Friday, March 21, 2008

Pest Alert Updates; Weekly Feature


Recently a letter was sent by USDA and the Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) to all licensed nursery stock growers and dealers in the state of Missouri. The purpose of the letter was to bring attention to the federal emerald ash borer quarantine that now includes the entire states of Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, portions of Maryland, Pennsylvania and West Virginia, and the lower peninsula of Michigan and parts of the upper peninsula of Michigan.

The emerald ash borer (EAB) has NOT been found in Missouri to date. Since the initial discovery of EAB in Michigan in 2002, USDA, MDA and the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) have conducted extensive surveys throughout the state in search of EAB. In 2008, these agencies will continue these extensive surveys including the use of a newly developed EAB detection trap that USDA will deploy in high risk areas.

Furthermore, contrary to some sources, there are no effective treatments available for emerald ash borer at this time. If you suspect you have emerald ash borer you may call Collin Wamsley, MDA State Entomologist at 573-751-5505 or Collin.Wamsley@mda.mo.gov for assistance in identification. You may also contact Robert Lawrence, MDC Forest Entomologist at 573-882-9909 ext 3303 or Robert.Lawrence@mdc.mo.gov. The following website has information on EAB http://www.emeraldashborer.info/

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