Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Invasive Species Spotted Lanternfly topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Local extension warns of spreading spotted lanternfly; growers urged to scout and remove tree-of-heaven
Summary
Cornell extension presenters said a spotted lanternfly population in the Finger Lakes area is larger than first thought, warned growers that heavy feeding can reduce vine starch reserves, and urged scouting, targeted insecticide use and removal of Ailanthus (tree of heaven) where feasible.
Cornell Cooperative Extension specialists briefed supervisors on a growing spotted lanternfly infestation in the Finger Lakes and explained why grape growers and homeowners should watch for the pest and its preferred host, tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima).
Hans Walter-Peterson, senior extension associate with the Finger Lakes Grape Program, said the pest has been spreading rapidly since it was first detected in the U.S. and is now established in many counties in the Northeast. “This fly has invaded almost the entire state of Pennsylvania,” he said, and county inspections last year found a concentrated population on the west shore of one Finger Lakes vineyard area that appears to have expanded.
Walter-Peterson summarized research showing that heavy feeding on grapevines can reduce starch reserves needed for winter survival and spring regrowth. He cited Cornell and Penn State work that estimated economic impacts in the Finger Lakes on the order of $2 million to $2.5 million per year under certain assumptions, and a New York State estimate approaching $8–9 million statewide for grape-growing impacts.
Extension educator Ryan Stachock described identifying and managing tree of heaven, noting the species’ prolific root suckering. “If we just go in and cut it down, all the roots and all the carbohydrates that are stored in the roots send up suckers,” he said. Stachock outlined late-summer management approaches—foliar or stem herbicide treatments timed to translocate to roots, or hack-and-squirt applications followed by cutting after herbicide uptake.
Speakers emphasized scouting for adults and egg masses and encouraged public outreach. Walter-Peterson said the insect is a strong hitchhiker—egg masses are easily moved on vehicles, furniture and other surfaces—so community awareness is important. County educators plan a public webinar in late October or early November with Penn State and regional partners to share identification and management guidance.
Presenters said eradication is unlikely where the insect is established but that targeted management, especially reducing tree-of-heaven near vineyards and monitoring, can limit impacts.
