Location: European Biological Control Laboratory
Project Number: 0212-22000-030-010-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Sep 1, 2020
End Date: Aug 19, 2022
Objective:
The objective of this agreement is to explore in native host range Vietnam for natural enemies of Ailanthus altissima (Tree of Heaven) and Lycorma delicatula (Spotted Lanternfly), which are both pests of importance in the United States. In collaboration with NIPPR permits will be obtained for travel and collection of natural enemies of Tree of Heaven (ToH) and Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) in Vietnam. Identify the proper locations for collection of natural enemies of both targets. Researchers will collect various stages of SLF from ToH and natural enemies of ToH, then to identify the best parasitoids of SLF and natural enemies of ToH. The most promissing natural enemies will be shipped to cooperators in U.S. for host specificity testing and release for control of Tree of Heaven and Spotted Lanternfly.
Approach:
1. During the research program the Cooperator will first assist in developing collaboration with regional and local plant protection offices in areas that SLF and ToH exist, and to collect and receive samples at NIPPR for identification and rearing of parasitoids or other natural enemies.
2. Cooperator will assist in attempts that will be made by project scientists to mass rear parasitoids emerged from SLF nymphs and eggs and insects from ToH for (1) host specificity testing and (2) shipment to collaborators in U.S.
3. The results of all collaborative research studies will be published in scientific papers.
