Fritz welcomes Penn State entomologist Dr. Julie Urban for a look back at ten years of spotted lanternfly research — and what vineyard owners have learned along the way. Julie explains why grapevines are especially vulnerable: late-season feeding can disrupt resource flow and drain the carbohydrate reserves vines need for winter.
They walk through the lanternfly’s life cycle, its unpredictable movement among host plants, and why spring nymph counts don’t necessarily tell growers where adults will show up later. They also talk scouting, insecticide timing, tree of heaven, and research into gentler controls, parasitoid wasps, and even vibrations sent through trellis wires.
There’s no single fix yet, but Julie shares why she’s hopeful — and why growers’ help matters.
In this episode, you will hear:
- A decade of spotted lanternfly research in the United States
- Why grapevines are especially vulnerable to lanternfly feeding
- The lanternfly’s life cycle and unpredictable movement among host plants
- Vineyard scouting, insecticide timing, and edge treatments
- Research into biological controls and other management methods
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Resources:
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Today’s Guest:
Dr. Julie Urban is an Associate Research Professor in the Penn State Department of Entomology and a leading evolutionary biologist at the forefront of managing the invasive spotted lanternfly crisis. Her groundbreaking research focuses on insect-microbial symbiosis, planthopper evolution, and developing integrated pest management strategies to protect valuable specialty crops across the United States.
Connect with Julie and follow her research – https://ento.psu.edu/directory/jmu2
View the Spotted Lanternfly Summit 2026 videos on YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGdLGiiEvPWUC-lbnGuFFTt_1M1Cz1QDO
Episode Sponsor:
Today’s episode was brought to you by HydroGeo Environmental and Vigneron Toy Store.
Thank you to HydroGeo Environmental for sponsoring today’s episode. For over 20 years, Bubba Beasley and his team have helped vineyard growers evaluate sites, map properties, assess soil and groundwater, and design optimal vineyard layouts. By combining the latest technology with industry expertise, HydroGeo brings clarity to even the most complex landscapes. Visit HydroGeoEnvironmental.com and mention the Vineyard Underground podcast to receive a special discount on your service.
Thank you to Vigneron Toy Store for sponsoring today’s episode. Vigneron Toy Store specializes in harvesters, sprayers, frost mitigation equipment, canopy management trimmers, and more. As grape growers themselves, the team can help you select the best equipment for your vineyard’s specific needs. Podcast listeners can save 5% on in-stock machines by entering the promo code Underground on the contact form at vignerontoystore.com.
