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About the Project
Tree of Heaven, Ailanthus altissima, is an invasive species introduced in the U.S. in the 1700s. Now spread throughout much of the U.S., Tree of Heaven is a favorite food source for another invasive species, Spotted Lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula. Since its arrival in Pennsylvania in 2014, Spotted Lanternfly has spread to at least 16 states.
When Trees of Heaven become overwhelmed by large Spotted Lanternfly populations and ultimately become unacceptable hosts, Spotted Lanternfly turn to wine grapes as their food source. In vineyards, Spotted Lanternfly injure grape vines, require increased pesticide treatments, and reduce grape yields.
With the support of USDA Agricultural Research Service, our multi-institutional areawide team is collaborating to research integrated pest management strategies for these invasive species to reduce the impacts of Spotted Lanternfly throughout the U.S.
Areawide Impact
Our interdisciplinary pest management team is conducting research in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia, states among the first to experience the effects of Spotted Lanternfly.
Vineyards in this area are ideal sites for exploring evidence-based, producer-friendly biological control methods for Spotted Lanternfly and Tree of Heaven.
Areawide pest management is about strategically managing the pests not just in the crop at risk, but across the entire landscape. Our project focuses on biological control for both Spotted Lanternfly and Tree of Heaven to reduce their populations across the landscape, and ultimately reduce impacts in vineyards.
Purpose
The purpose of our team is to create biological solutions for managing Spotted Lanternfly and Tree of Heaven that will result in the following:
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Better ecosystem health
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Reduced pesticide use to control for Spotted Lanternfly in vineyards
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Decreased yield loss from Spotted Lanternfly in vineyards
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Alleviate impacts of Spotted Lanternfly and Tree of Heaven on native pollinators and plants
