The spotted lanternfly is an invasive insect plaguing plants, especially grapes, across the globe. Faculty at the Alson H. Smith Jr. Agricultural Research and Extension Center are researching how trained detection dogs can help farmers and vineyard owners better prepare their crops against these insects.
The spotted lanternfly, an invasive insect that has damaged agricultural crops in the northeast U.S. (creating a black sticky mess that stinks of sour vinegar), has been found in Virginia. Officials are hoping that citizens across the commonwealth will help monitor and track the movement of the pest.