Biopesticide could curb spotted lanternfly invasion

According to a report from The Philadelphia Enquirer, scientists at Pennsylvania State and Cornell Universities may have found a way to combat the spotted lanternfly’s destructive invasion.

Two fungi species found in Pennsylvania forest soil – Batkoa major and Beauveria bassiana – were discovered to have killed the insect. The research was published in the Proceedings of the Natural Academy of Sciences.

Scientists are testing an EPA-approved biopesticide spray that contains the latter of the fungi, B. bassiana, at the Norristown Farm Park in Montgomery County. The biopesticide is composed of a water-based commercial formula and is sprayed into trees. So far, the spray has killed almost 50% of the spotted lanternfly nymphs. 

In a quote obtained by The Philadelphia Enquirer, Dave Biddinger, a research professor in the department of entomology at Penn State, said, “It is working better than we originally thought." He noted they were cautiously optimistic.

The next phase of testing will be an increase of study size, testing different locations, and adjusting the rate and quantity of the biopesticide application.

Spotted lanternfly sightings can be reported online or by calling 1-888-4BADFLY.

The full version of the story is available here.

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