List Compiled by Todd Murray et. al, October, 2007
New and Emerging Pests Recently Reported by PPDEN Collaborators
___________________________________________________
Pest Name: Dusky Wireworm, Agriotes obscurus
First reported in WA: 2000 – First US Record
Potential Impacts: Larvae prefer to feed on cereal crops but will feed on many species of economically important crops. Larvae have caused significant damage in some agricultural settings in Western Washington
Areas(s) found: Whatcom, Snohomish, King, Piece, Thurston, Lewis, Cowlitz Counties
Brief description: WSU DDDI sample 92 was submitted from King County in 2005 for confirmation of ID
Links to resources:
WSDA Pest Survey Pages: http://whatcom.wsu.edu/pestsurvey/
Sustaining the Pacific Northwest Newsletter: http://csanr.wsu.edu/whatsnew/SPNW-v4-n2.pdf
WSU Extension contact(s): Todd Murray, WSU King County Extension, Eric LaGasa WSDA
Pest Name: Bordered Plant Bug, Largus cinctus
First reported in WA: 2003 – First Washington State Record
Potential Impacts: Feed on a wide range of row crop and ornamental plants.
Areas(s) found: Lewis County
Brief description: WSU DDDI sample 70 submitted in 2004 documented unusually large numbers of samples originating from Lewis County
Links to resources:
WSU Extension contact(s): Eric LaGasa WSDA
Pest Name: Viburnum Leaf Beetle, Pyrrhalta viburni
First reported in WA: 2004 – First Washington State Record
Potential Impacts: Serious defoliator of many Viburnum species.
Areas(s) found: Whatcom, Skagit Counties
Brief description: WSU DDDI sample 63 and sample 105 submitted in 2004 and 2005 respectively documented first state and county records for this pest. Southern Skagit County is the furthest southern record for this insect.
Links to resources:
WSU Whatcom County: http://whatcom.wsu.edu/ag/homehort/pest/VLB.htm
WSU HortSense: http://pep.wsu.edu/HortSense/scripts/query/displayProblem.asp?tableName=plant&problemID=767&categoryID=1
WSU Extension contact(s): Todd Murray, WSU King County Extension
Pest Name: Large Yellow Underwing, Noctua pronuba
First reported in WA: 2004 – First Washington State Record
Potential Impacts: Feed on a wide range of plants and could cause damage to turf.
Areas(s) found: Most Washington State Counties
Brief description: WSU DDDI sample 107 submitted in 2005 documented the first County record in Snohomish.
Links to resources:
WSU Extension contact(s): Eric LaGasa WSDA
Pest Name: Large Yellow Underwing, Noctua pronuba
First reported in WA: 2004 – First Washington State Record
Potential Impacts: Feed on a wide range of plants and could cause damage to turf.
Areas(s) found: Most Washington State Counties
Brief description: WSU DDDI sample 107 submitted in 2005 documented the first County record in Snohomish.
Links to resources:
WSU Extension contact(s): Eric LaGasa WSDA
Pest Name: Apple Clearwing Moth, Synanthedon myopaeformis
First reported in WA: 2006 – First North American Record
Potential Impacts: Bark-feeding moth of apple and other fruit trees.
Areas(s) found: Whatcom
Brief description: WSU DDDI sample 185 submitted in 2006 documented the consultation with outside specialists for confirmation of the species identification.
Links to resources:
WSU Whatcom County: http://whatcom.wsu.edu/ag/homehort/pest/synanthedon.htm
WSU Extension contact(s): Eric LaGasa WSDA
Pest Name: Rhyparochromis seed bug, Rhyparochromis vulgaris
First reported in WA: 2000 – First North American Record
Potential Impacts: Aggregate in large numbers in homes and other structures
Areas(s) found: Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, King, Peirce, Thurston, Lewis, Cowlitz, Garfield, Franklin
Brief description: WSU DDDI sample 81 submitted in 2005 documented confirmation of the species identification and first county record for King County. WSU DDDI sample 166 documented the first county record in Whatcom. WSU DDDI sample 619 documented the first county record in Garfield. WSU DDDI sample 736 documented the first county record for Franklin County.
Links to resources:
WSDA Pest Survey Pages: http://whatcom.wsu.edu/pestsurvey/158RhyparochromisAndRagliusAlertAndUpdate06.pdf
WSU Extension contact(s): Eric LaGasa WSDA
Pest Name: Raglius seed bug, Raglius spp.
First reported in WA: 2002 – First Washington State Record
Potential Impacts: Aggregate in large numbers in homes and other structures
Areas(s) found: King, Peirce, Yakima
Brief description: WSU DDDI sample 111 submitted in 2005 documented confirmation of the species identification and first Washington State Record. WSU DDDI sample 216 documented the first county record in King. WSU DDDI sample 295 documented the first county record in Yakima.
Links to resources:
WSDA Pest Survey Pages: http://whatcom.wsu.edu/pestsurvey/158RhyparochromisAndRagliusAlertAndUpdate06.pdf
WSU Extension contact(s): Eric LaGasa WSDA
Pest Name: Dogwood sawfly, Macremphytus tarsatus
First reported in WA: 2005 (?) – First Washington State Record
Potential Impacts: Defoliator of Dogwood Trees
Areas(s) found: King, Whatcom
Brief description: WSU DDDI sample 1187 submitted in 2007 documented tentative species identification.
Links to resources:
WSU Extension contact(s): Eric LaGasa WSDA
Friday, November 30, 2007
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Septoria found in BC on hybrid poplar
Sept 24- 2007
Septoria musiva (a severe leaf spot and stem canker) has been found on
hybrid poplar in commercial stool beds in the Frasier Valley of British
Colombia. This is a pathogen not known to be in U.S. PNW and has the
potential to impact hybrid poplar health and the trade of growing stock
(including cuttings) entering and leaving Washington.
Follow up information-
Article on recent finds of Septoria in Frasier Valley of British
Colombia:
http://pnwfungi.org/pdf%20files/manuscripts%20volume%202/pnwf20077.pdf
Pictures of Septoria signs and symptoms:
http://www.forestryimages.org/browse/subimages.cfm?SUB=704
Septoria musiva (a severe leaf spot and stem canker) has been found on
hybrid poplar in commercial stool beds in the Frasier Valley of British
Colombia. This is a pathogen not known to be in U.S. PNW and has the
potential to impact hybrid poplar health and the trade of growing stock
(including cuttings) entering and leaving Washington.
Follow up information-
Article on recent finds of Septoria in Frasier Valley of British
Colombia:
http://pnwfungi.org/pdf%20files/manuscripts%20volume%202/pnwf20077.pdf
Pictures of Septoria signs and symptoms:
http://www.forestryimages.org/browse/subimages.cfm?SUB=704
Thursday, September 6, 2007
FEDERAL ORDER:Quarantine of Putnam and Westchester Counties of New York for Pine Shoot Beetle
This Federal Order is issued under the regulatory authority provided by the Plant Protection Act of June 20, 2000, as amended, Section 412 (a), 7U.S.C. 7712 (a), which authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to prohibit or restrict the movement in interstate commerce of any plant, plant part, or article if the Secretary determines the prohibition or restriction is necessary to prevent the dissemination of a plant pest within the United States.
This Federal Order quarantines, effective immediately, Putnam and Westchester Counties in New York for PSB, Tomicus piniperda. Accordingly, effective immediately, all interstate movement of PSB regulated articles from Putnam and Westchester Counties must be done in accordance with the regulations promulgated pursuant to the Plant Protection Act found at7 CFR 301.50 et seq. This action is in response to detection of PSB in Putnam and Westchester Counties.
