Protect Your Vineyard: Why Mapping Tree-of-Heaven Matters & What Growers Can Do Now

As California strengthens its preparedness for the Spotted Lanternfly (SLF), one of the most effective actions vineyard managers can take right now is helping identify and map the invasive Tree-of-Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) across their properties and surrounding landscapes.

Tree-of-Heaven (TOH) is more than a fast-growing weed—it is the preferred host plant that supports SLF feeding and reproduction. By locating and reporting TOH early, growers contribute to a statewide effort to reduce future risk and better protect vineyard regions.

🗺️ Report Tree-of-Heaven Sightings

California’s EDDMapS reporting tool makes it easy to log TOH locations:

➡️ Submit sightings:
https://www.eddmaps.org/report/plants.cfm?state=CA

These reports help state and local agencies prioritize monitoring, response, and eventual removal efforts.

🔍 Reliable Tree-of-Heaven Identification Tools

If you need help confirming a suspected TOH tree, use any of these trusted resources:

These guides provide clear photos, distinguishing features, and comparisons with common lookalike species such as sumac and black walnut.

🌿 Key Identification Features for Vineyard Managers

https://extension.purdue.edu/news/county/whitley/2023/08/identifying-tree-of-heaven.html

Tree-of-Heaven is often found along vineyard edges, riparian corridors, roadsides, and disturbed soils. Field characteristics include:

  • Leaves: Large pinnate leaves (1–4 feet), with 10–40 leaflets
  • Leaflets: Each leaflet has a distinctive glandular notch/tooth near the stem end
  • Odor: Crushed leaves or stems emit a strong rancid/peanut-butter-like smell
  • Seeds: Papery winged samaras in large hanging clusters
  • Growth Habit: Extremely fast-growing, aggressive resprouting, forms dense clonal stands
  • Bark: Smooth gray bark with vertical “stretch mark” striations on mature trees

If a plant matches several of these traits, it is worth reporting.

🍇 Why This Matters for the Wine Industry

Tree-of-Heaven is documented as the primary reproductive host for the Spotted Lanternfly. In every region where SLF has established:

  • Populations concentrate on TOH in late summer and fall
  • SLF uses TOH as a staging point before moving into vineyards
  • Vineyards near unmanaged TOH stands experience heavier pressure
  • Early SLF outbreaks are consistently tied to landscapes with abundant TOH

Removing or managing TOH before SLF arrives is one of the most effective preventative strategies available to growers.

🛠️ Technical Notes on Removal (For Planning Ahead)

Tree-of-Heaven removal requires strategic timing. Cutting alone will stimulate regrowth and expand the stand. Current best practices:

  • Late Summer–Fall:
    Apply systemic herbicide while the tree is moving energy downward into the root system.
  • Winter–Early Spring:
    Remove dead stems after herbicide has taken effect.
  • Following Growing Season:
    Monitor for and spot-treat resprouts.

For properties with large TOH stands, coordination with county Agricultural Commissioners or RCD staff may be appropriate.

🚜 Where Vineyard Managers Should Survey

During ranch walks or routine checks, inspect:

  • Property boundaries
  • Creek banks and riparian areas
  • Roadsides and rights-of-way
  • Unmanaged corners or fallow land
  • Neighboring parcels (especially unmanaged or wildland areas)
  • Equipment yards or disturbed soil from construction activity

TOH frequently takes hold in these areas and spreads quickly if unchecked.

📣 Grower Call to Action

  1. Walk your ranch edges and nearby corridors where TOH is likely to appear.
  2. Use the ID tools to confirm suspected trees.
  3. Report every TOH sighting at the EDDMapS link above.
  4. Plan for removal during the correct seasonal window if trees are on your property.
  5. Encourage neighbors and local landowners to participate—SLF risk is regional, not parcel-by-parcel.

