mr.d Posted June 29, 2018 Share Posted June 29, 2018 Invasive insect species threatens PA multi-billion dollar industries by Aimee Lewis Thursday, June 28th 2018 While central PA has not been affected, scientists say it could be only a matter of time. STATE COLLEGE - An invasive insect species from China continues to grow in population size and it's causing big concerns for our local agriculture. Scientists said the Lantern Fly is a massive threat to Pennsylvania and Penn State is helping to spearhead control efforts. It was first discovered in Pennsylvania in 2014 in Berks County. It can now be found in 13 different counties. While central PA has not been affected, scientists say it could be only a matter of time. Heather Leach, a lantern fly expert, said it threatens grapes, hops, and wood; all worth billions of dollars in exports. Part of her job is to find out how to control and destroy the population. "We are doing research to try to find what natural predators the insect may have," said Leach. The Lantern Fly lays its eggs on hard surfaces, like wood and trees. Leach said populations inside the quarantine areas, all in eastern Pennsylvania, are so large that growers must constantly be spraying their plants with pesticides. The invasive insects are also great travelers, and can easily attach themselves to the bottom of car. Experts advise everyone to know what the Lateran Fly looks like, as well as it's eggs. Leach said everyone needs to do their part to stop the insect from spreading throughout the state. For more information, you can visit the PA Department of Agriculture's website. http://www.agriculture.pa.gov/Plants_Land_Water/PlantIndustry/Entomology/spotted_lanternfly/Pages/default.aspx SEE VIDEO ; http://wjactv.com/news/local/invasive-insect-species-threatens-pa-multi-billion-dollar-industries Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Petee Posted July 1, 2018 Share Posted July 1, 2018 Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is heading the effort but each county also has a person at the Extension who you can call for local help. For Jefferson County call 849-7361 and leave a message at Ext 508. I will get back to you as soon as possible. It is especially important for trucking companies who travel into or near the quarantined area to get the permit which will allow them to train their drivers to look for Spotted Lantern Fly while they are doing their pre-trip inspection. With a current permit, truckers can save time at inspection sites. If you camp then DON'T move firewood into or out of the quarantine area or you can be fined. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mr.d Posted August 7, 2018 Author Share Posted August 7, 2018 Agricultural Agencies Provide Update on Work to Combat Spotted Lanternfly in Pennsylvania August 7, 2018 12:24 am· HARRISBURG, Pa. – On Monday, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and Penn State University provided an update on their work to control the spread of the Spotted Lanternfly – an invasive insect that has the potential to seriously impact the tree-fruit, grape, and timber industries, which are collectively worth nearly $18 billion to the state’s economy. “Through this partnership, we have been able to successfully raise awareness about this pest: what it looks like, where it’s found, and the damage it could do,” said Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. “This coalition has been the boots on the ground working to control the Spotted Lanternfly’s spread–and we’ve made significant strides–but we know there’s still much work left to do.” Governor Tom Wolf and the General Assembly approved $3 million in dedicated state funding to combat the Spotted Lanternfly as part of the fiscal year 2018-19 budget. This funding supplements $17.5 million in federal funding from USDA, received earlier this year. Redding noted that this funding has helped the coalition, which also includes numerous local partners, invest in a statewide survey, control and treatment services, grants, and research. This year, the partners are engaged in a multi-pronged approach to control the invasive pest. PDA has taken responsibility for suppressing Spotted Lanternfly populations in the core infestation area, while USDA has established a perimeter extending 18 miles out from the core area, where they are working to eliminate any infestation. Between the two agencies, the entire spotted lanternfly quarantine area–13 counties in southeastern Pennsylvania–are being covered. Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences has taken the lead on public outreach through its Cooperative Extension service. “Our main operational goal this season is to treat all the known positives from last year, and treat any new properties this year into mid-September,” said Timothy Newcamp, USDA APHIS State Plant Health Director in Pennsylvania. “Our scientists are studying the effectiveness of different pesticides, working on trap and lure development, exploring biological control options, and studying alternative host suitability. This research, along with that of our partners, will not only help in the battle against this invasive pest, but it will also help shape the direction of the Spotted Lanternfly Program.” “Penn State Extension and Research within the College of Agriculture Sciences is focused on increasing the public and industries awareness of the SLF and studying the pest to learn more about its biology, damage potential and how to more effectively manage its populations,” added Dr. Dennis Calvin, Associate Dean and Director of Special Programs at Penn State Extension. Redding said that public outreach and education is critical to controlling the Spotted Lanternfly’s spread. “We want the public to not only understand the urgency of this problem, but also be able to help us in trying to eliminate it,” said Redding. “If people are aware of the pest, and know what it looks like, they can report sightings to us so that we can respond more quickly. If the insect is found someplace outside of the quarantine zone, the sooner we know about it, the sooner we can react and prevent it from spreading.” Pennsylvanians are encouraged to report sightings of the pest through an online reporting tool found at extension.psu.edu/spotted-lanternfly or by calling the new hotline, 1-888- 4BADFLY. The hotline will connect callers to Penn State Extension staff who will provide guidance and next steps. The Commonwealth is also engaging with the business community, stressing the risk that interstate and international commerce may be impeded. Businesses operating within the quarantine must obtain an operating permit, which requires training and passing a test to demonstrate a working knowledge and understanding of the pest and quarantine requirements. Permits demonstrate that individuals can identify the pest and ensure that it is not present on transported items. New York, for example, has begun inspecting shipments moving from the quarantined areas of Pennsylvania into their state to ensure trucks are permitted. New Jersey also recently instituted a quarantine in three counties that may affect the interstate movement of goods from Pennsylvania. Redding added that the Wolf Administration has been training employees and issuing permits to those state workers who have taken the test. The Commonwealth also plans to permit state vehicles that travel through the quarantine zone. “The commonwealth is leading by example and has taken the important step of permitting its state vehicles. Thus far, state employees in a number of agencies have taken the permitting test online and are training their teams to know what to do when they’re traveling in a state vehicle,” Redding added. Find out more about Spotted Lanternfly at agriculture.pa.gov/spottedlanternfly, www.aphis.usda.gov/hungrypests/slf, and extension.psu.edu/shopby/spotted-lanternfly. http://www.explorejeffersonpa.com/agricultural-agencies-provide-update-on-work-to-combat-spotted-lanternfly-in-pennsylvania/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mr.d Posted December 13, 2018 Author Share Posted December 13, 2018 http://extension.psu.edu/spotted-lanternfly READ ARTICLE -- http://www.explorejeffersonpa.com/pennsylvania-businesses-encouraged-to-help-keep-pa-moving-by-obtaining-a-spotted-lanternfly-permit/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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