Massachusetts Introduced Pests Outreach Blog

Getting to know Giant Hogweed

2008-07-25T10:49:00.007-04:00

This time of year, the Massachusetts Introduced Pests Outreach Project's Pest Hotline gets a lot of calls and emails about Giant Hogweed. Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) is a large, stout plant in the Carrot family, and due to its toxic sap, is a federally listed noxious weed. It has been present in Massachusetts for several years. The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources is actively managing all hogweed populations with the goal of eradication.

If you think you've seen Giant Hogweed, we encourage you to file a Pest Report or call our Pest Hotline at 617-626-1779. But first, take a look at this excellent resource from IPANE that will help you determine if you've really got Giant Hogweed, or one of several similar-looking plants:

Related resources:

(Photo by David Marrison, Ohio State University Extension)

Plum Pox Virus in New York

2008-07-21T09:24:00.004-04:00

Plum pox virus (PPV) has been discovered once again in New York, this time in Wayne County. This marks the third year in a row that the virus, which can impact plum, peach, apricot and other stone fruits, has been found in that state. State agricultural officials have places a one mile quarantine zone around the orchard where the infected trees were located. The discovery was during a statewide PPV survey undertaken by the New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets and the USDA.

Pennsylvania and parts of Canada have also had outbreaks of PPV over the past several years, but the virus has not yet been found in New England. For more information about PPV, check out our fact sheet on the MIPOP website.

Fighting Chrysanthemum White Rust

2008-07-08T09:32:00.010-04:00

The American Nursery & Landscape Association (ANLA) and the Society of American Florists (SAF) recently released an excellent Powerpoint presentation for growers and sellers concerned about Chrysanthemum White Rust (Puccinia horiana, "CWR"). CWR is a rust fungus that is able to infect twelve different chrysanthemum species, including pot mums, cut mums and garden mums. It can cause serious economic damage, and is currently considered a pathogen of quarantine significance in both the USA and Canada.

Over the past thirty years, there have been several outbreaks of CWR across North America, including in Massachusetts, but these local outbreaks have always been eradicated. The threat remains, however, and it is extremely important to detect this pathogen early in order to minimize economic losses.

If you grow or sell mums, please take a few moments to view the Powerpoint presentation to learn how to recognize the symptoms of Chrysanthemum White Rust infection. Early detection, and a rapid response if CWR is found, are two important steps in preventing the establishment of this pathogen.

Because this is a pathogen of quarantine significance, anyone who detects the presence of CWR is required to inform the USDA, state or county officials. If you think you see signs of Chrysanthemum White Rust, you can let the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources know through our Pest Reporting form, or call our Pest Hotline (617-626-1779).

(Source: ANLA and SAF press release. Photo of CWR courtesy of the Central Science Laboratory, Harpenden Archive, Bugwood.org)

Emerald Ash Borer Sightings

2008-07-08T08:21:00.005-04:00

Over the past couple of weeks, there have been two new sightings of the emerald ash borer beetle (Agrilus planipennis, "EAB") in the USA and Canada, including Quebec (a first for the province) and Mercer County, Pennsylvania (the fifth county in PA since the beetle was first found there in 2007).

The end of June is considered "peak emergence" time for the species, when adults are most likely to emerge from underneath the ash bark they spend the beginning part of their lives burrowing in. With many states and Canadian provinces actively trapping for the EAB, there may be further reports of the presence of this invasive species throughout the summer. The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation monitors emerald ash borer traps placed throughout our state, which remains EAB-free.

(Photo of EAB courtesy of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Forestry Archive, Bugwood.org)

Asian Longhorned Beetle ID

2008-06-12T08:58:00.011-04:00

With summer almost upon us, insects are entering their active season here in New England. At this time of year, we also start getting more pest reports from concerned citizens across the state. Over the next few weeks, posts here at the MIPOP blog will focus on arming you with the tools you need to spot and identify some of the invasive insect species the state is monitoring for.