Staying proactive now will help keep California vineyards resilient and better protected when SLF pressure begins to increase. Early identification and mapping of Tree-of-Heaven is a simple, high-impact step that benefits growers across the entire region.

Radar Up: Oregon State’s SLF Hatch-Timing Model – Why Sonoma County’s PCD Needs to Launch Before the First Nymph Does

🛰️ OSU’s SLF Forecast Model is live — a near real-time phenology “radar” that projects 🪺 egg hatch and 🦋 adult emergence across the U.S. Built on Oregon State’s degree-day platform and validated with field + community observations, it helps time 🔎 surveillance, 🎯 targeted control, and ⚡ rapid response while cutting costs. Read the OSU article → Oregon State Researchers Develop Forecast Model for Spotted Lanternfly

Len Coop, associate professor of practice in the OSU Department of Horticulture and associate director of the Oregon IPM Center, checks an insect predictive model driven by data collected by a weather station. (Photo: Silvia Rondon)

🌡️ What the OSU Model Is (and Isn’t)

✅ What it is

  • 🛰️ A field-informed phenology tool that projects when SLF eggs would hatch if SLF is present at a location.

🚫 What it isn’t

🌳 Microclimates matter: timing can shift by weeks, even within the same block or tree.

🗺️ A detection map. Shaded dates don’t prove SLF is here—they show when hatch would occur if it were.

How to Put It to Work—Right Now

  1. Bookmark the model https://www.usanpn.org/data/maps/forecasts/spotted_lanternfly
  2. Run a 10-minute tailgate with your crew using the model’s current date to brief crews on first-instar ID and egg-mass scraping.
  3. Pre-schedule scouting windows that align with local hatch projections; pair with your degree-day notes and weather logs.
  4. Document hot spots (ornamentals, right-of-ways, Tree Of Heaven stands) so you know where to look first if SLF is detected.

Use the model as your clock, then verify with boots-on-the-ground scouting.

Why This Screams “PCD—Now”

  • Same week, same message: A PCD synchronizes alerts across growers, PCAs, landscapers, nurseries, and homeowners.
  • Shared tools & buys: Traps, beneficials, outreach materials—funded and deployed fast.
  • Rapid response fund: Dollars and protocols ready before we need them.
  • Capped at no more than $5/acre, a PCD would be cheap insurance against losses that can snowball when responses are fragmented.

Winemaker Robert Butz on the Growing Threat of the Spotted Lanternfly – recent article by Kate Ryan for WTOP

In a recent article by Kate Ryan for WTOP, Robert Butz, co-owner of Windridge Vineyards in Montgomery County, shares his insights on the escalating issue of the spotted lanternfly, an invasive pest that has become a significant threat to vineyards. Initially, Butz wasn’t too concerned about the pest, as invasive species tend to come and go. However, the spotted lanternfly has proven to be a different challenge, especially for grape farmers.

According to Butz, the spotted lanternfly targets nectar, and unfortunately, the nectar in grapevines is particularly appealing to this pest. The damage caused by these bugs can be so severe that it has the potential to kill entire vines. In response to the growing issue, Windridge Vineyards has reluctantly increased their use of insecticides, but Butz is quick to point out that relying solely on chemicals isn’t a sustainable solution. As he puts it, “Honestly, you can’t spray your way out of the problem.”

Butz and his team have taken a multi-faceted approach to combat the pest. During the winter months, they used plumbers’ torches to burn the egg masses of the spotted lanternflies, while others opt to scrape them off. In addition to this, Butz has implemented strategies such as isolating vines from nearby hedgerows, which can serve as resting spots for the lanternflies.

He has also noted the pest’s preference for walnut trees and the invasive Tree of Heaven (ailanthus), both of which are present on the property. Butz has made the decision to leave the walnut trees alone, as they are a heritage species, but the Tree of Heaven is a different story. As Butz states, “It’s a pretty easy call — just get rid of it.”

