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On May 13, USDA-APHIS proposed lifting the restrictions on the interstate movement of Berberis thunbergii varieties ‘Della’ and ‘O’ Byrne’ and Mahonia x media variety ‘Lionel Fortescue’. These three varieties were thoroughly evaluated by the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service at the Cereal Disease Laboratory in St. Paul, MN and found to be resistant to Black Stem Rust (Puccinia graminis).

Filed under: disease • regulation • transportation • USDA

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On May 6th, ANLA submitted comments to USDA-APHIS in support of updating the Imported Fire Ant (IFA) treatment manual. A recent environmental assessment conducted by USDA-APHIS, in collaboration with the University of Tennessee, identified additional practices for treating balled-and-burlapped nursery stock and grass sod that were effective in preventing IFA from being transported outside of regulated areas. The research also describes how B&B drenches can be done in a manner that would reduce the number of necessary pesticide applications and the quantity of the pesticide used.

Filed under: pest • regulation • USDA

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The National Ornamental Research Site at Dominican University in California (NORS-DUC) is gathering information in preparation for a USDA-ARS study looking into the susceptibility of various Rhododendron cultivars to Phytophthora ramorum. Most previous studies have focused on Cunningham's White, which is known to be especially susceptible.

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Last week the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) informed the USDA that Apple Proliferation Phytoplasma (APP) was identified from an apple orchard (Pacific Gala) in Nova Scotia, Canada. This marks the first discovery of the disease in North America. While it is still unknown how the tree became infected, trace-back information gathered by Canadian officials shows that in 2008 the tree was imported into Canada from a nursery in Washington State and the rootstock (M111) originated from Oregon. However, where and how the apple tree was initially infected remains unknown at this time and an investigation is underway. The infected trees in Nova Scotia have been placed under quarantine.<

Filed under: disease • USDA

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USDA-APHIS recently released the results of an Environmental Assessment regarding treatment strategies for Imported Fire Ants (IFA). The study suggests that the treatment manual should be updated to include additional options for treating balled-and-burlapped nursery stock and grass sod being shipped from infested areas. It also, describes how B&B drenches can be done in a manner that would reduce the number of necessary pesticide applications and the quantity of the pesticide used.

Filed under: pest • USDA