Spotted Lanternfly Summit – Day 3
Recorded March 3, 2021
Q&A Day 3 – Operations and Stakeholders
Compiled by Nancy Cusumano, Northeastern IPM Center
Q. Can you reiterate—what insecticides were you using for the backpack and hydraulic applications?
A. Bifenthrin, Beta-cyfluthrin, and Beauveria bassiana. So far PPQ has only used bifenthrin.
Q. Why have you decided to use bifenthrin rather than beta-cyfluthrin? Are you using the max. labeled rate for bifenthrin?
A. We are still in the initial stages of these applications so there may be use of beta-cyfluthrin moving forward. Bifenthrin, although beta-cyfluthrin and Beauveria bassiana are also included in the Environmental Assessment for use with this application method. Yes, max label rate. It was a decision made last season to conduct applications with bifenthrin with beta-cyfluthrin still available for use.
Q. To what extent has Beauveria been utilized by PPQ, PDA? What percentage of area treated has been with bifenthrin, Beauveria, etc. to this point?
A. Currently PPQ has focused more on direct and broadcast applications, so there has not been much use of Beauveria yet, however efficacy and multiple applications present limitations, State partners have used Beauveria for SLF.
Q. Red Hook had live SLF from a transfer ship from Philly.
A. This was a comment from Stephen related to Erin’s statement that most reports on coastwise vessels were of SLF that were dead by the time they arrived at their destination port—Red Hook did have live SLF detect on a coastwise vessel originating in Philadelphia.
Q. Are state agencies that receive federal funding through cooperative agreements required to comply with NEPA?
A. Yes. Federal funding of cooperative agreements would be considered part of a federal nexus, so those activities would need to comply with NEPA.
Q. It seems like federal and state treatment/management efforts are moving toward mostly insecticides and away from herbicide use. Is that correct?
A. While herbicide treatments remain a tool for certain sites, our treatments have been focused at reducing SLF populations directly.
Q. The impact of rail transport of SLF now seems readily apparent at many railroad sites. Are there observations or quantitative data that also implicate trucking? Other than egg masses on Christmas trees, are there (many?) observations of live SLF on or in trucks or cars?
A. There have been some observations for movement by cars and trucking, but it is difficult to gather data on trucking and almost impossible to collect data on cars/travelers. Outreach and survey will have to be major aspects of mitigating this pathway.
Q. Erin, why is dinotefuran not in the EA for broadcast use?
A. In the last iteration of the EA that was published in June 2020, there was some environmental concerns for dino for broadcast use. It may be considered for future EA or EIS documentation as more is learned about treatment options, but not at this time.
Q. Have Malaise traps (canopy trap) been used? If so, did it work?
A. Joe Francese reported a small trial with a lighted panel trap in the canopy. I think that’s the closest anyone has come to using a canopy Malaise trap.
Q. Is Canada working with USA on SLF? If so, are they doing any different approaches than we are?
A. SLF is a quarantine pest for Canada at ports of entry like it is in the US. We work closely with CFIA and share information about our SLF response. Since I am not aware of any populations in Canada, I am not sure what their approach would be if they had a find.
Q. Matt, did I hear you right that egg mass treatment will be prioritized over herbicide treatments? What is the plan for that method if most egg masses are laid 9m+ high?
A. Amy, egg mass treatments are a critical piece for mitigating SLF, herbicide treatments are still necessary and required for certain sites, but not applicable in all sites. With the addition of ground-based-broadcast, and mist-sprayers, egg mass treatments are being developed (beyond a backpack spray).
Q. Do you have data for residual control (days) after the 4th application?
A. Answered live.
Q. Phil, did you say the circle traps are NOT good in monitoring SLF populations throughout the season?
A. As I mentioned during Q&A, circle traps can catch lots of SLF and are valuable for survey activities. For this efficacy work, I did not find that the circle trap data helped to determine how the population levels were being impacted by the bifenthrin.
Q. How long after contact sprays is the chemical effective at killing new SLF in that area, if at all?
A. At least two to three weeks. I saw additional control following repeated applications.
Q. Is there a way to pull indication of post-oviposition mortality from this data? I seem to recall a hypothesis that Lanternflies die after laying eggs as females or mating as males.
A. The control plots were not treated and we did not see any pattern or increase in mortality over time in the control plots.
Q. In the bifenthrin treatment, have you followed up in these two study sites to see the number of egg masses deposited (i.e., adults that survived to reproduction)?
A. I have not looked at egg mass deposition at the plots. There was a lot of repopulation/incursion of SLF from the surrounding areas during the treatments, so it seems doubtful that egg laying was reduced.
Q. How did the numbers of nontarget insects killed compare to SLF in bifenthrin treatments?
A. Answered live.
Q. Do you know why Emamectin has little to no effect?
A. From my understanding, sucking insects in general (aphids, etc.) are not impacted by that chemistry. They may be able to break it down or are just not susceptible.