One thing that makes insect identification tricky is when there are species that look similar to each other, sometimes fooling even the trained eye. One well-known invader, the Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis), has a native look-alike that you may encounter in Massachusetts, the whitespotted pine sawyer (Monochamus scutellatus). Upon first glance, it can be easily mistaken for the ALB. However, the whitespotted pine sawyer has a distinctive white spot at the top of where its wing covers ("elytra") meet, while the ALB has none. This comparison of both species shows the location of that white spot on both the male and female whitespotted pine sawyers (click on the image to see it in full size):

Also, note that the white markings on the wing covers and antennae are much more visible on the Asian longhorned beetle. For more information, visit this page from the University of Vermont, and also see our fact sheet.

If you think you've seen an Asian longhorned beetle, or any of the introduced pests, weeds or diseases featured on our website, you can report it and send us a photo here.

All About the Emerald Ash Borer

2008-06-04T08:46:00.003-04:00

Michigan State University has produced a very informative video about the history and control of the emerald ash borer beetle (Agrilus planipennis, or "EAB"). It features Dave Roberts, the biologist who first identified the EAB in Michigan back in 2002. The movie runs about 24 minutes and is divided into nine sections, including general information about the EAB, components of the federal eradication program, and a number of different case studies.

Massachusetts and other New England states remain on the lookout for EAB. While it has not been detected in our part of the USA, it is good to know that Michigan is documenting their experiences with this ash-destroying invasive species.

Pulling Perennial Pepperweed

2008-05-30T09:46:00.000-04:00

On Saturday June 7th, from 1-4pm, the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge will host an information and training session on the identification and control of Perennial Pepperweed (Lepidium latifolium). The training will be in Newburyport, MA at PRNWF Headquarters (6 Plum Island Turnpike). The first hour will be spent indoors learning about Pepperweed and control techniques, then participants are invited to gain hands-on experience by pulling Pepperweed at a site along the Plum Island Turnpike. This meeting is open to the public with no obligation to volunteer.

Perennial Pepperweed is an invasive plant that occurs in wetland habitats along coastal areas of Massachusetts, including salt marshes, and is also found along roadsides. In the western part of the USA, it is a major agricultural weed. It can be spread through soil or water movement, or as a contaminant in hay bales.

Throughout the summer, Parker River NWR and the Massachusetts Audubon society will be leading Pepperweed pulls at sites throughout Essex County. The goal is to control or eradicate pepperweed before it becomes as pervasive as other wetland invasives, like Phragmites or purple loosestrife. If you are interested in volunteering for this project but cannot make the June 7th training session, you can contact Sarah Janson (sarah_janson@fws.gov).

When it comes to firewood, go local

2008-05-23T11:47:00.000-04:00

With camping season in full swing, this is an important reminder to avoid transporting firewood to or from camping sites. Using local firewood sources is an important way that you can prevent the spread of introduced pests, from plant diseases to boring insects such as the Asian longhorned beetle or the emerald ash borer. Research has shown that more than 75% of the infestations of emerald ash borer in the Midwest were caused by the transporting of firewood. Read more about the reasoning behind using local firewood sources in this article in The Jamestown Press, or on this page from the Maine Forest Service.

Know Your Weeds

2008-05-16T12:39:00.000-04:00

If you are involved in weed management, the nursery industry in general, or are a landscaper or master gardener, consider signing up for one of UMass Weed Identification Workshops. Held at both the Arnold Arboretum in Jamaica Plain and at the UMass Amherst campus, the workshops are all-day affairs, incorporating a potted herbarium, walks outdoors, and the opportunity to bring in your own mystery weeds for identification.

Weed workshops are held in July and August, and have a registration fee of $95 each. They can be used as credits for Massachusetts Certified Landscape Professionals (MCLP) or Massachusetts Certified Horticulturists (MCH), or can count as 5 pesticide contact hours (for categories 29, 36, 37, and Applicators License). For more details, visit this UMass Extension website, or contact the UMass Extension Landscape, Nursery, & Urban Forestry Program at 413-545-0895 (email: eweeks AT umext.umass.edu).

