The spotted lanternfly (SLF) detection in Tennessee, led to the formation of “A New IPM Working Group to Address Spotted Lanternfly Problems in Specialty Crops in the Southeastern US” through the southern IPM center.
The goals were to identify research and Extension priorities that most benefit the growers, to organize a SLF educational meeting, and to produce collaborative research and outreach products and grant proposals. Ultimately, the aim was to assemble growers, pest management professionals, researchers, Extension specialists and agents, and industry partners to tackle the serious economic issue of SLF in specialty crops of the Southeastern United States. As of now, the SLF working group has members from Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina representing academia, government, and private industry, Extension agents, involved with research, production, Extension/outreach, and regulation.
