021: The Rise of the Spotted Lanternfly with Dr. Michela Centinari

Can you spot the spotted lanternfly? Join us as we sit down with Dr. Michela Centinari, Associate Professor of Viticulture at Penn State, for the latest research on this invasive insect pest and its impact on North American vineyards. Together, we explore all things spotted lanternfly for winegrape growers including identification, risk factors, preventative strategies, and treatment options. We cover how to identify spotted lanternfly in all stages of its life cycle along with what to do and how to report if you discover them in your vineyard. Michela walks us through not only geographical risk factors, but also risk factors like Tree of Heaven and the differences in susceptibility among vinifera, French-American hybrids, and wild grapes. And we cover effective treatment methods for eggs, nymphs, and adult lanternflies, as well as the challenges of treating adults close to harvest.  By the end of our conversation, you'll be armed with valuable resources and knowledge to help ensure the health and success of your vineyard against this invasive species. In this episode, you will hear: The background on the spread of spotted lanternfly in North America Vineyard risk factors for spotted lanternfly How to identify and report spotted lanternfly in your vineyard  Options for prevention and treatment in the vineyard Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple ‘+’ in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Resources: If you have questions about today’s episode or other grape-growing questions, visit VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button. Or, come grow with Fritz through VirtualViticultureAcademy.com, and save $75 off your first year of membership with the code Underground at checkout. Learn more about the spotted lanternfly with these resources from Penn State Extension: Spotted Lanternfly Overview: https://extension.psu.edu/spotted-lanternfly  Video: What is Spotted Lanternfly: https://youtu.be/uin0GECoi4A  Identify Spotted Lanternfly: https://extension.psu.edu/spotted-lanternfly-what-to-look-for  Report Spotted Lanternfly: https://extension.psu.edu/have-you-seen-a-spotted-lanternfly  Spotted Lanternfly FAQ: https://extension.psu.edu/spotted-lanternfly-frequently-asked-questions  Spotted Lanternfly Management in Vineyards: https://extension.psu.edu/spotted-lanternfly-management-in-vineyards  Additional Spotted Lanternfly Resources: https://extension.psu.edu/spotted-lanternfly-management-resources  Today’s Guest: Michela Centinari, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Viticulture at Penn State. Her specialties include wine grape production, grapevine physiology, sustainable viticulture, & cold temperature stress. Connect with Michela or view her research. Episode Credits: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.