Location: Commodity Protection and Quality Research
Project Number: 2034-43000-043-035-I
Project Type: Interagency Reimbursable Agreement
Start Date: Jun 1, 2021
End Date: May 31, 2022
Objective:
The objective of this project is to limit the spread of spotted lanternfly (SLF), Lycorma delicatula. The research will result in efficacious treatments that can be applied to goods harboring SLF and its egg masses prior to movement from infested areas.
Approach:
Utilize a cooperative effort between USDA-ARS, USDA-APHIS, industry, and foreign counterparts. The research is planned in three phases to be executed sequentially over a three year period of performance (i.e., three 1-year Phases).
Phase 1. Research: Conduct laboratory-scale exploratory fumigation trials to establish the exposure-mortality relationship between fumigants and SLF eggs at 10 Celsius. SLF eggs are expected to be the most fumigation-tolerant life stage.
Phase 2. Research: Conduct commercial-scale confirmatory fumigation trials to verify treatment efficacy at 10 Celsius. All other life stages will be included in the trails; however, eggs will be the target life stage. Phase 2 trails for a fumigant will begin after completion of Phase 1, which identifies efficacious parameters. The prioritization of Phase 2 research will be based on commercial need and feasibility. Currently, the plan is to start with sulfuryl flouride and methyl bromide.
Phase 3. Technology and Regulatory Outreach: Near continuous cooperative exchange will be required between industry, USDA-ARS researchers, USDA-APHIS, USEPA, and state regulators.