To read more about Robert Butz’s strategies for managing the spotted lanternfly at Windridge Vineyards, and the broader implications for winemakers, you can check out the full article here.

Calling Grape Growers & Industry Members: Join the Effort to Combat Spotted Lanternfly

July 18, 2025 — Researchers at the USDA-ARS Appalachian Fruit Research Station—working in partnership with Virginia Tech, Penn State, Rutgers University, and others—are leading a multi-state initiative, Areawide Management of the Invasive Spotted Lanternfly and Tree of Heaven. This project aims to suppress populations of both invasive species to improve ecosystem health, reduce insecticide use in vineyards, protect pollinators, and minimize crop losses.

Your input is vital. Help guide this important research by taking a brief survey about how Spotted Lanternfly is—or could—impact your business as it spreads. Your responses will help shape future management strategies.  Take the survey now.

The following is an excerpt from the survey:

We invite you to participate in a survey that will help researchers develop and evaluate solutions to control the spread of the non-native invasive species: Spotted Lanternfly (nymph stage below left, adult below center) and Tree of Heaven (below right). This survey is part of a collaborative project conducted by USDA-ARS, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Penn State University, Rutgers University, University of Georgia, and University of Minnesota to study “Areawide Management of the Invasive Spotted Lanternfly and Tree of Heaven.” 

Tree of Heaven (TOH), Ailanthus altissima, is an invasive species introduced into the US in the late 1700s. Unfortunately, TOH also supports survivorship and development of a recently introduced invasive planthopper, Spotted lanternfly (SLF), Lycorma delicatula. This invasive insect prefers TOH as a feeding host season-long, and is often present in extremely high densities on trunks, leading to a large pest reservoir in unmanaged habitats. Unfortunately, SLF also feeds on other hosts plants including wine grapes, Vitis vinifera and other Vitis species, resulting in increased insecticide inputs, reduced yields and grape ripeness, and vine decline in some instances. Because of the close insect-plant relationship between SLF and TOH, we have an opportunity to manage both invasive species simultaneously across the landscape using compatible biological control agents. In doing so, we hope to reduce the spread of SLF and its impacts in vineyards. 

Attn. Sonoma County Winegrowers, this is just a little too close to home: Oregon Dept. of Agriculture warns of possible spotted lanternfly sighting in Portland

In a recent article by Michaela Bourgeois titled “Oregon Dept. of Agriculture warns of possible spotted lanternfly sighting in Portland” (KOIN, May 22, 2025), the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) reported a sighting of the invasive spotted lanternfly (SLF) in Portland’s Colonel Summers Park. The sighting was submitted via the iNaturalist platform, prompting ODA and the USDA to conduct surveys and install monitoring traps in the area. Despite these efforts, no physical evidence of SLF was found, and the sighting remains unconfirmed.

Although no established SLF populations have been documented in Oregon, ODA has intercepted dead adults and a live egg mass on equipment imported from out-of-state, underscoring the ongoing risk of introduction. The spotted lanternfly poses serious ecological and economic threats, particularly to Oregon’s grapevine and nursery industries. SLF is currently known to be established in 18 states, mainly across the Midwest and East Coast.

The ODA continues to monitor the situation and encourages the public to report any suspected sightings to the Oregon Invasive Species Hotline.

See the article here: https://www.koin.com/news/portland/oregon-dept-of-agriculture-warns-of-possible-spotted-lanternfly-sighting-in-portland/

🔍 Heads‑Up on Spotted Lanternfly: Penn State’s 2025 Hatch Predictor Is Live

—And a Powerful Reminder Why Sonoma Needs Its PCD Now

The sooner you know a threat is coming, the better you can defend against it. That’s why Penn State Extension’s brand‑new 2025 Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) Hatch Predictor is grabbing headlines in the East—and why it should grab our attention here on the North Coast.

Developed by Dr. Dennis Calvin and Steve Crawford, the tool forecasts when SLF eggs will hatch if the pest already exists at a location. Pennsylvania field crews report the model is tracking this season’s first‑instar emergence with uncanny accuracy.

