Annual report, Plant Industry Division

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Mission Statement The mission of the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is to improve the state of agriculture in North Carolina by providing services to farmers and agribusiness, and to serve the citize
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s Educate North Carolina’s citizens on agriculture’s many contributions to the state’s economy, history, and future to build awareness of available services and to expand market opportunities through agricultural fairs, news releases, promotion
statistics. Protect citizens from consuming unsafe food products and from experiencing economic loss due to unlawful business practices through programs of inspections and enforcement of laws and regulatio
confidence with agricultural and consumer products. Prevent the spread and effects of agricultural-related diseases and pests, implement eradication steps, and assist farmers in preparing for and responding to catastrophic events through education, site
Steve Troxler
and emergency planning to maintain a safe environment. Work to continuously improve the quality and cost-effectiveness of departmental programs and related services provided to North Carolina citizens through performance management and constant monitoring to
Commissioner of Agriculture
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Maurice Berry William Johnston C. Osmond Kearney Kirk Ma
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Bert Pitt Doug Torn Jeffrey Tue Casey Armstrong
G Marketing-Greenba General Far
Jean Boseman Larry S
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Commissioner and Executive Staff
ommissioner Steve Troxler (919) 707-3000
hief Deputy Commissioner N. David Smith (919) 707-3033
ssistant Commissioner Howard Isley (919) 707-3009
ssistant Commissioner Dr. Richard Reich (919) 707-3015
Assistan eod (919) 707-3010
Gene B. Cross (919) 733-3933, extension 218
lant Protection Section Dr. Stephen Schmidt (919) 733-6930, extension 231
eed and Fertilizer Section G. Edward Martin, Jr. (919) 733-3930, extension 226
dministrative Officer II Georgia Brock (919) 733-3933, extension 219
Plant Industry Division Web Site: http://www.ncagr.gov/plantindustry/
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
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C
A
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t Commissioner David McL
Director and Administrative Staff
Division Director
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S
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N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services-Plant Industry Division
Facilities:
dustry Division-Administrative Offices and N.C. Seed Labora
Physical Address: 216 West Jones Street, Raleigh, NC 27603
S Operations
Physical Address: 1013 Blair Drive, Raleigh, NC 27603
al Control Services
Physical Address: 950 East Chatham Street, Cary, NC 27511
Witchweed Program Facilities:
Physical Address: 1008 South We
Physical Address: 450 Smith Circle, R
Physical Address: Agri-Expo Cent
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Physical Address: O. P. Owens Ag
Cre Plant Inspection Station:
Physical Address: 6111 Linville FMailing Address: Same as above Rising
Above
t have faced us. At this point, it does not appear the challenges have or will disapp
uring fiscal year 2010-11, Raleigh-based staff have been challenged with surviving an extensiv
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Industry Division-Annual Report to Marlene J. Ikerd
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Ikerd—a dedicated and loyal NCDA&CS staff member. Prior to her retirement, Ma
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long with other roles during her 22 year tenure. Even with her cancer diagnosis, Marlene remained committed to her position responsibilities within the Division. During her radiation and chemotherapy, she routinely returned to work despite our pleas to stay home and rest. During her latter treatments, ever
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al PID staff members would volunteer to drive her to her treatments; however, shve attitude permeated her work on a
with—“I can do it myself!” This positi
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anted to try a task herself before tapping into other’s expertise.
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arlene was a native of Independence, Kansas where she at
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ended Zion Lutheran School and was a 1956 graduate of Independence High School. Marlene had retired at the end of 2010 from her position as
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dministrative Secretary II. Family was clearly important to Marlene. She is survived by sons Frank and his wife Valarie, and Scott and his wife Amy. Grandchildren included Brittney, Alec, Maxson, Kendall and
C
aden.
The strength of a family, like the strength of an army, is in its loyalty to each other. MARIO PUZO, The Family Accomplishments: Seed and Fertilizer Section
2010-2011 Fiscal Year Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
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The Plant Protection
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into or within North Carolina. The mission of the Plant Protection Section is to enhance the quality of life in North Carolina by protecting agriculture and the environment from injurious plant pests, by promoting beneficial organisms, and by protecting rare native plants of the state.
We serve the people of North Carolina by: • Protecting agricultural crops, horticultural crops and native flora, by preventing or controlling the invasion and spread of injurious insects, plant pathogens, weeds, and other pests of regulatory concern. • Protecting honey bees by combating the spread of bee pathogens. • Responding to constantly changing threats to crops, rare native plants, and honey bees by drafting effective and reasonable regulations and by achieving public compliance. • Supporting agriculture, horticultu
movement of regulated commodities. • Protecting rare native plants by restoring their habitats, and by propagating and restoring them to the wild. • Promoting beneficial organisms that serve as biological controls of pest species. • Providing outstanding service and satisfaction to all our clients. orth Carolina h
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similar to southern Canada in our higher mountains in the west. Such diversity provides suitable environments for an extremely diverse flora and fauna. Extensive international air and sea transportation, both military and commercial, and an extensive Interstate Highway System increase the potential for the accidental introduction of pest organisms into North Carolina. Therefore, North Carolina’s Plant Protection Section programs must deal with a wide range of organisms and host-pest interactions. Major program activities for the period July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011 included the following: piary Inspection Program
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complishments: Plant Protection Section 2010-2011 Fiscal Year Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
The NC beekeeping industry remains viaducational meetings, and field days and atte
ec
of c
ou
b
sh
a
ng mites. In some cases, the improper u
c
a
h
ve behavior so that we can maintain a beek
arolina that is not threatened by the r
o2010-2011 Fiscal Year Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
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Biological Control Programs
Prey
Hemlock woolly adelgid
Impo Phorid Fly 2010-2011 Fiscal Year Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
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The mission of the biological control program is t s using ecologically-based methods. We focus on
“classical” biocontrol that is, reuniting exotic pests with the n tural enemies that keep them below damaging levels in their
home ranges. Although we are primarily se projects requires research to ascertain
e appropriateness of releasing biological control agents or to follow up on agents released. The biological control program
operation of a USDA-inspected
ontainment (quarantine) facility. Rooms in the containment facility are available to industry and university researchers for
re environment, and provides the opportunity to
in North Carolina. Six shipments of exotic material were received by the
o manage exotic pest
a
an implementation program, conducting the
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of the NCDA&CS was founded in the 1970s to investigate and establish natural controls for the gypsy moth, a visionary undertaking in advance of the invasion of that pest. Today, our projects focus on a variety of exotic pests, and involve laboratory rearing of insects, field releases of natural enemies, surveying, and the
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short-term use. Such cooperation allows projects to be completed in a secu
work on potential pests before they are established
NCDA &CS Insect Quarantine Facility during 2010/2011.
Summary of Quarantine Activities 2010 - 2011
Q08-3 Striacosta albicosta1 Noctuidae Egg/larvae 6,663 IA Insects maintained on artificial diet until pupal stage.
Q08/09-4 Cactoblastis cactorum1 Pyralidae Egg/larvae 15,000 FL Insects maintained on artificial diet until pupal stage.
Q10-1 cribraria2 Plataspidae Eggs/larvae 1000 GA kudzu for host preference test. Q11-9 Sirex noctilio3 Siricidae Adults/ Eggs/larvae 30 logs NY Logs maintained in quarantine awaiting wasp emergence.
1Dr. Allen Cohen, Insect Diet & Rearing Research, LLC, is utilizing the NCDA&CS Beneficial Insects Quarantine Lab to develop artificial diets and rearing systems for Cactoblastis cactorum (prickly pear cactus moth) and Striacosta albicosta (western bean cutworm). 2Determine host preference of the recently found kudzu bug, Megacopta cribraria. 3Dr. Coby Schal, NCSU Entomology Dept., NCSU will utilize Sirex to develop semiochemical tools to facilitate early detection, population monitoring, and ultimate control of Sirex noctilio. 2010-2011 Fiscal Year Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
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wasp Cerceris fumipennis is currently being utilized as a biosurveillance tool for the efficient
ollection of pest buprestid beetles in Canada and in several locations in the eastern United States. In 2010 we continued our
) To continued our investigation of the regional biology and life history of the wasp
hard-packed sandy soil in areas with direct sunlight and high human activity, features that are
haracteristic of baseball and softball diamonds. We were successful in locating nests during an initial survey of ball
r nests in 2009. Active nests (n = 3) were first noted on 26 May at one site, and the statewide survey was
over (9-10
nties in
, Wilkes
rn trip to
(Fig. 1).
Development of the Wasp Cerceris fumipennis as a Biosurveillance Tool for Pest Buprestidae in North Carolina: 2010 Report of Activities Christine A. Nalepa and Whitney Swink The solitary ground nesting
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studies of the wasp in North Carolina (NC), with the following goals, in order of priority: 1) To continue locating sites with high nesting activity throughout the state 2) To determine the timing of wasp activity in NC 3) To continue adding to the database of buprestid prey utilized by the wasp in NC
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5) To conduct training and information sessions for potential cooperators and volunteers A. NEST SURVEY The wasp prefers to nest in
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diamonds in 2009, and continued using them as survey units during 2010. Ball fields were located using Google Earth 5, and permission to survey specific fields was obtained from relevant schools or directors of Parks and Recreation. To determine dates of first activity of C. fumipennis in Wake Co., on 16 May we began regularly surveying three local sites that were positive fo
then initiated. In general, the survey was conducted geographically from east to west. Eastern counties were surveyed in June and included Johnston (initial visit on 7 June), Wayne (8 June), New HanJune), Pitt (17 June), and Beaufort (21 June). During the fourth week of June and throughout July, we surveyed couwestern NC, including Gaston (23 June), Surry (24 June), Watauga (30 June), Alleghany (30 June), Ashe (30 June)(1 July), Jackson (7 July), Swain (8 July), and Buncombe (14-15 July). The survey ended on 3 August with a retutwo positive sites in Wayne County. A total of 363 ball diamonds in 177 sites across 15 counties were visited between 20 May and 3 August 2010
Figure 1. Map of Cerceris fumipennis survey in North Carolina in 2010; 15 counties were surveyed (highlighted). Gold = survey only; Green = survey and collection of buprestids from 2010-2011 Fiscal Year Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
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f the 177 sites surveyed, 68 sites (38%) were positive for C. fumipennis, i.e., one or more of the characteristic nests were
s, 27 (35%) had just 1-2 nests, and 47 (69%) had fewer than 10 nests. A total of 633 nests were
corded during initial site visits; a total of 1,342 nests were observed if repeat visits to positive sites are included. The
city
ark in Wake Co. (n = 33).
s where a high number of C. fumipennis nests
reater than 15) were found during the survey. Four sites in central NC were surveyed five or more times from May to
ned after mid-June.
he number of beetles collected from the wasps was generally correlated with the number of nests present at a site, but
foraging activity was cl e to non-existent in July, ev m the Coastal Plains
region; the (late n beetle data from 2010,
we cau r coll es in the Co nd in the Mountains is late-une
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present. Of these 68 site
re
highest nest numbers found during a single visit were at an elementary school in Buncombe Co. (n = 74), a community college in Wayne Co. (n = 65), a Christian academy in Wayne Co. (n = 60), a middle school in Surry Co. (n = 41), and a
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Nests were rarely found on fields that were too manicured (e.g., most colleges, large high schools, or large athletic parks), overgrown with grass (e.g., small, rural elementary schools), or surfaced with Red Ball Diamond Aggregate (RBDA - crushed red dolomite limestone). Nests were most commonly found on ball diamonds that were not well maintained during the C. fumipennis flight season, but were generally kept in good condition throughout the rest of the year. Grade schools (primarily elementary and middle schools) yielded the most nests per site overall. Timing of nesting and foraging. We made one or more return visits to site
(g
August (Fig. 2). Plotting the number of nests at these sites over time gives a clear indication that the window of opportunity for working with the wasps in the piedmont of NC was a fairly narrow one in 2010. Activity peaked quickly in early June, then wa
T
os
en if nests were preseMountains Regionecting beetl
nt. We collected no beetles fro-June through July). Based o
about 20 beetles were collected intiously predict th the optimal time fo
at
astal Plain is mid-May a
J
to early-July.
Figure 2. Timing of nesting and foraging of Cerceris fumipennis in four sites in the Piedmont of North Carolina. A) Wake Co. Jaycee Park; B) Wake Co. Lake Lynn; C) Wayne Co. Faith Christian Academy; D) Wayne Co. Wayne Community 2010-2011 Fiscal Year Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
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beetles
ces.
an twice the
species
09; three
Overall
nsularis,
ennis
Agrilus in
able 1. Buprestid beetles identified as prey of Cerceris fumipennis during the 2010 North Carolina survey. ^ = n state
B. BUPRESTID PREY
Work on the diversity of buprestid prey utilized by C. fumipennis in NC was continued during 2010. We collecteddirectly from wasps returning from foraging trips as well as paralyzed prey that the wasps left outside of nest entran In 2010, 155 beetles were collected from eight sites in five counties across the state (Fig. 1); this was more thnumber of beetles collected in 2009. Five genera (Actenodes, Agrilus, Buprestis, Chrysobothris, Dicerca) and 21(Table 1) were represented among the collected beetles. Thirteen species collected in 2010 were not collected in 20species collected in 2009 were not collected in 2010. The highest number of species collected at a given site was 11. a total of 24 species have been collected from C. fumipennis in NC to date. Three are new state records (Buprestis coChrysobothris trinervia and Agrilus quadriimpressus) and three had not been previously recorded as prey of C. fumip(Agrilus acutipennis, A. difficilis, A. quadriimpressus). Of particular note is that we collected seven species of 2010, for a total of 8 Agrilus species taken from C. fumipennis in NC to date.
Tew
record, * = new to C. fumipennis. Identifications by Steven Paiero (University of Guelph), and Whitney Swink (NCDA &CS).
