New York State Department of Transportation Collaboration
eDNA Detection of Spotted Lanternfly Across New York
Currently, we are working with the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) to study the spread of Spotted lanternflies along heavily trafficked roadways. Since the introduction of Spotted lanternfly to Pennsylvania in 2014, it has rapidly spread to other states, establishing high-density populations in New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, and Maryland. Recently, individuals and populations have been spotted in Massachusetts, South Carolina, and even Michigan. These large populations have been shown to have detrimental effects on both agriculture and forests, destroying crops and promoting the growth of harmful sooty mold.
The relatively generalist feeding habits and ability to lay egg masses on most hard surfaces, including cars and commercial trucks, makes Spotted lanternfly incredibly efficient colonizers. We are working with the New York State Department of Transportation to conduct eDNA surveys of trees along interstate and other roadways to detect initial colonization of lanternflies across the state. Early detection enables rapid response by state agencies charged with lanternfly eradication and control.
Our initial eDNA surveys covered major interstate corridors from Albany to Syracuse, and from Binghamton to Bath. We surveyed over 400 miles of roadway and our results directly informed New York State agency follow-up actions. This year we will expand our surveys to include much of western New York, and the NY Northway from Albany to the Canadian border.
Please check back in regularly to learn about our results and experiences in the field.
Stay up-to-date
For current information regarding visual detections of Spotted lanternflies, be sure to visit the interactive map provided by the New York State Integrative Pest Management of Cornell!