Impacts of short-term feeding by spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) on ecophysiology of young hardwood trees in a common garden

Spotted lanternfly (SLF; Lycorma delicatula White; Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) invaded the US from Asia and was first detected in 2014; currently, populations have established 14 states primarily Northeast Mid-Atlantic. It feeds voraciously on phloem sap a broad range of host plants, with preference for tree heaven ( Ailanthus altissima [Sapindales: Simaroubaceae]), grapevines Vitis spp. [Vitales: Vitaceae]), several common hardwood species. We evaluated impacts fourth instars adults confined to single branch or whole trees gas exchange attributes (carbon assimilation [photosynthetic rate], transpiration stomatal conductance), selected nutrients, diameter growth using young saplings four species planted garden. In general, effects were greater than nymphs, although there variation depending species, pest density, time post-infestation. Nymphs red maple Acer rubrum Sapindaceae]), silver saccharinum Sapindaceae]) at three densities (0, 15, 30) had no significant exchange. contrast, 40 rapidly suppressed reduced nitrogen concentration leaves; soluble sugars wood fall following spring maple. Fourth leaves wood, by >50% during next growing season. enclosures black walnut Juglans nigra [Fagales: Juglandaceae]). SLF enclosed 80 per after two weeks feeding, but did not alter non-structural carbohydrates, concentrations, growth. Results suggest that moderate heavy feeding may impair growth, which could implications production nurseries forest managers.