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Ornamentals and Turf |
The emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire, is a new pest of ash in the U.S. It is native to Asia and was first reported in Michigan in the summer of 2002. It is a borer (family Buprestidae) and leaves a D-shaped exit hole. It has had devastating consequences in the affected areas. It feeds on a number of ash species, including white and green ash. It also affects some elm species. An excellent source of further information is the U.S. Forest Service web site at http://www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/eab.
Strict quarantines were established in the affected Michigan counties; however, despite the quarantines it has continued to spread. It is now found in Canada and some Ohio counties. For North Carolina, the alarming news is that it was just found in Maryland on trees that arrived there from Michigan via Tennessee.
North Carolina nursery growers should familiarize themselves with this insect and carefully inspect incoming plant shipments. Suspect plants should be reported to the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services. Samples may also be sent to the North Carolina State University Plant Disease and Insect Clinic for identification.
We're still seeing a feeding frenzy by twolined spittlebugs on certain hollies (Ilex) on the North Carolina State University campus. For those with bad memories, refer to the July 11, 2003 issue of the North Carolina Pest News or Ornamental and Turf Insect Note No. 97 which contains links to information on resistant holly and turf varieties.
Employment and program opportunities are offered to all people regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. North Carolina State University, North Carolina A&T State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating.
Last modified on September 8, 2003 by Stephen J. Toth, Jr.