Farms.com Home   Ag Industry News

Spotted lanternfly discovered in Maryland

Spotted lanternfly discovered in Maryland

The insect feeds on more than 70 plants and crops

By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com

An invasive pest that can cause significant harm to several crops has arrived in Maryland.

The spotted lanternfly, which is native to Asia, was found in a trap in Cecil County. State officials have monitored for the insect since it arrived in the U.S. four years ago in Pennsylvania and Delaware.

The insect in the trap was a male, which is good news.

“Luckily, we found the first spotted lanternfly toward the end of the season and confirmed the spotted lanternfly is a male – which means it did not produce any egg masses in the state,” Kim Rice, manager of the Department of Agriculture’s plant protection and weed management program, told The Baltimore Sun yesterday.

Since the insect is relatively new to the U.S., controlling it remains a bit of a puzzle.

Penn State University researchers are trying to develop and register pesticides to control the spotted lanternfly, said Kelly Hamby, an assistant professor in the University of Maryland’s entomology department.

Since the bug’s arrival, scientists have also learned how the spotted lanternfly attacks crops.

“This insect seems to cluster in big groups,” Hamby told Farms.com. “They pierce the plant tissue and sucks out the juices of the plant and filters the good stuff for themselves. While that’s going on, the insects also getting rid of the juices they don’t want.

“The excreted substance is called honeydew, and that can cause a lot of secondary problems because it can promote mold growth.”

The spotted lanternfly is so new to the area that farmers did not know of it.

“I’ve never heard of that bug before,” said Mike Harrison, a grain producer from Carroll County, Md. “Hopefully it doesn’t spread.”


Trending Video

Complete Guide to WELL WATER Testing!

Video: Complete Guide to WELL WATER Testing!

Are you clueless about where to get your water tested, how to perform the tests, or interpret the results? Don't sweat it! I'm here to simplify water filtration for you.

In this step-by-step guide, I will take you through the entire process of testing well water quality. From choosing the right test kit, identifying common mistakes during the sampling process, to analyzing the results, I've got you covered.

I'll be demonstrating the process using a test kit from https://mytapscore.com/. They offer a range of comprehensive tests and easy-to-follow instructions, making water testing a breeze!

You'll see me sample water right from my home, as I share tips and insights on how to get the most accurate results. Plus, I'll answer FAQs about water testing and talk about what a complete well water filtration system should consist of.

By the end of this video, you'll not only have a better understanding of water quality and the threats that could be lurking in your tap, but you'll also know how to tackle them.

Once you have your results, send them to us at info@waterestore.com with your water concerns, and we'll provide personalized recommendations for fixing your water.