Success against the ALB

2008-05-15T14:23:00.000-04:00

Last month, the state of Illinois and the USDA claimed a big victory in the battle against the Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis or "ALB"), officially declaring it "eradicated" in Illinois. This declaration follows more than four years of active surveys during which no signs of the beetle were found.

The ALB was first discovered in Chicago, Illinois in 1998. Between then and 2006, more than 1700 maple trees (the preferred host for this species) in and around Chicago had to be removed. You can read more about the ALB success story in this USDA press release.

The Asian longhorned beetle has never been found in Massachusetts, but the Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey program, from which the MIPOP website and blog are derived, continues to actively survey nurseries to ensure that they do not become vectors for this dangerous pest.

Learn about Sudden Oak Death

2008-05-12T10:53:00.000-04:00

Since Sudden Oak Death (Phytophthora ramorum, also known as Ramorum Blight) was first seen in California back in 1995, the wide host range of this pathogen has had the nursery industry on high alert. Now Oregon State University has put together an online training course aimed at teaching nursery growers about P. ramorum and other disease-causing pathogens in the genus Phytophthora. The course is free and non-credit, but for an optional $100 fee you can take an online exam to receive a Certificate of Mastery. It is offered in three modules, with the third section entirely devoted to P. ramorum. Read more about the course here, or jump right in to the training.

Update on Honeybees and CCD

2008-05-09T10:42:00.001-04:00

This week's ARS Newslink, produced by the Agricultural Research Service, has an update on work being done to understand the causes and impacts of Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD). A survey done this year indicated that more than a third of beekeepers in the USA had at least one honeybee colony where all adult bees were lost, a key symptom of CCD. Unfortunately, the cause behind these losses continues to elude biologists. To address this, the ARS Bee Research Laboratory in Maryland has enlisted beekeepers to allow regular sampling of healthy hives, with the hope that studying these hives will help researchers understand what causes CCD when it does occur.

For more information about Colony Collapse Disorder, check out the full article in the May/June 2008 issue of Agricultural Research magazine.

Flies on the Attack

2008-05-08T15:38:00.000-04:00

If you are in Wellesley, MA tomorrow, keep your eyes peeled for swarms of tiny but powerful (and beneficial!) flies. A team of researchers at UMass Amherst, led by Joe Elkinton, is set to release 1,000 parasitic flies (Cyzenis albicans) in Wellesley in an effort to combat the winter moth caterpillars (Operophtera brumata) currently defoliating deciduous trees across the eastern part of the state. Read more in this story from The Boston Globe.

Update 5/12/08:WBZ Radio 1030 put up this YouTube video report by Carl Stevens, showing the actual release.

News for Growers

2008-05-07T15:46:00.000-04:00

If you are a commercial grower of greenhouse crops or flowers, check out the New England Greenhouse Update. Produced by Cooperative Extension specialists around New England, this weblog will keep you informed with timely information, from advice about when and how to move greenhouse plants outdoors, to dealing with plants pests and pathogens.

The New England Greenhouse Update has been posting helpful information for growers on the internet since 2005. Because the articles are posted in a "blog" format, you can subscribe to the feed with your favorite news/RSS reader and make sure you never miss an update.

Seeking Healthy Hemlocks

2008-05-05T10:50:00.000-04:00

Have you spotted any healthy hemlock trees in your walks through the forested land of this state? If so, researchers at the University of Rhode Island may be interested in your find. An effort is underway to find eastern hemlock trees (Tsuga canadensis) resistant to two introduced pests, woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae) and elongate hemlock scale (Fiorinia externa), with the goal of raising healthy new trees from cuttings taken from resistant individuals.

You might have found a good candidate tree if it meets the following requirements:

in a forested setting
at least 10 feet tall
relatively free of signs of the woolly adelgid
has deep green needles on full, thick branches
surrounded by dead, mature hemlock trees
naturally resistant (not treated using insecticides or other control measures)

Report possible sightings to URI grad student Laura Ingwell by phone, at 401-874-4083, or by email at: hemlock AT etal DOT uri DOT edu.