But remember: the map predicts timing, not presence. Green or red shading means, “If SLF were here, it would be hatching now.” – Brian Walsh, Spotted Lanternfly Researcher, Horticulture Educator Penn State Extension, Berks County, Penn State University, College of Agricultural Sciences

What the Predictor Offers (and What It Doesn’t)

✅ Adds Value🚫 Won’t Do
Pinpoints hatch windows down to a four‑kilometer grid, ideal for scheduling scouting, sprays, or outreach.Confirm SLF in an area. Use trapping and egg‑mass surveys for that.
Time‑slider lets you roll the calendar forward or backward—great for training and “what‑if” drills.Eliminate micro‑climate quirks—expect hatch to vary weeks within a single block or even the same tree.
Pairs perfectly with local degree‑day models and weather data for a full phenology picture.Replace boots‑on‑the‑ground scouting. Nothing beats field eyes.

How Sonoma County Can Put It to Work—Before SLF Arrives

  1. Bookmark & Share the Map
    Keep the link on your phone or office desktop. Show it to crews, neighbors, and community groups—but always remind them it’s a phenology model, not a detection map.
  2. Run Scenarios
    Slide the date back to April or May to see how spring hatch progressed in the mid‑Atlantic. That timeline could be ours once SLF crosses state lines.
  3. Layer Local Data
    Feed the predictor’s dates into your own heat‑unit calculators. Align spray thresholds, vineyard tasks, and worker training days to match likely hatch spikes.
  4. Use It as a Teaching Tool
    In toolbox talks and tailgate sessions, walk workers through photos of first‑instar nymphs and egg‑mass scrapes. Show them when to expect activity so they know what to look for.

The Bigger Picture: Why a Pest & Disease Control District Must Come First

Penn State’s predictor is a brilliant piece of tech, but technology is only half the battle. The other half is infrastructure—a county‑wide system that can turn good intel into fast, coordinated action. That system is a Pest & Disease Control District (PCD).

Without a PCD

  • Each grower scouts and treats—or doesn’t—in isolation.
  • Infestations leapfrog property lines and ornamental landscapes.
  • Momentum stalls while we scramble for funding, protocols, and public outreach.

With a PCD

  • Shared monitoring grid: traps, degree‑day stations, and predictive models feed a central dashboard.
  • Rapid‑response fund: dollars already earmarked for bulk beneficials, targeted sprays, and community education.
  • Unified messaging: consistent alerts to schools, nurseries, landscapers, and homeowners so no “weak link” goes unaddressed.

The cost? About $5 per acre—a rounding error compared to the 90 percent yield losses some Pennsylvania vineyards endured before coordinated action kicked in.

Call to Action: Future‑Proof Our Vineyards

Penn State has given us the “early‑warning radar.” Let’s make sure we also have the fire station, fire trucks, and trained crew ready to roll when the alarm sounds.

  • Watch the Predictor: Familiarize yourself with the tool and share it responsibly.
  • Sign the Petition: When the next round of PCD petitions circulates, add your name—and encourage neighbors to do the same.
  • Stay Engaged: Follow the Sonoma County PCD Coalition for training dates, trap‑kit giveaways, and legislative updates.

Bottom Line

Every day we delay formalizing our PCD is a day we risk turning a preventable problem into an economic disaster. Let’s turn this high‑tech hatch map into high‑impact action—before Spotted Lanternfly ever touches a vine in Sonoma County.

Questions or ideas? Drop them in the comments, or reach out to the Sonoma County PCD Coalition. Together, we’ll keep Sonoma’s vineyards thriving for the next generation.