The 7CFR 301.50-3(a) allows the quarantine of less than an entire state only when the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Administrator has determined, as here, that the designation of less than the entire state as a regulated area will be adequate to prevent the spread of the PSB and that the state enforces an intrastate quarantine that matches Federal PSB regulations. Prior to October 15, 2007, the State Plant Regulatory Official for New York must confirm the establishment of an intra-state quarantine for Putnam and Westchester Counties that mirrors the Federal Regulatory requirements as specified in 7CFR301.50. The confirmation should be made in writing to the APHIS State Plant Health Director for New York.
The 7CFR 301.50-3(b) provides for temporary designation of new quarantine areas pending publication of a rule to add counties to the list shown in 7CFR 301.50-3(c). 7CFR 301.50-3(b) further requires written notification be given to the owners of property and enterprises in a newly quarantined area, advising them of the quarantine and the necessity of complying with requirements for the movement of regulated articles. This is the responsibility of the Federal and/or State regulatory personnel responsible for the PSB program in the affected state.
If you wish more details on the Federal PSB regulatory program, you may contact the Staff Officer Weyman Fussell at (301) 734-5705. For information on regulatory requirements for movement of articles out of New York, please contact the APHIS State Plant Health Director Yvonne DeMarino at (518) 869-5540.
We continue to appreciate the cooperative relationship with the state of New York in our mutual effort to prevent the spread of quarantine pests.
This Federal Order quarantines, effective immediately, Putnam and Westchester Counties in New York for PSB, Tomicus piniperda. Accordingly, effective immediately, all interstate movement of PSB regulated articles from Putnam and Westchester Counties must be done in accordance with the regulations promulgated pursuant to the Plant Protection Act found at7 CFR 301.50 et seq. This action is in response to detection of PSB in Putnam and Westchester Counties.
The 7CFR 301.50-3(a) allows the quarantine of less than an entire state only when the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Administrator has determined, as here, that the designation of less than the entire state as a regulated area will be adequate to prevent the spread of the PSB and that the state enforces an intrastate quarantine that matches Federal PSB regulations. Prior to October 15, 2007, the State Plant Regulatory Official for New York must confirm the establishment of an intra-state quarantine for Putnam and Westchester Counties that mirrors the Federal Regulatory requirements as specified in 7CFR301.50. The confirmation should be made in writing to the APHIS State Plant Health Director for New York.
The 7CFR 301.50-3(b) provides for temporary designation of new quarantine areas pending publication of a rule to add counties to the list shown in 7CFR 301.50-3(c). 7CFR 301.50-3(b) further requires written notification be given to the owners of property and enterprises in a newly quarantined area, advising them of the quarantine and the necessity of complying with requirements for the movement of regulated articles. This is the responsibility of the Federal and/or State regulatory personnel responsible for the PSB program in the affected state.
If you wish more details on the Federal PSB regulatory program, you may contact the Staff Officer Weyman Fussell at (301) 734-5705. For information on regulatory requirements for movement of articles out of New York, please contact the APHIS State Plant Health Director Yvonne DeMarino at (518) 869-5540.
We continue to appreciate the cooperative relationship with the state of New York in our mutual effort to prevent the spread of quarantine pests.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
LIGHT BROWN APPLE MOTHS DETECTED IN SOLANO, LOS ANGELES COUNTIES
Release# CDFA07-055
LIGHT BROWN APPLE MOTHS DETECTED IN SOLANO, LOS ANGELES COUNTIES Vallejo, Sherman Oaks are new infested sites
SACRAMENTO, July 9, 2007 – The light brown apple moth, an invasive species native to Australia, has recently been detected in Solano and Los Angeles counties, adding to the nine previously infested Bay Area and Central Coast counties. Single moths were detected in both new counties, and additional arrays of insect traps in both areas have detected no additional moths.
In the vicinity of the newly detected infestations, regulatory actions will be directed at wholesale nurseries, retail nurseries, and community and school gardens. Regulations are enforced in a cooperative effort by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and county agricultural officials. The details are as follows:
Wholesale Nurseries – Wholesale nurseries in the infestation area will be asked to sign compliance agreements stating that they will inspect host plants before shipment and certify that they do not harbor the light brown apple moth.
Retail Nurseries – Retail nurseries will be inspected and, if infested, will be asked to remove infested plants and plant parts and then sign compliance agreements certifying that host plants to be sold are free-from the pest. Discarded plants and plant parts will be double-bagged and taken to landfills.
Community and School Gardens – Host fruits and vegetables, leafy greens, tomatoes, bell peppers, broccoli, and cauliflower may not be removed from school and community gardens.
CDFA is asking that green waste hauled by landscapers and lawn maintenance services be hauled only to approved locations, such as landfills, compost facilities and biomass facilities.
In addition, CDFA, the USDA and agricultural commissioners are requesting that residents of the infestation zone please not remove any plants or plant parts from their property, including fruit and flowers.
The first detection of light brown apple moth in the Bay Area came on February 27. Trapping and surveying will continue throughout the state to learn the parameters of the infestation.
Light brown apple moth is native to Australia and is found in New Zealand, Ireland, the United Kingdom and Hawaii. It is a threat to agricultural crops as well as our environment and natural habitat, forests, parks and urban landscapes. The range of host plants is broad with more than 250 plant species known to be susceptible to attack by this pest. Major domestic hosts of concern are stone fruit (peaches, plums, nectarines, cherries and apricots), apples, pears, grapes and citrus.
The pest destroys, stunts or deforms young seedlings; spoils the appearance of ornamental plants; and injures deciduous fruit-tree crops, citrus and grapes.
The USDA and CDFA have assembled a technical working group comprised of international experts on light brown apple moth to discuss detection and mitigation strategies to safeguard against this potentially damaging pest and prevent its further spread. The two agencies will continue to work together to take the appropriate regulatory action to prevent the spread of this pest in association with the movement of host commodities.
Media Contact: Steve Lyle, Director of Public Affairs
916/654-0462
-30-
The California Department of Food and Agriculture protects and promotes California’s $31.8 billion agricultural industry. California’s farmers and ranchers produce a safe, secure supply of food, fiber and shelter; marketed fairly for all Californians; and produced with responsible environmental stewardship.
LIGHT BROWN APPLE MOTHS DETECTED IN SOLANO, LOS ANGELES COUNTIES Vallejo, Sherman Oaks are new infested sites
SACRAMENTO, July 9, 2007 – The light brown apple moth, an invasive species native to Australia, has recently been detected in Solano and Los Angeles counties, adding to the nine previously infested Bay Area and Central Coast counties. Single moths were detected in both new counties, and additional arrays of insect traps in both areas have detected no additional moths.
In the vicinity of the newly detected infestations, regulatory actions will be directed at wholesale nurseries, retail nurseries, and community and school gardens. Regulations are enforced in a cooperative effort by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and county agricultural officials. The details are as follows:
Wholesale Nurseries – Wholesale nurseries in the infestation area will be asked to sign compliance agreements stating that they will inspect host plants before shipment and certify that they do not harbor the light brown apple moth.
Retail Nurseries – Retail nurseries will be inspected and, if infested, will be asked to remove infested plants and plant parts and then sign compliance agreements certifying that host plants to be sold are free-from the pest. Discarded plants and plant parts will be double-bagged and taken to landfills.
Community and School Gardens – Host fruits and vegetables, leafy greens, tomatoes, bell peppers, broccoli, and cauliflower may not be removed from school and community gardens.
CDFA is asking that green waste hauled by landscapers and lawn maintenance services be hauled only to approved locations, such as landfills, compost facilities and biomass facilities.
In addition, CDFA, the USDA and agricultural commissioners are requesting that residents of the infestation zone please not remove any plants or plant parts from their property, including fruit and flowers.
The first detection of light brown apple moth in the Bay Area came on February 27. Trapping and surveying will continue throughout the state to learn the parameters of the infestation.