Buprestid species collected 2010 # of specimens collected # of Sites at which a given species was collected Actenodes acornis 9 4 Agrilus acutipennis* 1 1 Agrilus carpini 1 1 Agrilus cephalicus 1 1 Agrilus difficilis* 2 1 Agrilus fallax 1 1
Agrilus fulgens 1 1 Agrilus quadriimpressus*^ 1 1 Buprestis consularis 5 3 Buprestis lineata 11 4 Buprestis maculipennis 59 5 Buprestis ru2010-2011 Fiscal Year Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
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e when foraging, a
adjacent to diamond #2. Despite the proximity of the two fields, the wasps travelled to the nearest treelinbehavior that is reflected in the species diversity of their buprestid prey (Figure 3). Figure 3. Schematic of two adjacent ball fields at a school in Goldsboro. Arrows indicate foraging directBuprestid species collected from each field are listed (n = 20 and 25 beetles collected from field #1 Edges of the infields are approximately 100 feet apart. Number of generations. Observations of wing wear of C. fumipennis females during 2009 suggested that ththan one generation per year in NC. During 2010 we followed up on the problem by conducting a more focRaleigh location. Beginning shortly after nests began appearing at the site (30 May), females were captunique mark on the thorax using DecoColor opaque paint markers (Fig. 4a). A picture of each marked femtaken with a Sony Cybershot camera, and she was then released. A total of 11 visits were made to thseason, and during each, an attempt was made to capture and examine all active wasps. If a female hadn’t captured, she was marked and her wing condition recorded. In all recaptured females, wing condition was documhad been more than 5 days since she was last seen. Four site visits were made during the first week subsequently, visits were made at least every 2 weeks until the end of the active season (26 July). A total of 32 females were marked between 30 May and 12 July, and in 23 (72%) the wing was completely u
th
between 10 and 18 days later. One was found dead on the field 4 days after marking, apparently stomped by a young ball player. Wing damage in these nine wasps was analyzed using the before and after photographs, based on the technique oLehnert (2010). 2010-2011 Fiscal Year Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
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Figure 4. Attempt to determine number of Cerceris fumipennis generations per year based on wing wear. A) Marked female; B) Field photograph of right wing, showing reference points for analysis; C1) Undamaged wing of Female #2 (30 May); C2) Damaged wing 18 days later. D) Plot of percent wing damage over time in 9 females, based on
u
ndamaged wings. Wing analysis. In Adobe Photoshop, a standard portion of the wing was delineated by drawing a line through two reference points: where vein Cu1b meets the wing margin, and at the junction of M and 3r-m (Fig. 4b). That portion of the image was excised, converted to black and white, and the contrast adjusted so that it appeared black o
Im
ageJ software (National Institute of Health, public domain) was then used to compare pixel counts in the ‘before’ and ‘after’ wing tips and obtain estimated percent wing damage. Percent damage was plotted against the number of days elapsed between the two photographs to determ
Rthe nest where she was originally collected. We curren
. fumipennis that occur in the state.
Cerceris training session conducted by Philip Careless at Archbd in turn conducted two training sessions in NC: one in Wake Co. (for APHIS/ of Forest Resources). Talks on the Cerceris biosurveillance program were gie SFIWC meeting (Wilmington, NC), to Forestry Continuing Education (Maristry class at Wayne Community College. ip Careless and Steve Paiero for advice, Steve Paiero for identifying/confirming the ind Recreation Department for permission to work on local baseball diamonds, aambara for help with survey and monitoring. Walter Sloan of Faith Christia College, James Hayes of Meadowview Middle School, and Cynthia Sellinger nerous in allowing us to work on their property. This work is supported by a gHealth Protection Program. ew protocol for measuring Lepidoptera wing damage. Journal of the Lepidoptereke AF, Grafe TU, Ode PR. 1992. Female size and nest defense in the digger wasera: Sphecidae: Philanthinae). Journal of the Kansas Entomological Society 65(
C
o
Wayne Communitywere particularly geForest Service, Forest References Lehnert M. 2010. NMueller UG, Warn(Hymenopt Urest Health Protection
pdate: Cerceris fumipennis in North Carolina
The native ground-dwelling wasp, Cerceris fumipennis, provisions its nest with buprestids, including the invasive forest pest Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) (Agrilus planipennis) when present. The wasp is much more efficient than humans at finding EAB, and is proving to be a reliable way to monitor for this pest. It is a solitary, ground-nesting wasp that lives in diffuse colonies in sparsely vegetated, open spaces with hard-packed, sandy soil. Colonies are almost always found in full sunshine near wooded areas in places of human activity. In 2008, the Beneficial Insects Laboratory (BIL) of the NCDA initiated a project to locate nests of C. fumipennis for use in surveying for EAB and other pest buprestids; this program has continued until the present. The program is funded by Fo
In late May 2011 we began monitoring sites known to be e first emergence of the wasp and to begin collecting their o sites in Wake County. Currently (9 June 2011) we have entified. We plan to concentrate our continued survey for s currently in Tennessee. an abandoned cold frame on the grounds of the NCDA 2010-2011 Fiscal Year Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
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Fig. 1. Attempting to artificially establish nests of Cerceris fumipennis, Wake Co., NC 2011.
Fig. 1 Hemlock woolly adelgid and Sasajiscymnus tsugae larva (arrow)
Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Predator Rearing
T
e
b
ms may be damaged by insecticides. ors in state and national forests and parks to ary objective for this project was for NCDA&CS rge-scale central rearing facility to provide ntrol agents for the management of hemlock gid (HWA). Sasajiscymnus tsugae (St), native has been in mass production at the lab since ber 2002. In May and July of 2008, newly tsugae from Japan were received in our facility to broaden the gene pool in the colony. sJapanese
eason concentrated on the new ony of hybrids between
lifecycle of the adelgid. After a summer of aestivationthe adelgid begins to mature and prepare for ovipositionOnce this maturation begins in the field, adelgids ohemlock boughs which are cut and stored in spring-lik2010-2011 Fiscal Year Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
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Fig. 2. Oviposition jar
onditions begin laying eggs. This stimulates reproduction in the beetles, and the mass rearing can proceed. Rearingtions, usually by June. The ad
g
For mass production of the colony, mating groups of beetles were placed in 3.8 l jars supplied with a twigs (Fig. 1). Eggs (on the twigs) were removed weekly and put in rearing cages supplied with infested hemland after 4 weeks, adult beetles collected and moved into storage cages (Fig. 3). Oviposition jars for the 2were set up October 14, and significant oviposition began November 15. Egg production was halted 21 June 2 During the rearing season, several measures of beetle health were recorded and compared to HWA: egg produweights, and percent completing development. These data are part of a cooperative study with Allen Cohen (IRearing Research) and Carole Cheah (CT Ag. Exper. Station). Results of the season’s production are shown in Figure 4. A total of 98,533 beetles were reared (68,406 of the 2strain). Approximately 66,600 were transferred to the USDA-FS and 10,000 beetles were sent to the MainForestry for release. The remaining beetles are being maintained at the lab. Egg production and larval ddirectly correlated with the quality of HWA and hemlock that is used in the rearing process. During the 20season, HWA quality was poor, and production was very low. Combined with high mortality during the summcolony was very small at the start of the rearing season. Peak adult production occurred during the ovipositiosistens1 generation. In the field this occurs in the spring, but in the warmer lab conditions, HWA oviposiJanuary. A second peak of production occurred during the progrediens2 generation oviposition period, but the beetles was much lower. These results are consistent with past rearing seasons. All of our rearing materiUSDA- FS personnel, and we are grateful to Virginia Gibbs for the excellent material she sent us. As HWA throughout the natural range of hemlocks, adequate material has become harder to find. This underscores tsupplemental diet on which immature stages can develop. Personnel assigned to the project include Anitha Boniface, Research Specialist, full time, Rebecca Fergus2010-2011 Fiscal Year Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
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Figure 4. Produ November 10,
2010 .
ction of Sasajiscymnus tsugae 2010-2011. Data shown represent production between
and June 20, 2011
2010-2011 Fiscal Year Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
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to slow the
e IFA were
id fly, also
d where it
us, and P.
d on the
ns. P.
us shows a
Field Release and Monitoring Phorid Flies for Management of Imported Fire Ant Rebecca Norris Since the discovery of the Imported Fire (IFA) in NC in 1953 it has spread to 71 of 100 counties. In an effortspread and decrease population size, phorid flies, Pseudacteon spp (Diptera: Phoridae), natural enemies of threleased in NC beginning in 2000 through cooperative efforts between NCDA&CS and USDA-ARS. The phorknown as the decapitating fly, lays its eggs in foraging ants. After hatching, the larva move into the IFA’s heasecretes an enzyme that causes its head to fall off. Three species of phorids, Pseudacteon tricuspis, P. curvatobtusus have been released in the state. The species of phorid flies selected for release at each locality was basemost prevalent IFA type present: monogyne colonies with a single queen or polygyne colonies with multiple queetricuspis and P. obtusus typically attack larger workers found in the monogyne colonies whereas P. curvatpreference for smaller workers common to polygyne colonies. Locations and species released are shown in Table 1. Table 1. Releases of phorid flies in North Carolina, 2000-2010. Species County Year Site Pseudacteon tricuspis Beaufort 2000 Fallow land Duplin 2002 Rest area Robeson 2003 Fallow land Wayne 2004 Pasture Pitt 2006 Pasture Scotland 2007 Pasture P. curvatus Wake 2006 Naturalized area Scotland 2007 Pasture Wayne 2008 Pasture Gaston 2009 Pasture Pitt 2010 Fairgroun
P
ablishment and spread of phorid fly species started July 28
seven out of the forty-six counties surveyed. All of the counties surveyed were positive for P. curvatus (See Map). Only one sustained P. tricuspis population was found, in Pitt County. A new species of phorid fly, P. obtusus was introduced into Pitt County in the fall of 2010. This species is more likely to attack the fora
1
Monitoring confirmed the presence of P. curvatus in Pitt county in the Fall of 2010 Monitoring for P. obtusus will commence next fall after populations have had time to increase. Megacopta cribaria, the Be
n exotic h
eran, Me
cribaria, was
ng on Georgia
ga
uildings
09.
the in
org
outh Ca
is
ociation
th
en
b
r funding was ap
on
tial goa
pla
the bugs
s
(370 bugs) and kudzu (486) in Georgia, and placed in separate cages with
s
h
1
in
a
m
M
eished September 23, using adults of unknow
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kudzu or soybean were offered in pairs to bugs originating from kudzu or soybean. Each treatment (kudzu vs. cotton and soybean vs. cotton) was repeated with the plants in opposite positions (front and back of cage) Controls of two kudzu or two soybean plants were included. Plants were positioned in the cages, and a dish containing 3 females and one male bug was placed on the floor of the cage between plants. The test was repeated with bugs from the third shipment beginning October 1, using 2 females and 2 males for each cage. Results were inconclusive. Plataspids fed readily on soybean, but the majority of the kudzu group died leaving little evidence of feeding on the plants. One plataspid was observed on cotton d
o
feeding with a maximum of 2 (of 4) bugs on the plant at one time. This was the only kudzu cage that showed feeding damage. A no-choice test with nymphs was conducted by placing 2 nymphs each on five different plants, lablab, soybean, kudzu, cowpea, and lima bean. All nymphs died before the trial was complete. All individuals had died by December 10. Several difficulties were experienced during the course of this study; they included obtaining same age individuals, propagating kudzu from cuttings, spider mite infestations of plants, and overwintering the plataspids. In the spring of 2011 reports of bu
tt o
f NCSU along with individual reports confirmed 35lect iEgg ng. One replication of a choice test using adults has beemlete. teria, and soybean in North Carolina. Although it maban is of particular concern to producers of organiWs wi
ed bugs from Richmond and Anson Counties on June 9 to begin a n Georgia sent bugs from kudzu on June 21.
p
s
e
t of f
lying to and entering buildings to overwinter. ng, but becomes a nuisance pest, disturbing residentd ,
.
2010. # Eggs Hatched 5/10 135/191 22/43
s,
Eggs, and Nymphs.
2010-2011 Fiscal Year Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
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Mile-A-Minute Vine Biological Contro
In the fall of 2010, an infestation of mile-a-minute vine (MAM) was reported in Alleghany Co by a student from Appalachian State University (ASU). In cooperation with the NCDA & CS Weed Program, delimiting surveys were conducted by Plant Industry field specialists, and showed several concentrations of the weed, primarily along the drainage of Elk Creek. Although some roadside plantings were designated for herbicide treatment, other areas along the creek were selected for biological control using a host-specific weevil, Rhinoncomimus latipes. The extensive distribution, its growth in the midst of native plants, and its preference for riparian habitat made this weed an ideal target for biological control methods. The MAM weevil is native to China, and was identified by entomologists from the USDA Forest Service and the University of Delaware. The weevil is host-specific and during extensive lab and field testing did not complete its development on other lants, even those closely related to MAM. The weevils are now being reared
p
Department of Agriculture. Experimental plots were established May 11 in one area of Alleghany Co. by ASU ecologists,nd a total of 1000 weevils released. These plots will be monitored to determine the biology and spread of weevils in western
a
NC. An additional 200 weevils were released May 26 along Elk Creek approximately 4 miles to the northeast (as the crow flies) of the experimental plots. This release is being monitored for establishment and spread along the creek.. Additional infestations have been identified in other western counties. A site near Burnsville, Yancey Co., along Coxes Creek was also lected for biological control and is being monitored. More infestation
se
obtain more weevils for release in 2012. We will track the spweed.
progress in managing this
M
ile-a-minute vine (left) with other vegetati feeding (below).