DPR Pesticide Prioritization Workshop: A Stakeholder’s Takeaway

DPR Pesticide Prioritization Workshop: A Stakeholder’s Takeaway
By Jason S. ~ Sonoma County PCD Coalition

Last Tuesday, April 8th, I attended the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) workshop on the new Pesticide Prioritization Process, which will shape how the state identifies and reevaluates higher‐risk pesticides over the coming years. Below is my short summary and why it’s important for us all to weigh in before May 8 during this public comment period. Comments Accepted Through May 8 on DPR’s Presentation for Pesticide Prioritization

Summary of the Presentation

  • New Evaluations and Possible Cancellations
    DPR laid out a data‐driven framework for deciding which pesticides to reevaluate or restrict each year. They aim to start one reevaluation annually in 2025, moving to two per year by 2029, although slide 16 showed an entry mechanism for up to 8 per year. When questioned on the actual number of products up for reevaluation per year, JT Teerlink replied that while the entry into the pipeline might be singular, or dual, the evaluation might be of an AI, mode of action, or particular exposure, which in turn, if canceled could lead to multiple Branded products being removed from the Pest Control Toolbox.
  • Role of the Science Advisory Committee
    A major emphasis: The proposed Science Advisory Committee (SAC) will ground its decisions in hard data and validated research—rather than being swayed by public perception alone. DPR clearly wants objective scientific evidence guiding each evaluation. This is the primary need for public comment at this time. The question was raised about including Agricultural Commissioners to the Committee, especially if the nominated AC has a scientific background, to ensure that stakeholder voices are at the table, Teerlink said that the list of potential committee members and who they should be, see slides 19 and 20, has not yet been finalized, and to speak up now.
  • 40 Chemicals Potentially on the Radar
    In a detailed survey of chemicals used in the farming of Wine Grapes, immediate note are about 40 active ingredients likely to come under scrutiny for one reason or another. Many of these have no clearly identified, ready‐to‐use alternative yet. That gap inevitably raises concerns about maintaining effective pest control if certain products are restricted or canceled. It is imperative that the decisions for any cancellation be based firmly on scientific rational, not simply public perception, and that there is a viable alternative. Currently available products have been approved based on specific use restrictions and requirements, if met most of these are considered safe. The reevaluation process must consider the economic impact, and viability of the products being produced.
  • Cadence of Approvals for New Products
    Slide 17 underscored the question, “Are there feasible alternatives?”—which drew plenty of discussion. DPR representatives acknowledged that if they initiate reevaluation (and potentially cancel) an active ingredient, they need a realistic timeline and faster track to approve or research safer replacements. Growers and stakeholders rightly worry that if products are lost prematurely, it may leave us without viable options for serious pest pressures.

Key Questions Raised at the Workshop

  1. Is the Reevaluation Pace Adequate?
    With 25 years remaining to hit the DPR 2050 Roadmap of eliminating all High Priority Pesticides, activist voices raised concerns that tackling only one or two per year might not keep pace. DPR staff pointed out, however, that some reviews may group multiple products based on shared chemistry or risk. Reevaluation might be based on a particular AI, Mode of Action, or Exposure, which could then lead to the cancelation of multiple labels in one order.
  2. How Will Mitigation vs. Cancellation Be Balanced?
    Attendees asked whether specific uses might be preserved or mitigated if data show that more targeted restrictions could reduce risk. DPR indicated it would rely on peer‐reviewed science to identify off‐ramps for products once they’ve entered the reevaluation pipeline that demonstrate minimal impacts under certain conditions.
  3. When & How Do We Get New, Safer Tools?
    Certain chemicals that may come into question might be lacking immediate alternatives, there is a strong consensus that DPR should expedite new product registrations and support additional research. Absent workable alternatives, wholesale cancellations could create significant pest‐management gaps. This issue is of very high concern to a group like SCPCDC, where limiting our ability to respond in a timely manner to an invasive threat could be ruinous to our industry!
  4. Public Perception vs. Actual Data
    Some widely known products are lightning rods of public debate, while other high‐risk pesticides garner little attention outside agricultural circles. DPR underscored that the Science Advisory Committee would base recommendations on empirical data—whether the pesticide is a “household name” or not.

