In recent years, the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) has been battling invasive species that inhabit and harm plants. Extension offices, pesticide companies, and the GDA are collaborating to find an effective way to communicate to producers how to handle the different invasive species that may occupy their farms.
The newest invasive species from China, Taiwan, and Vietnam that threatens Georgia’s #1 industry is the Spotted Lanternfly (SLF). The GDA has received confirmation from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) that Lycorma delicatula, or the SLF, was identified in Fulton County, GA, on Oct. 22nd, 2024. This invasive pest species was first identified in PA in 2014. Since that time, it has populated and migrated to 17 other surrounding states.
Luckily, it does not threaten human health, but its choice of food heavily impacts the lives of the plants it feeds on. When an SLF feeds on a plant, a sticky, sugary fluid is produced that stimulates the plant to grow a type of contagious mold. The most minor impact it could have on plants is a significantly reduced yield and sugar content. While grapevines are its primary source, hops, hardwood trees, and stone fruits are a few examples of its food choices.
When farmers identify a Spotted Lanternfly on their farm, they must take a clear picture, kill it, and report the sighting using the GDA’s online tool. The GDA also warns farmers to monitor for SLF egg nests, which the insects lay on materials such as wood, outdoor furniture, and vehicles. Experts believe transporting egg masses overseas started the spread of the SLF species in the US.
Another recent example of an invasive species that has reached America is the Yellow-Legged Hornet or Vespa velutina. Its first confirmation in the US was in Savannah, GA, in August 2023. After that, the nest was safely exterminated, and the only other sighting was in SC. These pests may not be as populated as SLF, but they can cause just as much harm.
The Yellow-Legged Hornet (YLH) preys on honeybees and other pollinators, a fragile group essential to the agricultural industry. Its stings, similar to those of common wasps, also threaten humans and pets. Being stung by one of these pests can be life-threatening for individuals allergic to wasps or bees.
GA consistently ranks in the top 20 states for honey production and the top 2-3 for package bees and queens. If YLH makes a more prominent appearance in the state, the beekeeping industry will be heavily impacted.
Although invasive pest species are small in size, they can do considerable damage to farms of all kinds. Crop operations have the worst chance of being affected by pests. Direct damage to considerable amounts of acres can significantly reduce yield. Pests inflict physical harm on plants by feeding on their leaves and roots or passing diseases throughout the field.
If a new invasive species, such as SLF, is confirmed in a rural area, farmers will have to spend more money on pesticides, labor to monitor the crops, and further preventive measures to ensure their plants do not become infected. Infested crops reduce biodiversity and harm ecosystems.
Livestock producers also need to be aware of any invasive species that can harm their operations. Some pests, such as armyworms, can destroy whole forage pastures, leaving animals without grazing land. Others may transmit disease directly to an animal, and it will spread throughout the herd.
Species such as the Spotted Lanternfly and the Yellow-Legged Hornet can cause extreme harm to Georgia’s environment and economy. If pests impact large numbers of farms, yields will drop, and grocery prices will rise. The situation may become bad enough that trade restrictions or bans between countries can be enforced to reduce the population of the pest.
While the GDA, USDA, and many other organizations are swiftly working to prevent significant losses caused by invasive pest species, the public must report any sightings. The GDA’s website provides more information on invasive pest species.