Apples, grapes and peaches could be under threat from infestations of spotted lanternfly, which has been present in the US for a decade
Officials in the US state of Michigan have confirmed sightings of spotted lanternfly in three counties, including the first recorded infestations in Wayne County.
Spotted lanternfly feeds on more than 70 different types of plant, including crops such as apples, grapes, peaches and walnuts.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) said it had carried out an “extensive survey” with the US Department of Agriculture, and discovered new infestations in Wayne, Monroe and Oakland counties.
“These surveying efforts are crucial in our effort to slow the spread of spotted lanternfly, which can be nuisance to Michiganders and is a source of concern for fruit growers,” said Steve Carlson, director of MDARD’s Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division.
“MDARD’s proactive approach to gathering data through targeted surveying and collaboration with our state and local partners is essential to curbing the pest’s spread.”
Originally native to eastern Asia, spotted lanternfly was first detected in the United States in 2014 in southeastern Pennsylvania and has since spread to 17 eastern and midwestern states.