Read more about the search for healthy hemlocks in this article from the Providence Journal, or this URI press release. If you want to learn more about how to identify the eastern hemlock, try this site or this one.

Update: Gladiolus Rust

2008-05-02T10:02:00.000-04:00

The April Pest Alert for Gladiolus Rust (Uromyces transversalis) has been updated to reflect information about the recent discovery of this fungal pathogen on gladiolus plants in Minnesota (check out a map of the US distribution here, courtesy of the National Agricultural Pest Information System). Until this past April, the only US records for this species were in California and Florida. The Minnesota record represents the most northern US location where the rust fungus has been found, by far - more information will be posted when it become available.

Gladiolus rust remains a problem mainly for nurseries that grow gladiolus for sale as cut flowers. But if you grow gladiolus (or related tropical plants in the Iris family [Iridaceae], including Crocosmia, Tritonia and Watsonia species) or know someone who does, it is worth checking out the links at the bottom of the pest alert so you know what to look for in case you ever encounter this destructive pathogen.

Biocontrol Successes

2008-04-29T10:58:00.000-04:00

There is a good article in the Boston Globe today summarizing the state's work on the Purple Loosestrife Biocontrol Project. Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) is one of the 141 plant species on the state's Prohibited Plant List, and was categorized as invasive by the Massachusetts Invasive Plant Advisory Group.

Beth Suedmeyer of the Massachusetts Wetlands Restoration Program currently heads the biocontrol project, which has released over 300,000 Galerucella beetles to eat purple loosestrife since 2000. As with most biological controls, a Galerucella beetle attack does not immediately destroy purple loosestrife, rather, the beetles are a tool used to keep current populations of this invasive plant in check.

Suedmeyer is now training citizen scientists to raise and release the beetles, which have shown some evidence of beginning to breed and spread on their own. Visit the Purple Loosestrife Biocontrol Project for more information, including how you can raise beetles and what to do if you see a Galerucella beetle in the wild.

Invasive Plant Training

2008-04-25T09:56:00.000-04:00

If you are a Massachusetts resident concerned about invasive plants, consider signing up for one of the IPANE Volunteer Training Sessions being held this May and June. IPANE teaches volunteers how to identify invasive plants and enlists them to conduct monitoring surveys across New England. The beginner training for western Massachusetts is coming up soon, on May 3, and there is also a Getting Started Workshop for the Appalachian Trail in Sheffield, MA.

If you really want to get your hands dirty, there are also invasive plant pulling events throughout the spring and summer, including one for water chestnut (Trapa natans) in Rowley and glossy buckthorn (Frangula alnus) in Winchendon. Check out the IPANE volunteer page for a complete listing.

Winter Moth Biocontrol

2008-04-22T18:30:00.000-04:00

Last week I headed out to UMass Amherst to meet with some of the people in Cooperative Extension that participate in the Massachusetts Introduced Pests Outreach Project. While there, I got a tour of the Elkinton Lab, where they are working on a few different biological control projects that target insect pests. One of those projects is the rearing of a parasitic fly, Cyzenis albicans, for control of the winter moth (Operophtera brumata).

Right now, winter moth eggs are just about ready to hatch in Massachusetts, but in the Elkinton lab, the caterpillars are several weeks ahead of schedule, being raised in the best of conditions for the sole purpose of becoming incubators for the biocontrol flies.

Here is a batch of fly pupae:

The pupae are placed in a cage along winter moth caterpillars and some tree branches. Once the flies emerge, the presence of the caterpillars causes them to lay eggs. The eggs are collected and then fed to other caterpillars, to raise even more flies that will be released into the wild later this season.

