PLANT PEST CONTROL DIVISION 

 Peter C. Kuzmiski, Director 



The primary goal of the Plant Pest Control Division is to 

 prevent the introduction and further spread of any damaging 

 agricultural plant pests into the Commonwealth. 



This goal aims to prevent serious losses to property owners 

 and to avoid nuisances resulting from the presence and activities 

 of plant pests. Another beneficial result is that it allows 

 unrestricted movement of plant and plant products throughout the 

 country and their competition in fair trade channels. In addition 

 to contributing to the economic benefits of plant growers or 

 sellers, this program helps to guarantee a better product to the 

 consumer. 



Our Massachusetts horticultural products now have a yearly 

 estimated value of over 50 million dollars. 



Today, and in the future, we hope to assist our horticultural 

 industry by contributing this service that will aid in producing 

 a better product, protecting the consiimer, utilizing new techniques, 

 and maintaining an effective barrier against the constant threat 

 of the introduction of dangerous plant pests. 



1. There were 374 nurseries inspected and certificates issued. 

 Fees for this activity and agent's licenses exceeded $20,000. 

 Nursery inspection, by law, begins on July 1 . No unusual 

 outbreaks of serious pests were found in the nurseries this 

 year. Inspection fees range from 5 to 35 dollars depending 

 upon the acreage. 



2. Agents' licenses issued to persons or establishments who buy 

 and sell, but do not grow nursery stock, totaled 235 for this 

 period. An agent's license is valid for one year from date 

 of issue. A $20 fee is charged for each license issued. 



3. Enforcement of applicable Federal plant quarantines, Gypsy- 

 Brown-tail Moth, Japanese Beetle, Black Stem Rust, and Plant 

 Pest Detection were continued on a collaborative basis. These 

 quarantines aid in the prevention of the artificial spread of 

 these plant pests. Two of our plant inspectors are assigned 

 to this activity as collaborators with the U.S. Department of 

 Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. 



4. There were 205 plant and 509 seed certifications made to allow 

 the unrestricted movement of these products into other states 

 and countries. 



5. There were 2200 apiaries inspected this year for presence of 

 contagious bee diseases. An apiary report follows this report. 

 Six apiary inspectors were employed this year to complete this 

 work. 



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