Light brown apple moth is native to Australia and is found in New Zealand, Ireland, the United Kingdom and Hawaii. It is a threat to agricultural crops as well as our environment and natural habitat, forests, parks and urban landscapes. The range of host plants is broad with more than 250 plant species known to be susceptible to attack by this pest. Major domestic hosts of concern are stone fruit (peaches, plums, nectarines, cherries and apricots), apples, pears, grapes and citrus.
The pest destroys, stunts or deforms young seedlings; spoils the appearance of ornamental plants; and injures deciduous fruit-tree crops, citrus and grapes.
The USDA and CDFA have assembled a technical working group comprised of international experts on light brown apple moth to discuss detection and mitigation strategies to safeguard against this potentially damaging pest and prevent its further spread. The two agencies will continue to work together to take the appropriate regulatory action to prevent the spread of this pest in association with the movement of host commodities.
Media Contact: Steve Lyle, Director of Public Affairs
916/654-0462
-30-
The California Department of Food and Agriculture protects and promotes California’s $31.8 billion agricultural industry. California’s farmers and ranchers produce a safe, secure supply of food, fiber and shelter; marketed fairly for all Californians; and produced with responsible environmental stewardship.
Monday, June 25, 2007
June edition of First Detector Network News
In this edition:
o Activate your APHIS eAuthentication at APS
o New NPDN training registration site to be unveiled July 2
o Two New Image Galleries
o New pests and pathogens on the move:
-Asian soybean rust
-Nettle Caterpillar
-Poliaspis cycad scale
-Light Brown Apple Moth
o Training opportunities in pathology and entomology, including
-NPDN Town Hall at APS
-Training-related feedback solicitation
-Third Annual Soybean Rust Short Course (free registration and 5.5 CEUs!)
-LucID training
To have your noteworthy news items included in future editions of the newsletter, please send an email to clharmon@ufl.edu. You can include a short descriptive paragraph, links, and related images or documents – don’t forget to include author credits!
o Activate your APHIS eAuthentication at APS
o New NPDN training registration site to be unveiled July 2
o Two New Image Galleries
o New pests and pathogens on the move:
-Asian soybean rust
-Nettle Caterpillar
-Poliaspis cycad scale
-Light Brown Apple Moth
o Training opportunities in pathology and entomology, including
-NPDN Town Hall at APS
-Training-related feedback solicitation
-Third Annual Soybean Rust Short Course (free registration and 5.5 CEUs!)
-LucID training
To have your noteworthy news items included in future editions of the newsletter, please send an email to clharmon@ufl.edu. You can include a short descriptive paragraph, links, and related images or documents – don’t forget to include author credits!
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
MAY 2007 NPDN Network News: the Newsletter for First Detectors
In this edition:
o Proceedings of the NPDN National Meeting
o New pests and pathogens on the move: Asian soybean rust, Mexican fruit fly, Cucurbit leaf crumple virus, and Light Brown Apple Moth.
o Training opportunities in pathology and entomology, including: Third Annual Soybean Rust Short Course (free registration!)and LucID training.
Click on above link to view newsletter!
o Proceedings of the NPDN National Meeting
o New pests and pathogens on the move: Asian soybean rust, Mexican fruit fly, Cucurbit leaf crumple virus, and Light Brown Apple Moth.
o Training opportunities in pathology and entomology, including: Third Annual Soybean Rust Short Course (free registration!)and LucID training.
Click on above link to view newsletter!
CALIFORNIA OAK MORTALITY TASK FORCE JUNE 2007 NEWSLETTER
Click on above link for June COMTF Newsletter...
Friday, May 11, 2007
New Research: Estimated Economic Losses Associated with the Destruction of Plants Due to Phytophthora ramorum Quarantine Efforts in Washington State
Estimated Economic Losses Associated with the Destruction of Plants Due to Phytophthora ramorum Quarantine Efforts in Washington State. N. L. Dart and G. A. Chastagner. 8 May 2007. Public Summary | Article
Abstract
The number and retail value of plants destroyed in Washington State nurseries due to Phytophthora ramorum quarantine efforts was estimated using Emergency Action Notification forms (EANs) issued by the United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service between 2004 and 2005. Data collected from EANs indicate that during this period 17,266 containerized nursery plants were destroyed at 32 nurseries, worth an estimated $423,043. The mean loss per nursery was estimated at $11,188 in 2004, $11,798 in 2005, and at $13,220 per nursery over the 2-year period.
Abstract
The number and retail value of plants destroyed in Washington State nurseries due to Phytophthora ramorum quarantine efforts was estimated using Emergency Action Notification forms (EANs) issued by the United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service between 2004 and 2005. Data collected from EANs indicate that during this period 17,266 containerized nursery plants were destroyed at 32 nurseries, worth an estimated $423,043. The mean loss per nursery was estimated at $11,188 in 2004, $11,798 in 2005, and at $13,220 per nursery over the 2-year period.
Thursday, May 3, 2007
May 2007 California Oak Mortality Task Force Newsletter
Click link above for May 2007 California Oak Mortality Task Force Newsletter that has information on Washington waterway find.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
QUEST’s TV story, Plant Plague: Sudden Oak Death, aired last night on KQED as one of the segments in the episode and is now available online
To Watch Plant Plague: Sudden Oak Death on KQED QUEST:
Enter http://www.kqed.org/quest/television/view/250 into your browser or click title above.
Enter http://www.kqed.org/quest/television/view/250 into your browser or click title above.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
2007 NPDN Proceedings Posted
The Proceedings of the 2007 Meeting of the National Plant Diagnostic Network (NPDN) is now available, including PowerPoint presentations, posters, event photographs, and meeting notes. NPDN was established to facilitate the rapid detection and accurate diagnosis of pathogens and pests introduced to the United States as a consequence of global trade, natural weather occurrences, or intentional introductions.Click on title above for more...
Monday, April 23, 2007
NEW Diagnostic Guide: Bacterial Diseases of Dry Edible Beans in the Central High Plains
Harveson, R. M., and Schwartz, H. F. 2007. Bacterial diseases of dry edible beans in the central high plains. Online. Plant Health Progress doi:10.1094/PHP-2007-0125-01 DG.
Click on title above to download guide.
Click on title above to download guide.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Notable Diagnoses Made Via WSU DDDI in 2007
This is a list of significant finds diagnosed via the WSU DDDI system in 2007. Throughout the year the list will be updated. If you have any diagnoses you would like posted on this list please send the WSU DDDI sample number and the significance of the detection to normdart@wsu.edu.
MARCH
•Velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti): Class A noxious weed in Washington State.
APRIL
•Cherry Bark Tortrix (Enarmonia formosana): First report on Malus spp. south of Whatcom County.
MARCH
•Velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti): Class A noxious weed in Washington State.
APRIL
•Cherry Bark Tortrix (Enarmonia formosana): First report on Malus spp. south of Whatcom County.
Thursday, April 5, 2007
Thysanoptera Workshop announcement
This workshop is an NRI effort and will be held in Davis in October. Please contact the Workshop organizers directly to register as described in the attachment.
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
March-April edition of First Detector Network News: the Newsletter for First Detectors
In this edition:
New pests and pathogens on the move:
1) P. ramorum in FL
2) Mexican fruit fly in TX
3) Cucurbit leaf crumple virus
4) A new fungus killing redbay trees
and more!
Training opportunities in pathology and entomology, including the Third Annual Soybean Rust Short Course
New pests and pathogens on the move:
1) P. ramorum in FL
2) Mexican fruit fly in TX
3) Cucurbit leaf crumple virus
4) A new fungus killing redbay trees
and more!