Why Speak Up Now

DPR is inviting public comments on the Pesticide Prioritization Presentation through May 8. If you have concerns about specific active ingredients, the lack of alternatives, or potential disruptions to the wine grape sector (or any other area of pest control), now is the time to weigh in. We can help ensure that decisions are practical, balanced, and reflect on‐the‐ground realities.

Submit your feedback:
Comments Accepted Through May 8 on DPR’s Presentation for Pesticide Prioritization

For more detail on the 40 pesticides most relevant to California wine grapes, or if you’d like to stay updated on local pest management programs, subscribe to our newsletter at:
sonomacountypcd.org

Contact
Please reach out if you have questions or want to discuss the implications of DPR’s reevaluation process. Whether you’re a grower, researcher, or community member, your voice can make a difference in shaping sound, scientifically grounded pest management policies.

Protecting Sonoma County Vineyards

Lessons from the Agricultural Commissioner’s Workshop and the Spotted Lanternfly Defense Summit

If you’ve been following the conversation around vineyard sustainability in Sonoma County, you already know that this fall has been a wildly informative month—one filled with critical insights, collaborative action, and a renewed sense of purpose. Two recent events underscored just how important it is for our winegrape community to be proactive, united, and forward-thinking: the December 5th Agricultural Commissioner’s Workshop, and the November 19th Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) Defense Summit hosted by the Sonoma County Vineyard Technical Group (SCVTG).

Bringing the Big Picture into Focus
At the Agricultural Commissioner’s Workshop, attendees heard a clear and compelling message: Sonoma County’s vineyards must prepare to work at a new scale and in new ways. Jason Saling—who wears many hats as President of SCVTG, Grower Relations Manager at Rodney Strong Vineyards, Director on the National Grape Research Alliance Board, and Chair pro Tempore of the Sonoma County Pest and Disease Control District Coalition—offered more than an update. He delivered a call to action, making it clear that while Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approaches are valuable, they aren’t enough to address the next wave of pest threats and meet the state’s ambitious Sustainable Pest Management (SPM) goals.

The takeaway? Sonoma County needs a PCD—an organized, grower-driven framework with the legal authority, transparency, and resources to tackle pests before they reach our vineyards, not after. By aligning with the Department of Pesticide Regulation’s SPM Roadmap, a PCD would allow us to shape research priorities, leverage advanced diagnostics, and collaborate with regulators and the public. It’s a structure designed to protect our economic future, ensure community buy-in, and keep us ahead of pests that don’t recognize property boundaries.

Spotlight on Spotted Lanternfly: A Looming Threat
If the Agricultural Commissioner’s Workshop laid out the “how and when” of a PCD, the November 19th SLF Defense Summit showed us the “why”. Over a hundred growers, pest control advisors, and industry stakeholders gathered to learn about the Spotted Lanternfly, a pest that has already caused staggering damage—up to 90% yield losses—in eastern vineyards. While it’s not in California yet, it’s getting closer every year. The message from the experts was clear: waiting until SLF arrives is not an option.

At the Summit, presenters detailed SLF biology, explained its migration patterns, and shared hard-earned lessons from regions already fighting it. The consensus? A proactive, regional strategy is absolutely essential. And that’s precisely what a PCD can deliver. By unifying the entire county under one umbrella, a PCD can facilitate real-time pest mapping, collective training, bulk purchases of beneficial insects, and public awareness campaigns that ensure everyone knows what to look for and how to respond.

Two Events, One Message: Be Proactive, Be United
Put simply, the November 19th Summit and the December 5th Workshop dovetail perfectly. Both emphasized that individual, reactive measures—even well-honed IPM strategies—are no longer sufficient in today’s landscape. The pests we face are adapting quickly and moving unpredictably. Meanwhile, California’s 2050 SPM Roadmap pushes us to think beyond property lines and chemical controls, and toward integrated, ecosystem-based solutions.

