[MAIPC] FW: Ailanthus and Spotted Lantern Fly two for the price of one

Fri Feb 2 06:25:07 PST 2018

I grew up in an area of PA (Chester County) where lanternfly has exploded. The first one I saw last year was a 4th instar on my mom's property, and as far as I have ever noticed, there is not an Ailanthus within the area around where I saw it, although I cannot swear to have scoured the landscape to see where the closest one may be hiding. But considering the instars are hoppers/jumpers, and the descriptions says even the adults are not especially strong flyers, I would venture to say the instar may not have hatched from too far away, begging the questions of where the parent adult bred, what it fed on, and how far it moved to lay eggs, and how physically far nymphs move from 1st to 4th and where it expects to be an adult which is then looking to breed and feed. 
I agree with Dan, more info from folks tracking this could help figure out what else it might be feeding on to produce viable eggs, or maybe see how far it moves as an adult, to lay its eggs. Since it will lay eggs on many smooth surfaces, like tree of heaven bark, a rock, or wood lawn furniture, can someone clarify what the purpose of a trap tree of heaven would be? Is it to get them to the tree to lay their eggs and then have tall ladders all around to scrape egg masses off? 
Mary

      From: Daniel Barringer <dbarringer at natlands.org>
 To: JANICE STEINER <tomnjan2 at comcast.net> 
Cc: maipc at lists.maipc.org; INVASIVES at LISTSERV.UMD.EDU
 Sent: Friday, February 2, 2018 7:03 AM
 Subject: Re: [MAIPC] FW: Ailanthus and Spotted Lantern Fly two for the price of one

Until recently, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has been referring to ailanthus as the “preferred” host. As in, if the tree is present, you are likely to see lanternfly on that. That is what I have observed myself, while spraying ailanthus in Berks County.
Now, at in the public lanternfly meeting PDA held in Berks County last week, PDA is telling people that they think that lanternfly may not be able to produce viable eggs unless it feeds on ailanthus at some point during its life cycle. (I don’t think there’s been any published research on it yet, which is why none is turning up in a search.) This statement reflects a fundamental difference, as it changes “preferred” to “obligate” and the cost of an effort to remove of ailanthus statewide (or at least on your own lands) would be easier to justify. But as far as I know there are no resources available for landowners. The state is still promoting the “trap tree” technique; this is probably realistic because, as much as we all would like to, it really wouldn’t be possible to remove all ailanthus from a region.
We don’t have any ailanthus on this particular preserve (621 acres) but the nearest grove (on private property) is 800 yards away from the heavy infestation of lanternfly we had this fall.
It would be great if someone from PDA could chime in, the information needs to get out beyond the geographic region where lanternfly already is found. 
Dan Barringer

On Feb 1, 2018, at 10:46 PM, JANICE STEINER <tomnjan2 at comcast.net> wrote:

My short search resulted in only one research article, from China, that mentions Ailanthus. Under M&M, Insect Collecting. The article details the mouthparts and sensilla of spotted lanternfly. Way more than I can grasp, but it seems that those body parts are probably why Ailanthus is preferred.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4890751/Jan Steiner 

On February 1, 2018 at 9:59 PM "Muth, Norris (MUTH)" wrote:

I would defer to others who have made some attempt at systematic direct observations. My best guess would be that it would be safe to refer to Ailanthus as a preferred host. It’s possible that it’s a required host, but again, the data to support that haven’t been presented as far as I am aware.

Norris
Associate Professor of Biology
Juniata College

On Feb 1, 2018, at 9:38 PM, Kirsten Johnson wrote:

Thanks Norris. What is a better way to phrase the relationship between Ailanthus and spotted lantern fly so as not to oversell the value of removing Ailanthus?

Kirsten

Sent from my iPad
On Feb 1, 2018, at 8:24 PM, Muth, Norris (MUTH) wrote:

My quick search didn’t turn up anything to support that statement ("adult SLF seem to require a meal from these trees prior to laying eggs.”) and I’m not sure I could imagine that anyone in the US has done enough research to reasonably demonstrate that. I hope I’m wrong – but I would also like to see the supporting evidence as well.