Q. Phil, do you know whether label rates of flonicamid or pymetrozine might be effective against SLF?
A. I have not tested pymetrozine, but I did several trials with flonicamid and that had much less activity as compared to dino.
Q. How do you choose the locations where to set up the sentinel trees? Why did you choose the states you chose? Why did you choose the particular locations?
A. Answered live.
Q. How did your population declines in the treated plots compare to the controls?
A. Answered live.
Q. Have you compared the efficacy of trap trees vs. the bifenthrin sprays?
A. The trap trees are not going to be deployed on a landscape level by PPQ. They are quite effective at killing SLF, though and a single treatment will last for the field season. Labor is an issue, individual stems need to be treated and there are per acre limitations with dino bark sprays.
Q. Are there instructions somewhere on how to build a circle trap?
A. There are several. Here’s the Penn State version https://extension.psu.edu/how-to-build-a-new-style-spotted-lanternfly-circle-trap There are a couple of better ones I can see if I can find them. Here’s another video, very similar https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRvnQJwVTck
Q. Concerning herbicide applications, would it be better to focus on the insecticide (both dinotefuran and bifenthrin) during May and early June and then coordinate herbicide applications during the active growing season for Tree of Heaven? Ailanthus altissima flowers in May/June in Pennsylvania.
A. April to late fall (first hard freeze) you can use dinotefuran, bifenthrin, or beta-cyfluthrin for nymphs and adults. Herbicide of ailanthus could be used and proper application techniques must be used for herbicide. Timing of treatment is important for optimal effect; resprouts require additional treatment. Limitations of the method are the seasonal time frame, the need to transport a larger, more diluted volume of spray material, and the fact that rapid growing ailanthus are often out of effective reach.
Q. Phil, for specific high population sites, do you think an early spray of bifenthrin in April when nymphs are very active then followed by dino will be a good strategy? Pros/Cons?
A. Boy, I hope they don’t hatch out in April this year! I think we need to revisit sites that are treated and reassess whether to retreat with bifenthrin or perhaps when there is a large TOH, to treat that with a bark spray application.
Q. Have % efficacy estimates been determined using oil ovicidal spray treatments?
A. That is being done this winter/spring. Field crews will be returning to treated sites and are IDing individual egg masses to check hatch following treatment.
Q. There is a lot of concern regarding the impact of pesticides on non-target insects: bees, monarchs, etc. Do you have messaging prepared to address this when people begin to become aware of the sprays being made and the non-target insects mortality starts to occur?
A. Yes. We are working on messaging. We are also concerned about non-targets and want to limit those effects by being careful about where and when we treat using contact insecticides.
Q. How receptive was the rail line in letting you have access to spray?
A. Rail Companies are very concerned about safety and not interrupting track time. With some initial communication, that can be addressed and work can begin. We were able to work on the edges of rail property every day for several weeks in a row in 2020 with no issues. Companies don’t want to be responsible for spreading SLF, so they have been receptive.
Q. Will contractors be used for treatment application in NY state?
A. Answered live.
Q. Saul, any new additional quarantined counties now in effect other than the original eight in NJ?
A. Not yet. still just the 8 you already know about.
Q. Would we be able to use the linked activities function for other maps and layers, besides, traps?
A. Answered live.
Q. Do we have access to the data (e.g., dashboards & reporting)?
A. The dashboard contains PII, so it is an internal PPQ dashboard. However, the data is used to inform public maps and feeds into the models that can be accessed by stakeholders. If you are from an academic institution doing research, you can reach out to Greg Parra about data sharing.
Q. Where is the national dashboard located?
A. The dashboard contains PII data, so the dashboard is an internal PPQ decision making tool. However, the data in the dashboard is used to inform public maps and feeds the models mentioned Monday that are available/ will be available to stakeholders.
Hi Stephen (Stephen Clark, PPQ), we can put together the same RR map in the dashboard into an application/map for NY if you would like something interactive.
Q. Is this dashboard available to states that currently don’t have SLF?
A. No. The dashboard contains PII, so the dashboard is not available outside PPQ. However, this data informs public maps and the models available to states that don’t have SLF.
Q. Are the prediction models being used for other states with newer infestations?
A. As the models are developed and rolled out to stakeholders, they will available to all states regardless of whether they have SLF or not.
Q. When will USDA incorporate use of workforce for SLF survey and treatment?
A. Answered live.
Q. Where does data come from to populate the National Survey Activity page on the dashboard showing survey points from non SLF states? I noticed one observation in SC, but we have many more from our Grape Commodity PPA survey on Grape and Ailanthus. Let me know if our data can go somewhere other than NAPIS to aid this map.
A. The National Survey data comes from states that are using our “PPQ SLF National Visual Survey 2020 Collector map” in our Enterprise Portal.
Q. Generally speaking, vinifera is more likely to be sensitive to SLF damage, less hardy and more susceptible to winter damage. Do you think there could be a marketing shift for more hybrids, wines, etc?
