Photo Credit

USDA Photo by Anthony Cullen.

Recovered branch with spongy moth egg masses. 

Forest pest insects threaten the resilience and function of forest and agricultural systems. Several conceptual frameworks describe the potential for mitigating these pests with prescribed fire in both traditional and novel settings. Prescribed fire can impact forest pest insects directly and indirectly through mechanisms associated with fire and postfire conditions.

This study focuses on the spongy moth and spotted lanternfly that are highly relevant invasive forest pest insects in eastern forests. Spongy moth is a well-established pest in the eastern U.S. that attacks native forest tree species and threatens long term forest productivity and resilience. Spotted lantern fly is a recent invader which has expanded rapidly in the eastern U.S. It infests multiple woody agricultural crops, its native host, the invasive “Tree of Heaven”, maples and other forest species. Both pest species are economically and ecologically damaging, threatening long term carbon storage and other ecosystem products and services.

The timing and sensitivities of spongy moth and spotted lantern fly’s life stages and the seasonal variation of their host environments provide opportunities for reducing populations with prescribed fire. Eggs of each species overwinter on the outer stems of their hosts, leaving them susceptible to the release of energy that occurs during prescribed fires. Spongy moth larva and spotted lantern fly developmental stages are susceptible to environmental conditions. They have limited ability to relocate away from environmental stressors, such as fire and postfire environments.

Lethal energy exposure levels (doses) for specific species life stages are not well understood. Scientists lack information on specific prescribed fire environmental and ignition conditions to achieve lethal exposures and actual rates of pest species reduction. Knowledge of these conditions will not only be helpful for guiding the application of prescribed fire for invasive insect reduction but will also provide a means of integrating invasive species management into new prescribed fire simulation tools. This will provide a robust framework for guiding managers to respond to other invasive forest insect pests with prescribed fire. 

Objectives

Conduct initial prescribed fire field experiments to explore how radiative energy during burning conditions can lead to varying levels of mortality for spongy moth and spotted lanternfly. Explore terrestrial laser scanning techniques to monitor fire effects and estimate effects on these two species. Develop a conceptual framework for the impacts of prescribed fire on invasive forest insects.

Expected Results

Outputs

Initial series of field and laboratory experiments to understand how spotted lantern fly and spongy moth egg success is impacted by prescribed fires. Radiometer and thermal imaging camera data providing information about the energy received by egg masses. Understanding of how prescriptions and fuels contribute to dosage to eggs.  

Expected Outcomes

Peer reviewed article on spongy moth and spotted lantern fly egg mass mortality under a limited scope of prescribed fire conditions. Peer reviewed publication on the use of new, simple terrestrial laser scanning methods for monitoring prescribed fire effects on spotted lantern fly and spongy moth egg masses. Conceptual model and partially tested framework for understanding and applying mechanisms of prescribed fire for invasive species mitigation.

Metrics of Success

Application of prescribed fire to control invasive forest pest insects. Science-based guidelines and predictive models are used to inform this pest mitigation approach and monitor treatment effectiveness in the field.

Geographies and High-Risk Landscapes to Be Addressed

Regional

This study focuses on the spongy moth and spotted lanternfly that are highly relevant invasive forest pest insects in eastern forests.