Sunday, July 23, 2023

Appearance of Spotted Lanternfly Adults

Hello, everyone,

This week, spotted lanternfly (SLF) adults began their appearance. There was an appearance of an adult in a vineyard in Bedford County on July 19. There is a possible appearance a day or so earlier that is being follow up on.

This map includes the most recent updates in geographic spread of SLF in Virginia, generated in the Insect Identification Lab in the Department of Entomology. Red counties are included in the VDACS quarantine; counties in orange have established populations but are not yet in quarantine.



The adult stage poses the greatest risk of immigration into vineyards, because of its mobility and attraction to grapevines. If adults are just showing up in an area, there is no need to overreact. In areas where SLF has been present in an area for a season or two, the pest pressure is likely to be higher. In the coming weeks, play close attention, looking for adults on cordons and canes. A provisional action threshold in vineyards is 5-10 adults per vine. I emphasize the term provisional. This may go up or down as we gain further experience with this insect in our vineyards. There is often a strong edge effect with this insect, and border sprays may be able to handle the problem, without spraying the whole block.

The Pest Management Guide chapters for Commercial Vineyards, Small Fruits and Hops can be found at this link (https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/456/456-017/456-017.html). There are several materials listed for this time of the season, when adults are the target. Once sprays start, reassess frequently. Pay close attention to the maximum applications or amounts applied per season, and watch preharvest intervals. I would very much like to hear more about this as it unfolds at your sites.

Here is a link to my SLF page (https://www.virginiafruit.ento.vt.edu/SLF.html). There is a table linked there listing SLF materials, with PHI and seasonal max levels. There are fact sheets post for SLF for general information, management in vineyards and in residential areas.

Let me know if you would like to discuss SLF at your location.
More later,
Doug

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