(
below left); MAM weevil
2010-2011 Fiscal Year Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
20
oope
) is a joint initiative between the USDA, APHIS, PPQ and the NCDA&CS
fund
detected
natural r
status. T
an also nfrastructure and headquarters/regional staff
vital to
Addition
position
The Stat
In Dece
opportun
network
An overv
fruit moths.
wort in two counties
• No exotic pests detected in the surveys.
ISCUSSION
Emerald
Research has developed a trap that is attractive to beetles in the family Buprest-idae including Emerald Ash Borer
" x 24" panes, with several holes for trap and lure
attachment. The trap is constructed of a corrugated plastic in a stock purple color. The lure is an
attractant compound called Manuka: Phoebe oil and is placed in pouch with a release rate of 50mg/day. The pouch
has a 60-day life expectancy.
Emerald ash borers attack only ash trees and therefore traps are placed in ash trees when available, or as close as
possible to a host ash. Ideally, trees 8 inches or greater in diameter should be selected. Traps are to be located along
edges of woods, in open areas, or in open stands such as parks and should be placed on the sunny side of the tree.
Traps should be hung as high as possible but no lower than 5' above the ground.
Research indicates that initial emergence of EAB occurs after the accumulation of 450 growing degree days (base
50ºF). The same research indicates that peak emergence is reached in 900-1100 growing degree days. In North
Carolina the trapping season would be the end of April until approximately July 1st.
Because ash is a minor plant in NC, traps were put out at one per site. For 2010, twenty-two sites were selected as
trap sites. These included 19 nurseries, 2 State Parks, and 1 Research Farm. Counties where traps were placed are
Beaufort, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Camden, Cumberland, Davidson, Duplin, Durham, Gates, Guilford,
Henderson, Jackson, Johnston, Randolph, Rockingham, and Wayne.
C
rative Agriculture Pest Survey (CAPS) Program
he Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey (CAPS
Tto
and implement domestic surveys of harmful or economically significant plant pests and weeds that have not been by front-line inspections at our ports of entry. These surveys are necessary to safeguard our nation's agricultural and esources by detecting early pest infestations or introductions which validates our trading partners concerns for pest ypical surveys target exotic pests, pests of export significance and pests that are not known to occur in the U.S., but include regionally established pests. A strong domestic pest detection i
cis
ensuring that scientifically valid, current, and reliable pest/disease survey data is available on a continuing basis. ally, staff support is also critical at the state level and federal funding provided for a State CAPS Survey Coordinator housed within the NCDA&CS Plant Industry Plant Protection Section.
e CAPS Committee met twice in the spring at the NCDA&CS Biolab in Cary to prepare for the 2011 survey season. mber, the State Survey Coordinator attended the National CAPS Conference in Kansas City, MO. This was an ity for CAPS members across the United States and its territories to learn what was going on in other states, and to together to enhance better cooperation between state programs. iew of survey activities for 2010 and 2011 follows. 2010-11 • Twenty-two traps set in seventeen counties for Emerald Ash Borer. • Seventy-six traps in twenty-two counties set for exotic bark beetles and wood borers. • Eighty-six sites in five counties surveyed for exotic
• A National Grape Commodity Survey was conducted at twenty-nine vineyards in sixteen counties • Forty-seven nurseries were surveyed for Sudden Oak Death • Visual surveys for noxious weeds accomplished in five counties • Survey and treatment for Tropical Spider
• All data entered into the NAPIS database
D
Ash Borer
(EAB). The trap is a prism shape consisting of three 14
2010-2011 Fiscal Year Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
21
e "wet option" for
are placed in locations where
campgrounds, race
e conifers. The
has successfully
unties in NY, 11
o. Most species of
M). Since the life
d not be detected at
ate zone in North
s, the wasp causes
with a fungus that it
her siricid wood
is wasp, attacks mainly
d to be a
(Figure 1) at the
Ips sexdentatus, Ips
H. ligniperda;
Traps were serviced at approximately two week intervals because after this time the insects begin to disintegrate in
more difficult to sort and identify.
21 counties (Cabarrus, Camden, Craven, Cumberland, Duplin, Durham,
No emerald ash borer specimens were found in any trap. Exotic Bark Beetles and Exotic Wood Wasps Surveys for these pests were conducted using Lindgren funnel traps. Traps were fitted with thcollections. This option uses recreational grade antifreeze as a killing fluid. Traps pines are found and were selected on their proximity to sites having public access, i. e. parks,tracks, wood pulp processing plants, and in some cases, tree nurseries. Wood wasps are pests of conifers and are native to Europe and Asia. Their predominant hosts arEuropean Wood Wasp, Sirex noctilio, is a native of Europe, Asia, and northern Africa and established in South Africa, South America, Australia and New Zealand. In 2004 it was detected in New York state in the vicinity of Lake Ontario, and has since spread to twenty-nine cocounties in Pennsylvania, 5 in Michigan, 2 in Vermont and 1 each in Connecticut and OhiSirex are attracted to stressed trees that are often used to make solid wood packing material (SWPcycle can take a year or more, the insect could be easily transported in pallets or other SWPM anthe port. Based on its native range in Europe and Asia, it could become established in any climAmerica where pine occurs. In South America and Australia where pine is cultivated in plantationsignificant tree mortality and is considered a major pest. The wasp has a symbiotic relationship injects into the trees to weaken them, and makes them more susceptible to larval feeding. Anotwasp to be surveyed for is the Yellow-horned horntail, Urocerus gigas gigas (Linnaeus). ThNorway spruce, Scots pine, larches, and occasionally Sitka spruce and Douglas fir. While not considereserious pest, it is attracted to dead and highly stressed trees. In addition, there are several bark beetles which pose a threat to NC pine forests. Traps were set same locations as those for the siricid species. Target beetles were Hylurgus ligniperda, typographus, and Orthotomicus erosus. A combination of ethanol and α-pinene is used to attract Ipslure is an attractant for the other three species.
the antifreeze and are
In 2010, traps were placed at 38 sites in
Franklin, Granville, Halifax, Harnett, Johnston, Nash, Northampton, Orange, Pitt, Richmond, Vance, Wake, Warren, Washington, and Wayne). None of the targeted species was detected in North Carolina.
2010-2011 Fiscal Year Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
22
Figure 1. 2010 Exotic Bark Beetle and Siricid Woodwasp Trap Sites Oak Commodity Survey Subsection: Exotic Fruit Lepidoptera Pests surveyed were Light Brown Apple Moth (LBAM), Summer Fruit Tortrix MothCottonworm (ECW). Surveys were conducted using delta traps, wing traps, and pheromones. Asabandoned apple orchards were selected (Figure 2) and three traps placed in each orchard with for each pest. LBAM, SFTM, and ECW have apple as one of their hosts. Additionally, LBAM trworking blueberry farms (Figure 3) in south-eastern North Carolina. 1. Light Brown Apple Moth This moth is a highly polyphagous pest of over 120 plant genera in over 50 families with a prefthe Compositae, Leguminosae, Polygonaceae, and Rosaceae. Some host plants are: apple, grape, oak, persimmon, pine, potato, strawberry, and viburnum. This pest has been found in Calunder quarantine in that state. Due to the highly polyphagous nature of this pest, many of the as primary and secondary hosts of these pests occur in North Carolina, especially apple, peblueberry. LBAM would be a serious economic threat in fruit-growing areas of North Carolinaestablished. Because North Carolina has a thriving export program, any yield losses would haon the livelihood of the growers. Traps were placed at 50 sites in 11 counties (Avery, Bladen, CuHaywood, Henderson, Jackson, Mitchell, Pender, Sampson, and Wilkes).
2010-2011 Fiscal Year Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
23
first generation
generation
r in the US.
ary hosts of
reat in fruit-would
have a
wood,
includes
f this pest,
ina. The
North
ood of the
d Wilkes).
apple moth.
2. Summer Fruit Tortrix Moth This moth pest has two generations per year and is a serious pest of apples, pears, and peaches. The larvae feed on the leaves and flowers of host plants with adult emergence occurring in June. Second larvae feed on the fruit. Adult emergence occurs in August. At the present time this pest does not occuDue to the highly polyphagous nature of this pest, many of the plants that serve as primary and secondthese pests occur in North Carolina. The establishment of this pest would pose a serious economic thgrowing areas of the state. Because North Carolina has a thriving export program, any yield lossesdeleterious effect on the livelihood of the growers. Traps were placed at 24 sites in 6 counties (Avery, HayHenderson, Jackson, Mitchell, and Wilkes). 3. Egyptian Cottonworm ECW is native to the Mediterranean area, the Middle East, and much of Africa. It has a large host range and apples. At the present time this pest does not occur in the US. Due to the highly polyphagous nature omany of the plants that serve as primary and secondary hosts of these pests occur in North Carolestablishment of this pest would pose a serious economic threat in fruit-growing areas of the state. Because Carolina has a thriving export program, any yield losses would have a deleterious effect on the livelihgrowers. Traps were placed at 24 sites in 6 counties (Avery, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Mitchell, an In 2010, blueberry exporters to Canada were again enlisted to participate in trapping for light brownEighty-six traps were set at twenty-six blueberry farms in Bladen, Cumberland, Duplin, Pender, and Sampson counties. The survey began in June and ended in September. None of the target species were detected in North Carolina.
xotic Fruit Lepidoptera Orchard Trap Sites
2010-2011 Fiscal Year Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
24
Figure 3. 2010 Exotic Fruit Lepidoptera Blueberry Trap Sites Light Brown Apple Moth National Survey As in 2009, North Carolina participated in the National Light Brown Apple Moth LBAM) SurvCarolina was given the task of placing 350 traps at 175 commercial nursery sites. Traps were set and monitored according to the work plan (Figure 4). The state was divideMountains, Northern Coastal Plain and Piedmont, and Southern Coastal Plain and Piedmontmodified from the previous year to give better coverage of the state. Three people (Plant Pestone from each region, to install and monitor the traps during the trapping timeframe. Each trappecomprehensive list of nurseries occurring in their area and were told select 60-65 locations fromwere distributed as follows: Mountains - 60 nurseries in 20 counties (Alexander, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, CCleveland, Gaston, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, MTransylvania, Watauga, and Yancey) are being surveyed. Northern Coastal Plain and Piedmont - 78 nurseries in 22 counties (Alamance, Caswell, ChDavie, Durham, Edgecombe, Forsyth, Granville, Guilford, Halifax, Iredell, Nash, Orange, Person Randolph, Rockingham, Rowan, Stokes, Surry, Wake, and Yadkin) are being surveyed.
Southern Coastal Plain and Piedmon2010-2011 Fiscal Year Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
25
ing, the Jackson fruit fly trap was used. Traps were hung on or near host plants in the nursery.
The components of the female sex pheromone used are (E)-11-tetradecenyl acetate and (E,E)-9,11-tetradecadienyl
y
n the United States contain at
States based on six primary and thirteen secondary hosts. Based on the information
available, there do not appear to be areas within the continental United States where LBAM is less likely to occur
Hardiness zones 1-6 may have
a less likely chance of LBAM establishment. These areas, however, are not to be considered excluded from possible
rown Apple Moths were found in North Carolina.
For adult male trapp
acetate used in a 20:1 ratio at a 3 mg dose per septum. The pheromone is dispensed on rubber septa distributed by the USDA, APHIS, PPQ-CPHST Laborator at Otis Air Force Base, MA. The septum is placed in a clip attached to the side of the trap. Due to the highly polyphagous nature of LBAM, many states i
least one of the many primary or secondary hosts of LBAM. The host map for LBAM gives an overview of LBAM distribution in the United
based on the prevalence of preferred hosts and temperature. In addition, information from regions where LBAM is established (England, New Zealand, Australia) was analyzed and LBAM has only been reported in USDA Plant Hardines zones 7 and above. Therefore, regions of the United States in USDA Plant
establishment.
Traps were checked every two weeks and the lures changed every four weeks. Removable bottoms or inserts were changed as needed. Survey dates in North Carolina were June 1st - November 22nd 2010. 2376 traps bottoms were collected from traps and sent for identification to Dr. Ken Ahlstrom, SSC, NC who has over 30 years of taxonomic expertise with insects.
No Light B
F
Light Brown apple Moth Trap Sites 2010-2011 Fiscal Year Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
26
Grape C
few years, and
d that, in 2010, a
rative Agreement
, European Grape
tworm (RC), and
States mainland near
s property. The
. LBAM is native to
dom. LBAM has a
owers, stone fruits
pread across the
Western
suckle, cherries,
age of grapes.
er of 2009 and has
nd berry-like fruit
thern and western
e consequences of
roduction across
es, other hosts of GBM are blackberry, cherry, dogwood, persimmon, and
ns, cotton, sweet potato, sunflowers, tobacco,
e to Vitis sp. Its host range consists of over 50 plants, most of
oneysuckle, lilac, maple,
The trapping season began in June and continued through November. Two hundred and three traps were placed
(Figure 5) at twenty-nine vineyards in seventeen counties (Alamance, Burke, Caswell, Davidson, Davie, Forsyth,
Guilford, Lee, Lincoln, McDowell, Polk, Rowan, Stanly, Stokes, Surry, Watauga, and Yadkin).
