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Spotted Lanternfly, an Invasive Pest Targeting Plants and Trees, Detected for the First Time this Year in Rhode Island

Written by John Campanini on . Posted in Blog, Insect/Disease Issues.

Published on Monday, August 22, 2022

PROVIDENCE, RI – The Department of Environmental Management (DEM) announces that the spotted lanternfly (SLF), an exotic pest that targets various plants and trees, has a detected population for the first time in Rhode Island. Native to Asia, SLF is most frequently associated with Tree of Heaven plants (Ailanthus altissima) and feeds on a wide range of agricultural crops such as grape, apple, and hops and several native species of plants and trees including maple, walnut, and willow.

Patches of SLF that were found along Route 7 in Smithfield indicate this is Rhode Island’s first find of a population of SLF. This was confirmed by US Department of Agriculture (USDA) last week. DEM is currently continuing to survey the area to get an idea of the extent of its spread. Additionally, DEM, USDA, and the University of Rhode Island (URI) are working on management options to minimize its spread. DEM’s Division of Agriculture and Forest Environment (DAFE) confirmed the sighting on Aug. 19 and is asking the public to report any suspected sightings at www.dem.ri.gov/reportspottedlanternfly. DEM will be conducting an extensive survey of the area based on USDA recommendations to determine if there is any further presence of the invasive insect and will be providing outreach materials to businesses in the area.

“In Rhode Island, we have about 69,000 acres of agricultural lands with many of those lands at risk of being infested with SLF including vineyards, orchards, berry crops, and nursery stock,” said Senior Environmental Planner Cynthia Kwolek . “It’s critical that we take the necessary steps to detect and stop the spread of this invasive pest, particularly since it has now been found in our state.”

DEM and URI conducted a statewide SLF survey in 2021 of local vineyards and areas with large populations of Tree of Heaven plants. Also in 2021, DEM and URI held a series of public workshops to help municipalities, the grower industry, and residents prepare for and respond to this pest, should it be detected in the state.

Along with spotted patterning, the adult SLF has scarlet underwings, yellow markings on the abdomen, and tan semi-transparent forewings. Adult lanternflies are about an inch long and are active from August until the first hard freeze, which typically occurs around late October into November.

Although SLF can fly distances on its own, it is an excellent hitchhiker and mainly spreads through human movement. Its inconspicuous egg masses can be laid on pallets, vehicles, and other goods, so it is important to inspect shipping materials and adhere to travel restrictions when moving through areas that are under quarantine for SLF. The following tips can help stop the spread of SLF:

o Inspect firewood, vehicles, outdoor furniture, and camping gear for egg masses, nymphs, and adults.

o If you visit states with SLF, check all your gear and equipment before leaving and scrape off any egg masses.

o Take a photo, squash the insect, and make a report to DEM’s agricultural pest alerts website.

SLF was first detected in Pennsylvania in 2014 and has quickly spread through surrounding states. An invasive plant-hopper that is currently infesting parts of the mid-Atlantic region of the United States, SLF has established populations in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, Indiana, Ohio, and recently Michigan with finds of populations also in New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. In Pennsylvania, where the pest has been spreading for over six years, there has been significant yield loss in vineyards and the insect has become a public nuisance.

To learn more about SLF, visit DEM’s Agricultural Pest Alerts website or the URI website. To report a potential finding, please visit: www.dem.ri.gov/reportspottedlanternfly.

For more information on DEM programs and initiatives, visit www.dem.ri.gov. Follow DEM on Facebook, Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM), or Instagram (@rhodeisland.dem) for timely updates.

https://ridem.wufoo.com/forms/spotted-lanternfly-sighting-report-form/

Caterpillar Damage

Written by RITree on . Posted in Archives, Insect/Disease Issues, Tree Care. No Comments on Caterpillar Damage

While most spring defoliators (Winter moth, Cankerworms, Gypsy moth and Eastern Tent Caterpillar are mostly done for the season, the larvae of the Forest Tent Caterpillar (FTC) are still feeding on foliage. The larvae are black with hour-glass-like spots running down the middle of their abdomen. Treat with registered pesticide, if the infestation is heavy.

Caterpillar damage is pretty bad this year. For some plants, this was the second year in a row that they defoliated.

What’s next for the affected trees and shrubs?
Will they re-foliate?
What’s the prognosis for their long-term health?
Is there anything their owners can do to help?

READ Defoliation of Deciduous Trees written by RITree’s Technical Advisor to learn the answers to these and other questions.

Disease Management

Written by RITree on . Posted in Insect/Disease Issues, Tree Care. No Comments on Disease Management

Hot, humid summer weather is just around the corner. That means fungal diseases cannot be far behind, especially when a sudden rainfall event is added to the mix. Here are a few tips to follow to help keep your plants free of the blights and needle-cast diseases that can wreck the summer for your trees and shrubs.

  1. Proper Watering– Fungi need moisture to germinate and infect plant material. Wet leaf and shoot surfaces are all they need to get things going. So apply water to soil to avoid wetting these plant surfaces. Also, prune densely foliated plants. This will improve air circulation and sunlight penetration. Both will help to dry plant foliage.
  2. Sanitation– Disease causing agents often overwinter in shedding leaves, flowers and twigs. Gather and dispose of these shedding plant parts as soon as possible. This will reduce the threat of re-infections from one year to the next.
  3. Keep Plants Healthy– Healthy plants are less likely to succumb to diseases. Keep them well-watered and mulched during the summer. This will maintain their vigor giving them a decisive edge against opportunistic fungi that often prey on water-stressed trees and shrubs.
  4. Disinfect Hand Tools– It’s easy to spread disease organisms via hand tools because their spores are so pervasive in summer. Always remember to disinfect them with 70% alcohol or a 10% bleach solution, especially after pruning plants. This will reduce the chance of spreading diseases from one plant to the next.