Abstract
Spotted lanternfly (SLF) is an invasive insect in the Northeastern U.S. projected to spread nationally and globally. While SLF is a significant pest of vineyards, little is known about the pest in grape agroecosystems including its spatial ecology. SLF spatial patterns were analyzed using a combination of approaches including generalized linear mixed effect models, Moran’s I statistic for spatial clustering, and Empirical Bayesian Kriging. Analysis revealed that SLF displayed significantly clumped distributions in monitored vineyards. Approximately 54% and 44% of the respective adult and egg mass populations were observed within the first 15 m of the vineyard edge. Importantly, the spatial concentration of adults at the edge was consistent temporally, both between years and weeks. Moreover, high populations of SLF on vines were significantly correlated with reduced fruit production in the following year. Mark-release-recapture of SLF revealed that higher proportions of SLF were recaptured on vines with high pre-existing SLF populations, indicating that SLF may exhibit aggregation behavior along vineyard perimeters. Monitoring and management efforts for SLF should be prioritized around vineyard edges as it may significantly reduce infestations and subsequent damage.
Highlights
The spatial ecology of invasive species has received considerable attention in the past d ecade[1,2,3,4,5,6]
It is critical that research addresses effective management options and the biology underpinning the success of these management tactics
Similar to the findings reported for adults, 44% of Spotted lanternfly (SLF) egg masses were found within 15 m of the vineyard edge and a significantly lower proportions of egg masses (12%) were found on vines located 75 m from the vineyard block edge (Fig. 2)
Summary
The spatial ecology of invasive species has received considerable attention in the past d ecade[1,2,3,4,5,6]. SLF has been reported to feed on 70 different plant hosts, including many valuable ornamental and agricultural c rops[9]. Grape production is greatly impacted by SLF infestations. In the Northeast, growers report reduced vine production or complete plant loss with poor SLF control. SLF adults and nymphs feed on plant phloem from the trunk, cordon, or shoot tissue[15] which likely reduces photosynthetic potential and vigor of vines. Damage caused by these insects may significantly alter grape production. In a recent 2020 survey, most grape growers (53%) stated that they would forgo replanting or expanding their production without effective SLF management options It is critical that research addresses effective management options and the biology underpinning the success of these management tactics
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