Emerald Ash Borer Find Prompts Wisconsin Quarantine
The two Wisconsin counties where emerald ash borer (EAB) has been confirmed, along with two neighboring counties, have been placed under quarantine. The quarantine includes all of Ozaukee, Washington, Fond du Lac and Sheboygan counties. Nurseries in quarantined counties cannot move ash stock to non-quarantined counties or states because there is no way to treat the trees with 100 percent success. "This shouldn't be a hardship for most nurseries, as many have already cut back or stopped raising ash because of the declining demand for it," said Bob Dahl, plant protection section chief with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection. Violating the quarantine is a criminal act and may result in a fine of up to $200, six months in jail or both. If regulated materials cross the state line, federal penalties begin at $1,000.
Missouri Added to States with EAB
Emerald ash borer has been found in Missouri. EAB was discovered at Wappapello Lake, about 150 miles east of Springfield, according to the Missouri Department of Conservation. "Although it is a disappointment to find the early detection of the emerald ash borer, it is not a surprise," said Deptment of Agriculture Entomologist Collin Wamsley. "We have been preparing for an event like this for some time. Right now, we are doing what we can to determine the location of the emerald ash borer. We hope to have that information soon and begin the next steps in battling this pest." Missouri is the farthest south and west of any other known EAB infestation, according to the Department of Conservation.
Thrips Resistance Forces Spinosad Suspension
Dow AgroSciences voluntarily suspended the sale and use of multiple sinosyn insecticides in Broward County and a portion Palm Beach County in Florida. This action is in response to evidence that Western flower thrips have developed resistance to a product with the active ingredient spinosad. "Florida's uniquely long growing season combined with the rapid reproduction cycle of thrips creates an environment that is conducive to developing insecticide resistance," said Mark Urbanowski, Senior Marketing Specialist for Dow AgroSciences turf and ornamental products. "We're working with the University of Florida and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to develop an educational program to help spinosyn users learn more about the necessity of proper products rotation and integrated pest management (IPM)."
Asian Longhorn Beetle Reappears in Illinois
Illinois Department of Agriculture officials are troubled by an Asian longhorn beetle (ALB) discovery earlier this month. One adult beetle was spotted in a Deerfield, Ill., shopping center around the first of August. The discovery and subsequent positive identification came almost four months after the USDA and the Illinois Department of Agriculture declared the eradication of the pest throughout the state. The state agriculture department is working with USDA's APHIS and the cities of Deerfield, Northbrook and Highland Park to conduct surveys. A half-mile survey was expected to be complete last week, and a one-mile survey will take approximately two weeks to finish, according the Mark Cinnamon, state plant regulatory official of the Illinois Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Environmental Programs. "We're tracking down companies in the area who've received imports from Asian longhorn beetle host countries and looking in their facilities," he said. "But at this time we don't know where the beetle came from."
Officials Confirm ALB In Massachusetts
Asian longhorn beetle has been positively identified in Worcester, Mass. A resident saw the insect and called authorities to investigate. Positive verification by the USDA Systematic Entomology Laboratory in Beltsville, Md., occurred on Aug. 5. As result, portions of Worcester, Shrewbury, Boylston, West Boylston and Holden are now a regulated area for the movement of woody plant material (woody debris, lumber, firewood and nursery stock that could host ALB infestations). A federal order will be issued soon that parallels the state-regulated area. Officials will contact companies that work with host material.