Experimental evidence supports the ability of spotted lanternfly to hitchhike on vehicle exteriors as a mechanism for anthropogenic dispersal.

Historically, anecdotal observations support the likelihood of human-assisted invasive insect dispersal to new environments. No previous studies have investigated the ability of insects to remain attached to moving vehicles; however, such information is critical for prioritizing research, mitigation activities and understanding anthropogenic effects on biotic communities. (White), spotted lanternfly (SLF), an invasive insect whose range is currently expanding throughout the United States, is commonly observed in urban settings and near transportation hubs.

Development and survivorship of Lycorma delicatula (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) on cultivated and native Vitis spp. (Vitales: Vitaceae) of the Eastern United States.

As Lycorma delicatula (White) continues to spread across the United States, more winegrapes are potentially susceptible to damage from this pest. Lycorma delicatula, spotted lanternfly, is primarily associated with Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle, a tree from its native range that is now globally distributed.

Survival and development of (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) on common secondary host plants differ by life stage under controlled conditions.

Host range assessment for emerging invasive insects is a vital step toward fully defining the issues the insect may pose. Spotted lanternfly (SLF) is an invasive species that is rapidly expanding its presence in the United States. The primary hosts facilitating this spread are tree of heaven, a plant from SLF's native range, and the economically important winegrape.

Plasticity in oviposition and foraging behavior in the invasive pest across natural and agricultural landscapes.

The effects and extent of the impacts of agricultural insect pests in and around cropping systems is a rich field of study. However, little research exists on the presence and consequence of pest insects in undisturbed landscapes distant from crop hosts. Research in such areas may yield novel or key insights on pest behavior or ecology that is not evident from agroecosystem-based studies.

Development of rearing methodology for the invasive Spotted Lanternfly, (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae).

, 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 , tree of heaven, also feeds on a wide range of hosts important to the USA including cultivated grapevines. Due to the need for classical or augmentative biological control programs to reduce impacts of across invaded areas, we developed a laboratory-based rearing protocol for this invasive species.

Stakeholder engagement to inform the risk assessment and governance of gene drive technology to manage spotted-wing drosophila.

Emerging biotechnologies, such as gene drive technology, are increasingly being proposed to manage a variety of pests and invasive species. As one method of genetic biocontrol, gene drive technology is currently being developed to manage the invasive agricultural pest spotted-wing drosophila (Drosophila suzukii, SWD). While there have been calls for stakeholder engagement on gene drive technology, there has been a lack of empirical work, especially concerning stakeholder engagement to inform risk assessment.

Plasticity in Oviposition Site Selection Behavior in Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae) in Relation to Adult Density and Host Distribution and Quality.

Flexibility in oviposition site selection under temporally shifting environmental conditions is an important trait that allows many polyphagous insects to flourish. Population density has been shown to affect egg-laying and offspring fitness throughout the animal kingdom. The effects of population density in insects have been suggested to be mutualistic at low densities, whereas intraspecific competition is exhibited at high densities.

Social signals mediate oviposition site selection in Drosophila suzukii.

The information that female insects perceive and use during oviposition site selection is complex and varies by species and ecological niche. Even in relatively unexploited niches, females interact directly and indirectly with conspecifics at oviposition sites. These interactions can take the form of host marking and re-assessment of prior oviposition sites during the decision-making process.

Non-Crop Host Sampling Yields Insights into Small-Scale Population Dynamics of Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura).

Invasive, polyphagous crop pests subsist on a number of crop and non-crop resources. While knowing the full range of host species is important, a seasonal investigation into the use of non-crop plants adjacent to cropping systems provide key insights into some of the factors determining local population dynamics. This study investigated the infestation of non-crop plants by the invasive (Matsumura), a pest of numerous economically important stone and small fruit crops, by sampling fruit-producing non-crop hosts adjacent to commercial plantings weekly from June through November in central New York over a two-year period.

CRISPR-based gene drive in agriculture will face technical and governance challenges.

Comment on “Agricultural pest control with CRISPR‐based gene drive: time for public debate” by Courtier‐Orgogozo . [Image: see text]

Sucrose Improves Insecticide Activity Against Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae).

The addition of sucrose to insecticides targeting spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura), enhanced lethality in laboratory, semifield, and field tests. In the laboratory, 0.1% sucrose added to a spray solution enhanced spotted wing drosophila feeding.