Invasive Lanternfly Continues Spread in New York, Might Take Down Grape and Wine Industry

The invasive lanternfly is still spreading and could destroy New York's grape and wine industry, according to an update from the New York State Department of Agriculture.

The invasive species has been increasing its range ever since 2020 and into the past few years.

The spotted lanternfly's potential effects on crops and what they might do to the state's grape production are the biggest worries.

Within the next few weeks, the invasive species will begin to hatch from their eggs, and Chris Logue, a representative from the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets is warning everyone to keep an eye out for them.

There is a great deal of worry about them expanding into Rochester and the Finger Lakes region, according to Brian Eshenaur at Cornell.

Threats to the Grape and Wine Industry

Eshenaur observed that this insect is capable of destroying grape vines.

Because it has happened in Pennsylvania, officials are paying close attention to this because the wine and grape industry in the Finger Lakes is so vital.

According to a WIRED report from August 2019, farmers lost 90% of their vineyards to invasive species.

With a diet that contains no fewer than 70 plants, the spotted lanternfly differs from other invasive species in its voracity and indiscriminate palate, according to Heather Leach, a Pennsylvania State University entomologist.

Preventing further infestations is essential to safeguarding the nearby vineyards in our region because the invasive plant hopper has been expanding across the northeastern regions of the country since 2014, with recent sightings in Syracuse and Buffalo.

Although sometimes hidden by tree bark, the adult lanternfly's display of distinctive spots on its wings won't be visible until July.

Invasive Lanternfly

Spotted lanternflies in New York, according to Logue, may have a significant impact on the grape and wine industry in the state of New York.

The New York Grape and Wine Foundation estimated that this industry sector is worth about $6.65 billion annually.

The main lesson learned from the damage, according to him, is that it essentially saps the life out of the plant, stresses it out, and makes it more vulnerable to drought stress and other insect and disease attacks.

A sticky substance known as honeydew that the spotted lanternfly excretes contains sooty mold that can hinder plant photosynthesis and impart an unappealing flavor to grapes.

The fact that these insects are non-venomous and do not invade homes is extremely significant.

They are a pest that lives outside and eats plants.

Spotted Lanternfly Sightings

Even if reports are unsure of what they are, sightings of the spotted lanternfly are strongly encouraged to be reported with a photo and the location.

Report any sightings of egg masses, which will appear as a "putty-like" patch approximately two inches long and one inch wide.

In order to stop them from hatching at this time of year, they can be removed with a credit card or squished using something hard on the spot, Rochester First reported.