—

Norris Z. Muth, Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Biology

Office: 814-641-3632 | 1054 VLB

Juniata College

1700 Moore Street

Huntingdon, PA 16652

muthlab.org | NativePlantAdvocate.org

From: Marc Imlay >
Date: Thursday, February 1, 2018 at 8:04 PM
To: "maipc at lists.maipc.org" >, "INVASIVES at LISTSERV.UMD.EDU" >
Subject: [MAIPC] FW: Ailanthus and Spotted Lantern Fly two for the price of one

How should I best answer Kirsten? Thanks

Marc

From: Kirsten Johnson [mailto:kirsten2622 at comcast.net]
Sent: Thursday, February 01, 2018 10:49 AM
My quick search didn’t turn up anything to support that statement ("adult SLF seem to require a meal from these trees prior to laying eggs.”) and I’m not sure I could imagine that anyone in the US has done enough research to reasonably demonstrate that. I hope I’m wrong – but I would also like to see the supporting evidence as well.

—

Norris Z. Muth, Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Biology

Office: 814-641-3632 | 1054 VLB

Juniata College

1700 Moore Street

Huntingdon, PA 16652

muthlab.org | NativePlantAdvocate.org

From: Marc Imlay >
Date: Thursday, February 1, 2018 at 8:04 PM
To: "maipc at lists.maipc.org" >, "INVASIVES at LISTSERV.UMD.EDU" >
Subject: [MAIPC] FW: Ailanthus and Spotted Lantern Fly two for the price of one

How should I best answer Kirsten? Thanks

Marc

From: Kirsten Johnson [mailto:kirsten2622 at comcast.net]
Sent: Thursday, February 01, 2018 10:49 AM
To: Marc Imlay >
Subject: Re: Ailanthus and Spotted Lantern Fly two for the price of one

Marc -

This is important information. What is your source for possibility that adult spotted lanternfly actually require an Ailanthus meal to lay eggs? I see the statement in Wikipedia, but it is not footnoted there. Do you have a scientific source?

Kirsten

On Jan 27, 2018, at 8:55 AM, Marc Imlay > wrote:

From: MAIPC [mailto:maipc-bounces at lists.maipc.org] On Behalf Of Marc Imlay
Sent: Saturday, January 27, 2018 8:53 AM
To: Simmonds, Tanya >; Abellera, Jon Paolo >; Abrams, Amanda >; Adams, Michelle >; Dillon, John >; Dolesh, Mike >; Garrett, Chris >; Harley, George >; Lee, Jill >; Mills, Devin >; Sweet, Benjamin >; Westby, Brooke >; Ellis, Michael >; DaSilva, Calvin >; MacGregor, Ashlyn >; Rod.Simmons at alexandriava.gov; TreeStewardsArlAlexVA at googlegroups.com; Gribble-Fetter, Patrice >; Jacob, Stephanie >; Bookbinder, Antonia >; Burnham, Holly >; 'Art Gover' >; gramos at blm.gov; Jurkiewicz, Mary >; Patterson, Nicole >; Garrett, Chris >; 'Servis, Robert' >; antonia.bookbinder at gmail.com; Ellis, Michael >; 'Joe Mudd' >; Finch, Kim >; 'Lareuse, Susan' >
Cc: maipc at lists.maipc.org; INVASIVES at LISTSERV.UMD.EDU
Subject: [MAIPC] Ailanthus and Spotted Lantern Fly two for the price of one

Dear M-NCPPC,

We have two for the price of one justification for controlling all our Tree of Heaven.

First the bad news

Lycorma delicatula, commonly known as the Spotted Lanternfly (SLF), is a new invasive insect that has spread throughout southeastern Pennsylvania since its discovery in Berks County in 2014. SLF presents a significant threat to Pennsylvania agriculture, including the grape, tree-fruit, hardwood and nursery industries, which collectively are worth nearly $18 billion to the state's economy.
https://extension.psu.edu/spotted-lanternfly

Then the good news

Although SLF will feed on other trees and plants, all life stages strongly prefer tree of heaven, and adult SLF seem to require a meal from these trees prior to laying eggs. This provides an opportunity to concentrate the SLF population on a property by performing host tree reduction. This method involves removal or killing of most tree of heaven on an infested property while leaving a few to serve as trap trees.

