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| Hops on a vine |
What are Hops?
How to Spotted Lanternflies Affect Hops?
Spotted Lanternflies (SLF) can have a significant impact on beer production as they can damage the hop plants used in brewing.
SLF feed on the sap of hop plants, causing wilting, stunted growth, and reduced yields. They also excrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which can attract other pests and promote the growth of black sooty mold and other fungi that can further damage the plant. This can lead to a reduction in hop production, which can cause a shortage of hops and lead to higher prices for brewers.
Additionally, the quality of the hops can be affected by SLF damage, which can result in a lower-quality product with less flavor and aroma. This can have a negative impact on the taste of the beer and the overall reputation of the brewery.
Breweries and hop growers are taking steps to mitigate the impact of SLF on hop production, such as using insecticides and implementing integrated pest management strategies. However, SLF is a relatively new invasive species in the United States, and the full extent of its impact on hop production and the beer industry is still being studied.
There are concerns that SLF feeding can create wounds on the plant surface, which can provide entry points for pathogens to enter the plant. This can weaken the plant's immune system and make it more susceptible to disease.
In the case of hops, it is known that the hop stunt viroid and hop mosaic virus can cause significant damage to the crop. These pathogens are primarily spread through infected plant material, but it is possible that wounds caused by SLF feeding could also provide entry points for the pathogens.
While there may not be direct studies linking SLF to the transmission of these plant diseases, the potential impact of SLF feeding on plant health and susceptibility to disease is an area of active research.
Spotted Lanternflies (SLF) can accidentally be included in the hop harvest. They can hide within the hop cones or on the plant itself, making it difficult to detect them. If SLF-infested hops are processed and used in beer production, the insects can end up in the finished product. While there is no evidence that SLF poses a health risk to humans, their presence in beer could affect the taste and quality of the product.
To prevent SLF from being included in the hop harvest, growers should inspect the plants and cones carefully before harvesting. If any SLF are found, they should be removed and destroyed. It's also essential to properly clean and inspect harvesting equipment, including conveyor belts, hoppers, and screens, to prevent the insects from being unintentionally transported.
Brewers can also take steps to ensure that their hops are free of SLF. They can work with their hop suppliers to verify that their hops are grown in SLF-free areas and properly inspected and cleaned before shipment
The majority of hops in the United States are grown in the Pacific Northwest, particularly in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. The Yakima Valley in Washington State is one of the most significant hop-growing regions in the world, accounting for over 75% of the US hop crop.
As of now, Spotted Lanternflies are not found in these areas, however they may in upcoming years, spread to this area. Many breweries and other organizations have started growing their own hops in the Eastern United states, so it does still remain an issue.
SLF can also affect grapes and thus vineyards as well.