Traps were set up and monitored according to protocols established by USDA, APHIS,PPQ. Approximately 1000
traps and trap bottoms were examined at the end of the season.
ommodity Survey
Because of the tremendous growth of the wine and grape industry in North Carolina during the last coupled with the discovery of two serious pests of grapes in California last year, it was decidegrape survey would be conducted which would be both beneficial and informative to winegrowers in the state. The survey was conducted partly under CAPS and partly under a coopewith USDA,APHIS,PPQ Pests surveyed were Light Brown Apple Moth (LBAM), European Grape BerryMoth (EGBM)Vine Moth (EGVM), False Codling Moth (FCM), Egyptian Cotton Leafworm (ECL), Rice CuSummer ruit Tortrix Moth (SFTM). Jackson, delta, and wing traps were utilized. Rationale underlying survey methodology In March 2007, Light Brown Apple Moth (LBAM) was found for the first time in the United Berkley, California by a private citizen who reported two suspect moths in a blacklight trap on hiidentification was confirmed by the Systematic Entomological Laboratory in Washington, DCAustralia and has been introduced into India, New Caledonia, New Zealand, and the United Kinghost range in excess of 150 plant genera in more than 70 families, including nursery stock, cut fl(peaches, plums, cherries, etc.), pome fruits (apples and pears), grapes and citrus, and many others. The European Grape Berry Moth (EGBM) has not yet been detected in the United States. It is widesEuropean part of Russia, eastward through southern Siberia to the Pacific Ocean. It is also known fromEurope, Asia Minor, Iran, China, Korea, and Japan. Known hosts are grape, viburnum, ivy, honeymaples, and other trees and fruits. Females overwinter and egg-laying begins with the flowering st The European Grape Vine Moth (EGVM) was detected in the Napa Valley of California in Octobnow been detected in an additional five counties in California. It is a significant pest of berries ain Europe, the Mediterranean area, southern Russia, Japan, the Middle East, Near East, and norAfrica. Although the threat of introduction into the US was determined to be low, thestablishment is considered to be severe because of the dramatic increase in vineyards and wine p
the US in recent years. In addition to grap
plums.
False Codling Moth (FCM) has not yet been detected in the United States. It is found in most of sub-Saharan Africa where it has caused significant damage to cotton. In addition, FCM has over 70 hosts including beans, castor bean, citrus, grapes, oaks, okra, and peppers. The Egyptian Cotton Leafworm (ECL) and Rice Cutworm (RC) have not yet been detected in the United States. Their ranges are Africa and Asia respectively. ECL and RC have host range of over 40 families, containing at least 87 species of economic importance including camellia, squash, soybea
corn, and grapes. The Summer Fruit Tortrix Moth (SFTM) has not yet been detected in the United States. While it is not considered a primary pest of grapes, it is capable of causing damag
which are of economic importance. Some of the hosts are: apple, ash, blackberry, cotton, hoak, peach, roses, and strawberries. 2010-2011 Fiscal Year Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
27
None of the target organisms were detected in North Carolina.
F
S
The causal agent of sudden Oak death (SOD), Phytophthora ramorum, was first identified in 1993 in Germany and The Netherlands on ornamental rhododendrons. P. ramorum was isolated in June 2000 from dying trees in California. Since its discovery in North America, SOD has been confirmed in forests in California and Oregon and in nurseries in California, Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia. For several years now, North Carolina has been part of a National Survey Program to detect SOD in states other than those on the Pacific coast, concentrating on nurseries that receive nursery stock from the West Coast.
According to USDA guideline, North Carolina was to survey twenty nurseries for the presence of Phytophthora ramorum the causative agent for Sudden Oak Death (Figure 6). The survey was conducted at forty-six nurseries beginning on April 4th and ending on May 26th 2011.
2010-2011 Fiscal Year Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
28
Figure 6. Sudden Oak Death Nursery Survey Sites
Thousand Cankers Disease
fo
wa
ally it s
g and
cro
and
s. Th
bid
Pity
The
a
tog
utrient to
the fo
O
ally die wit
noticed
Kn
ra w
ut t
nsas,
del
w
alifo
rnica
suscep
e.
The disease is
firmed
UT
w
ox Count
ha
orer is
tern U
did
ay fo
ted
mps, fi
O
ma
ry sto
. Th
lnut. 2010-2011 Fiscal Year Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
29
A visual survey w ucted in western No arolina during early Se ber
2010, by personnel DA&CS, the Nor rolina Forest Service,
tional Park Serv d the Cherokee Indian Nation. Two person team re
the surve onducted as a drive unting the number of lnut
trees observed and seeing if they displayed an ptoms of the disease.
beetles or disease tected.
logical Pro s
vement of Live Insects for Research, Educational Purposes
A&CS evaluated proved 33 federal applications, PPQ Permit 5 for the movement of live insects into
lina for a total o t species. The larg umber of application ove insects to North Carolina reflects
ed market in co l production, sale, ovement of insects f ucation, entertainment, and scientific
search conducted in North Carolina’s academic institutions and the private sector.
l of 541,542 acres. Approximately 6,700 traps
ere placed in the field by eight contractors at a density of 1 trap per 51 acres. No boll weevil was captured during the 2010
otton season.
010-2011 Imported Fire Ant Survey and Monitoring Program
as cond
rth C
ptem
from NC
th Ca
the
Na
ice, an
s we
used and
y was c
-by, co
wa
y sym
No
were de
Entomo
gram
2010-2011 Mo
Commercial or
The NCD
and ap
26,
N
orth Carothe continu
f
37 differenmmercia
e n and m
s to
mor ed
re
2010-2011 Boll Weevil Eradication Program Cotton was grown in 56 counties in North Carolina by 2,224 growers for a tota
w
c
2
Four to seven temporary employees surveyed a total of 48,121 miles in 7576 acres along the existing quarantine line in 36 counties. As a result of these surveys, no new quarantines boundaries in relation to the 2009-2010 surveys were established. A summary of these surveys is presented in the table below.
Red Imported Fire Ant (Solenopsis invicta) survey results by county. County Miles Surveyed Acres Surveyed New Sites
A
Alexander 535 1Anson 90 1
6 1 2318
A
very 20 2 Buncombe 1,633 231 9 Burke 1,862 134 8 Caldwell 567 66 4 Catawba 2,756 215 17 Dare 204 6 1
D
avidson 1,695 396 Davie 1,185 304
Forsyth
2,108 246 22 Graham 1,156 264 12 Granville 2,036 140 6 Guilford 1,144 387 18
H
H
H
H
Ir2010-2011 Fiscal Year Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
30
ackson 1,899 686 8
J
Lincoln 1,099
M
McDowell 1,808 172 11 North Hampton 2,338 157 6 Orange 2,172 240 26
Person 1,520 106 8 Polk 879 44 7 Rowan 1,055 217 17 Rutheford 1,068 108 9 Surry 62 97
3
Swain 1,500 528 14 Transylvania 724 198 1 Vance 1,593 102 4 Warren 2,318 157 10 Totals 48,121 7576 371
T
Mount Airy (Surry Coarantine on movement soil samples from potted all commercially grown ns te
H
a
p
2
N
s
ity of one trap per
a
68% on the number of fields compared to the 2009-2010 period. Surveys were also conducted in sixty four commercial sweetpotato storage and processing facilities and sweetpopropagation operations throughout the state. Surveys in these facilities were done on a year-round basis andplaced inside and outside the main entrances. No sweetpotato weevils were detected. 2010-2011 Blueberry Export Certification Program The Canadian Food Inspection Agency requires that all fresh blueberries shipped to Canada com from groparticipate in a Blueberry Certification Program. The program consists of monitoring and control procedblueberry maggot, Rhagoletis mendax. Forty nine North Carolina production areas were monitored (5,500 acrepresenting 96 fields) throughout the harvesting and shipping period and were issued certification documents. No maggots were detected in any of the fresh market blueberries being shipped to Canada in 2011. 2010-2011 Gypsy Moth Slow the Spread (STS) and Eradication Program 2010-2011 the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Plant Industry Division car
In extri
S
2010-2011 Fiscal Year Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
31
Gypsy moth trap.
2010 Gypsy Moth Trapping R
The presence and density of gypsy moth populations in North Carolina is determined byrelatively small traps. These traps are baited with the female sex pheromone, which is attractivIf a population is present, a portion of the adult males are attracted to and immobilized in NCDAIn the Slow the Spread area, traps were placed on a 2-kilometer base grid with 1-Kilometer and 500-meter delimit grids in areas that had high catches or treatments in 2009. The Slow the Spread area
the placement of numerous e to adult male gyspy moths. &CS traps.
placed and removed 9,462 traps at an average cost of $15.32 per trap. 9,980 traps were placed and removed in the statewide eradication area. These traps were laced on a 3-kilometer base grid with 500-meter grids in areas of concern.
p
th
employees and seventeen per
counties. Between the STS and statewide programs, a total of 19,439 traps were deployed in 2010 with 806 moths caught in 266 positive traps.
2010-2011 Fiscal Year Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
32
und in MaVIPER
Ttr
numerous landowner comments and airspace issues required cons
CDA&inimal.
borated
osely with
downers
nsure that the
pact of trea
t was f the p
at all members ots. Email listserves c have t
emain in
f pro
activities
ore, during
nd
nd Twittustomaryuring the
ted, in add calls, andject w
gs, p
. A
e num
he progra
reatment. Argen
embe
the operati
al te
given
dios (
or Emeontinuo
espoinsta
s). Relyineous comm
on
z tewi
R radeven
for
ab
echnologies w
d have
lowed prog
per
o s
grate
into
he program’s
munic
on network,
lowi
mo
nse.
Oim
pacted by Bt, the product of choice for these treatmcostly Bt, NCDA&CS opted to use Gypc
concerns. SPLAT-GM, a mating disruption product, was also applied by gawaiting final removal of gypsy moth traps to determine if these treatments ach 2010-2011 Fiscal Year Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
33
2011 Treatments: Aerial Blocks Block Acres Product Dosage Applications Treatment Date(s) 2010 Highest Catch Alternate Life Stages Hubert 400 Gypchek 1x10^12 3 4/13, 4/18, 4/20 103 6 Hubert Ground 20 SPLAT-GM 30g 1 5/23 Yanceyville 3,070 Disrupt II 6g 1 6/10 17 0 Jonathan Crossroads 780 Disrupt II 6g 1 6/10 4 0 Ruffin 815 Disrupt II 6g 1 6/10 11 0
Leasburg S 4,537 Disrupt II 6g
2010 Gypsy Moth Regulatory Program he gypsy moth prog
T
North Carolina quarantine.
through a comprehensive regulatory program. An area that is generally infested is quarantined such that the movement of certain high-risk articles is strategically restricted and regulated. In North Carolina, Currituck and a small portion of Dare Counties were quarantined in 1988. A map of the US quarantine is below.
R
a
c2010-2011 Fiscal Year Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
34
articles to ensu fre
ularly visit NC
onitor all high-ram
ltiple compliance
se chan
u a in p mber mills, firewood
r meeting their legal
t -compliance. Each
ram, with additional
require inspection and/or treatment ofre that they are e of gypsy moth life stages.
P
ublic education efforts are also an important part of the regulatory program. Regulatory personnel reNC Forest Service officeso updatenty ersonnelso, program pnnel m
g
C
ooperative Extension and t coupl. Aersohe STS pr
r
isk locations in tog area by placing one or more gypsy moth traps.
With changing economic times, mnesses are undergoing oational and penel changes. agreements were altered to reflect theges.
a
y businperrsonMu
During 2010-2011, continued focs was ced on spection of comliance agreement paperwork. Ti
p
ldealers, mo industy offices, and Christms tree loere visited toure that all parties were
v
ingats w ensobligations. While he majority of companies were compliant, there were several incidences of non
i
ncident of non-compliance was followed up, often in cooperation with the VDACS Gypsy Moth Prog
t
raining and inspection to ensure future compliance.
Nursery Certification Program NCDA&CS’ Plant Protection Specialists inspected 2,514 nursery dealers and 1,091 nurseries during the 2010-11 season. Four Stop Sale/Movement notices were issued to prevent the sale of infected or prohibited plants. These plants were either treated or destroyed. The data shows a significant reduction in both the number of nurseries and the number of acres that were certified. This drop is believed to be a reflection of the economy and its impact on the nursery industry largely caused by the building industry. A similar reduction was also seen in the number of Nursery Dealer Certificates issued (a loss of 415). Several chain stores chose not to offer plants for sale at their locations and therefore did not re2010-2011 Fiscal Year Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
35
umber of Nurseries by Category 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11
N
• Retail 118
•
•Retail and Whole
itutional 73
istered 332 5
rseries (All categories* 1,761
) -
of Acres by Category 08/09
• Retail • Who
lesale ,482.0 il and Wholesale ,133.4
•
••
Registered Total Acreage (All categories*) -
Total Collected Plant Certificates Issued - 49
Total Number of Nursery Dealers** - 2,514 *Categories A—Retail - Any nursery where 80% or more of the nursery stock sold is to the final consumer for their use. B—Wholesale - Any nurser
C--Retail and Wholesale - Any nursery where sales consist of nursery stock which is sold as follows: (1) Directly to the final consumer, and also (2) To other nurseries and/or dealers for resale with the percentage of total sales for each category being less than 80%.
I—
R—Registered - Any nursery less than one acre in size that produces nursery stock,
**Nursery Dealer – Any person not a grower of nursery stock who obtains certified nursery stock and/or collected plants for the purpose of distribution or sale independent of the control of a nursery.
