of grapes and fruit trees, and the plant nursery and timber harvesting industries. Native to China, India and Vietnam, the Spotted Lanternfly has also been introduced in Korea where it is known to feed on more than 70 species, 25 of which can be found in Pennsylvania. All counties in the eastern part of the Commonwealth are under a limited movement quarantine as federal, state, local and non-governmental cooperators develop a strategy to eliminate this invasive species. With its significant potential impact on the economy and natural resources, the state Department of Agriculture issued a quarantine in the hopes of restricting its movement. The Spotted Lanternfly was first detected in Berks County, PA, in the fall of 2014.
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