Dendrochronology reveals different effects among host tree species from feeding by Lycorma delicatula (white)

Authors: DECHAINE, ANDREW - Virginia Polytechnic Institution & State University; PFEIFFER, DOUGLAS - Virginia Polytechnic Institution & State University; KUHAR, THOMAS - Virginia Polytechnic Institution & State University; SALOM, SCOTT - Virginia Polytechnic Institution & State University; Leskey, Tracy; MCINTYRE, KELLY - Virginia Polytechnic Institution & State University; WALSH, BRIAN - Pennsylvania State University; SPEER, JAMES - Indiana State University

Submitted to: Frontiers in Insect Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/10/2023
Publication Date: 9/1/2023
Citation: Dechaine, A.C., Pfeiffer, D.G., Kuhar, T.P., Salom, S.M., Leskey, T.C., Mcintyre, K.C., Walsh, B., Speer, J.H. 2023. Dendrochronology reveals different effects among host tree species from feeding by Lycorma delicatula (white). Frontiers in Insect Science. https://doi.org/10.3389/finsc.2023.1137082.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/finsc.2023.1137082

Interpretive Summary: Spotted lanternfly (SLF) is an invasive insect first detected in Berks County, Pennsylvania in 2014. This phloem-feeding planthopper has hosts that include winegrapes, black walnut, as well as unmanaged hosts such as tree of heaven. Here, we evaluated the impact of SLF feeding on wild host trees using core samples. Tree species included tree of heaven (treated with systemic insecticides and untreated), black walnut, tulip poplar and red maple. Among these hosts, only tree of heaven was affected as tree growth was reduced due to SLF feeding. However, when tree of heaven are used as “trap trees” and treated with systemic insecticides to help reduce SLF populations and spread, the systemic insecticides reduce SLF impact on growth.

Technical Abstract: Lycorma delicatula (White) (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) was first detected in the United States in Berks County, Pennsylvania in 2014. Native to China, this phloem-feeding planthopper threatens agricultural, ornamental, nursery, and timber industries in its invaded range through quarantine restrictions on shipments as well as impacts on plants themselves. Long-term impacts of L. delicatula feeding on tree species has not been well studied. Using standard dendrological methods on cores taken from trees with differing levels of L. delicatula infestation and systemic insecticidal control, we quantified the impact of L. delicatula feeding on annual growth of four tree species in Pennsylvania: Ailanthus altissima, Juglans nigra, Liriodendron tulipifera, and Acer rubrum. Results suggest that L. delicatula feeding was associated with diminished growth of A. altissima, but no change was observed in any other tree species tested. Results also suggest that systemic insecticides mitigate the impact of L. delicatula feeding on A. altissima growth.