Phytosanitary Certification Program
2010-11 Export Certification Program Within the Export Certification Program, Plant Protection Specialists issue phytosanitary certificates to growers and/
b
rokers to facilitate movement of agricultural commodities to other states and to other countries. Phytosanitary certificates indicate that inspections and other specific requirements of the importing states or countries have been met. State certificates are used for movement within the U.S., and federal certificates are required for movement to another country. Countries and states vary greatly in2010-2011 Fiscal Year Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
36
Summary of Certificates Issued 2009-2010 2010-2011 Federal Certificates Phytosanitary Certificate 1,675 2,539 Re-Issue Certificates 194 242 Re-Export Certificate 27 21 Processed Product Certificate 68 29 Total Federal Certificates: 1,964 2,831 State Certificates Phytosanitary Certificates 267 361 Plant Conservation Program NORTH CAROLINA PLANT CONSERVATION BOARD The Program meets quarterly with members of the NC Plant Conservation Board whose 7 members are apGovernor and the Commissioner of Agriculture. New regulations extensively reviewed and consideredapproved and made effective December 1, 2010. These regulations included official adoption of endangered, threatened, vulnerable, or historic in North Carolina, significant revisions to American Ginsenother important changes. Recent legislative actions by the NC General Assembly also created and revised regulations under the Conservation Program and Board. Some of these changes need further clarification from the Board alegislative staff prior to final implementation. NORTH CAROLINA PLANT CONSERVATION SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE The Program continues to meet frequently and regularly with members of the NC Plant Conservation SciThis 7 member committee consists, primarily, of positions designated to the committee by law. Membguidance to the Program and Board and were instrumental in developing the comprehensive listing immediate conservation attention. More recently, the Committee has begun to focus on commercially trade PLANT CONSERVATION PRESERVE SYSTEM The Plant Conservation Program and Board have the regulatory authority to establish Plant Conservation Pimperiled plant species. These Preserves are the only state-managed lands selected and designed spconservation purposes. The Preserve system currently consisting of 19 Preserves distributed acro Although Preserves are not generally open to the public, due to concerns about poaching, a number of fielPlant Conservation Staff and partners to selected sites. Notable among these trips were visits to 2 PreserTroxler. 2010-2011 Fiscal Year Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
37
C
D
occurred at the following Preserves: (1) Tater Hill Preserve – Watauga County (2) Eastwood Preserve – Moore County (3) Hebron Road Preserve – Durham County
(4
(52010-2011 Fiscal Year Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
38
xpansions are pending in the following areas:
(4) Cedar Mountain
ATURAL HERITAGE TRUST FUND GRANTS
$1,895,000
. Boiling Spring Lakes $220,000
. Melrose Mountain-Burdette $72,986.10
E
(1) Rocky River (2) Melrose Mt. (3) Boiling Spring Lakes
N
Nearly all Plant Conservation Preserve acquisitions are funded by the NHTF. Additional grants were obtained to expand the Preserve system in the near future. Grants secured during this year included:
1. Tater Hill
2
3. Eastwood Preserve $449,000 4. Rocky River $128,500 5. Hebron Road $230,880
6
ACQUISITION PLANNING A systematic and comprehensive evaluation of site protection needs was updated this year. This “portfolioConservation Areas” continues to guide our efforts in working with land owners and managers across tprotect these critical sites. UNITED STATES FISH & WILDLIFE SERVICE (USFWS) PARTNERSHIP The Plant Conservation Program and USFWS continued a long-standing cooperative agreement relaendangered and threatened species in North Carolina. Grant funds obtained under this cooperative agreemfunds to North Carolina each year. This funding covers research specialist, Lesley Starke who joined thThe addition of her expertise has greatly increased the effectiveness of the program’s field work and data anof the remaining funds have funded temporary employees during the majority of this period.
P
The Plant Conservation Program operates with a full-time Program Coordinator/Plant Ecologist, and was joined for the first time ever with an administrative support position. The staff is greatly assisted by the positions funded by the USFWS. In ion, occasional support comes from other NCDA & CS pe
additxtern
e
2010-2011 Fiscal Year Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
39
ons and by
lling information requests.
he Program is responsible for the protection and conservation of 419 plant species across NC, of which 27 are also federally
evaluated
Without monitoring by the Program harvest and export from North Carolina will not be allowed by
deral authorities who have listed this plant under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).
PARTNERSHIP PROJECTS
The Plant Conservation Program is a member of several statewide or regional conservation partnerships and staff participates in these partnerships as time allows. In addition, staff regularly reaches out to the public with special presentati
fi
REGULATORY PROGRAMS
T
protected. Program staff meets quarterly with an interagency panel to review permit requests for projects affecting these protected plant species. Over 21 permits were issued and several additional requests were
AMERICAN GINSENG American Ginseng harvest and exports from North Carolina continued under regulations adopted by the N.C Plant Conservation Board.
fe
NCDA & CS certified 8,568.80 pounds of wild collected ginseng duringsimulated ginseng. The amount of wild collected Ginseng has declined consiwere issued during the 2010 ginseng season.
2010-2011 Fiscal Year Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
40
LANT CONSERVATION PRESERVE MANAGEMENT & MONITORING ACTIVITIES
uately manage Preserves for the benefit of the rare plant species and habitats present
of rare species at these sites.
The fou
prep
burn
Staf
one
Sign
Con
recr
imp
On t
the the Bunched Arrowhead population at the site has begun to flower again.
Staf
Pon
pop
Staf ons at what are believed to be the most important remaining sites
u d North Carolina, including Camp Lejeune, Croatan National Forest, private lands, Plant Conservation Preserves, and
NC Preserves. With preliminary results in hand we have begun to develop a better understanding of how this locally
s.
Staf
activ
bene
P
The Program continues striving to adeq
o
n these sites and to conduct sufficiently detailed monitoring to determine the status
rember staff conducted 11 different prescribed burns during the year. Each burn involved significant planning and aration as well as mop-up after the burns were conducted. At least one new rare species was located as a result of these s. f completed a multi-week project to locate boundary lines and create fire lines around a previously unmanaged section of of the Preserves to support future joint prescribed burning of the unit with NCDFR. ificant restoration work was completed at the Ochlawaha Bog Preserve with the help of Carolina Mountain Land servancy, the USFWS, and the NRCS. The project involved plugging historic ditches, removing soil overburden, and eating natural drainage channel patterns on a former agricultural field known to support one of the states rarest and most eriled species. he nearby Bat Fork Preserve, staff has continued to combat an infestation of the highly invasive Canary Reed Grass. For first time in many years,
m
f initiated a monitoring study in conjunction with restoration activities designed to benefit the federally endangered dberry, a species found at only 3 sites in NC. Staff has conducted extensive removal of wood vegetation near this ulation in an attempt to restore more beneficial light and water levels. f conducted monitoring of Venus Fly Trap populati
aroT
n
endemic species responds to management as well as how critically vulnerable the species i
f and volunteers planted hundreds of hardwood trees on a Preserve in Hendersonville as part of ongoing restoration ities.Huge piles of trees and brush were cleared from a Preserve in Durham, which was being hand thinned for the fit of a rare plant found at only 1 site in the Piedmont..
volunteers from a local rugby club help clear debris from a Durham area Preserve. 2010-2011 Fiscal Year Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
41
Pla
EXP
from Field Specialists and NC USDA-APHIS-PPQ personnel for assistance with interpretation of plant disease and
nematode certification requirements, development of specific certification procedures and protocols, and determination
his reporting period include: inquiry about
arification of new requirements for shipping
r
shipping to other States (inquiry from large nursery); peach propagation material for shipment to Oregon (peach yellows
to have originated in California initially; and tomato
plants to New Jersey (special inspections required).
EXP
annually in States where blue mold was reported in order to certify tobacco for export to China. This must be
ding to procedures developed by USDA-APHIS-PPQ. The Plant Pathologist has been the state survey
coordinator every year since the program began in 2001. She updates the NC survey procedures yearly and sends them
tribution to NC Cooperative Extension Service personnel (county
gents). The county agents conduct the survey by collecting samples from affected counties and submitting them to the
EXP
soybean cyst nematode (SCN). California has a similar import requirement for reniform and burrowing nematodes. To
assist nurseries that request certification, Field Specialists collect soil samples and submit them to the NCDA&CS
cording to procedures developed by the Plant Pathologist, who
able based on numbers of plants or area sampled was developed
nt Pathology Program ORT: Disease certification requirements and distribution information Most agricultural commodities exported to foreign countries must be certified to meet certain plant-pest requirements. Countries differ as to what is important in regard to plant-pest risk. The Plant Pathologist received and handled requests
of disease organism distribution. Examples of specific issues during tsampling for pinewood nematode prior to felling pine trees for export; cl
white potatoes to Canada; review of new Canadian requirements for shipping root crops; fungicide treatment of corn seed as a basis for certification; and clarifying soybean cyst nematode requirements for shipping nursery stock to Canada. The Plant Pathologist also participated in quarterly Trade Support Team meetings, which involved representatives from NCDA&CS Marketing Division and USDA-APHIS-PPQ. In November, she received a Certificate of Appreciation from USDA-APHIS-PPQ for her scientific evaluation and documentation that the nematode Ditylenchus destructor has never been reported in NC. This resulted in the removal of North Carolina from the EPPO and Canadian list of infested States. Similarly, some States have special export requirements. Examples of specific issues related to plant pathogens this yeaincluded: dogwood certification for shipping to Florida (dogwood anthracnose issue); grapevine certification for
issue); roses stopped at the California border which were found
ORT: Tobacco blue mold oospore survey (for certification of tobacco to China) A field survey to detect special spore-forms (oospores) of the plant pathogen that causes tobacco blue mold must be completeddone accor
to the NCSU Tobacco Pathology Specialist for dis
a
approved lab (the NCSU Plant Disease and Insect Clinic). Industry groups pay for assaying the samples. Twelve counties (12) in NC reported blue mold during the 2010 season, according to the Blue Mold Forecasting System. No oospores were found in any samples collected in NC or in any other State. No blue mold was detected in NC during the 2011 season as of June 30, and so a survey was not initiated during this reporting period. ORT: Nematode certification Before plants and certain other plant products are certified for export to Canada from NC, they must be certified free of
Agronomic Division’s Nematode Assay Section lab acalso provides oversight for this program. A sampling t
by the Plant Pathologist so that costs for assays can be predetermined prior to collection and submission. During this reporting period, twenty-five (25) NC nurseries were soil-surveyed for nematode certification. This involved the collection and submission of 166 field samples (332 lab assays). Targeted nematodes were not found in any of the samples. However, samples from one location had high numbers of endemic nematodes present which resulted in denial of certification. [Note: Reniform and burrowing nematodes have never been found in a nursery in North Carolina. Reniform nematode has been found in NC under agronomic field conditions in eight counties, but burrowing nematode has never been found at any location.] 2010-2011 Fiscal Year Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
42
o that i d be shared with others. The
id t previously sent out for
peer
ous Weeds”) permits the
m s for research, diagnostic
y, evaluates them, adds
cond for final evaluation and
app f each organism must be
indi ermits. Sixty-three (63)
pe ication or documentation
from non-specified-species or
unk ses, and 17 nematodes.
NURSE
Th ection Specialists collect
prob SU Plant Disease and Insect
Clin he liaison between the
Sp n necessary. Seventeen
latory-significance were
ete
UR
n Specialists as is the case for all other plants defined as nursery stock. However, NCDA&CS defers
y
in
nts
ion
nducted in April-June 2011 (8th year of survey).
This survey was funded by the CAPS program. A total of forty-six (46) locations were inspected according to the
The Nematology Assay Section (NAS) Chief cooperates with the Plant Pathologist to test routine samples for soybean cyst nematode in order to validate new-county detections. This is possible with the use of PCR testing. Otherwise, cyst nematodes detected in routine samples are not normally identified to species. Soybean cyst nematode was not detected in any new county in NC during this reporting period. The Plant Pathologist assisted the NAS Chief in preparing a paper for submission to the Journal of Nematology detailing this PCR procedure st coul(17dea for this work was initiated within the Plant Industry Division several years ago but was no review or published. IMPORT: Movement of plant pathogens for research and other purposes The Federal PPQ Form 526 (“Application and Permit to Move Live Plant Pests or Noxiovement of plant pathogens and other pests into North Carolina from other states or countrieidentifications, or commercial uses. USDA-APHIS-PPQ receives the applications initiallitions, and forwards the draft permits to the Plant Pathologist via the e-Permit systemroval. Because all plant pathogenic organisms are subject to this requirement, the pest-risk ovidually-evaluated to ensure that adequate safeguards are listed in the conditions of the prmit applications were evaluated by the Plant Pathologist, with several requiring further clarif PPQ before State approval could be given. Fifteen (15) permits were for receiving nown organisms. Specifically-requested organisms included 162 fungi, 57 bacteria, 13 viruRY: Submission and diagnosis of problem-plant samples e Plant Industry Division does not maintain a lab for general diagnostic purposes. Plant Protlem-plant samples from nurseries during nursery inspections and submit them to the NCic (Raleigh) for diagnosis and control recommendations. The Plant Pathologist serves as tecialists and the Clinic, assisting with interpretation of diagnoses and recommendations whe) problem-plant samples were submitted during this reporting period. No pests of regucted.
N
SERY: Strawberry Plant Nursery Certification Strawberries are defined as nursery stock in NC. The strawberry plant inspection program is outlined and guided by a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the NCDA&CS and the NC Crop Improvement Association (NCCIA). The MOU clarifies roles and overlapping responsibilities for inspection of strawberry plant nurseries. The Plant Pathologist serves as the liaison with NCCIA. NCCIA no longer has a “certified” plant class and does not inspect that generation of plants produced from their “registered” plants. Inspection of these plants now defaults to NCDA&CS Plant rotectio
Pin
s
pection of NCCIA registered and foundation plants to NCCIA. The total strawberry plant acreage inspected bNCDA&CS is included in the totals of other nursery stock, as indicated under the nursery program section elsewhere inthis report.
S
UDDEN OAK DEATH -- CAPS NURSERY SURVEY
S
udden Oak Death disease caused by the plant pathogen Phytophthora ramorum is killing thousands of oak treesCalifornia and Oregon. To prevent artificial movement out the known-infested areas, shipments of nursery host pla
a
re regulated by federal (USDA-APHIS-PPQ) and state quarantines. The host list is broad and continues to expand. However, the highest-risk types of plants appear to be species of Camellia, Kalmia, Pieris, Rhododendron, and Viburnum. General background and actions taken in NC since 2003 can be found on the Plant Protection Sectwebsite. A survey of selected nurseries and nursery dealers was again co2010-2011 Fiscal Year Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
43
th
n.
