Dr. Alexa Lamm and Dennis Baffour-Awuah spent 4 days in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York speaking with wine grape growers and extension specialists. During this time they conducted interviews to discern growers’ past, current and perceived future problems with the invasive species, the Spotted Lanternfly, which first appeared in the US in 2015 and has dramatically impacted grape production ever since. Even with quarantines in place the species has spread; now identified in 18 states.
The Lamm Lab is leading the human dimension research for a USDA ARS-funded interdisciplinary team of entomologists, plant pathologists and viticulturists striving to identify biological controls which can help growers control the Spotted Lanternfly while minimizing impact to their vines and the natural environment. Their findings from these grower conversations were shared with the entire team after they returned and is already being used to inform future research to ensure it meets growers’ needs.