Training opportunities in pathology and entomology, including the Third Annual Soybean Rust Short Course
Monday, April 2, 2007
SAN FRANCISCO, MARIN COUNTY JOIN LIST OF COMMUNITIES INFESTED WITH LIGHT BROWN APPLE MOTH
SACRAMENTO, April 2, 2007
Friday, March 30, 2007
Pest Profile Light Brown Apple Moth (LBAM)
Good pest profile on LBAM from U.C. Extension. Click on link above.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
SPRO DA-2007-12, Gladiolus Rust
Detection of Gladiolus Rust (GR) in Manatee County represents the first known occurrence of this disease in 2007. In 2006, GR was detected for the first time in the United States at the same gladiolus production farm.
Click above for full story...
Click above for full story...
Space is filling up for the next round of Phytophthora ramorum Wildland Trainings!
This training opportunity is offered in California but is available to Washington natural resource professionals. Check out the above link!
For more info on P. ramorum see: http://www.puyallup.wsu.edu/ppo/sod.html
For more info on P. ramorum see: http://www.puyallup.wsu.edu/ppo/sod.html
Monday, March 26, 2007
LIGHT BROWN APPLE MOTH DETECTED IN EAST BAY
SACRAMENTO, Thursday, March 22, 2007 - The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) are announcing the detection of a pest known as light brown apple moth. The announcement follows lab confirmation by entomologists with CDFA, and then supporting confirmation by USDA scientists.
There are increased trapping activities for the pest in areas surrounding the initial detections in Alameda and Contra Costa counties. The increased trapping is being conducted in cooperation with agricultural commissioners in both counties.
Light brown apple moth is native to Australia and is found in New Zealand, Ireland, the United Kingdom and Hawaii. The range of host plants is broad with more than 250 plant species known to be susceptible to attack by this pest. Major domestic hosts of concern are stone fruit (peaches, plums, nectarines, cherries and apricots), apples, pears, grapes and citrus.
The pest destroys, stunts or deforms young seedlings; spoils the appearance of ornamental plants; and injures deciduous fruit-tree crops, citrus and grapes.
USDA and CDFA have assembled a technical working group comprised of international experts on light brown apple moth to discuss survey and mitigation strategies to safeguard against this potentially damaging pest and prevent its further spread. The two agencies will be working together to take the appropriate regulatory action to prevent the spread of this pest in association with the movement of host commodities.
Contact: Steve Lyle, Director of Public Affairs
916/654-0462
There are increased trapping activities for the pest in areas surrounding the initial detections in Alameda and Contra Costa counties. The increased trapping is being conducted in cooperation with agricultural commissioners in both counties.
Light brown apple moth is native to Australia and is found in New Zealand, Ireland, the United Kingdom and Hawaii. The range of host plants is broad with more than 250 plant species known to be susceptible to attack by this pest. Major domestic hosts of concern are stone fruit (peaches, plums, nectarines, cherries and apricots), apples, pears, grapes and citrus.
The pest destroys, stunts or deforms young seedlings; spoils the appearance of ornamental plants; and injures deciduous fruit-tree crops, citrus and grapes.
USDA and CDFA have assembled a technical working group comprised of international experts on light brown apple moth to discuss survey and mitigation strategies to safeguard against this potentially damaging pest and prevent its further spread. The two agencies will be working together to take the appropriate regulatory action to prevent the spread of this pest in association with the movement of host commodities.
Contact: Steve Lyle, Director of Public Affairs
916/654-0462
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Certification Protocol for All Seed Potatoes Traded between United States and Canada
DA-2007-09
March 19, 2007
On March 16, 2007, APHIS’ Plant Protection and Quarantine and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) have developed a joint potato certification protocol for all seed potatoes traded between the United States and Canada.
The initial phase of this protocol will begin on March 21, 2007, as the first step in implementing potato nematode surveillance for the United States and Canada. This protocol responds to the 2006 detection of golden nematode, Globodera rostochiensis, in the province of Quebec and potato cyst nematode, Globodera pallida, in the State of Idaho. The goal of this protocol is to maintain the safe movement of regulated articles between the United States and Canada while continuing to protect against the spread of these nematodes.
Since most seed potato fields are currently frozen, the first phase of the protocol will include a piler dirt survey. This will involve sampling and testing of soil associated to tubers in storage facilities for all remaining 2006 seed potatoes shipped between the United States and Canada. All shipments between the United States and Canada must include a phytosanitary certificate with an additional declaration confirming that the lot was tested and found free of both pests according to the agreed protocol. Results from field surveys conducted by APHIS and State cooperators in 2006 are also acceptable.
The next phase of the bi-national potato surveillance will begin during the 2007 production year and will include more extensive field surveys for seed potatoes. Bi-national potato cyst nematode survey detail discussions will continue between USDA and CFIA officials and stakeholders over the coming months. The survey protocol is included in the survey plan currently available on the APHIS website at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant_health/plant_pest_info/potato/pcn.shtml
For further information, please contact Osama El-Lissy, Director, PPQ, Emergency Management at (301) 734-8247 or Will Wise, Potato Programs National Trade Director at (503) 326-2814.
/s/ John H. Payne for
Richard L. Dunkle
Deputy Administrator
Plant Protection and Quarantine
March 19, 2007
On March 16, 2007, APHIS’ Plant Protection and Quarantine and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) have developed a joint potato certification protocol for all seed potatoes traded between the United States and Canada.
The initial phase of this protocol will begin on March 21, 2007, as the first step in implementing potato nematode surveillance for the United States and Canada. This protocol responds to the 2006 detection of golden nematode, Globodera rostochiensis, in the province of Quebec and potato cyst nematode, Globodera pallida, in the State of Idaho. The goal of this protocol is to maintain the safe movement of regulated articles between the United States and Canada while continuing to protect against the spread of these nematodes.
Since most seed potato fields are currently frozen, the first phase of the protocol will include a piler dirt survey. This will involve sampling and testing of soil associated to tubers in storage facilities for all remaining 2006 seed potatoes shipped between the United States and Canada. All shipments between the United States and Canada must include a phytosanitary certificate with an additional declaration confirming that the lot was tested and found free of both pests according to the agreed protocol. Results from field surveys conducted by APHIS and State cooperators in 2006 are also acceptable.
The next phase of the bi-national potato surveillance will begin during the 2007 production year and will include more extensive field surveys for seed potatoes. Bi-national potato cyst nematode survey detail discussions will continue between USDA and CFIA officials and stakeholders over the coming months. The survey protocol is included in the survey plan currently available on the APHIS website at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant_health/plant_pest_info/potato/pcn.shtml
For further information, please contact Osama El-Lissy, Director, PPQ, Emergency Management at (301) 734-8247 or Will Wise, Potato Programs National Trade Director at (503) 326-2814.
/s/ John H. Payne for
Richard L. Dunkle
Deputy Administrator
Plant Protection and Quarantine
Monday, March 19, 2007
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Globodera rostochiensis and Globodera pallida, the Potato Cyst Nematodes
By Ekaterini Riga, Assistant Professor, WSU Department of Plant Pathology
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Chrysanthemum White Rust (CWR) in California
March 8, 2007
TO: STATE AND TERRITORY AGRICULTURAL REGULATORY OFFICIALS
On February 14, 2007, the California Department of Food and Agriculture
(CDFA) confirmed the detection of CWR, Puccinia horiana P. Henn., on outdoor, ground-planted chrysanthemums at a cut flower nursery in San Diego County, California.
The CWR detection in San Diego County represents the third such occurrence of this disease at that particular production site; previously, CWR-positive findings also occurred there in 1998 and 2002. As a result of this latest detection, USDA issued an Emergency Action Notice (EAN) on February 16, 2007. Approximately 4,000 of the nursery's chrysanthemum plants were pulled and bagged for burial at the local landfill. This nursery had no fungicide application regiment or implemented any other standard sanitary practices to prevent such a CWR infection from occurring.
