Developing biological control methods for the spotted lanternfly

We are working to develop biological control methods for application against spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula). The spotted lanternfly is an invasive planthopper first detected in Pennsylvania in the fall of 2014. It has since spread extensively within Pennsylvania and neighboring states where it threatens the grape, hops, tree fruit, plant nursery and timber industries. Our prior research focused on the egg parasitoid, Anastatus orientalis, however we found this species complex to not be sufficiently host specific to consider further. We are now leading a large-scale biocontrol effort focusing on the nymphal parasitoid Dryinus sinicus. By improving rearing methods, we have established a robust colony of the parasitoid in our quarantine facility for research purposes. Host specificity testing and life history studies for the parasitoid are still ongoing but thus far, no parasitism of non-target hosts has been observed. This talk will summarize this work and the role that Dr. Juli Gould has played getting this body of work started and supporting it through to its current stage.