Evaluation of insecticide residues against spotted lanternfly (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae)

Authors: NIXON, LAURA - Rutgers University; Leskey, Tracy

Submitted to: Journal of Economic Entomology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/1/2024
Publication Date: 5/23/2024
Citation: Nixon, L.J., Leskey, T.C. 2024. Evaluation of insecticide residues against spotted lanternfly (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae). https://doi.org/10.1093/jee/toae106.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/jee/toae106

Interpretive Summary: Spotted lanternfly (SLF) is an invasive insect originating in Asia that has established populations in the USA. This insect is a phloem feeder with a broad host plant range, including the invasive tree of heaven as well as important cultivated and native plants, such as grapevine and black walnut. Here, we evaluated insecticides at the rate recommended for tree fruit (apples and peaches) for use against SLF. We established that bifenthrin and dinotefuran were the most effective materials for SLF mortality for up to seven days after application. This is important information for SLF management programs going forward.

Technical Abstract: Lycorma delicatula, White (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae), spotted lanternfly, is a univoltine, phloem-feeding, polyphagous and invasive insect in the USA. Although a primary host for this species is Ailanthus altissima, tree of heaven, L. delicatula also feeds on many other plant species including cultivated grapevines. As this species continues to spread, it is important to develop effective management tools. Here, we evaluated the residual efficacy of four insecticides commonly used in tree fruit management programs including dinotefuran, bifenthrin, carbaryl, and thiamethoxam. First, all mobile lifestages (early instars, late instars, and adults) of L. delicatula were exposed for one hour to dry insecticide residues (18-hour-old) applied to glass or A. altissima bark surfaces. While some mortality was detected immediately following the one hour exposure period, 100% mortality occurred within 24 hours for all materials and lifestages exposed on both glass and bark surfaces. To evaluate longer residual activity of these materials, groups of adult L. delicatula were introduced into cages containing A. altissima trees treated with the same individual insecticides and exposed for six hours to 18 hours or seven-day-old residues with paired, untreated A. altissima serving as controls. In these bioassays, 48 hour mortality for 18-hour-old residue reached 95% for thiamethoxam, and 100% for bifenthrin and dinotefuran. Seven-day-old bifenthrin and dinotefuran residues again yielded 100% mortality, while thiamethoxam resulted in 58% mortality and carbaryl yielded only 13.3% and was not significantly different than the control. These results clearly document the efficacy of specific insecticide applications as a management tool against L. delicatula.