The Lantern Fly: A Threat to East Coast Vineyards
In recent years, vineyards along the East Coast of the United States have faced an unexpected enemy, the spotted lantern fly, (SLF). This invasive species, native to China, has become a significant concern for grape growers as it poses a threat to both the vines and the overall health of the vineyard ecosystem.
The lantern fly, scientifically known as Lycorma delicatula, first made its presence known in the United States in 2014 when it was discovered in Pennsylvania. Since then, the species has spread rapidly, causing damage to a variety of crops, including grapes. The East Coast, with its thriving wine industry, has become a hotspot for lantern fly infestations, raising concerns among vineyard owners. According to the USDA, SLFs have since spread to 13 states beyond PA: Connecticut, Delaware, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Rhode Island, Virginia, and West Virginia. Some Eastern vineyards have already felt the effects. Fiore Winery has seen its 2022 production cut in half as lanternflies attack its vines and deprive them of nutrients.
Lantern flies feed on the sap of plants, including grapevines, by piercing the plant tissue with their needle-like mouthparts. This feeding activity weakens the vines and makes them more susceptible to diseases. Moreover, the excretion of a sugary substance known as honeydew during the feeding process attracts mold growth, further compromising the health of the grapevines.
In addition to direct damage, lantern flies can also transmit plant diseases, posing an additional threat to vineyards. The Spotted Lantern Fly has been identified as a potential vector for the transmission of a pathogen known as Xylella fastidiosa, which can cause Pierce's disease in grapevines.
The infestation of lantern flies in East Coast and Maryland vineyards has significant economic implications for the wine industry. Grape growers may experience reduced yields and lower grape quality, leading to financial losses.
Currently, there are no known natural enemies of SLF that are thought to reduce populations in the United States. Some generalist predators (spiders, praying mantises, wheel bugs, parasitoids, etc.) will attack and eat SLF. Additionally, two species of fungal pathogens have been identified attacking SLF in Pennsylvania. One species, Beauveria bassiana, has been the recent focus of research for SLF management. This pathogen is commercially available as a bio-pesticide and can be sprayed to kill insect pests. Research suggests that netting can reduce SLF by up to 99.8 percent on the vines. Note that unlike over-the-row bird netting, this netting will need to be secured tightly on the sides and bottom.
Vineyard owners and agricultural authorities are actively working on strategies to control and prevent lantern fly infestations. Integrated pest management (IPM) techniques, including the use of insecticides, traps, and biological control agents, are being employed to curb the spread of lantern flies. Additionally, education and outreach programs are being conducted to raise awareness among vineyard owners and the public about the importance of early detection and reporting.
Collaboration between vineyard owners, researchers, and state governments is crucial to developing effective control measures. Ongoing research aims to better understand the lantern fly's biology and behavior, providing valuable insights for the development of targeted and sustainable solutions. For any further reading you may want to do on the subject. One of the best articles I have read on this subject from from the Penn State Extension Center is linked below.
https://extension.psu.edu/spotted-lanternfly-management-in-vineyards
