Cornell aids fight against invasive spotted lanternfly

By Blake Jackson

The spotted lanternfly, an invasive insect first detected in Pennsylvania in 2014, has reached the Hudson Valley in concerning numbers. Researchers at Cornell's Hudson Valley Research Laboratory (HVRL) are collaborating with local fruit growers to combat this threat.

Dr. C. Andres Antolinez, an HVRL entomologist, emphasizes the challenge: "While easy to kill individually, their vast numbers and ability to hitchhike on vehicles make them difficult to control."

Throughout winter and spring, researchers and growers have scouted for and eliminated spotted lanternfly eggs hidden in the environment. These prolific breeders pose a significant risk to grape production. They weaken vines by sucking sap and leave behind a sticky honeydew that promotes mold growth, hindering photosynthesis.

To combat the invasion, HVRL is deploying several strategies:

• Monitoring Stations: Tracking lanternfly populations across the region helps researchers understand their spread.
• Laboratory Colony: Studying lanternfly development under controlled conditions allows researchers to predict their behavior in the field and develop targeted control methods.

Control Method Testing: A proposal awaiting USDA approval would enable testing various approaches, including:

• Attract and Kill Stations: Luring lanternflies to border areas for elimination could prevent them from reaching orchards and vineyards.
• Trap Trees: Specific trees that attract lanternflies could be used to concentrate and eliminate them.

Growers like Peggy Kent, whose family has farmed in the Hudson Valley for generations, see HVRL's research as crucial. "We need the best research available to make informed decisions," she says. The lab's ability to experiment with riskier strategies provides valuable insights for farmers who need to balance effectiveness with economic considerations.

By combining research and collaboration, Cornell and Hudson Valley growers are on the front lines of the fight against the spotted lanternfly invasion.

Photo Credit: cornell-university