OAK
f
ederal nursery survey manual. (see map below). Field Specialists collected and submitted samples from plants wisuspicious symptoms. These samples were pre-screened by the Plant Pathologist using an ELISA test for Phytophthoraspecies. DNA was extracted from ELISA-positive samples and sent to an approved PPQ lab for PCR confirmatioPhytophthora ramorum was not found in any of the samples. One nursery dealer in Mecklenburg County that was positive in 2008, 2009, and again in 2010 was also surveyed. This is discussed under the section titled “SUDDENDEATH -- REGULATORY ISSUE: Recurring-positive Nursery Dealer”.
DEN OAK DEATH -- REGULATORY ISSUE: Recurring-positive Nursery Dealer A nursery dealer in Mecklenburg County has tested positive for the plant pathogen Phytophthora ramorum (Pram) repeatedly in 2008, 2009, and 2010. During this reporting period, surveys of plants, water, and soil continued at this location. A state compliance agreement established in fall 2010 formalized a formerly-verbal agreement that outlinerequirements and best management practices thought to potentially reduce the risk of Pram development. This included prohibiting the sale of certain high-risk plants, keeping other high-risk host plants on a paved surface, cleaning up plant debris, and eliminating standing water. The following actions were taken during this reporting period (in chronological order):
􀂄􈑆 Final paving of a 2010 soil-posidays after detections) related to th
was not detected in any of these samples. 􀂄􈑄 Due to positive water detections in a drainage ditch downstream and off-site the previous spring, an environs survey of plants along the ditch bank was conducted in October by NC Forest Service, US Forest Service, Clemson University, and NCDA&CS personnel. Plant samples were collected and sent to USFS expert labs. Pram was not detected in any of these samples. 􀂄􈑂 Between March 16 and June 9, three whole-nursery plant surveys were completed. Plant samples were collected and assayed as described under the CAPS Nursery Survey. Pram was not detected in any of these samples.
Pram. The samples were assayed either initially nor after t
samples n2010-2011 Fiscal Year Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
44
regulatory action. NC is one of five States in the southeast where Pram has been
found in the water downstream of a confirmed-positive nursery or nursery dealer, but, to date, no detections have
une, the Plant Pathologist arranged to have a team of experts visit the location to determine if algaecides might
be applied safely and legally in the areas were Pram is continuing to be detected in water. The team consisted of
experts from the NC Forest Service, NCSU (Departments Plant Pathology and Crop Science), Clemson University,
o whether or not the ditch was defined as a
jurisdictional stream. [A representative from the NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources visited the
ed shipments of rhododendron plants from an infected Oregon Nursery to twelve homeowners in NC.
een (17) and eighty (80) plants each). The other locations had received less than five (5) plants
CS were contacted and the
mples.
r detection in
Tennessee. The Plant Pathologist participated in a meeting of personnel from NCDA&CS, the NC Forest Service, and
nsibilities and outline reporting procedures in case of a detection by any of the
coordinator participated in a preliminary survey of walnuts in western NC with NC
rsonnel. No evidence of TCW was found.
ther
must be inspected and certified. A major reason for this requirement is to
ue-mold or virus-infected plants from one growing region into another, which could
ere were no certified tobacco plant nurseries during this reporting period.
tification of vegetable plants grown in
􀂄􈑉 In April, water in a ditch pool on-site was baited by NCFS and found to contain Pram (based on PCR testing). At this same time, Pram was found in water in the drainage ditch downstream from the location (off-site) by both PCR testing and recovery of a culture. Baiting halted when water heated up in May but will resume in the fall. USDA-APHIS-PPQ stated that it “does not have a policy or any regulatory authority in regard to detections in water outside a confirmed nursery”, thereby leaving it up to the State to handle. However, a detection on plants outside the boundary would trigger a serious
been made in the natural vegetation around these waterways. 􀂄􈑁 Anecdotal information suggests that copper-based fungicides may be of value in controlling Phytophthora species. In J
and NCDA&CS. It was decided that, a determination had to be made as t
site with her for this purpose on July 6 with a followup visit on July 15; results will be given in the report for the next reporting period.] 􀂄􈑐 Plant, soil, and water monitoring will continue at this location in the future.
S
UDDEN OAK DEATH -- REGULATORY ISSUE: Trace-forward notifications
I
n June, NCDA&CS received a trace-forward (TF) notification for Phytophthora ramorum from USDA-APHIS- PPQ. This involv
U
SDA-APHIS-PPQ requested that NCDA&CS personnel visit four of these locations which had received a large number of plants (between sevent
e
ach and were sent a letter and questionnaire by PPQ. The four locations assigned to NCDA&
T
F plants were inspected. Forty-one (41) plant samples were collected and assayed following the established procedure. P. ramorum was not detected in any of the sa
T
HOUSAND CANKERS DISEASE OF WALNUT
T
housand cankers disease of walnut is considered to be an entomological program in NC because the disease cannot be spread without the presence of the insect vector. During most of this reporting period, however, the Section’s
e
ntomologist position was vacant, and therefore the plant pathologist was involved with this program. A state quarantine was established in NC against the disease and its insect vector in September 2010 as a result of a majo
N. C. State University to clarify respothree groups. The CAPS state survey
Forest Service pe
TOBACCO PLANT INSPECTIONS The NC Tobacco Plant Certification Regulation requires that anyone who moves tobacco plants into NC from anostate must do so under an import permit system. There were no import permit applications received in 2011. Another aspect of the regulation requires that plants grown in NC and sold for planting in a location more than seventy-five (75) miles away from the place of production
prevent the artificial movement of blinitiate a premature disease epidemic. Th
V
EGETABLE PLANT INSPECTIONS
T
he Vegetable Plant Certification regulation requires weekly inspections and cer2010-2011 Fiscal Year Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
45
is
tify
ments of New Jersey. The NC Crop Improvement Association (NCCIA)
certifies a large number of sweetpotato cuttings and seed under its certification program. Because NCCIA certification
or exceed those of the vegetable plant regulation, NCDA&CS accepts inspections and certification
s that any vegetable plants or seed potatoes entering NC from another state be inspected and
spot-inspections during this reporting
t)
nal
t
nt
ided updates and training to the Plant Protection Specialists at their annual meeting;
to clarify PPQ’s new
pathogens (for example, investigation of a report that cucumber plants infected
ted to plant pathogens in nurseries (for example, complaint that African violets offered
Re
Program
eed Program protects North Carolina agriculture, public health, and native plant
ication
dication program
N
C if for sale to commercial growers. There were no vegetable plant nurseries certified under this regulation during th
r
eporting period. However, special inspections were conducted at one large production greenhouse nursery to cerplants to meet the vegetable import require
requirements meet
t
ags of NCCIA in lieu of its own. The regulation also require
c
ertified to meet certain disease standards. No problems were found during routine eriod.
p
*
MISCELLANEOUS ACTIVITIES related to Plant Pathology Issues:
D
uring this reporting period, the Plant Pathologist participated in on-line webinars on chrysanthemum white rust, SuddenOak Death, and control of Phytophthora diseases. She attended the Ornamental Workshop held in Henderson, NC (Sep
a
nd the American Phytopathological Society annual meeting in Charlotte, NC (July). After all these informatioopportunities, she prepared information to share with others in the Section. She was also involved with other plandisease-related issues. Examples include:
􀂄􈑡
answered inquiries from the public as they relate to the White Pine Blister Rust Quarantine as well as any general plant problems; 􀂄􈑵 updated information pertaining to the federal Black Stem Rust Quarantine as it relates to certification of nursery
s
tock; 􀂄􈑰 participated in conference calls pertaining to the Sudden Oak Death program and provides a summary to the PlaPest Administrator;
􀂄􈑭
maintained a functioning lab to assay survey samples for Sudden Oak Death at all times; 􀂄􈑰 provided current operational procedures related to her programs to Plant Protection Specialists via a secure website designed as an electronic field manual;
􀂄􈑰 prov􀂄􈑰 prov
i
ded articles for industry newsletters as needed, e. g., an article for Nursery Notes“Advance Shipment Notification” for high-risk Sudden Oak Death nursery plants;
􀂄􈑳
served on the state CAPS committee for selecting pests for survey; 􀂄􈑨 handled import issues related to plant
w
ith cucumber downy mildew were shipped from FL to Home Depots in NC, which turned out to be false); 􀂄􈑩 investigated complaints rela
f
or sale were infected with a virus, which turned out to be false based on sampling and testing).
g
ulatory Weed Program
O
bjective
The North Carolina Regulatory Wecostem
y
ss from the harmful impacts of noxious weeds. The regulation of noxious weeds is authorized by the North Carolina Plant Pest Law and the Aquatic Weed Control Act of 1991. Program activities include inspections, issuance of Phytosanitary Certificates, issuance of Scientific Permits for movement of regulated articles and the survey, control and
e
radication of listed noxious weeds. The program manager is also accountable for management of the Witchweed EradProject funded by USDA, APHIS, PPQ.
P
rogram Accomplishment Highlights Witchweed Eradication
•
The witchweed program continues to make gains in released acres in spite of the discovery of new or re-infested fields. The total acreage of active fields (i.e. fields with fewer than 5 points) is now 1,867 acres. • 4,166 acres were treated in NC as part of the witchweed era2010-2011 Fiscal Year Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
46
tion manual and to utilize GIS
Tropical
• t infestation of tropical spiderwort (Commelina benghalensis) is currently contained within the
rm. Most of the infested acreage is located within the Farming Systems Research Unit (FSRU)
.
• ay, 2011.
ral
o
•
•
eghany and Yancey counties.
Regulator
••
its were issued during 2010 to support the tropical spiderwort quarantines at the Cherry
tations
lations are awaiting approval by the NC Board of Agriculture. Changes
s A Noxious Weed to the list as a
uarantine areas in Alleghany and Yancey counties,
ious Weeds,
id an interview for NBC 17 television to
rding the damaging impacts of invasiveness plants.
o organize and participated as an instructor in an Early Detection and Rapid Response
n
ty training session; and, to a meeting of the Sandhills Natural History Society.
at explained the Early Detection and Rapid Response program being
coordinated by NC EPPC at the NCVMA annual meeting.
•
A total of 80,045 acres were surveyed to evaluate status of witchweed infestation in Southeastern counties of NC • Plans have been made with USDA, APHIS, PPQ to revise the witchweed eradica
t
ools to track fields and generate maps.
Spiderwort The only significanCherry Research Faof the Cherry Farmhe Tidewater ResTearch Station was released from quarantine in M
O
ther Noxious Weeds
•
The NCDA&CS assisted with the treatment of a small infestation of bushkiller (Cayratia japonica) at a small nursery in Lexington in Davidson County. A small infestation of bushkiller was confirmed at a private residence in
D
urham County and at Old Salem in Forsyth County. • Only one tropical soda apple plant (Solanum viarum) (a Federal Noxious Weed) was found during the 2010 survey at Martin Meats in Sampson county. The plant was bagged and destroyed.
•
Small broomrape (Orobanche minor) (a Federal Noxious Weed) continues to be confined to only a few plants in several locations of Mitchell County. Annual surveys are necessary to find the plants and destroy them to prevent
a
dditional spread. •
Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) is still confined to only a few plants primarily in Forsyth county and at seveother locations throughout the state. Annual surveys are necessary to find the plants and treat them with herbicide tprevent spread. A new location was confirmed near Sparta in Alleghany county. Approximately 3,600 acres were surveyed for the presence of Itchgrass (Rottboellia cochinchinensis) in Robeson county. Glyphosate was applied during summer/early fall 2010 to control emerged plants and pendimethalin herbicide was applied along affected roadsides in late March, 2011 to prevent germination. Additional mile-a-minute vine (Persicaria perfoliata) was documented in Rockingham and Yancey counties. Work is underway to evaluate efficacy of weevil releases as a biocontrol agent in both All
y 100 phytosanitary certificates were issued to support the witchweed quarantine program
E
leven new scientific permand Tidewater Research S
•
Several changes to the Noxious Weed Reguwill include the following: o Move mile-a-minute (Persicaria perfoliata) vine from the list as ClasClass B noxious weed and define a q
o
Delete Florida betony (Stachys floridana) from the list of Class B Noxo Delete Durham county as a regulated county for puncturevine (Tribulus terrestris). o Add crested floating heart (Nymphoides cristata), yellow floating heart (N. peltata) and water snowflake
(
N. indica) to the list of Class A Noxious Weeds. Public Relations and Outreach
•
The NCDA&CS Weed Specialist served as President of the NC Exotic Plant Pest Council (NC-EPPC) for a second year. The Weed Specialist is also a board member of the Aquatic Weed Control Council and is serving as editor of the NC Vegetation Management Association Newsletter. • As President of NC EPPC, the weed specialist helped to organize events for the first official Invasive Plants Awareness Week in NC. As part of the week’s events, the weed specialist dbolster awareness rega• The Weed Specialist helped t
W
orkshop at the following events: volunteer training event for the Sandhills Weed Mgt Area; pesticide certificatioat a New Hanover Coun• The Weed Specialist made a presentation th2010-2011 Fiscal Year Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
47
A annual meeting.
o address the southern states
horticultural inspectors on regulatory weed issues.
