The Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) is considered a significant threat to kiwifruit and is not yet present in New Zealand. It has spread rapidly outside its native range of China, into South Korea, Japan and more recently the USA.

From translating Chinese literature, SLF was identified as a ‘major pest’ of kiwifruit, although the level of impact remains somewhat unknown. To help address this uncertainty, this project sought to provide a better understanding of the seasonal occurrence of SLF in kiwifruit and potential impacts.

The study was undertaken in China on organically grown green (Hayward) and yellow (Nongda Jinmi) kiwifruit varieties. Weekly inspections were undertaken and all life stages were found in kiwifruit, however SLF appeared more abundant in the yellow variety. A single generation was observed from mid-April till late-September. This study presented no evidence for SLF feeding damage or sooty mold production on those kiwifruit blocks studied.

It us important to note that the research was done in its native range and on a small scale so may not fully represent impact of SLF if an incursion was to occur in New Zealand.

Read the report here.