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MSUE recommends growers monitor for spotted lanternfly after new detection

An Extension specialist says specialty crop growers should be following the spread of spotted lanternfly now that it’s been detected in Southwest Michigan.

Michigan State University Extension’s Mike Reinke tells Brownfield, “In this part of the country, in Michigan in particular, we’re really concerned about grapes.”

“That’s because we are on the edges of grape production,” he explains. “Grapes are a little more freeze-tender, cold-tender than other perennial crops.”

Reinke has been tracking its movement as part of Michigan’s Spotted Lanternfly Response Team since populations were first found in the state in 2022.

“This insect doesn’t spread diseases. It doesn’t cause direct damage to the fruit or to the vegetables, but when it feeds on these plants, it weakens them, and there are certain plants that are sensitive.”

Reinke says conventional pesticides at the end of the season are considered the best control, but for now he says the detection in Niles isn’t an agricultural threat yet.