January 28, 2020
Box tree moth Industry Working Group update - January 2020
In preparation for the expected May emergence of box tree moth (BTM) larvae in the City of Toronto, the Box Tree Moth Industry Working Group has continued to work on managing the spread of this new pest, as well as on messaging to the industry and the public.
A communications plan has been developed for 2020 for all growers, grounds management, turf management, landscape contractors, garden centres, garden writers and the general public in Ontario. The focus will be on sending a common message that all industry groups should use best management practices, and that retailers can inform customers. Regular updates on scouting results and treatment windows will be communicated to all groups.
Members in Ontario can expect handouts and social media messages before the spring season from Landscape Ontario.
The United Stated Department of Agriculture (USDA) has not yet issued a federal order regulating exports of boxwood from. The Canadian Nursery Landscape Association and Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) continue to work closely to minimize potential impacts from such an order, and will alert growers immediately if, or when it is issued.
With funding support from Landscape Ontario, a BTM Certification Module for Clean Plants is under development. Best management practices for BTM at the farm level to facilitate interfacility trade will be highlighted. As Clean Plants is only a domestic program, this module will not facilitate export trade in its first iteration. However, CFIA has expressed interest to pilot the BTM module as a third-party, audited export certification, once it is complete. This, of course will take some time, and some negotiations with USDA, but it is a definite, positive step forward for CFIA to consider such an option.
To date, the pest remains an Ontario-only pest, specific to the City of Toronto. It is not expected to have a major impact on growers of boxwood in other provinces.
CNLA will keep you posted as they learn more.
A communications plan has been developed for 2020 for all growers, grounds management, turf management, landscape contractors, garden centres, garden writers and the general public in Ontario. The focus will be on sending a common message that all industry groups should use best management practices, and that retailers can inform customers. Regular updates on scouting results and treatment windows will be communicated to all groups.
Members in Ontario can expect handouts and social media messages before the spring season from Landscape Ontario.
The United Stated Department of Agriculture (USDA) has not yet issued a federal order regulating exports of boxwood from. The Canadian Nursery Landscape Association and Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) continue to work closely to minimize potential impacts from such an order, and will alert growers immediately if, or when it is issued.
With funding support from Landscape Ontario, a BTM Certification Module for Clean Plants is under development. Best management practices for BTM at the farm level to facilitate interfacility trade will be highlighted. As Clean Plants is only a domestic program, this module will not facilitate export trade in its first iteration. However, CFIA has expressed interest to pilot the BTM module as a third-party, audited export certification, once it is complete. This, of course will take some time, and some negotiations with USDA, but it is a definite, positive step forward for CFIA to consider such an option.
To date, the pest remains an Ontario-only pest, specific to the City of Toronto. It is not expected to have a major impact on growers of boxwood in other provinces.
CNLA will keep you posted as they learn more.