The Spotted Lanternfly is a biosecurity threat to New Zealand. This invasive insect can feed on a wide range of plants including grapes, summerfruit, hemp, and apples. Their voracious feeding has been shown to kill grape vines. The nymphs and adults also excrete honeydew that supports sooty mould growth, so this insect could be a major problem if it arrives in NZ. 

Associate Professor Julie Urban from Pennsylvania State University is visiting NZ to provide information on the pest from work conducted by her and others in the US since 2014. Information on how to recognise the insect, and particularly the egg masses will be provided. Knowing how to spot the insect increases our chance of finding it early if it were to arrive here, which would increase the likelihood of preventing it establishing a population in NZ. 

For enquiries and to RSVP if you wish to attend the workshop, please contact Manoharie.Sandanayaka@plantandfood.co.nz or Jacqui.Todd@plantandfood.co.nz