In addition, on February 27, 2007, CDFA also made an initial detection of CWR in an outdoor field of mums at a cut flower nursery in Santa Barbara County, California. This detection was confirmed by CDFA and a USDA EAN was issued on March 1, 2007. Sizeable pustules consistent with CWR symptoms were visible among sprouted mums in the nursery's tilled 1-acre field. Additional CWR-infected sprouts were detected following the initial finds in this field. This field had been harvested in mid-October to November 2006.
CDFA and USDA are following the National CWR Management Plan for Exclusion and Eradication in response to both detections in San Diego and Santa Barbara Counties. In both instances, the impacted nurseries only sold the product locally in California.
If you wish more details on the Federal regulatory program, you may contact Staff Officer Dr. Ved Malik at (301) 734-6774.
Richard L. Dunkle
Deputy Administrator
Plant Protection and Quarantine
TO: STATE AND TERRITORY AGRICULTURAL REGULATORY OFFICIALS
On February 14, 2007, the California Department of Food and Agriculture
(CDFA) confirmed the detection of CWR, Puccinia horiana P. Henn., on outdoor, ground-planted chrysanthemums at a cut flower nursery in San Diego County, California.
The CWR detection in San Diego County represents the third such occurrence of this disease at that particular production site; previously, CWR-positive findings also occurred there in 1998 and 2002. As a result of this latest detection, USDA issued an Emergency Action Notice (EAN) on February 16, 2007. Approximately 4,000 of the nursery's chrysanthemum plants were pulled and bagged for burial at the local landfill. This nursery had no fungicide application regiment or implemented any other standard sanitary practices to prevent such a CWR infection from occurring.
In addition, on February 27, 2007, CDFA also made an initial detection of CWR in an outdoor field of mums at a cut flower nursery in Santa Barbara County, California. This detection was confirmed by CDFA and a USDA EAN was issued on March 1, 2007. Sizeable pustules consistent with CWR symptoms were visible among sprouted mums in the nursery's tilled 1-acre field. Additional CWR-infected sprouts were detected following the initial finds in this field. This field had been harvested in mid-October to November 2006.
CDFA and USDA are following the National CWR Management Plan for Exclusion and Eradication in response to both detections in San Diego and Santa Barbara Counties. In both instances, the impacted nurseries only sold the product locally in California.
If you wish more details on the Federal regulatory program, you may contact Staff Officer Dr. Ved Malik at (301) 734-6774.
Richard L. Dunkle
Deputy Administrator
Plant Protection and Quarantine
Swede Midge (Contarinia nasturtii) in New York State
DA-2007-06
February 28, 2007
TO: STATE AND TERRITORY AGRICULTURAL REGULATORY OFFICIALS
Swede Midge, Contarinia nasturtii (Kieffer), is a pest of Brassica and other related crucifers. It has caused serious economic damage to vegetable crops in Canada, especially to broccoli fields. This fly species had not been detected in North America before 2001.
Beginning in September 2004, Swede Midge, a Cecidomyiidae, was first detected in Niagara County, New York. During the course of subsequent survey activities for this pest in 2005, additional positive samples were collected in the New York counties of Erie, Genesee, Monroe, Orleans, and Wyoming.
Detection efforts for Swede Midge continued in New York in response to the finds in 2004 and 2005. In 2006, during the course of survey work, seven additional counties discovered the pest:Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Lewis,Madison, Oswego, St. Lawrence, and Wayne. This brings the total number of counties positive for Swede Midge in New York to thirteen.
APHIS continues to coordinate with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets to conduct additional delimiting surveys for infestations of Swede Midge. A pest alert describing this insect and symptoms of damage by the pest is available on the APHIS website at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/ep/emerging_pests/swedemidge.html.
Paul R. Eggert for
Richard L. Dunkle
Deputy Administrator
Plant Protection and Quarantine
February 28, 2007
TO: STATE AND TERRITORY AGRICULTURAL REGULATORY OFFICIALS
Swede Midge, Contarinia nasturtii (Kieffer), is a pest of Brassica and other related crucifers. It has caused serious economic damage to vegetable crops in Canada, especially to broccoli fields. This fly species had not been detected in North America before 2001.
Beginning in September 2004, Swede Midge, a Cecidomyiidae, was first detected in Niagara County, New York. During the course of subsequent survey activities for this pest in 2005, additional positive samples were collected in the New York counties of Erie, Genesee, Monroe, Orleans, and Wyoming.
Detection efforts for Swede Midge continued in New York in response to the finds in 2004 and 2005. In 2006, during the course of survey work, seven additional counties discovered the pest:Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Lewis,Madison, Oswego, St. Lawrence, and Wayne. This brings the total number of counties positive for Swede Midge in New York to thirteen.
APHIS continues to coordinate with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets to conduct additional delimiting surveys for infestations of Swede Midge. A pest alert describing this insect and symptoms of damage by the pest is available on the APHIS website at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/ep/emerging_pests/swedemidge.html.
Paul R. Eggert for
Richard L. Dunkle
Deputy Administrator
Plant Protection and Quarantine
Saturday, March 3, 2007
California Oak Mortality Task Force Report MARCH 2007
In addition to news on SOD, the most recent COMTF newsletter has updates on several emerging exotic pathogens/pests and related news on education & control initiatives.
P. ramorum Interim Rule (2/27/2007). (Adobe PDF)
APHIS' first published regulation on P. ramorum since February 2002 was published in the Federal Register today (February 27, 2007). This rule mostly codifies the Federal Order issued in December 2004 that established restrictions on the interstate movement of nursery stock from nurseries in nonquarantined areas in California, Oregon, and Washington. The rule also incorporates all changes to the rule (SPROs) issued since 2002 most of which are updates to the host list.
These rules are in effect NOW. The rule may be found online via this portal:
www.puyallup.wsu.edu/dddi/pdf/070227P_ramorum_interim_rule.pdf">
The comment period is 60 days and comments may be submitted online. Comments are welcomed and encouraged. The comment period ends 30 April 2007.
For more information contact ....
Jonathan M. Jones
National Phytophthora ramorum Program Manager
USDA-APHIS-PPQ Plant Pathogens and Weed Programs
4700 River Rd. Unit 160 Suite 5A-04.4
Riverdale, MD 20737
Tel: 301-734-5038 Fax: 301-734-8584
email: jmjones@aphis.usda.gov
www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/ispm/pramorum/
These rules are in effect NOW. The rule may be found online via this portal:
www.puyallup.wsu.edu/dddi/pdf/070227P_ramorum_interim_rule.pdf">
The comment period is 60 days and comments may be submitted online. Comments are welcomed and encouraged. The comment period ends 30 April 2007.
For more information contact ....
Jonathan M. Jones
National Phytophthora ramorum Program Manager
USDA-APHIS-PPQ Plant Pathogens and Weed Programs
4700 River Rd. Unit 160 Suite 5A-04.4
Riverdale, MD 20737
Tel: 301-734-5038 Fax: 301-734-8584
email: jmjones@aphis.usda.gov
www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/ispm/pramorum/
WSU DDDI Training Schedule (3/2007). (Adobe PDF)
Please sign up! As of March we only have 8 registered!
WSU DDDI 2007 Upgrades
March Pre-Growing Season Training
Three DDDI training sessions are being offered by phone in combination with a live online demonstration. Sherri McElroy Clark from the University of Georgia will be walking us through new upgrades recently made to the WSU DDDI system which allow the system to function as a database as well as a diagnostic tool. Sherri is a DDDI developer and has been working closely with us over the past few months to improve the functionality of WSU DDDI. Bring all your DDDI questions to this informative training session.
