New hope to combat lanternflies

FRITZ MAYER
Posted 5/29/19

REGION — Spotted lanternflies were first discovered in North America in September 2014 in Pennsylvania. In 2018, the invasive pest was discovered in eight New York counties, including Delaware. …

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New hope to combat lanternflies

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REGION — Spotted lanternflies were first discovered in North America in September 2014 in Pennsylvania. In 2018, the invasive pest was discovered in eight New York counties, including Delaware. In Pennsylvania, it has been found in 23 counties, including Monroe and Lackawana. It has also been found in eight other states.

The spotted lanternfly eats many kinds of plants and is especially fond of grape vines, apple trees and trees of heaven. They are originally from Asia and have no natural local predators, so they have been able to spread rapidly through farming country. Females can lay 30 to 50 eggs at a time. Several pesticides are effective at killing the moths, but another method of control is now possibly within reach. Recently, researchers have discovered that the lanternflies are vulnerable to two different types of fungus in the region.

According to an article in Cornell Chronicle, the two fungi are called Batkoa major and Beauveria bassiana. Two researchers, Eric Clifton and Ann Hajek, who wrote a paper about the fungi were quoted by the magazine. “‘The finding is important because these naturally occurring pathogens could be used to develop methods for more environmentally-friendly control of this damaging invader,’” Hajek said.

“It’s a great example of how a major new invasive herbivore can be suppressed by native pathogens,” Clifton said. “Nobody stepped in to do this; it all happened naturally.”

The Batkoa major fungus, once it infects the insect, kills the host, which then loses its wings, and the fungus attaches the body to the tree on which it was feeding. This particular fungus does not appear to be harmful to other insects, and Beauveria bassiana is already used as an ingredient in some pesticides. Researchers are beginning the process of trying to determine if it is feasible to develop Batkoa major to be used as a pesticide ingredient.

According to the PA Department of Agriculture, “The Spotted Lanternfly adult is approximately 1-inch long and half-inch wide at rest. The forewing is grey with black spots and the wings tips are reticulated black blocks outlined in grey. The hind wings have contrasting patches of red and black with a white band. The legs and head are black; the abdomen is yellow with broad black bands. Immature stages are black with white spots, and develop red patches as they grow.”

Penn State Extensions urges people who find these insects in their yards not to try to treat the pests themselves with home remedies suggested on the internet. “Some people are suggesting the use of home remedies to treat these populations and we caution strongly against this. It is very important to understand that these home remedies have not been tested against spotted lanternfly and their use can be both unsafe and illegal.

“Registered pesticides are approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and must go through extensive testing to scientifically support that the product does what it claims and is safe when used according to the label directions. These products have a detailed label that include an EPA Registration Number, how to apply it, what it can be used on, and what precautions must be taken.

In Pennsylvania, 13 counties, including Monroe, have quarantines in place to try to prevent the spread of spotted lanternflies. Before residents in those areas may move outdoor items such as bicycles, lawn mowers, lumber and other items, they must complete a check list indicating which items were moved and signing a paper saying that surfaces have been inspected for signs of spotted lanternflies and their egg masses.

news, spotted lanternflies, Pennsylvania, New York, pennsylvania department of agriculture, environmental protection agency

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