MNLA launches boxwood blight awareness campaign

The Michigan Nursery and Landscape Association board of directors has launched an awareness campaign in response to the growing threat of boxwood blight in North America.

The MNLA Board of Directors and the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD), have been monitoring the spread of the fungus.

As of December 2016, MDARD reported that 16 States and 4 Canadian provinces now have confirmed reports of boxwood blight. In Michigan, two separate shipments of vegetated boxwood, that were infected with boxwood blight, were shipped in during the 2016 season.

There have not been any confirmed reports of the fungus in Michigan landscapes or nurseries, but the board feels that it is only a matter of time, and preventive actions should be taken.

The board says this is an immediate concern and puts the industry at risk. MNLA encourages its members to take an active role and will provide resources for business in the area.

Boxwood Blight Awareness Campaign Resource links:

Boxwood Blight Disease Identified in North America

Boxwood Blight - a New Disease for Connecticut and the U.S.

A New Pest to the U.S. Ornamental Industry: The Box Blight PathogenShoot Blight of Boxwood - Calonectria pseudonaviculata

The Box Blight PathogenPrevention and Management of Boxwood Blight

Best Management Practices for Boxwood Blight