The spotted lanternfly is an invasive species that has been wreaking havoc on vineyards and the wine industry in the United States. This insect is native to Asia, but was accidentally introduced to the United States in 2014. Since then, it has spread to many states and has caused significant damage to crops, trees, and plants. Are Spotted Lanternflies going to destroy your favorite winery?
The Impact of the Spotted Lanternfly on Grapes
The spotted lanternfly feeds on the sap of grapevines, which can cause significant damage to the vines and ultimately reduce crop yields. This insect can also spread plant diseases such as grapevine leafroll disease and Pierce's disease, which can be devastating to vineyards and the wine industry.
The impact of the spotted lanternfly on vineyards can be significant, with some estimates suggesting that it could cost the wine industry millions of dollars in lost revenue. In addition to reducing crop yields, the presence of the spotted lanternfly can also increase the cost of production, as vineyards may need to implement costly control measures to manage the spread of the insect.
Vineyard Strategies for Managing the Spread of the Spotted Lanternfly
There are several strategies that vineyards can use to manage the spread of the spotted lanternfly and reduce the damage caused by this invasive species.
Monitoring and Early Detection techniques can be an effective way for vineyards to help themselves with the Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) infestations. These techniques involve regularly checking the vineyard for the presence of SLF and detecting them as early as possible. Here are some ways vineyards can use Monitoring and Early Detection techniques:
- Visual Inspection: Vineyard workers can conduct visual inspections of grapevines and surrounding trees for signs of spotted lanternflies. These insects are easy to spot, with their distinctive black and white spotted wings, and bright red underwings.
- Sticky Bands: Vineyards can use sticky bands or traps to monitor for the presence of SLF. These sticky bands can be placed around tree trunks, posts, or other surfaces where SLF may be present. When SLF crawls over the band, they get stuck, allowing vineyard workers to detect their presence.
- Mapping: Vineyards can create maps of the location of SLF hotspots in their vineyard. This can help to track the movement of the insect and identify areas where the infestation is most severe.
- Collaboration: Vineyards can collaborate with local agriculture agencies or universities to receive up-to-date information about SLF infestations in their area. These agencies can provide guidance and support for implementing effective Monitoring and Early Detection techniques.
- Visual Inspection: Vineyard workers can conduct visual inspections of grapevines and surrounding trees for signs of spotted lanternflies. These insects are easy to spot, with their distinctive black and white spotted wings, and bright red underwings.
Biological Control: One biological control method used in vineyards is the introduction of natural predators, such as predatory insects, birds, or fungi, that feed on SLF. For example, some farmers use the praying mantis or the wheel bug, which are natural predators of SLF, to control SLF populations. Additionally, some farmers use entomopathogenic fungi, such as Beauveria bassiana, which infect and kill SLF.
Another method used to prevent SLF infestations in vineyards is the use of pheromone traps. These traps contain a chemical that mimics the scent of the female SLF and attracts the males, leading them to get trapped. By reducing the number of male SLF in the area, the traps can help limit the number of SLF eggs that are laid, which can reduce the number of SLF in the following year. This approach can be more environmentally friendly than the use of chemical pesticides.Cultural Control: Cultural control techniques involve changing the way vineyards are managed to make them less favorable to SLF.
Here are some examples of cultural control techniques that vineyards can use to manage SLF infestations:- Pruning: Vineyards can prune grapevines to remove any SLF egg masses or nymphs that may be present on the vines. Pruning also helps to improve air circulation and sunlight penetration, which can help to reduce SLF populations.
- Mowing: Vineyards can mow the grass and weeds around grapevines to reduce SLF habitat. SLF prefers to lay eggs and feed on the plants growing at the base of grapevines.
- Removing Tree-of-Heaven: Tree-of-Heaven is the primary host plant of SLF, and it provides a favorable environment for SLF to lay eggs and feed. Vineyards can remove any Tree-of-Heaven trees growing in or around the vineyard to reduce the SLF population.
- Harvesting Early: Vineyards can harvest grapes earlier than usual to minimize the damage caused by SLF feeding. Early harvesting reduces the amount of time SLF have to feed on the grapes and reduces the risk of grape quality issues.
- Planting Cover Crops: Vineyards can plant cover crops that are less favorable to SLF. These crops can help to reduce SLF habitat and food sources. Examples of cover crops that are less favorable to SLF include:
- Buckwheat: Buckwheat is a fast-growing cover crop that can suppress weeds and improve soil quality. SLF does not prefer to feed on buckwheat.
- Sudan grass: Sudan grass is a tall, fast-growing grass that can suppress weeds and provide good ground cover. SLF prefers not to feed on this type of grass.
- Clover: Clover is a legume that can fix nitrogen in the soil, improve soil health, and provide a habitat for beneficial insects. SLF does not prefer to feed on clover.
- Annual Ryegrass: Annual Ryegrass is a fast-growing, high-nutrient cover crop that can suppress weeds and provide good ground cover. SLF does not prefer to feed on this type of grass.
By planting cover crops that SLF does not prefer, vineyards can reduce the attractiveness of their fields to the insect and minimize the risk of infestation. - Buckwheat: Buckwheat is a fast-growing cover crop that can suppress weeds and improve soil quality. SLF does not prefer to feed on buckwheat.
- Pruning: Vineyards can prune grapevines to remove any SLF egg masses or nymphs that may be present on the vines. Pruning also helps to improve air circulation and sunlight penetration, which can help to reduce SLF populations.
Chemical Control: Chemical controls are another option for managing Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) infestations in vineyards. While chemical controls should be used cautiously and as a last resort due to their potential environmental and health impacts, they can be effective in reducing SLF populations and minimizing crop damage.
One chemical control used in vineyards is insecticide sprays. These sprays are applied directly to the grapevines and can kill SLF on contact. However, insecticide sprays can also harm beneficial insects and pollinators, and can potentially contaminate groundwater and other environmental resources if not used properly.
Another chemical control option is systemic insecticides. These are absorbed by the grapevine and can kill SLF when they feed on the sap of the vine. Systemic insecticides can provide longer-term protection against SLF and may be less harmful to beneficial insects and pollinators. However, systemic insecticides can also have negative impacts on the environment and should be used with caution.
When using chemical controls, it is important to follow label instructions carefully and use the appropriate protective gear. Additionally, farmers should consider integrated pest management (IPM) approaches that incorporate multiple strategies, including biological controls and cultural practices, to minimize the use of chemical controls.
Overall, chemical controls can be effective in managing SLF infestations in vineyards, but should be used as a last resort and with caution to minimize their potential impacts on the environment and human health.