ULSTER CO., N.Y. — Spotted lanternfly (SLF) is a new invasive insect that is native to parts of Southeast Asia. It is a destructive pest that feeds on more than 70 plant species, including various hardwood trees and crops that are critical to New York’s agricultural economy, such as grapes, tree fruits, and hops. SLF is a sap feeding insect and also feeds in large numbers. This group feeding behavior can stress the plant.
SLF was first detected in Pennsylvania in 2014. It has since spread to surrounding areas, including New Jersey and Maryland. Populations have also been reported in Lower Fairfield County Connecticut, parts of the NYC Burroughs, Rockland County, and Orange County near New Jersey.
Until recently, Hudson Valley growers may have considered the threat from SLF to be far off and distant. However, Ag & Markets recently confirmed a population of SLF at a highway rest stop in Newburgh, NY. The infested area was treated with insecticides and traps were set out to monitor SLF populations. Ag & Markets, along with the Lower Hudson PRISM, continue to keep an eye on the situation and provide updates.
More information about SLF, including its lifecycle, can be found on the NYS IPM website, as well as on the CCEUC invasive pests website.
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County, The Hudson Valley Research Lab, and NYS IPM will continue to provide outreach and education on SLF. If you have questions about SLF, feel free to reach out to Jim O’Connell via email at jmo98@cornell.edu, or phone at 845-340-3990.
Your help is welcomed because early detection is key for managing this insect. To report a sighting of spotted lanternfly, visit the Ag & Markets SLF page scroll down to the “Take Action” section and click on the link to contact SLF responders, or send an email to: spottedlanternfly@agriculture.ny.gov .
–Cornell Cooperative Extension Ulster County
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