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ARS Home » Northeast Area » Newark, Delaware » Beneficial Insects Introduction Research Unit » Research » Research Project #440874

Research Project: Biological Control of Spotted Lanternfly: Native Range Studies in South Korea by SNU

Location: Beneficial Insects Introduction Research Unit

Project Number: 8010-22000-033-058-A
Project Type: Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Aug 15, 2021
End Date: Nov 15, 2022

Objective:
Spotted lanternfly is an insect native to China that has become invasive in the eastern U.S. and is likely to spread to other parts of the U.S. Recognized as a serious pest of grapes, it also feeds on a wide range of other plants including tree fruits, hops, walnut and various ornamentals. Natural enemies are thought to be important factors regulating populations in China. Preliminary exploration has identified several parasitic wasps as candidate agents for potential release in the U.S., but further research is needed to establish their safety for field release. The objectives of this project are to determine the presence of natural enemy species in South Korea, which was invaded by lanternfly prior to the U.S. invasion, and where its populations are reported to have declined. Surveys will be conducted to determine whether natural enemies present in Korea have contributed to the decline there.

Approach:
Conduct targeted surveys in specific regions of South Korea to detect and identify lanternfly natural enemies and determine their impact on lanternfly populations. Collect and rear out live parasitoids to obtain live material to send by express couriers to ARS and U.S. collaborators for further research. Contribute to studies of the basic biology, behavior and ecology of spotted lanternfly natural enemies in Korea.