To reserve a space send an email to normdart@wsu.edu with the date of the training you wish to attend. Those who reserve a space will be sent an email with a call in number and link to the live interactive demonstration the morning of the training.
Please signup for one of the following dates and times:
Monday March 12th, 10am-11am
Monday March 26th, 10am-11am
Friday March 30th, 10am-11am
Training Agenda:
• Improved Privacy with Flexibility
-Ability to keep confidential samples viewable only by submitter and
appropriate diagnostician(s)
-Ability to change sample designation from private to shared at any time
• Expanded database functionality
-Ability to submit, store, and retrieve already evaluated samples
• Advanced data reporting capabilities
-Build your own report capabilities with ability to display grouped data,
call up links to specific samples or download excel spreadsheets to sort data yourself.
-Ability to generate PDF reports for individual sample entries.
• Questions and discussion (as time permits)
WSU DDDI 2007 Upgrades
March Pre-Growing Season Training
Three DDDI training sessions are being offered by phone in combination with a live online demonstration. Sherri McElroy Clark from the University of Georgia will be walking us through new upgrades recently made to the WSU DDDI system which allow the system to function as a database as well as a diagnostic tool. Sherri is a DDDI developer and has been working closely with us over the past few months to improve the functionality of WSU DDDI. Bring all your DDDI questions to this informative training session.
To reserve a space send an email to normdart@wsu.edu with the date of the training you wish to attend. Those who reserve a space will be sent an email with a call in number and link to the live interactive demonstration the morning of the training.
Please signup for one of the following dates and times:
Monday March 12th, 10am-11am
Monday March 26th, 10am-11am
Friday March 30th, 10am-11am
Training Agenda:
• Improved Privacy with Flexibility
-Ability to keep confidential samples viewable only by submitter and
appropriate diagnostician(s)
-Ability to change sample designation from private to shared at any time
• Expanded database functionality
-Ability to submit, store, and retrieve already evaluated samples
• Advanced data reporting capabilities
-Build your own report capabilities with ability to display grouped data,
call up links to specific samples or download excel spreadsheets to sort data yourself.
-Ability to generate PDF reports for individual sample entries.
• Questions and discussion (as time permits)
Quarantine of additional areas of Maine for Gypsy Moth (2/2007). (Adobe PDF)
FOR INFORMATION AND ACTION
DA- 2007-04
February 16, 2007
SUBJECT: Quarantine of additional areas of Maine for Gypsy Moth (GM) (Lymantria dispar)
TO: STATE AND TERRITORY AGRICULTURAL REGULATORY OFFICIALS
This memorandum provides notification of the quarantine of the following areas of Maine for GM (Lymantria dispar):
In Aroostook County--Glenwood Plantation, Houlton, New Limerick, and Orient;
In Piscataquis County--Shirley, Elliotsville, T7R9 NWP, Katahdin Iron Works, T8R11 WELS, T8R10 WELS, TAR11 WELS, TAR 10 WELS, Veazie Gore, T1R11 WELS, T1R10 WELS, T2R10 WELS; and
In Somerset County--East Moxie Township.
This action is effective immediately. Attached is the Federal Domestic Quarantine Order for the subject action.
/s/ Paul R. Eggert for
Richard L. Dunkle
Deputy Administrator
Plant Protection and Quarantine
DA- 2007-04
February 16, 2007
SUBJECT: Quarantine of additional areas of Maine for Gypsy Moth (GM) (Lymantria dispar)
TO: STATE AND TERRITORY AGRICULTURAL REGULATORY OFFICIALS
This memorandum provides notification of the quarantine of the following areas of Maine for GM (Lymantria dispar):
In Aroostook County--Glenwood Plantation, Houlton, New Limerick, and Orient;
In Piscataquis County--Shirley, Elliotsville, T7R9 NWP, Katahdin Iron Works, T8R11 WELS, T8R10 WELS, TAR11 WELS, TAR 10 WELS, Veazie Gore, T1R11 WELS, T1R10 WELS, T2R10 WELS; and
In Somerset County--East Moxie Township.
This action is effective immediately. Attached is the Federal Domestic Quarantine Order for the subject action.
/s/ Paul R. Eggert for
Richard L. Dunkle
Deputy Administrator
Plant Protection and Quarantine
P. ramorum quarantine lifted at Tiffany Creek Preserve, NY (2/2007). (Adobe PDF)
FOR INFORMATION AND ACTION
DA-2007-03
February 15, 2007
SUBJECT: Phytophthora ramorum Quarantine Lifted at Tiffany Creek Preserve, New York
TO: STATE AND TERRITORY AGRICULTURAL REGULATORY OFFICIALS
The purpose of this SPRO memorandum is to provide notification that on January 25, 2007, APHIS rescinded the Federal Emergency Action Notification and State Quarantine of the Tiffany Creek Preserve, Nassau County, New York for Phytophthora ramorum. After 2 years of prescribed survey, sampling, and testing for this disease in and around this area, APHIS has determined that P. ramorum is known not to occur in the Tiffany Creek Preserve, Nassau County, or other parts of the State.
On June 29, 2004, a sample of red oak bark collected from the Tiffany Creek Preserve tested positive for P. ramorum. As a result, Tiffany Creek Preserve was placed under a Federal Emergency Action Notification and State Quarantine. The red oak tree in question was removed, and intensive monitoring for P. ramorum in and around the area was subsequently conducted. Vegetation, soil, and, water samples were collected for testing in May and September 2005 and 2006. The last of these four P. ramorum surveys was completed on September 19, 2006, more than 2 years after the initial positive-sample was obtained. No additional P. ramorum-positive samples were ever detected during these survey activities.
As a result of surveys, sampling, and testing, APHIS has determined that there is no P. ramorum infestation in the Tiffany Creek Preserve. Furthermore, the disease is known not to occur at any location within Nassau County or the State of New York. Therefore, the Federal Emergency Action Notification and State Quarantine of the Tiffany Creek Preserve are rescinded in accordance with these survey findings. APHIS will publish a formal notice to this effect in the Federal Register soon. Given that publishing a notice in the Federal Register can take some time, APHIS chose not to unnecessarily delay the deregulation of the Tiffany Creek Preserve until such a formal notice can be published. Accordingly, APHIS went forward with rescinding the quarantine on January 25, 2007.
If you wish for more details on the Federal regulatory program, you may contact the National P. ramorum Program Manager, Jonathan Jones at (301) 734-5038.
Paul R. Eggert for
Richard L. Dunkle
Deputy Administrator
Plant Protection and Quarantine
DA-2007-03
February 15, 2007
SUBJECT: Phytophthora ramorum Quarantine Lifted at Tiffany Creek Preserve, New York
TO: STATE AND TERRITORY AGRICULTURAL REGULATORY OFFICIALS
The purpose of this SPRO memorandum is to provide notification that on January 25, 2007, APHIS rescinded the Federal Emergency Action Notification and State Quarantine of the Tiffany Creek Preserve, Nassau County, New York for Phytophthora ramorum. After 2 years of prescribed survey, sampling, and testing for this disease in and around this area, APHIS has determined that P. ramorum is known not to occur in the Tiffany Creek Preserve, Nassau County, or other parts of the State.
On June 29, 2004, a sample of red oak bark collected from the Tiffany Creek Preserve tested positive for P. ramorum. As a result, Tiffany Creek Preserve was placed under a Federal Emergency Action Notification and State Quarantine. The red oak tree in question was removed, and intensive monitoring for P. ramorum in and around the area was subsequently conducted. Vegetation, soil, and, water samples were collected for testing in May and September 2005 and 2006. The last of these four P. ramorum surveys was completed on September 19, 2006, more than 2 years after the initial positive-sample was obtained. No additional P. ramorum-positive samples were ever detected during these survey activities.
