What a Decade of Research Has Taught Us
Since its detection in the United States in 2014, the spotted lanternfly has prompted years of research and monitoring. Scientists have learned more about its biology, but controlling it remains a challenge. Its effects vary depending on the plants available in each region, so its impact can be difficult to predict.
Why Grapevines Are Vulnerable
Spotted lanternflies feed on plant sap, mainly from the phloem. On grapevines, heavy feeding can disrupt resource movement and drain carbohydrates that vines need to survive winter. The insects also produce sugary honeydew, which can encourage sooty mold. Although the mold is noticeable, feeding itself is a greater concern for vine health and yield.
Life Cycle and Movement
The insect has one generation each year and overwinters in egg masses, which may be found on vines, posts, trees, or even beneath rocks. Nymphs hatch in spring and develop through four stages before becoming adults. The location of early-season nymphs do not reliably predict where adults will gather later. Adults may move into vineyards in late summer and fall, when they feed heavily and lay eggs.
Scouting and Control
Regular scouting helps growers spot activity and decide when intervention may be needed. Some growers watch nearby tree of heaven as a signal that lanternflies may be present. Vineyard-edge treatments may help when insects first arrive, but populations can move into the vineyard interior if left unchecked. Insecticide choice and timing should follow local extension guidance and product labels.
Research Underway
Researchers are testing ways to reduce reliance on broad-spectrum insecticides, including fungal controls, parasitoid wasps, tree of heaven management, and trap-crop strategies. They are also studying whether vibrations transmitted through trellis wires could interfere with mating. These approaches are still being tested, and no single method is expected to solve the problem alone.
If you want to learn more about the spotted lanternfly, check out https://www.vineyardundergroundpodcast.com/vu110.
