[MAIPC] spotted lanternfly

[Richard Gardner]

Thoughts on this article? My two questions are if there are Eastern  North American relatives to this insect and what is the specific location where it was introduced?
Editorial: A strongargument for help fighting lanternfly
Monday January 15, 201812:01 AM Reading Eagle, Reading, Berks County, PA

Berks County Commissioner Christian Y. Leinbachmust have taken a panel of U.S. and state lawmakers aback with his stronglyworded warning about the need for swift action to eradicate the spottedlanternfly. The chairman of the commissioners delivered his plea for federalfunding in appropriately stark terms during an appearance before a legislativeforum at the Pennsylvania Farm Show.

"We need an immediate response. If we don'tget these resources to us before the spring hatch in two months, it may be toolate," Leinbach said. "The spotted lanternfly will wipe out the grapeindustry, could wipe out hardwood, and is impacting orchards."

"This is apocalyptic from an economic andenvironmental standpoint," he added. "We have heard from grapegrowers and orchard owners: One more year of this, and they are out ofbusiness."

Those of us who have witnessed the rapid spreadof the pest over the past few years know that the commissioner is hardlyexaggerating. For a while it was largely limited to a relatively small, ruralsection of eastern Berks County. But in 2017 the pest was spotted in largenumbers in much of the region.

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

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

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

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

"If we are not successful," thecommissioner argued, "not only will Pennsylvania face quarantines, theUnited States could face quarantines because Canada, South America, Mexico andEurope are watching it."

Leinbach told the panel the plan is to prepare40,000 trap trees in the spring. A notch would be cut around certain trees toseep sap and attract the insects. The trap trees would be treated withpesticide. Money is needed to execute this plan.

But we should not be leaving the response tothis problem to government alone. Landowners need to destroy the ailanthustree, also known as the tree of heaven. The spotted lanternfly feeds on itbefore reproducing. And people in areas that haven't seen the pest in the pastshould 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 withresidents in affected areas. Leinbach's appearance in Harrisburg should pushthings in that direction.

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