As a result of surveys, sampling, and testing, APHIS has determined that there is no P. ramorum infestation in the Tiffany Creek Preserve. Furthermore, the disease is known not to occur at any location within Nassau County or the State of New York. Therefore, the Federal Emergency Action Notification and State Quarantine of the Tiffany Creek Preserve are rescinded in accordance with these survey findings. APHIS will publish a formal notice to this effect in the Federal Register soon. Given that publishing a notice in the Federal Register can take some time, APHIS chose not to unnecessarily delay the deregulation of the Tiffany Creek Preserve until such a formal notice can be published. Accordingly, APHIS went forward with rescinding the quarantine on January 25, 2007.
If you wish for more details on the Federal regulatory program, you may contact the National P. ramorum Program Manager, Jonathan Jones at (301) 734-5038.
Paul R. Eggert for
Richard L. Dunkle
Deputy Administrator
Plant Protection and Quarantine
National Plant Disease Recovery System (10/2006).
The National Plant Disease Recovery System (NPDRS) is called for in Homeland Security Presidential Directive Number 9 (HSPD-9). The purpose of the NPDRS is to insure that the tools, infrastructure, communication networks, and capacity required to mitigate the impact of high consequence plant disease outbreaks are such that a reasonable level of crop production is maintained.
Each disease-specific plan is intended to provide a brief primer on the disease, assess the status of critical recovery components, and identify disease management research, extension, and education needs. These documents are not intended to be stand-alone documents that address all of the many and varied aspects of plant disease outbreak and all of the decisions that must be taken to achieve effective response and recovery. They are, however, documents that will help USDA and others guide further efforts directed toward plant disease recovery.
Each disease-specific plan is intended to provide a brief primer on the disease, assess the status of critical recovery components, and identify disease management research, extension, and education needs. These documents are not intended to be stand-alone documents that address all of the many and varied aspects of plant disease outbreak and all of the decisions that must be taken to achieve effective response and recovery. They are, however, documents that will help USDA and others guide further efforts directed toward plant disease recovery.
Plum Pox virus found in Michigan.
WASHINGTON, Aug. 11, 2006--The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Plant Germplasm and Biotechnology Laboratory in Beltsville, Md., today confirmed the presence of the plum pox virus (PPV) on a plum tree sample from Southwestern Michigan.
Plum pox is a viral disease of stone fruit species that first appeared in the United States in Pennsylvania in October 1999 and most recently in New York in July 2006. The plant virus does not pose any human health risks. This virus is also found in Canada.
The plum tree sample was collected at the Southwest Michigan Research and Experiment Center (SWMREC), a Michigan State University facility, located near the Benton Harbor-St. Joseph area. The samples were collected as part of state surveillance surveys and underwent preliminary testing at the Michigan Department of Agriculture where researchers obtained positive results.
The plum pox strain identified in Michigan is the D strain of the virus--the same strain that is present in Canada, Pennsylvania and New York. The D strain of the virus is less virulent than other strains, does not infect cherry trees and is not seedborne. Because the strain is not seedborne, it is not necessary to regulate the movement of fruit to prevent the spread of the disease.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture, in cooperation with APHIS, has conducted extensive surveys for PPV since 2000. Survey specialists are currently surveying all 14,000 host trees at the SWMREC facility. Following the completion of this survey, APHIS and MDA will expand surveillance efforts to include host trees within two miles of the center.
PPV is the cause of a serious plant disease, affecting a number of species, including peach, nectarine, apricot and plum. Several aphid species can serve as carriers of the virus. The virus stays viable in the aphid’s mouthparts for a period of approximately one hour and most aphids can generally transmit infection several hundred meters from the initial source plant.
Note to Reporters: USDA news releases, program announcements and media advisories are available on the Internet. Go to the APHIS news release page at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/newsroom. Also, anyone with an e-mail address can sign up to receive APHIS press releases automatically. Send an e-mail message to lyris@mdrdlyriss10.aphis.usda.gov and leave the subject blank. In the message, type
subscribe press_releases.
Plum pox is a viral disease of stone fruit species that first appeared in the United States in Pennsylvania in October 1999 and most recently in New York in July 2006. The plant virus does not pose any human health risks. This virus is also found in Canada.
The plum tree sample was collected at the Southwest Michigan Research and Experiment Center (SWMREC), a Michigan State University facility, located near the Benton Harbor-St. Joseph area. The samples were collected as part of state surveillance surveys and underwent preliminary testing at the Michigan Department of Agriculture where researchers obtained positive results.
The plum pox strain identified in Michigan is the D strain of the virus--the same strain that is present in Canada, Pennsylvania and New York. The D strain of the virus is less virulent than other strains, does not infect cherry trees and is not seedborne. Because the strain is not seedborne, it is not necessary to regulate the movement of fruit to prevent the spread of the disease.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture, in cooperation with APHIS, has conducted extensive surveys for PPV since 2000. Survey specialists are currently surveying all 14,000 host trees at the SWMREC facility. Following the completion of this survey, APHIS and MDA will expand surveillance efforts to include host trees within two miles of the center.
PPV is the cause of a serious plant disease, affecting a number of species, including peach, nectarine, apricot and plum. Several aphid species can serve as carriers of the virus. The virus stays viable in the aphid’s mouthparts for a period of approximately one hour and most aphids can generally transmit infection several hundred meters from the initial source plant.
Note to Reporters: USDA news releases, program announcements and media advisories are available on the Internet. Go to the APHIS news release page at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/newsroom. Also, anyone with an e-mail address can sign up to receive APHIS press releases automatically. Send an e-mail message to lyris@mdrdlyriss10.aphis.usda.gov and leave the subject blank. In the message, type
subscribe press_releases.
Phytophthora ramorum found in Maine.
kennebecjournal.mainetoday.com/news/local/3021943
Saturday, August 12, 2006
State warns of infected lilac shrubs
By CHRISTIAN S. MADORE
Staff Writer
A plant disease that has killed thousands of trees and bushes in California may have just been transferred to Maine.
State horticulturist Ann Gibbs said Friday that a lilac shrub shipped from an Oregon nursery to Agway Garden Centers in Maine has tested positive for the disease Phytophthora ramorum, known as Sudden Oak Death.
In addition to the lilac shrub tested, 13 other lilacs bought from the Oregon nursery were sold by Agway prior to the discovery of the infected bush. They were sold at either Farmingdale, Winslow or Skowhegan Agway locations between late April and June, said Gibbs.
All affected plant material at the centers has been destroyed.
The species of lilac, called Syringa Vulgaris, can be identified by its light purple flower that grows in bunches ranging from 4 to 7 inches long.
Sudden Oak Death earned its name after thousands of oak trees in California became infected in the 1990s.
Since then, the disease has spread to more than a dozen species of plants -- in this case, lilacs.
Symptoms of an affected plant are brown-reddish droplets seeping from the bark of the bush, as well as small discolored spots on its leaves, Gibbs said.
Transmission of the disease occurs most commonly when water carrying the pathogen transfers from one plant to another.
"The sap of one leaf has to touch another leaf," she said.
In 2004, the U.S. Department of Agriculture began regulating the transfer of plants from nurseries in California and Oregon to curb the spread of the disease. Regular surveys over the last three years of more than 70 horticultural business turned up no trace of the disease in Maine, until now.
"I think that this was the first time a positive result was found in this case," said Gibbs.
She said none of federal regulations were broken by either the nursery or Agway. She also stressed that the spread of the 13 shrubs in Maine does not constitute an epidemic.
"We don't even know if the disease can survive in Maine's climate," she said.
If anyone thinks they purchased one of the infected lilacs, they are encouraged to call the Department of Agriculture at 287-3891.
Gibbs said people should only contact the department if their shrub was bought between late April and June and is the species Syringa Vulgaris.