Links:

MIPOP Winter Moth Fact Sheet
Biological Control of Winter Moth in Massachusetts (2005 Project Report, pdf file)
Winter moth update, UMass Extension Landscape Message for April 17, 2008

Pest Alert: Gladiolus Rust

2008-04-18T10:36:00.000-04:00

On March 10, 2008, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services identified a suspected infection of gladiolus rust (Uromyces transversalis) on the leaves of gladiolus plants at a cut flower production farm in Hendry County, Florida.

Gladiolus rust primarily attacks hybrid cultivars of gladiolus grown for cut flower production, and if uncontrolled, can lead to total yield losses. This disease could have a significant impact if it becomes established or is transported into greenhouses or nurseries that grow gladiolus or related species. It is a plant disease of quarantine importance in the United States and Europe.

Read more about gladiolus rust in the full pest alert.

New pesticide shows promise in fighting EAB

2008-04-09T13:24:00.000-04:00

While we don't have the emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis, "EAB") here in Massachusetts, other states are not so lucky. Now there may finally be some good news about beating this pest. As reported over at the Illinois Cooperative Agriculture Pest Survey Program blog, Illinois has just registered a promising new pesticide, Emamectin Benzoate, for use against the beetle. Sold under the trade name Tree-äge™ (pronounced "triage"), EB is a systemic insecticide, and is applied as a trunk injection at the base of ash trees.

State agencies in Massachusetts remain on the lookout for the emerald ash borer. To learn more about this wood-boring invader, check out our pest fact sheet.

Eastern Plant Board Meeting

2008-04-08T10:37:00.001-04:00

Last week I attended the annual meeting of the Eastern Plant Board, in Charleston, West Virginia. The EPB is part of the National Plant Board, an organization made up of the plant pest regulatory agencies from every state in the union (plus Puerto Rico). There was a lot of business covered over the three days of the meeting, plus we also got to hear some good talks, including one about trapping methods for insect sampling (that's a bucket funnel pheromone trap, used for trapping moths, to the right of this paragraph).

While I was not fortunate enough to get to see West Virginia's emerald ash borer quarantine zone, a bunch of us did get to visit the WV Department of Agriculture offices, where they have the largest collection of locally-trapped insects in the state, including this whole slew of locust leaf miners (Odontota dorsalis, a native leaf beetle that particularly enjoys the leaves of the black locust, Robinia pseudoacacia):

Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts

2008-03-28T13:04:00.001-04:00

Tuesday and Thursday of this week the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts held its annual Speaker's Program Workshop. I participated on both days and it was a wonderful opportunity to meet folks from garden clubs across the state (and to meet all the other speakers as well!), speak to them about this project, and encourage them to sign up for our Pest Alert email list.

The presentation was set up to have multiple panels that can be swapped out depending on the interests of the audience, with two pests per panel, plus the project logo and URL and two smaller panels describing the project in general. For the garden clubs, I featured:

Asian longhorned beetle and the Emerald ash borer
Viburnum leaf beetle and Daylily rust
Giant hogweed and Mile-a-minute vine

It took quite a bit of work (and help from kind coworkers) to produce those posters, but they'll be getting a lot of use this year, I am sure.

Plum Pox Virus Fact Sheet

2008-03-20T18:59:00.000-04:00

A brand new fact sheet on Plum Pox Virus (Potyviridae sp.) has been added to our Fact Sheet page. Thanks to everyone who offered constructive criticism on the earlier drafts, and to the photographers who kindly gave permission for their photos to be used for our outreach efforts.

Plum Pox Virus (PPV) has not yet been found in Massachusetts, but has been recorded in Pennsylvania, and was discovered in New York and Michigan in 2006.

Ag Day!

2008-03-18T18:59:00.000-04:00

Today was Agriculture Day at the State House, a chance for Massachusetts farmers and food producers to discuss issues and legislation affecting their farms and communities. The Department of Agricultural Resources coordinates the annual event. The Massachusetts Introduced Pests Outreach Project had some flyers at the DAR booth to advertise our website, plus a sign-up sheet for our pest alert email list (bottom left in the photo above). Mostly it was an opportunity to meet several of my contacts in person, since many of them were staffing their own booths.