Plant & Food Research Limited (PFR) is hosting presentations on Spotted Lanternfly, a significant biosecurity threat to New Zealand.
Spotted Lanternfly can feed on a wide range of plants including grapes, summerfruit 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.
Pennsylvania State University associate professor, Julie Urban, is visiting New Zealand to provide information on the pest, such as how to identify the insect, particularly its egg masses. 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.
If you would like to attend one of the following workshops, please RSVP to either Manoharie or Jacqui below:
Manoharie.Sandanayaka@plantandfood.co.nz
Jacqui.Todd@plantandfood.co.nz
Dates, times & venues:
- Hawke’s Bay: Wednesday 8 February 2023 at 10am
- Plant and Food Research, Cnr Crosses & St George’s Roads, Havelock North
- Blenheim: Monday 13 February at 10am
- Plant and Food Research, MRC, B Block 85 Budge Street, Riversdale, Blenheim
- Motueka: Tuesday 14 February 2023 at 2pm
- Plant and Food Research, 55 Old Mill Road, Motueka
