The Race to Control the Infamous Spotted Lanternfly

Due to environmental and economic concerns, the search for a viable control for the invasive Spotted Lanternfly has become paramount. As you have probably heard, the pest has been ravaging both farms and ecosystems in the northeast United States. It has been particularly devastating to vineyards. More detailed negative effects can be found in Charles J. Mason's study: https://academic.oup.com/ee/article/49/6/1427/5909896?login=true.

While many options are currently being studied, including the introduction of foreign parasitic wasps, the most promising option lies in two species of native fungi. These fungi have been found to be toxic to the invasive species. Since they are native, they are also much safer than bringing in another foreign species. More information on these fungal species can be found in Eric H. Clifton's study: https://www.pnas.org/content/116/19/9178.

Furthermore, scientists have been able to isolate the chemicals in the fungi that are toxic to the lanternfly. By doing so they create a mycoinsecticide, which is a fancy name for a pesticide made out of fungus to combat insects. These pesticides could then be distributed to farmers to help lessen the effect of the native species. More information on the mycoinsecticides can be found in Eric H. Clifton's other study:

https://academic.oup.com/ee/article/49/4/854/5850580.

The importance of finding a control cannot be overstated. When a pest runs wild with no natural controls, it can decimate farms and ruin ecosystems. The population and impact of the pest will continue to grow exponentially, until some sort of control limits its growth. Luckily for us, scientists seem to be getting very close to a viable control for the invasive Spotted Lanternfly.

In the meantime, the reader can keep an eye out for Spotted Lanternflies. Examine the images closely so you can identify and kill the invasive species anywhere you see it. Try to avoid identifying its eggs though, as it is hard to differentiate their eggs from beneficial species. Turn in any pictures of the specimens you find to badbug@pa.gov.

Via Lehigh Valley Live, https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/breaking-news/2014/12/spotted_lanternfly_emerald_ash.htmln