Georgia’s fruit growers and agriculture experts are on high alert after the state’s first confirmed sighting of the spotted lanternfly, a destructive pest known for damaging crops such as grapes, peaches, plums, and apples. The pest was officially spotted on October 22 in Fulton County, marking the state’s entry into the growing list of regions affected by this invasive species.
The Threat and the Response
The spotted lanternfly, which is more closely related to aphids and stink bugs, poses a significant risk to agriculture in Georgia. The pest damages plants and trees by excreting a sticky waste fluid that encourages the growth of sooty mold, potentially harming the health of various crops. The Georgia Department of Agriculture is urging farmers, agriculture businesses, and homeowners to take action immediately by killing any spotted lanternflies they encounter and reporting sightings.
Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J. Harper emphasized the importance of a swift response to control the spread of the insect, noting that eliminating it at the first sign of infestation is the best way to safeguard the state’s agricultural industry.
Key Concerns for Georgia Growers
Larry Lykins, owner of Cartercay Vineyards in Ellijay, is familiar with the challenges posed by agricultural pests. Having survived the spread of a virus through nursery plants and the threat of glassy-winged sharpshooters, Lykins remains calm about the arrival of the spotted lanternfly. “Being a farmer, you just have to educate yourself and do the best you can with it,” he said, acknowledging the impact of climate change and global trade on the spread of invasive species.
However, despite Lykins’ measured response, experts recognize that the spotted lanternfly could be a significant threat, especially in Georgia’s urban areas where trees already face stress from limited root space and excessive sunlight. The bug’s preferred food source is the tree of heaven, an invasive species found in some areas of the state, which makes its eradication critical for reducing the risk of infestation.
A Cautious Approach
While experts urge vigilance, there is some reassurance for Georgia’s fruit growers. Brett Blaauw, an associate professor at the University of Georgia, suggested that while the arrival of the spotted lanternfly may be alarming, the state’s grape growers do not need to panic. Blaauw pointed out that other states have already made progress in managing the pest, and Georgia can adapt those strategies. He also emphasized that while the spotted lanternfly can overwhelm a tree, well-established trees are generally able to survive the invasion.
“It’s probably going to expand in its population and its range in Georgia, but we need to not panic. At least not yet,” Blaauw said.
What to Do if You Spot a Lanternfly
The Georgia Department of Agriculture urges residents to report any sightings of the spotted lanternfly and to kill the insect on sight to prevent its spread. Since the bug can lay eggs on vehicles, furniture, and other surfaces, it can be transported across long distances, making it important for the public to remain vigilant in areas outside of the initial sighting locations.
As Georgia grapples with this new threat, experts continue to monitor the situation closely, and state agriculture officials remain proactive in alerting the public to the potential risks posed by this invasive pest.
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