Protect Your Vineyard: Take Part in a SLF Survey

Introduction

Researchers at the USDA-ARS Appalachian Fruit Research Station, in collaboration with researchers from Penn State, Rutgers University, Virginia Tech, and other institutions, are leading new areawide studies to evaluate biological control agents for spotted lanternfly (SLF), Lycorma delicatula, and tree-of-heaven (TOH), Ailanthus altissima. This initiative is part of a multi-state project titled "Areawide Management of the Invasive Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) and Tree-of-Heaven (TOH)" (#FP00002174). The primary goal is to identify ecologically sound and cost-effective strategies to suppress these two invasive species in vineyards.

The SLF, an invasive planthopper native to China and India, was first detected in Berks County, Pennsylvania, in 2014 (Barringer et al. 2105; Dara et al. 2015). Despite substantial eradication and public outreach efforts in Pennsylvania, SLF has spread and become established in 18 states in the eastern and central US.

SLF shows a strong preference for TOH as a host plant, particularly throughout the growing season. Feeding on TOH enhances SLF fecundity and results in dense populations, especially in unmanaged habitats. SLF is a significant pest of juice and wine grapes, including Vitis vinifera and other Vitis species (Urban and Leach 2023; Harner et al. 2022; Elsensohn et al. 2023). In vineyards, growers must frequently apply insecticides to mitigate SLF damage. Yet, reinfestation from surrounding unmanaged landscapes remains a constant challenge, often spanning multiple seasons. As a result, vineyard management becomes both economically burdensome and ecologically intensive.

TOH, a highly invasive tree native to Asia, was introduced to the U.S. as early as 1784, beginning in Pennsylvania. It is a preferred host for SLF development (Elsensohn et al. 2023; Nixon et al. 2022; Nixon et al. 2022). Studies show that SLF females deposit seven times more egg masses when TOH is present compared to other hosts, making TOH control vital for suppressing SLF populations (Uyi et al. 2020).

Conventional management of TOH is challenging due to its vigorous root system, resprouting ability, and tendency to grow in inaccessible areas. Moreover, the herbicide most used for TOH, triclopyr, poses risks to nearby grapevines due to drift or volatilization (Haring et al. 2022). These challenges highlight the need for a biological control approach in grape-producing regions.

Research Activities

The use of selective biological control agents for both TOH and SLF presents a promising opportunity to reduce populations of both invasive species while minimizing harm to native plants, pollinators, and natural enemies. This integrated effort could serve as a strong barrier against the continued spread of SLF and future destructive associations between invasive insects and TOH. (TOH was previously exploited by another major invasive pest, the brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys) (Leskey and Nielsen 2018).

Funded by the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS), the research team is employing the principles of Areawide Pest Management to conduct a multi-year, field-based evaluation of biological control strategies. The primary objectives are to:

• Suppress SLF and TOH populations
• Improve ecosystem health
• Reduce insecticide use in vineyards
• Minimize grape yield losses
• Curb negative impacts on profitability
• Protect native pollinators and plants

Get Involved

To ensure the development of practical and effective control strategies, researchers have launched a multi-state survey to gather input from grape growers. The survey seeks to understand growers’ perceptions, challenges, and current practices regarding SLF and TOH management.

We invite grape growers to participate in this brief 10-minute survey about SLF management practices, observed impacts, TOH presence, and any mitigation strategies currently in use. Your input will directly support the development of real-world solutions.

Help researchers develop new biological controls for SLF and TOH. Take the survey. Please share the link with other grape growers or grower networks you may know. Survey results will be shared with the grape grower community once complete.

For more information about the Areawide Management of the Invasive Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) and Tree-of-Heaven (TOH) project, contact Julie Urban or Tracy Leskey. For questions regarding the survey, contact Gigi DiGiacomo.

References/Further Reading

Barringer LE, Donovall LR, Spichiger S-E, Lynch D, Henry D. The first new world record of Lycorma delicatula (Insecta: Hemiptera: Fulgoridae). Entomological news. 2015;125(1):20-3.

Dara SK, Barringer L, Arthurs SP. Lycorma delicatula (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae): a new invasive pest in the United States. Journal of Integrated Pest Management. 2015;6(1):20.

Urban JM, Calvin D, Hills-Stevenson J. Early Response (2018–2020) to the Threat of Spotted Lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) in Pennsylvania. Annals of the Entomological Society of America. 2021;114(6):709-18.

Urban JM, Leach H. Biology and management of the spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae), in the United States. Annual Review of Entomology. 2023;68:151-67.

Harner AD, Leach HL, Briggs L, Centinari M. Prolonged phloem feeding by the spotted lanternfly, an invasive planthopper, alters resource allocation and inhibits gas exchange in grapevines. Plant Direct. 2022;6(10):e452.

Elsensohn JE, Nixon LJ, Kloos A, Leskey TC. Development and survivorship of Lycorma delicatula (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) on cultivated and native Vitis spp.(Vitales: Vitaceae) of the Eastern United States. Journal of Economic Entomology. 2023:toad198.

Elsensohn JE, Nixon LJ, Urban J, Jones SK, Leskey T. Survival and development of Lycorma delicatula (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) on common secondary host plants differ by life stage under controlled conditions. Frontiers in Insect Science. 2023;3:10.

Nixon LJ, Jones S, Dechaine AC, Ludwick D, Hickin M, Sullivan L, et al. Development of rearing methodology for the invasive Spotted Lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae). Frontiers in Insect Science. 2022;2:1025193.

Nixon LJ, Jones SK, Tang L, Urban J, Felton K, Leskey TC. Survivorship and development of the invasive Lycorma delicatula (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) on wild and cultivated temperate host plants. Environmental Entomology. 2022;51(1):222-8.

Uyi O, Keller JA, Johnson A, Long D, Walsh B, Hoover K. Spotted Lanternfly (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) can complete development and reproduce without access to the preferred host, Ailanthus altissima. Environmental Entomology. 2020;49(5):1185-90.

Haring SC, Ou J, Al-Khatib K, Hanson BD. Grapevine injury and fruit yield response to simulated auxin herbicide drift. HortScience. 2022;57(3):384-8.

Leskey TC, Nielsen AL. Impact of the invasive brown marmorated stink bug in North America and Europe: history, biology, ecology, and management. Annual Review of Entomology. 2018;63:599-618.