Tree of Heaven Control Methods: Control of tree of heaven requires suppression of the regenerating root system of this species. Because of this, many tree of heaven infestations require multiple treatments to control a population with continued monitoring for regrowth. Various methods of treatment may have to be utilized for complete control. Establishing a native or non-invasive groundcover may help in control of sprouts and seedlings following herbicide treatments. Foliar sprays: A foliar spray with a recommended herbicide is the most common control for tree of heaven. The spray should cover the leaves and shoots that are at an attainable height. Foliar sprays are effective for control of sprouts and suckers, and are best if used with a surfactant to obtain better coverage and absorption into the leaves. Optimal time for treatment with a foliar spray is June to September. Basal bark spray: Basal bark sprays can be an effective means of control for young tree of heaven that are less than four inches in diameter. Spray the recommended herbicide with an oil carrier on the lower twelve to eighteen inches of the stem, until the bark is wet, but not running off. This treatment works well for control of smaller trees in summer and late winter, as it chemically girdles the stem where applied. Stump treatments: Applying a recommended herbicide to a freshly cut stump is essential to deter sprouting and suckering. Herbicide treatment should be made immediately after the cut so that it may be absorbed into the roots. This method works best during the active growing season of the tree from June through September. Hack and Squirt: Hack and squirt treatment is an effective treatment for control of tree of heaven and is made by making a series of downward cuts into the bark with an axe or machete. The cuts which form small cups and are approximately chest height are made evenly around the tree. Herbicide is then applied to each cut where it is taken up into the tree. Hack and squirt does not girdle the stem as there is spacing between the cuts, which allows the herbicide to be transported through the trees conductive system. Best results occur during the June to September growing season.

http://www.agriculture.pa.gov/Protect/PlantIndustry/spotted_lanternfly/Documents/Spotted%20Lanternfly%20%20Property%20Management.pdf

So MNCPPC,

We have 2 for the price of 1 justification for controlling all our Tree of Heaven.
.
Marc Imlay, PhD, Chair, MAIPC Biological control working Group Conservation biologist,
Park Ranger Office, Non-native Invasive Plant Control coordinator. Marc.Imlay at pgparks.com
(301) 442-5657 cell Natural and Historical Resources Division The Maryland- National Capital Park and Planning
Commission

Executive Order Strengthens Fight Against Invasive Pests
Jan 2, 2018

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Recognizing the increasing threat invasive species pose to Pennsylvania’s economy and people, Gov. Tom Wolf last week announced an additional step to complement recent bipartisan legislation to help battle bad bugs and out-of-control plants.

Wolf signed an executive order expanding the Governor’s Invasive Species Council to bring additional expertise and resources to bear in the battle against new invasive species, such as the spotted lanternfly, which has been found in 13 southeastern Pennsylvania counties.

“When a new pest or species is introduced into an ecosystem, it disrupts the natural order, posing a threat to native species, established industries and the quality of life of our residents,” Wolf said.

The council will be expanded from 10 to 14 members to pave the way for adding representatives of county and municipal governments, conservation districts and the transportation sector.

State Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding will continue to serve as the council’s chairman.

In addition to the spotted lanternfly, which could cause hundreds of millions of dollars of losses in Pennsylvania agricultural commodities, the state is facing other threats from species such as hydrilla, an invasive plant affecting the state’s lakes; round goby, a fish invading rivers and the Great Lakes; and Palmer amaranth, an invasive weed threatening row crops.

Wolf’s new order follows his signing of the Controlled Plants and Noxious Weeds Act in October. The new law took effect on Dec. 29.

Act 46 repeals the previous noxious weed law in favor of a more proactive approach to control existing and potentially noxious weeds while maximizing resources to control invasive species and protect state lands.