Gibbs said gardeners should not try to prune the bush to eliminate the disease, because that will not help it.
"There's no control for it," she said.
Even if they are not destroyed, the disease usually means certain doom for the infected plant.
Christian S. Madore -- 623-3811 x435
cmadore@centralmaine.com
Saturday, August 12, 2006
State warns of infected lilac shrubs
By CHRISTIAN S. MADORE
Staff Writer
A plant disease that has killed thousands of trees and bushes in California may have just been transferred to Maine.
State horticulturist Ann Gibbs said Friday that a lilac shrub shipped from an Oregon nursery to Agway Garden Centers in Maine has tested positive for the disease Phytophthora ramorum, known as Sudden Oak Death.
In addition to the lilac shrub tested, 13 other lilacs bought from the Oregon nursery were sold by Agway prior to the discovery of the infected bush. They were sold at either Farmingdale, Winslow or Skowhegan Agway locations between late April and June, said Gibbs.
All affected plant material at the centers has been destroyed.
The species of lilac, called Syringa Vulgaris, can be identified by its light purple flower that grows in bunches ranging from 4 to 7 inches long.
Sudden Oak Death earned its name after thousands of oak trees in California became infected in the 1990s.
Since then, the disease has spread to more than a dozen species of plants -- in this case, lilacs.
Symptoms of an affected plant are brown-reddish droplets seeping from the bark of the bush, as well as small discolored spots on its leaves, Gibbs said.
Transmission of the disease occurs most commonly when water carrying the pathogen transfers from one plant to another.
"The sap of one leaf has to touch another leaf," she said.
In 2004, the U.S. Department of Agriculture began regulating the transfer of plants from nurseries in California and Oregon to curb the spread of the disease. Regular surveys over the last three years of more than 70 horticultural business turned up no trace of the disease in Maine, until now.
"I think that this was the first time a positive result was found in this case," said Gibbs.
She said none of federal regulations were broken by either the nursery or Agway. She also stressed that the spread of the 13 shrubs in Maine does not constitute an epidemic.
"We don't even know if the disease can survive in Maine's climate," she said.
If anyone thinks they purchased one of the infected lilacs, they are encouraged to call the Department of Agriculture at 287-3891.
Gibbs said people should only contact the department if their shrub was bought between late April and June and is the species Syringa Vulgaris.
Gibbs said gardeners should not try to prune the bush to eliminate the disease, because that will not help it.
"There's no control for it," she said.
Even if they are not destroyed, the disease usually means certain doom for the infected plant.
Christian S. Madore -- 623-3811 x435
cmadore@centralmaine.com
Plum Pox virus found in New York State.
href="http://www.news.cornell.edu/stories/July06/Plum.Fruit.Virus.html">http://www.news.cornell.edu/stories/July06/Plum.Fruit.Virus.html
July 21, 2006
Cornell plant scientists detect presence of plum pox virus -- disease of all stone fruits -- for first time in New York state
By Franklin Crawford
Cornell plant scientists, working with state and federal officials, have detected the first cases of plum pox virus (PPV) in New York state on trees from orchards in Niagara County. The discovery was made by the Cornell University Plant Disease Diagnostic Clinic early in July and confirmed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Plum pox is a viral disease of stone fruits, including plums, peaches, apricots and nectarines.
Ralph Scorza/USDA
Plum pox virus symptoms on leaves first appear as subtle color variations that overtime become mottled. On fruit the virus is evident as ring spots or line patterns on the skin.
"Specialists are currently surveying a five-mile radius surrounding the initial detection to determine the extent of infestation," said Jessica A. Chittenden, communications director for the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (NYSDAM). "The USDA will establish a cooperative eradication program with the state of New York."
The disease, spread by insects, is not harmful to humans. The PPV strain identified in New York is identical to the D strain of the virus found in both Canada and Pennsylvania, according to the USDA. The D strain is less virulent than other strains, making it easier to contain. New York is only the second U.S. state where plum pox has been detected.
Cornell scientists identified the virus while performing laboratory tests for NYSDAM's national seven-year survey for the virus. The Cornell Plant Disease Diagnostic Clinic works closely with state officials and the USDA National Plant Germplasm and Biotechnology Laboratory in Beltsville, Md., providing testing services and identifying newly-introduced pathogens as they arrive.
"Members of the Cornell laboratory have been, and continue to be, trained to perform state-of-the-art plant pathogen identification techniques," said Karen L. Snover-Clift, director of Cornell's Plant Disease Diagnostic Clinic. "Because of this readiness commitment, laboratory personnel were prepared to perform the initial testing, to recognize the suspect results and to perform additional testing needed to confirm the presence of PPV in the sample submitted as part of the national survey."
PPV, also known as Sharka, has been devastating stone fruit crops in Europe since the early 1900s, when it was first reported in Bulgaria, then spread throughout Europe. In recent years the disease has spread to the Americas, first being found in Chile in 1992, in the orchards of Adams County, Pa., in 1999, and in Ontario and Nova Scotia, Canada, in 2000. The disease remains localized at this time and state and federal officials continue efforts to contain and eradicate PPV before it has a chance to spread to other parts of the North American continent.
For more information, contact Snover-Clift, director of Cornell's Plant Disease Diagnostic Clinic, (607) 255-7860, kls13@cornell.edu.
July 21, 2006
Cornell plant scientists detect presence of plum pox virus -- disease of all stone fruits -- for first time in New York state
By Franklin Crawford
Cornell plant scientists, working with state and federal officials, have detected the first cases of plum pox virus (PPV) in New York state on trees from orchards in Niagara County. The discovery was made by the Cornell University Plant Disease Diagnostic Clinic early in July and confirmed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Plum pox is a viral disease of stone fruits, including plums, peaches, apricots and nectarines.
Ralph Scorza/USDA
Plum pox virus symptoms on leaves first appear as subtle color variations that overtime become mottled. On fruit the virus is evident as ring spots or line patterns on the skin.
"Specialists are currently surveying a five-mile radius surrounding the initial detection to determine the extent of infestation," said Jessica A. Chittenden, communications director for the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (NYSDAM). "The USDA will establish a cooperative eradication program with the state of New York."
The disease, spread by insects, is not harmful to humans. The PPV strain identified in New York is identical to the D strain of the virus found in both Canada and Pennsylvania, according to the USDA. The D strain is less virulent than other strains, making it easier to contain. New York is only the second U.S. state where plum pox has been detected.
Cornell scientists identified the virus while performing laboratory tests for NYSDAM's national seven-year survey for the virus. The Cornell Plant Disease Diagnostic Clinic works closely with state officials and the USDA National Plant Germplasm and Biotechnology Laboratory in Beltsville, Md., providing testing services and identifying newly-introduced pathogens as they arrive.
"Members of the Cornell laboratory have been, and continue to be, trained to perform state-of-the-art plant pathogen identification techniques," said Karen L. Snover-Clift, director of Cornell's Plant Disease Diagnostic Clinic. "Because of this readiness commitment, laboratory personnel were prepared to perform the initial testing, to recognize the suspect results and to perform additional testing needed to confirm the presence of PPV in the sample submitted as part of the national survey."
PPV, also known as Sharka, has been devastating stone fruit crops in Europe since the early 1900s, when it was first reported in Bulgaria, then spread throughout Europe. In recent years the disease has spread to the Americas, first being found in Chile in 1992, in the orchards of Adams County, Pa., in 1999, and in Ontario and Nova Scotia, Canada, in 2000. The disease remains localized at this time and state and federal officials continue efforts to contain and eradicate PPV before it has a chance to spread to other parts of the North American continent.
For more information, contact Snover-Clift, director of Cornell's Plant Disease Diagnostic Clinic, (607) 255-7860, kls13@cornell.edu.
News and Pest Updates
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