Support the host specificity testing of d. Sinicus, a nymphal parasitoid of spotted lanternfly (SLF), and to prepare to receive d. Sinicus for rearing

The host range testing is taking place at the USDA aphis forest pest methods laboratory (fpml) in buzzards BAY, massachusetts. However, since massachusetts does not have an established population of SLF, having sufficient SLF to support the ongoing host testing has been a limiting factor. The pabil team will collect SLF EGG masses and rear nymphs to the second instar to send to fpml to support host-range testing efforts and prepare the njda containment space, with the goal of initiating a d. Sinicus rearing program. The overarching goals are to support the host specificity testing occurring at the USDA aphis fpml and to prepare to receive d. Sinicus, the biological control agent of SLF. To achieve this, the pabil team will (1) locate, collect and store sufficient SLF EGG masses, (2) provide aphis cooperators in the fpml with weekly shipments of SLF nymphs during the period of rearing d. Sinicus, and (3) prepare the containment space at pabil with necessary supplies and equipment, and (4) develop a protocol for rearing d. Sinicus in the containment space at pabil. This work will benefit the overarching pursuit of developing methods for managing invasive SLF. No sub-agreements will be initiated.