•
The Weed Specialist provided updates on the new mile-a-minute vine infestation in NC at the annual NC Christmas Tree Growers Association Annual Meeting and at the NCVM• The Horticultural Inspection Society Southern Chapter invited the Weed Specialist t
http://hissc.web.officelive.com/default.aspx • The Weed Specialist presented an invited paper summarizing the status of the Carolinas Witchweed EradicatiProgram at a one day symposium as part of the Weed Science Society Annual Meeting. • As part of pesticide certification training in Lu
t
he witchweed eradication program in the Carolinas. • In cooperation with the Biofuels Center of NC, the Weed Specialist helpeassociated with potentially invasive biofuel feedstocks and made a prese
C
onsiderations for B• On numerous occasions, assi
i
n crop, turf, aquatic and non-crop sites. • Eastern NC Hydrilla Symposium:
v
erticillata. Eastern NC an
agencies to help manage and prevent the spread of Hydrilla. The Hydrilla alert was prompted by the confirmatioa significant population of hydrilla in Albemarle Sound for the first time in 2010. The symposium was organized by North Carolina State University with input from the NCDA&CS and the NC Dept. of Natural Resources. The Weed Specialist served as moderator for the symposium. The agenda is detailed below:
Jewell Tetterton: Tidewater Research Station, Research Operations Manager Rick Iverson: NCDA&CS, Weed Specialist • 8:45 - 9:15 Hydrilla verticillata - Biology and History in North Carolina
• 9:15 - 9:45 Current Status of Hydrilla in Eastern NC and NCDENR Cost Share Program Rob Emens: Division of Water Resources, Aquatic Weed Control Program, • 9:45 - 10:15 Avian Vacuolar Myelinopathy: Updates on Field and Laboratory Investigations Linking Hy verticillata and Associated Cyanobacteria to Eagle and Waterbird Deaths in the Southeastern United States. Dr. Susan B. W
10:15 - 10:30 Break
• 10:30 - 10:50 The Spread and Management of Hydrilla in a North Carolina Piedmont River with Mo2010-2011 Fiscal Year Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
48
10:50 - 11:20 Albemarle Sound Ecology, Importance of SAV (Submersed Aquatic Vegetation) and Potential
•
on-natives on the EcosysAnne Deaton: NC Division of Marine Fisheri • 11:20 - 11:50 Ecology of Eastern Jeremy McCargo: NC Wildlife R 12:00 - 1:00 Lunch (Provided • 1:00 - 1:30 Challenges Associ Dr. Mike Netherland: Center fo Engineer Research and Developm • 1:30 - 2:00 Outreach Program Barbara A Doll: NCSU Sea Gran • 2:00 - 2:20 Break • 2:20 - until Open Discussion Moderator - Rebecca Liverman: • Wrap Up Rick Iverson Over 90 people, representing state age
Counties, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, applicators and Agro
being finalized for distribution to Symposium participants upon approval by the NC Aquatic Weed Control Council in March, 2011.
W
Survey Methodology and Rationale Surveys for all projects were done by visual reconnaissance. Survey objectives are: 1) identify new infestations of targnoxious weed (i.e. detection surveys); and, 2) delimit the boundaries where
d
present. In some instances GPS coordinates were recorded to provide Roadsides close to wet areas and home landscapes were targets have been infested with Orobanche minor in the past were checked atreoccurrence of the weed. A known infestation in a hay field was monitoinfestation and prevent additional spread by hand pulling plants at time o(Rottboellia cochinchinensis) were surveyed in June through October toknown past infestations. Cattle slaughter houses and holding farms inof tropical soda apple. Since plant species must be identified during the growing season, all surthrough the first hard freeze (usually mid November). No taxonomic servi The Survey Aide doing itchgrass surveys in Robeson County worked fro 2010-2011 Fiscal Year Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
49
Results
Mile-a-minute vine (Persicaria perfoliata) (Figure 1) Figure 1. Mile-a-minute vine. Note the triangular-shaped leaves. Mile-a-minute vine has now been documented in the following counties: Alleghany, Rockingham and Yathe Noxious Weed Regulations have been proposed to quarantine this pest in portions of Alleghany Coun
areas may be proposed as more is learned about the extent of i
To help contain the infestation, the NC DOT is actively spraying for mile-a-minute vine along portions of Highway 221 and Irwin Grocery Road in Alleghany County. Also, a weevil that feeds exclusively on mile-a-minute vine (MAM
re
University is monitoring the effectiveness of the weevil in containing the infestation and is also characterizing weevil reproduction, survival and spread in the NC area of the MAM infestation. 2010-2011 Fiscal Year Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
50
Bushkiller (Cayratia japonica) (Figure 3)
Figure 3. Bushk
iller overtopping an ornamental cedar tree. Bushkiller has now been confirmed on one additional site in Forsyth County and on one site at a private residof Durham in Durham County. Efforts are underway to eradicate the infestation at the Durham County site An operational application of a new herbicide, Streamline® (aminocyclopyrachlor + metsulfuron methyl), October, 2010 at the Davidson County bushkiller site. Evaluation on June 10, 2011 indicated good controstill present at the site and needs to be monitored and treated again to ensure it does not spread. Broomrape (Orobanche minor) Surveys were completed April 19 &25, May 2, 19 and 23 and June 1, 7, and 13 at sites where plants were kthe past. Approximately 30 plants were pulled at one of the sites along Highway 226 in Mitchell County. Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) A location near the airport at Banner Elk, NC where a plant was discovered in 2008 was surveyed in June, 2were found. Sixteen sites near Winston/Salem were surveyed in September, 2010. Loosestrife was detected and treatsites. The plants were treated with a 2% solution of triclopyr (Table 1) 2010-2011 Fiscal Year Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
51
s treated near Winston/Salem.
2&3 3&4 6 Treated
2
nter 2.03 2.03
n 7.66 7.6
1.7
d
Chaucer Lane
x Meadow 1.75 1.75 0 3.5
Villas 0 0 0 0
2.92
Willshi Golf Course 0 .32
Total 183.58
d in August, 2010 by the NC
Table 1. Purple loosestrife sites and acreage
Sites June August October Total Acres
I-40 West 4.51 4.51 0 9.0
Rec Ce 2.03 6.09 Substatio 7.66 6 22.98
Farmingdale 1.71 1.71 1 5.13 Oak Grove Church R0 00 0.
.22 22
Megahertz 1.97 1.97 1.97 5.91
Krispy Kreme 0.79 0.79 0 1.58
Corning Plant 2.05 2.05 0 4.1
Goose Pond 7.83 7.83 0 15.66
3.82 0 0 3.82
Fo
1-40 East Pasture 1.46 1.46 0
Wallburg 2.23 2.23 2.23 6.69
White Church/Hwy 109 0.85 0 0 0.85
re 303.32
Total Acres Treated by Date 38.88 37.31 15.6 91.79
Grand
Approximately 6 plants were discovered along Highway 21 near Sparta, NC. Plants were treate
DOT (Figure 4) 2010-2011 Fiscal Year Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
52
Tropical Soda Apple (Solanum viarum) Survey was done in Sampson County in July and October and at Coharie Farms in Sampson County in shows acreages and survey results. Table 2. Acreages and survey results for Tropical Soda Apple during the 2010 season. County Date Location Fields Acres Plants Survey Crew Sampson 7/27/10 Martin Meats 26 260 1* Herbie Ward Rondy Godwin Cleveland Chavis Ricky Gregory Earl Brewington Rick Iverson Jon Cole Sampson 10/05/10 Martin Meats 27 290 0 Rick Iverson 7 65 0 Herbie Ward Earl Brewington Richard Smith James Bullard Cleveland Chavis Sampson 10/05/10 Coharie Farms 8 850 0
2010-2011 Fiscal Year Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
53
Figure 5. Map showing 3 general areas where itchgrass has been found in Robeson County. 2010-2011 Fiscal Year Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
54
Figure 6. Map of itchgrass locations in fields of area 1 in Robeson County.
2010-2011 Fiscal Year Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
55
Figure 8. Map of itchgrass locations in fields of Area 3 in Robeson County. A NC State summer intern, Jonathan Cole, was employed through the NC Youth Advocacy and Involvemewith survey and treatment during the 2010 growing season. The intern started on May 24 and ended his inte30.
Oriental bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus)
Each year, Plant Pest Specialists, arning tags that retail outlets are
w
that oriental bittersweet is an invasive plant that should be disposed of in plastic bags destined for landfills and that dispoin a natural setting or mulch piles could lead to establishment of this serious invasive plant. A stop sale for oriental bittersweet was issued to a vendor at a Farm Fresh Market in Mecklenburg County on October 19, 2010. Twenty-five bundles of the plant were returned to Buncombe County. Chinese Water Spinach (Ipomoea aquatica) Compliance agreements permitting the culture of Chinese water spinach for human consumption were issued t2010-2011 Fiscal Year Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
56
Giant Salvinia (Salvinia molesta) (Figure 9)
Figure 9. Giant salvinia. This plant can double in biomass every 10 days. History of Giant Salvinia in NC:
Giant Salvinia (Salvinia molesta), a Fe
Carolina State Fair in 1998, and subsequent surveys by NCDA&CS, NCDENR, and NCSU personnel resulted in detectionsin 26 counties in North Carolina. All of these infestations have been eradicated. However, in September 2000, naturalized infestations of Giant Salvinia were detected in golf course ponds in New Hanover County and in a canal and wetland at the Riverbend Subdivision (Figure 10) near Burgaw in Pender County. Acting under the authority of the Aquatic Weed Control Act of 1991, NCDENR Water Resources personnel began eradication treatments at these sites in November, 2000. Survey ofthe Northeast Cape Fear River and adjacent wetlands at the Pender County site in 2005 and 2007 yielded no new finds of Giant Salvinia. Survey and monitoring of the River Bend site in Pender County has continued t2010-2011 Fiscal Year Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
57
vsion swamp in Pender County. ram for Giant Salvinia at the Pender County site was initiated in 2004 withus salviniae) in June and September. Observations throughout 2005 confof the Salvinia Weevil in Pender County, but this biocontrol effort was on of this plant and the biocontrol program was discontinued in 2008. ber, 2010: reatment of the River Bend Subdivision swamp was awarded during the vinia plants were discovered. Another contract was awarded to survey2011 growing season. The Giant Salvinia Task Force is still consultede NC Dept of Environment and Natural Resources and the NC Dept. of specifying contract requirements and the subsequent awarding of the co
County Extension office. Both agencies also assumed responsibility for contract supervision.
Wi
tchweed (Striga asiatica) Witchweed Eradication Program Objectives, Methods and Rationale Witchweed (Striga asiatica) is a Federal Noxious Weed and a Class A State Noxious Weed in NC. It is an obligate parasitewhich attacks corn, sorghum, millet, and other warm season crops in the grass family. Heavy infestations of Witchweed caeliminate yield from these crops, resulting in devastating economic losses. The presence of this quarantined pest also imposes regulatory burden on crop production and on the movement of farm commodities, equipment, and other regulated articles.
aT
he
Witchweed eradication program includes an organized and effective set of survey, control and regulatory procedures developed through early USDA, APHIS research. Specific objectives of the program include: 1) characterization of the infestation through survey; 2) control of existing infestations; and, 3) containment by preventing the movement of pofested articles out of established quarantine boundaries
in2010-2011 Fiscal Year Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
58
f Witchweed (Detection and Delimiting surveys),
evaluate the effectiveness of eradication treatments on infested properties (Appraisal surveys), and verify eradication
or
1. Survey – Survey is necessary to detect and verify the extent o
of Witchweed on sites released from quarantine (Released surveys). Additional survey of terminated acreage is required in order to confirm the long-term effectiveness of the eradication program. Survey is done through the growing season after host plants have started to grow from about the middle of June through the end of Octoberuntil the first frost. (Figure 11)
u
re 11. Summer Intern, Jonathan Cole, showing witchweed detected in cor
2
. Control – The objective of control treatments i
s
eed from the soil. Herbicide treatments, han
w
itchweed plants before they can flower and produce seed. Methyl bromide fumigation
a
creage will destroy reserves of witchweed seed in the soil a
-h
o2010-2011 Fiscal Year Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
59
Witchweed Eradication Program Data Compilation Description
abase that updates the status of infested fields and released
elds. New or re-infested fields are added to the infested field list when Witchweed is confirmed in new fields or fields that
elea d. A p nt syste developed for the program that provides a quantitative measure for
oving fields from infested to a released status and from a released status to a terminated status. Infested fields are assigned
re of th ntrol activities that were done on it during the season. Once a field
nced to “Release” status which means it is surveyed on a schedule for a minimum of 10 years
for a ot surv points for a general survey. Once a field acquires 10 points it is
rminated from the program.
he following summary tables show the status of acreage in NC and SC as of the end of survey and treatment for the current
ar. Note that this report summarizes witchweed acreage
tatus and activities during the 2010 calendar year even though the report specifies a period that matches the fiscal year
hich covers the period Oct. 1, 2009 through September 30, 2010. Since point values for a field are adjusted only once at the
nd of the growing season, it is not possible to obtain an accurate end of season account of field status until survey and
treatment have ended for the y
Fo s a desc of year e vities tha quired to arize yea
witchboa e is e n the ACCESS data ba utomat ment alues for
released fields to account for surv done on uring the .
on input fro pector, infested field int valu anually to ref nt field
nditions and tre ents that one durin ear. In stances ill be ad n point value.
me fields may qualify for ased on g a poi 5. In eld po at the end of the
on is a judgment based on knowledge of witchweed biology, field treatments and current field conditions and
can be discussed with the program manager. The new field values are done at the end of the growing season after
ed no more treatments for the year will be implemented and no new witchweed will be
ssigned a new farm and/or field number. Re-infested field point
less than 5 so that they will be tallied as infested fields.
a b s queried and standard reports are generated that provide
eyed, treated and so forth that can be compiled by county or other
criteria.
2009 Witchweed Eradication Program Summary of Results
This report contains the following Witchweed Status Data Tables for 2010:
Acreage Status
uarantined Counties by Point Value
􀀹􃥏 Other Statistics for NC
age Status
creage
􀀹􃥎 Number of Farms and Fields with Fewer Than 5 Points (infested) by County
All control treatments and surveys are tracked in an ACCESS dat
fi
have been previously rseoim was
m
points depending on the natue field and the co
accrues five points it is adva
and assigned either 0.5 pointsspey or 1.0
te
T
growing season which usually occurs by mid-November each ye
s
w
e
ear.
llowing i
ription
nd acti
t are re
summ
r end data:
• A “s
rd” routin
xecuted i
se that a
ically incre
s point v
eys
them d
season
• Based
m each ins
po
es are m
adjusted
lect curre
co
atm
were d
g the y
most in
fields w
vanced i
Soseas
release b
reachin
nt value of
fested fi
int value
the first frost when it is assum
found.