A. Answered live.
Q. Do you know if certain regions in NYS have greater concerns than others? For instance Long Island, which is closer to the NJ infestation area?
A. Besides the Extension agent for Long Island, I have not heard much from my members in Long Island, not sure if they recognize it as a viable threat yet.
We consider it a significant threat on Long Island and have been discussing often. Heather came here early 2020 to present to vineyard managers (terrific presentation). They were left appropriately informed and concerned.
Q. What is the average number of insecticide sprays?
A. Answered live.
Q. Do you feel that the industry is prepared to treat for SLF?
A. Answered live.
Q. As a grower, what is the most important thing you need to know about spotted lanternfly?
A. Answered live.
Q. Do you think the SLF issue could be a bit “overblown” and cause panic with some growers? (i.e., acting too early, removing trees which can be costly, etc.)
A. Answered live.
Q. Are you doing any outreach with your customers?
A. Answered live.
Q. Will there be any economic incentive from NYS Dept of Ag and Markets for control measures that might include removal of tree of heaven?
A. I don’t anticipate that there will be resources adequate to implement this widely.
Q. Any ideas for how to prevent the tourists from transporting lanternflies from one winery to another? such as paying someone to check vehicles before they leave?
A. Answered live.
Q. In general, are NY wine grape growers investing in new acres for the future? have you heard that SLF concerns have caused growers to avoid planting new vines?
A. Answered live.
Q. After seeing Heather’s images I am also concerned about the annoyance numerous adults may pose to winery patrons and workers in fall.
Q. Could you put traps for lanternflies in the parking lot to intercept any hitchhikers from tourist vehicles and incorporate it into educating them, or would they be repulsive to the guests?
A. Answered live.
Q. Contact information for Sam and Chad?
A. Chad Hendrickson, Lakewood Vineyards, chad@lakewoodvineyards.com
Q. For Steve at Peaceful Valley, do you ship across state lines, and has that posed any issues? Has reciprocity worked well?
A. Answered live.
Q. My understanding is the demand for fresh-cut trees was huge this past year. Was that the case for you and if so how did that affect your business? Can you make a prediction for you and the industry overall for the next few years?
A. Answered live.
Q. Do you think that sending an educational pamphlet included with a bill of lading sent out of quarantine would help with the misinformation?
A. Answered live.
Q. Is Kelly willing to share her contact info if I wanted to chat with her a bit more on her experience with a utility permitting for SLF?
A. From Jay: Kelly already dropped off the conference, but I will reach out and see if she’s okay with me sharing her information.
Q. Are you inspecting the top of the trailer for potential egg masses?
A. Answered live.
Q. How often does your team find live SLF?
A. Answered live.
Q. Are the drivers required to reinspect if they stop to refuel within the quarantine area before they get back on the highway?
A. Yes, anytime a driver has a change in duty status he is required to do an inspection of his vehicle.
Q. People ask if automatic car washes would remove SLF egg masses. Have you ever found egg masses and washed them off?
A. We have not seen any masses through a wash we are aware of.
Q. Is there a way to get contact info for someone from NS in NY so we can reach out to them?
A. Rudy placed his contact information in the chat box.
Q. Does Norfolk Southern employ any type of “drive through/roll through” wash systems of the engines or cars?
A. Answered live.
Q. In your opinion, for the rail cars that stay for a long period of time in one location without moving could something be done in terms of spray/control?
A. Answered live.
Q. There are some short lines that charge an hourly rate to have a flagger present at a work site. Does Norfolk Southern charge an hourly rate to have a flagger present?
A. Answered live.
Q. Mark, at FIG, have there been any problems with Ailanthus regeneration infiltrating areas after timber harvests (if the forestry guys have mentioned anything) and getting into some of the ranges between the mountains?
A. Yes, this is a problem.
Q. Vacant land/easement control seems like one of the critical questions with invasive species at large. When a landowner can’t be found/there is conflict about ownership, who takes responsibility?
A. In the end, National Guard will take it if no one else does.
Q. Are there any long-term ecological studies at Indiantown Gap that may pick up on the arrival of lanternflies and their effects?
A. My name is Matt Banks, research prof. from Temple University and I’m helping Mark and his team with tracking the spread of SLF at FIG and we’re using the surveys of those sticky bands to quantify SLF presence/absence, relative numbers and habitat preferences. We use these results to model rates of colonization, extinction and occupancy for each of the sites. This allows us to pick up on changes in the distributional range of the bug and evaluate the impact that environmental and management-driven variables are having on this larger picture. These are dynamic occupancy models.
Notes
In addition to some great extension resources that the states have, here is the Hungry Pest website that can be used for outreach materials as well. https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/resources/pests-diseases/hungry-pests/slf/spotted-lanternfly
Contacts
Bob Dolan: bob.dolan@xpo.com
Brandon Moree, Penn MTA PMTA: bmoree@pmta.org
Rudy Husband: rudy.husband@nscorp.com
Mark Swartz: markswartz@pa.gov