Connecticut Vineyards Face Growing Threat from Invasive Spotted Lanternflies
Connecticut vineyards are increasingly concerned about the expanding population of spotted lanternflies, an invasive insect posing a significant threat to grape crops. The Connecticut Agriculture Experiment Station has confirmed the presence of these 'little plant vampires' in all eight of the state's counties. State entomologist Claire Rutledge explains that these insects feed on grapes and other fruit crops, draining sap from plants and causing widespread agricultural damage. The spotted lanternfly, native to China and East Asia, was first identified in the United States in Pennsylvania in 2014. Its preferred host is the invasive tree-of-heaven, which is prevalent along highways and in urban and agricultural areas, facilitating the lanternfly's establishment. Vineyard owners like Jamie Jones of Jones Winery in Shelton have already detected the pests and are taking measures such as eliminating tree-of-heaven and applying sprays, though they note this is their first year dealing with the issue. George Mote... 