From: Don Callihan [mailto:don_ihan at hotmail.com]
Sent: Monday, January 22, 2018 8:27 AM
To: Marc Imlay >; invasives at listserv.umd.edu
Subject: Re: [INVASIVES] spotted lanternfly

While waiting for federal, state, and local agency responses, this could be an opportunity to mobilize citizen science to detect and help us contain the infestation. Take advantage of the relative ease of recognition of both the pest and Ailanthus at all stages. Engage school science teachers at all levels in teaching recognition and reporting. Engage garden clubs, friends of parks groups, churches, neighborhood associations, and civic organizations, as well as landscapers and nursery employees, in getting the word out. We need as many eyeballs as possible looking for this pest and keeping it contained. Treat it as a regional issue and coordinate among mid-Atlantic states, not just as Pennsylvania’s problem. Can MAIPC take the lead for such an effort? Will require a concerted and well-coordinated effort on the part of the many institutional silos among us.

This is a real and urgent opportunity to educate the public about the importance of control of NNIs in protecting our forests and agricultural assets.

Where can we start?

Don Callihan
410-961-8132
don_ihan at hotmail.com
Sent from my iPad.
________________________________   
   - The solution may still be EDRR , Early Detection, Rapid Response. The barrier is NIMBY; it is Not In My Back Yard. People take action when they can feel it. As Kerrie said, what good is early detection without rapid response, with WLBG a decade ago. This barrier has been met before but only with a strong enough effort.

Editorial: A strong argument for help fighting lanternfly

Monday January 15, 2018 12:01 AM Reading Eagle, Reading, Berks County, PA

Berks County Commissioner Christian Y. Leinbach must have taken a panel of U.S. and state lawmakers aback with his strongly worded warning about the need for swift action to eradicate the spotted lanternfly. The chairman of the commissioners delivered his plea for federal funding in appropriately stark terms during an appearance before a legislative forum at the Pennsylvania Farm Show.

"We need an immediate response. If we don't get these resources to us before the spring hatch in two months, it may be too late," Leinbach said. "The spotted lanternfly will wipe out the grape industry, could wipe out hardwood, and is impacting orchards."

"This is apocalyptic from an economic and environmental standpoint," he added. "We have heard from grape growers and orchard owners: One more year of this, and they are out of business."

Those of us who have witnessed the rapid spread of the pest over the past few years know that the commissioner is hardly exaggerating. For a while it was largely limited to a relatively small, rural section of eastern Berks County. But in 2017 the pest was spotted in large numbers in much of the region.

The spotted lanternfly is native to Asia but came to North America in a shipment to Berks County, where it was first spotted in 2014. The pest, which destroys grape vineyards and hardwoods and has been seen in apple orchards, has spread to 13 southeast Pennsylvania counties.

Leinbach needed to make a strong case because of the uphill climb he's facing. He is requesting $40 million in federal funding. Getting any money from Washington or Harrisburg is difficult right now. Getting it in a matter of weeks is even more challenging.

If he accomplished nothing more than putting this issue on state and national lawmakers' radar, it will have been worth the trip to Harrisburg, though we do urge officials to find funding right away to combat the pest and research ways to eradicate it.

Right now the problem is largely unknown outside this region. Leinbach is making a persuasive argument that it won't be long before it spreads to other states unless something is done swiftly. Each year the number of lanternflies grows, more eggs are laid, and the numbers keep multiplying. Leinbach said the number of lanternflies is approaching 1 trillion.

"If we are not successful," the commissioner argued, "not only will Pennsylvania face quarantines, the United States could face quarantines because Canada, South America, Mexico and Europe are watching it."

Leinbach told the panel the plan is to prepare 40,000 trap trees in the spring. A notch would be cut around certain trees to seep sap and attract the insects. The trap trees would be treated with pesticide. Money is needed to execute this plan.

But we should not be leaving the response to this problem to government alone. Landowners need to destroy the ailanthus tree, also known as the tree of heaven. The spotted lanternfly feeds on it before reproducing. And people in areas that haven't seen the pest in the past should report lanternfly sightings to state agriculture officials.

This is the year to get a handle on this program. That means a strong effort by all levels of government in cooperation with residents in affected areas. Leinbach's appearance in Harrisburg should push things in that direction.

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