SPOTTED LANTERNFLY

The University of Massachusetts (UMass) Extension has information on the spotted lanternfly (SLF), an invasive planthopper that can cause significant damage to plants and the agricultural industry MDAR fact Sheet:

Origin

  • The SLF is native to China, India, and Vietnam and was likely introduced to the United States in a shipping container.

Appearance

  • The SLF resembles a ladybug with large wings and produces a sugary liquid excrement called honeydew.

Damage

  • The SLF feeds on sap from trees, shrubs, and vines and can impact various agricultural products, including apples, grapes, peaches, and maple syrup.

Massachusetts

  • The first established population of the SLF in Massachusetts was found in Fitchburg in 2021. Since then, additional populations have been found in Worcester County and Hampden County.

Management

  • The state is managing the SLF population, as there are no natur
  • al enemies to control it. Management strategies include:
    • Systemic insecticides:Can protect vulnerable plants
    • Foliar trunk sprays:Can be used on adults and immature nymphs
    • Egg mass destruction:This can be done by scraping the eggs with a hard, flat, or tapered tool and then putting them in a double bag, alcohol, or hand sanitizer. The eggs can also be smashed or burned.

Reporting

 

Bacha, S. A. S., Li, Y., Nie, J., Jalal, A., Xu, G., & Iqbal, B. (2023). Identification, characterization, and expression analysis of PpCPK gene family in response to Alternaria-infected peach fruits collected from different geographical regions of China. South African Journal of Botany. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sajb.2023.05.015