PLANT PEST CONTROL DIVISION 

 Peter C. Kuzmiski, Director 



Each year the hazards of spreading potential pests on plants and plant 

 products seem to be increasing. The movement of plants between domestic and 

 foreign areas has become commonplace. Travel time now between global areas has di- 

 minished to the point where pests of exotic origin can land here in the matter 

 of a few hours. This jet age of travel has made it imperative that new methods 

 of pest detection and control continue to be developed to protect our agricul- 

 tural and environmental plant production. 



The inspection of plants in nurseries throughout the Commonwealth is a 

 primary function of the Division. Growing plants are examined to ensure that 

 they are free from injurious plant pests. Nursery inspection allows the plants 

 to enter interstate commerce and to compete in fair trade. Early detection of 

 a pest problem will help to prevent its spread within the nursery, allowing 

 controls to be applied before the condition becomes a major problem. Also, 

 healthy, true-to-name, and pest free plants are guaranteed to the consumer as 

 a result of this inspection service. 



Each year from 400 to 500 nurseries and greenhouses are inspected and certi- 

 fied. Plants bought and sold, but not grown by individuals or establishments, 

 must also be certified through our nursery agents' license procedure. We have 

 from 300 to 400 agents licensed annually. 



Surveys or trapping is done to determine the presence or population density 

 of insect pests. This year the Gypsy Moth was a very destructive pest to our 

 woodland and ornamental trees. Over 2 million acres of defoliation was recorded 

 this year. Again the ravages of this pest emphasize the importance of continuing 

 the development of comprehensive methods of control, with less hazard to the 

 environment. Surveys for this pest were made in and around nurseries during the 

 summer and fall months. Trapping for a pest of lawns and gardens, (European 

 Chafer) was conducted this year with no new finds. Strawberry and blueberry 

 nurseries were also inspected for specific pests of these fruit plants. 



Fruit plants that are closely watched are the currant and gooseberry. These 

 plants act as an alternate host for a serious disea.se called White Pine Blister 

 Rust. In order to prevent the spread of the causal fungus of this dij.ease, the 

 planting of currants or gooseberries is prohibited in certain cities and towns. 

 There are 144 planting sites where this planting is prohibited. The presence of 

 young White Pine stands determines the restrictions of planting in these areas. This 

 is one of our active state plant quarantines that has been in effect since 1966 

 when the federal quarantine was discontinued and the state assumed the responsi- 

 bility. This Division by statute has the sole authority to promulgate and enforce 

 state plant quarantines. 



Domestic and foreign plant quarantines are enforced by our personnel in 

 collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. These quarantines 

 involve the Gypsy Moth, Brown-Tail Moth, Japanese Beetle, Black Stem Rust, 

 and Post Entry Quarantine. Surveys include Noxious Weeds, Pest Detection, 

 and foreign plant export certification. The Gypsy Moth, Brown-Tail Moth 

 and Japanese Beetle quarantines involve measures to prevent the artificial 

 spread of the insects by inspecting and/or treating regulated articles that 

 liiay help cause such spread. These articles may include plants, soil, out- 

 door furniture, vehicles, stone products, and any article capable of harbouring 

 any form of the insect. 



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