A specialty crop entomologist says Illinois grape growers have the most at stake following the detection of spotted lanternfly in the state.
Kacie Athey with the University of Illinois tells Brownfield the invasive insect feeds on vines and leaves a residue that can attract other pests.
“And you can get what’s called sooty mold, which is another thing that will grow on the leaves and create issues with the plant, sometimes making it so the plant isn’t getting as many nutrients as it needs to.”
She says spotted lanternflies also feed on seedling trees so high populations could have a negative effect on agritourism venues.
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