As some of you may have heard a colony of spotted lanternfly, an invasive and highly destructive tree hopping insect, was found in Mingo Junction in Jefferson County. The first report was from a citizen on October 19th. Ohio Department of Agriculture employees found more nearby.
SLF is a great concern to the grape and wine industry. The insect is fond of grapevines, fruit trees, hops, blueberry, oak, pine, poplar, and walnut. Adult SLF are attracted to the invasive Ailanthus tree, also known as tree-of-heaven, while nymphs feed on a wide range of hosts. Both adults and nymphs feed on stems and leaves, causing sap bleeding and reduced photosynthesis, which can eventually kill the plant.
Tree Diseases
A handful of diseases have been identified in Ohio affecting certain species of native trees in the state. Many of these diseases are fungal, but at least one has been linked to nematodes.
Oak Wilt
Sudden Oak Death
Dutch Elm Disease
Beech Leaf Disease
Thousand Canker Disease of Walnut
Chestnut Blight
