While You Were Busy in 2007
Periodic News of Interest to the Horticulture Industry in Maine
Printable version (.pdf)
Hemlock woolly adelgid and pine shoot beetle quarantines are expanded
Changes to the hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) quarantine went into effect in August. The changes include the addition of several towns in York County to the quarantine.
In December 2006 the pine shoot beetle (PSB) quarantine was expanded to include all Maine counties except for Aroostook and Washington. Under the quarantine, all pine (Pinus spp.) moving out of the quarantined area must be inspected and found free of PSB. Movement of pine within the quarantine area is unrestricted.
Greenhouse IPM Survey Results
Thank you to the businesses that participated in our 2007 greenhouse integrated pest management (IPM) survey. Of the 100 participants, 70% use some IPM practices. However, there is room for improvement. For instance, only 46% of respondents reported disinfecting cutting tools to prevent the spread of plant diseases. The majority of participants were interested in learning more about IPM by joining with a small grower's group to meet during the growing season. As a result, we plan to initiate a pilot program during the 2008 season to help growers demonstrate and share IPM information.
Giant Salvinia Found
Giant salvinia, an aquatic plant on the federal noxious weed list, was found at a Portland area greenhouse in July. A botanist spotted the plant growing in a dish garden, and warned the owner that the plants were illegal. The greenhouse owner called the Department of Agriculture and all parts of the plants were removed and destroyed.
Invasive Plant Resolve Signed
In May, the Governor signed Resolve Chapter 21, Directing the Department of Agriculture to Study Invasive Terrestrial Plant Species. The Commisioner has appointed a committee to study the issue and a report will be presented to the legislature in February. A public meeting was held in September to obtain stakeholder input an plant characteristics and issues to consider when developing criteria to define a plant as invasive. Minutes from the invasive plant meeting
Nursery Survey to Occur in 2008
In 2008 we plan to conduct a detailed nursery survey looking for exotic pests that can impact landscapes and the surrounding forests. From June to August we will be monitoring 10 to 15 nurseries for pests such as Asian longhorned beetle, hemlock woolly adelgid, light brown apple tree moth, summer fruit tortrix, Asian gypsy moth and pink gypsy moth. We look forward to working with you on this project.
Chrysanthemum White Rust Found, Plants Destroyed
Plant potentially infected with chrysanthemum white rust (CWR), a quarantine significant disease that does not occur in the US, were shipped to several chain stores in Maine from a supplier in New Jersey. Following up on these shipments we found several plants with symptoms. All the affected plants were destroyed.
For more information on any of these topics:
email Horticulture or call (207)287-3891