• New fields are added to the data base and are a
values are changed to bring them back to values
• After end of growing season adjustments, the datase i
status reports of acreages infested, released, surv
􀀹􃤲 2010 North Carolina
􀀹􃥉 Infested Acres in NC Q
􀀹􃤲 2010 South Carolina Acre
􀀹􃤲 2010 Summary of Survey A
􀀹􃥔 Treatment Summary by Crop and Treatment Type 2010-2011 Fiscal Year Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
60
4
otal Acres Released 306.2
ew or Re-Infested Acres 157.86
Net Gain in Released Acres 148.34
Total Acres 4,166.
otal Acres Surveyed 80,04
ted Acres in NC Quarantined Counties by Point Value
County 0-0.9 1-1.9 3-3.9 4-4 Total
2010 North Carolina Acreage Status
Total Acres Infested 1867.3
T
N
Treated
28
T
4.70
Infes
2-2.9
.9
B
den 0 8.60
0
59.60
berland 35.40
.1
472.60
P 0 0
R
S
Acres Treated by Contract---------------Counties fested in NC------
now Inf Witch
----------------ments-------
ociated Witchweeber of Phytosanitar
ge-------
s Issued
C
tatu
s
In
---0
-------60.3
in
fested in Rele
-----------0
al Acres Treated--
8.20
T
-----5817.20
Acres in
ty
M
H
2010-2011 Fiscal Year Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
61
Other Statistics for South Carolina
Acres ------------------
sted with Witchweed-- -------0
wee Finds------------------13
2010 Su of Survey Acreage
Survey Category Total Acres
Treated by Contract---------
-0
Counties now infe
---
Number of New Witchd
mmary
State
North Carolina
ppraisa
Release
elimiting
.8
etection
003.8
egulatory
8.10
Total Survey Acreage for NC South Carolina
elease
etection
06.
Total Survey Acreage for
Grand Total Survey Acres
.9
20
mmary
ype
reatment Acreage by State and Crop
State Crop Nam
Num
mb
North Carolina C Ga
2
4
rn 2.30
)
19
o5
Total
Grand Total for NC
and SC
2010-2011 Fiscal Year Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
62
Treatment Acreage by Treatment Type NC
Treatment Description Treated Acre Number of Fields
s
1.1-1.7
2
5 PD, O
0.75PD, OT
XONE 0
OXONE 0
L 07.5-1.5 P
05-0.2 P
D
280.90
E
THYLENE (HAND) 1.5 3.51 ETHYLENE (TRACTOR) 1.5 INJ 748.35
M
ETHYL BROMIDE (CONTRACT) 436.0 3.80 1 METHYL BROMIDE (SPOT) 436.0 0.15 5 REFLEX 0.375 PD, OT 10.90 1 ROGUE- 100% WITHWEED EMOVAL 95.54 132
R
ROUNDUP 0.50-2.0 OT 1070.68 65 TREFLAN “G’ 3.0-4.0 SA 0.51 3 TREFLAN-EC 0.5-1.0 PPI 86.20 7 ROUNDUP =2,4-D.5-2.0+1.0 OT, PD 12.13 4 VELPAR 1.0-2.0 PD, OT 11.00 1 PROWL 2.0-4.0 SA 30.10 2 REFLEX + FUSILADE .375+.06-.19PD. OT 11.70 2 CLARITY 0.25-0.5 OT, PD
PREFIX 1 QUART PER ACRE 45.90 3 ENVIVE 4.3 OUNCES PER ACRE 6.40
TOTAL 4165.14 540
Treatment Description Treated Acres Number of Fields South Carolina
G2010-2011 Fiscal Year Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
63
Number of Farms and Fields by County with Fewer Than 5 Points
County Number of Farms Number of Fields Infested Acreage Bladen 32 53 539.10 Cumberland 50 65 856.80 Pender 1 4 17 Robeson 26 35 408.00 Sampson 8 10 46 Total 117 167 1867.3 2010 Program Discussion Trends and Other Issues that Impact the Witchweed Eradication Program It is expected that more corn and wheat will be planted in 2011 than in 2010 potentially increasing opportunWW in fields which may not have been planted to corn for the past few years. However, cotton prices will enplanting of cotton which is good for the witchweed program since cotton is a false host crop that encourages germination but does not allow it to complete its life cycle to produce seed if other host plants such as crallowed to grow in the fields More farmers in Robeson County are utilizing no-till practices, which makes it harder to apply ethylenebecoming more difficult to use soil fumigants. BASAMID® is no longer an EPA-cleared pesticide for manywhere we would traditionally use it. Consequently, field borders will continue to be a challenge. Also, it is expnew regulations which are supposed to be implemented in 2011 will make it impossible to use other soil fumethyl bromide near roadsides, houses and other sensitive areas. Contract soil fumigation costs continue tobids expected to come in again at $2500/acre or more depending on when new regulations will be enforced.
edi
field release by at least 3 years.
Another challenge is the fact that morequipment which is not configured for
e
In the quarantined county of Bladen, more new ground is being cleared for blueberries. This will necessitate the need for more delimiting surveys to confirm witchweed is not moving with equipment that may have worked in witchweed areas prto working in other areas. The program utilizing GIS tools to improve field location descriptions and provide retrievable electronic records for fields in he program. CPHST is also working on a
t
now included in the current manual and some products have been discontinued. In the near future, more time and resources will be required to create witchweed awareness with newer farmers and to extend our reach and effectiveness for witchweed survey. Early Detection and Rapid Response is paramount in this program to ensure infestations which could potentially start outside of quarantine boundaries are quickly identified and managed. 2010-2011 Fiscal Year Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
64
Tropical Spiderwort (Commenlina benghalensis) (Figure 12)
F
igure 12. Tropical spiderwort a.k.a. Benghal dayflower (Commelina benghalensis) at the Cherry Research Station. Survey Methodology and Rationale Tropical Spiderwort (TSW) survey in 2009 confirmed a continuing infestation at the Cherry Research Station near Goldsboro, NC. The objective of this project is to continue with intensive surveys at currently quarantined field stations (Cherry Research Farm and Tidewater Research Station) and treat plants before they flower. Fields with confirmed TSW outside of the Farming Systems Research Unit (FSRU) at the Cherry Farm and at the other Research Farms can be treated with herbicides and fumigants, unlike any of the infested fields in the FSRU, due to the sensitive nature of the research in the FSRU which excludes use of pesticides. Survey outside of the Farming Systems Research Unit at the Cherry Research Farm is done on every field at least every 3 to 4 weeks and surveys on fields where infestations have been known to occur in the past are done more frequently. Areas are covered on a frequency that will hopefully catch TSW plants before they flower and produce seed. Survey in the Farming Systems Research Unit is done within a 15 by 15 meter grid. The survey schedule in the Farming Systems Research Unit is dependent on the history of past TSW occurrences. The survey of high priority fields (highest level of past infestation) is done four times per month, survey of mid-priority fields (fields with moderate infestation or fields next to high infestatioields) is done three times per month and survey of low-priority fields (fields with no known infestation
ftw
o times per month. TSW plants that are discovered are bagged and destroyed. Glyphosate herbicide is used to “burndown” vegetation around all fields outside of the Farming Systems Research Unit to improve visibility for survey. To prevent the spread of TSW within the quarantined areas, equipment is washed prior to movement from one field to another and all regulated articles are moved outside of the station by permit only. 2010-2011 Fiscal Year Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
65
ne plant pest aide was re-hired in mid May for survey at the Cherry Research Farm and one plant pest aide with previous
TSW survey W has been
discovered du on May24 in the
Farming System
Regulatory
The Tidewate 7, 2011.
The following Research Unit of the
O
experience was hired in July for part time survey at the Tidewater Research Station. No TSring this reporting period at the Tidewater Research Station. The first TSW plant appeared s Research Unit (FSRU) at the Cherry Research Station. Action r Research Station was officially released from quarantine for tropical spiderwort on April 2is a summary of treatment and survey done by NCSU personnel in the Farming Systems rm near Goldsboro, NC. The Final Report was written by Richard Banner, NCSU: expected finds this year were in plots 4 and 7. In plot 4, next to the road, a total of fifty TSW ree leaves and most were single leaf sprouts. Once we dug up the plants and the surrounding und in that location. The four single leaf TSW found in the alley behind plot 7 were the onlcasional outbreaks are to be expected, the important thing is that we are catching them. Overfound this year than last year and, as of 2010, we have reduced the amount of TSW to less than ten perc 2005. I will try to keep the graphs and tables to a minimum but here is a table of our heavieer the years:
PLOT 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 6 317 94 125 15 83 23
13 540 254 472 22 303 281 14 31 40 25 335 2476 1426 23 761 39 12 1 20 19 26 1745 3856 485 229 383 397 27 29197 8400 3056 1789 800 1351
28 937 552 295 89 21 32 47 9578 2970 456 522 269 116
Some of these areas yo-yo while others steadily decline, however, all plots except 26, 27 and 28 had less than last year.13’s numbers are a bit misleading due to a find across the road by the water testing station. For the first time to my knowledge, that area was mowed and planted in crop. Possibly the offending plant from the crop area hitched a ride and fell off there. All the TSW found here were in a two by four foot area No more were seen after we had dug up that area. I have given the folks that do the testing a heads up so they are aware of, and can avoid that location. TSW is still concentrated in the center of plot 12. Tropical Spiderwort was consistent in plot 12 as in previous years. Numbers were way down in the croparea of 13, the relatively small amount we found were scattered randomly. Plants in plot 14 are still confined to the area esignated i
d
where TSW are found are shrinking as well. We keep a very close eye on this spot and nothing larger than a three leaf specimen was found here this year. It is a possibility this patch peaked last year and will continue to decline over time. All the TSW found in plot 6 were in the corner hot spot (next to plot 7) and continue to dwindle in numbers. Plot 23 had TSW inthe field as opposed to just on the fence line as in previous years. This plot has been tall grass since I started and I look rward to seein
fo
reputation. There are various hot spots in these fields where most of the TSW is found although the size of these areas is alsshrinking. Very few were outside of these areas and none of them were even close to mature this year. Plot 28 was mostly quiet with the finds there in the expected areas and all were found in a couple of passes instead of the usual season-long steady supply. Plot 47 continues to dwindle in numbers and was relatively devoid of TSW this season.
N
16 had five TSW found in only one of the two spots as last year, all in the same pass. These were in exactly the same locatiand were caught before they could reproduce. Plots 9, 21, 24 and 38 were empty of TSW this year. Plots 17, 22, 25 and 37 o had zero found in them. Plot 15 has gone two years with no
alsl
cpl2010-2011 Fiscal Year Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
66
T
started with. This year I made some minor changes in how we
a
resulted in covering more fields and more of the fields with increased frequency. We stayed on schedule for the entire season. We also covered areas not routinely scouted such as the water testing areas, ditch lines, borders and deer trails. I also continued the practice of removing the surrounding soil along with the plants in cases of mature TSW finds to further eliminate any seed in these areas. All this material is fumigated and
e TSW peaked as expected then noticeably declined in numbers as opposed to the usual peak follogh numb
al
t
arly stages
th
in
g, which
he FSRU with only the cu systems wout the use
rent seed bank. O dangeus chem
ur goal remains tocals andithout r
ontain and eradicatening decas of irrepl
rom the f
ith
ro
w
de
e are also e
le
rm
to rem
ky wit
PS o
g p
oun
houg
ed ro
efo
turally, as so
e tong
er. I
proc
th
te,
.
g is a summ
a
tre
e FS
e C
It also includ
ry of
iti
an
ara
written by PD
A
nsib
itie urvey and tr
:
N
. 2010-2011 Fiscal Year Report
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division
67
urvey
We were able to surve the year. We located TSW
in 2 locations outside eys. In July, we found 72 plants in field C4 next to the path. These plants were
removed.
In September, we found about 3 ants in field emoved ared for soil
fumigation. Both of these l appear to b quipmen ds.
Treatment
In April, 2010, we fum pprox. 0.5 acre in C4 wher d test was conducted b SU.
The locations in C1 an fumigated in Novembe 0. The C1 site was 1 acre a he C4 site was 2.1 acres. This
completed all control t needed outside the FSRU FS.
Quarantine Actions
We fumigated various s of equipment in 2010. Tho luded peanut equipment going to another station, bushhogs,
combines, planters, an ivator equipment. Also appro 0 soil samples, destined to CDA soil lab, were fumigated.
During the year, we re more thorough inspection and cleaning of equipment after detections were confirmed in
fields C4 and C1.
During the year we co aintain sign in proced r people entering the Che esearch Farm and required
washing of vehicles a ipment also, with sign- dures, as vehicles and e ent were moved from field to
field or off of the Res .
A cattle enclosure wa to house harvested fora at originated from previou nfested fields. The enclosure
has been used to quar ock being fed by potent contaminated feed with a 2 holding period after cessation
of feeding with poten taminated forage.
As required by the qua the Ti ation and the Cherry Res , visitors were required to
gn in before entering ake sure they we re of the quarantine and d for precautions. Also,
quipment operators were required to wash equipment after movement between fields and to sign in each time equipment
er
Table 3. Summary of quarantine regi h Station during 2010 by
month.
February 4 1 0 0
March 8 8 0 0
June 15 10 0 3
July 12 10 0 1
August 19 9 0 0
September 9 13 0 0
October 14 6 0 2
November 9 4 2 0
December 2 1 0 0
Total 120 95 3 8
S
y the farm overall every 3 to 4 weeks. This seemed to work well throughout of CEF