Development and survivorship of Lycorma delicatula (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) on cultivated and native Vitis spp. (Vitales: Vitaceae) of the Eastern United States

Abstract

As Lycorma delicatula (White) continues to spread across the United States, more winegrapes are potentially susceptible to damage from this pest. Lycorma delicatula, spotted lanternfly, is primarily associated with Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle, a tree from its native range that is now globally distributed. While L. delicatula is a known pest of cultivated Vitis spp. in South Korea, its relationship with the specific grape species grown in the United States is unclear. This study assessed L. delicatula survivorship and development on 5 Vitis species, including 2 winegrape V. vinifera L. varieties, ‘Pinot Noir’ and ‘Chardonnay’, Concord grape, Vitis labrusca L., River grape, Vitis riparia Michx., and muscadine grape, Vitis rotundifolia Michx. var. ‘Carlos’. A diet of A. altissima served as a positive control. Lycorma delicatula provided with a diet of V. riparia or V. vinifera ‘Pinot Noir’ yielded the highest survivorship and fastest rates of development among grape diets and were statistically equivalent to those provided with A. altissima. Vitis rotundifolia did not support L. delicatula growth past the third-instar life stage, indicating this species is a poor host for the early development of this pest. Our results indicate that both V. riparia and V. vinifera are favorable hosts for L. delicatula and may provide the means for this insect to invade and establish in new regions.

Experimental evidence supports the ability of spotted lanternfly to hitchhike on vehicle exteriors as a mechanism for anthropogenic dispersal

“…Adult SLF probably have the highest likelihood of establishing new satellite populations through hitchhiking. Although not well understood, a large percentage of mating appears to take place four to six weeks post-eclosion to the adult stage [ 14 , 61 ]. In our study, adult females generally showed greater attachment success than males independent of age (i.e.…”

“…A greater focus on reducing hitchhiking as a significant dispersal mode may enhance current mitigation efforts. Ultimately, as SLF continues to spread and threaten economically important crops such as wine grapes [ 61 , 63 ], it will be critical to understand the mechanisms underlying this insect’s spread to and establishment in new areas to ensure affected producers can be prepared to manage this invasive pest.…”