Dr. Benjamin Seibold (left) and Jacob Woods (right) examining rose bushes on Temple’s campus for SLF
iEcoLab’s collaborators at the Temple University Mathematics Department were recently featured in an article for SIAM news. “Predicting the Spread and Establishment of Spotted Lanternflies” by Jillian Kunze highlights the work of Dr. Benjamin Seibold, PhD student Jacob Woods, and undergraduate Fatma Betul Seker. Seibold and Woods discussed their advanced mathematical models that predict the establishment potential and spatial spread of spotted lanternflies (SLF) based on temperature and host positioning.
Dr. Seibold’s model focuses on how temperature affects the lanternfly life cycle and potential establishment areas, providing critical insights for government agencies to stop the spread of SLF. Woods complements this work by modeling the spatial movement of SLF, revealing patterns in their invasion of vineyards. Their combined research offers valuable tools for managing this invasive species and protecting agricultural resources.