A PCD embodies this shift:

  • Regional Collaboration: Instead of isolated vineyard efforts, a PCD coordinates action across the entire county.
  • Ecosystem Restoration & Resilience: It champions a holistic vision that includes beneficial insects, ecological balance, and robust monitoring.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: A PCD ensures that growers, policymakers, researchers, and community members have a voice—and a stake—in sustainable solutions.
  • Proactive Defense: It turns “hope for the best” into “prepare for the worst,” offering a strategic response to emerging threats like SLF before they become crises.

What’s Next?
Both events pointed to the next steps. Our initial petition efforts to form a PCD were close but not quite there. Now, with a clearer understanding of the gaps and a more urgent call from industry leaders, we’re refining the proposal and outreach to ensure more growers sign on. Look for new petitions in the coming months—your support and voice will be critical.

We also encourage everyone to stay informed by visiting the Sonoma County PCD coalition’s website, engaging with educational materials, and talking to neighbors and colleagues about the importance of early, organized action. Together, we can make sure that when pests like SLF knock on Sonoma County’s door, we have a plan—and a powerful, unified framework—to keep them out.

Your Role in Shaping Our Future
Sonoma County is known for its innovation, community spirit, and commitment to sustainability. Now is the time to live those values by proactively protecting our vineyards and our region’s winegrowing heritage. The Agricultural Commissioner’s Workshop and the SLF Defense Summit both underscored what’s at stake: our economic vitality, our environmental health, and our reputation as leaders in sustainable agriculture.

By embracing the PCD concept, we make a choice. We choose preparedness over panic, foresight over hindsight, and collaboration over isolation. Together, let’s ensure that Sonoma County’s winegrape industry remains strong, resilient, and ready to meet the future head-on.

NGRA Spots SLF in Vineyard

Insight and Impact: NGRA’s Exploration of Spotted Lanternfly Infestation in Pennsylvania

In a recent expedition to Berks County, Pennsylvania, a team from the National Grape Research Alliance (NGRA) observed the significant challenges posed by the Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) to local vineyards and other specialty crops. This trip was part of NGRA’s ongoing efforts to facilitate vital research and provide insights into the management of this invasive pest. NGRA facilitates grape research by uniting industry members, academic institutions, and extension organizations, supporting projects and partnerships that enhance the productivity and sustainability of the U.S. grape industry.

Photos and Video courtesy of Eric Pooler

Field Trip Highlights:

From October 2-3, 2024, NGRA facilitated a field trip to Berks County, PA, a region severely affected by SLF. The group, including industry members and regulators, was guided by experts like Julie Urban and Brian Walsh, who are at the forefront of SLF research and management, and will be here in Sonoma County on Nov. 19th, to present at the Sonoma County Vineyard Technical Group’s November meeting; SPOTTED LANTERNFLY SLF Defense Summit 2024: Protecting Our Vineyards. You can find more information about that here; SCVTG MEETING 11/19

The field trip journey provided a comprehensive view of the SLF’s impact:

  • Stoney Run and Setter Ridge Wineries: Observations of automated harvesting and direct SLF damage.
  • Common Garden Research Site: Examination of SLF egg masses and their effects on young ornamentals.
  • Blue Marsh Lake Project: Discussions on broader ecological impacts and containment strategies.

The visit highlighted both the direct damage inflicted by SLF and the broader regulatory challenges posed by its rapid spread. The insights gathered will directly inform ongoing and future research initiatives, shaping strategies to manage and mitigate SLF impacts effectively.

Engaging with Research and the Future

This trip underlines the importance of continued research and collaborative efforts to understand and combat the SLF. NGRA’s role in facilitating these insights is crucial as the grape industry seeks to develop informed, effective strategies against this pest.

Stay tuned for further updates and detailed reports from ongoing research initiatives.