While You Were Busy in 2009
Periodic News of Interest to the Horticulture Industry in Maine
Printable Version (.pdf)
Gypsy Moth and European Larch Canker Rules
In order to protect Maine’s forest and timber resources, rules were proposed to prevent the further spread of gypsy moth and European larch canker within the state. The draft rules are currently posted on our website www.maine.gov/agriculture/pi/horticulture.
Please Welcome
Due to organizational shifting, we are happy to welcome Karen Coluzzi into the horticulture program. Karen has worked for the Department for the past 6 years as the Cooperative Agriculture Pest Survey (CAPS) program coordinator. Karen’s work focuses on survey and education on non-native plant pests. We look forward to continuing to work with Karen in the future.
Did You Know...
- It is illegal to sell currants and gooseberries (Ribes species) in most areas of Maine and black currant (R. nigrum) throughout the entire state?
- All hemlocks entering the state must be accompanied by paper work that indicates the plants are from an area where hemlock woolly adelgid does not occur?
- There are 11 invasive aquatic plants that are illegal to sell in Maine?
Please keep these regulations in mind when ordering your plants. A summary of Maine’s regulations on importing plant material is on our website:
www.maine.gov/agriculture/pi/horticulture/ImportingSummary.htm
New Pest Find
Elongate hemlock scale (EHS) was found in Kennebunk and Kennebunkport in September. This is the first report of this pest becoming established in planted and native trees. EHS is damaging on its own, but is of greatest concern when found established with hemlock woolly adelgid. Growers should watch hemlock, fir and spruce for yellowed foliage with brown or white scales underneath. For more information and pictures of EHS visit www.maine.gov/doc/mfs/EH_Scale.htm
Richard Folsom Retires
After 38 years of dedicated service, a familiar face has moved on. Richard Folsom retired at the end of July. We will miss Dick as a valuable member of our team and wish him well in his future endeavors.
Changes to Phytosanitary Fees
On October 1st changes to the fees charged to issue phytosanitary (plant health) certificates (PC) for export went into effect. The new fees more accurately reflect the actual cost of issuing certificates. Fees are scheduled to increase again in October 2010 and October 2011. For a complete list of current and future PC fees visit www.maine.gov/agriculture/pi/horticulture/PCFeeSchedule.htm
Asian Longhorned Beetle Update
After the 2008 discovery of Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) in Worcester, MA officials there continue to battle the hardwood pest through quarantine and eradication efforts. Maine participated this year in a northeast regional ALB outreach project. Volunteers helped spread the word and survey for this destructive pest. For more information on ALB visit www.maine.gov/ALB
Greenhouse IPM Workshop
In April 2009 a number of southern Maine growers participated in an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) workshop hosted by Nancy and Bruce Stedman of Little River Flower Farm in Buxton, who shared their experiences with biocontrol and organic production. The Department will offer another IPM workshop in conjunction with the Mid Maine Greenhouse Growers annual meeting in Spring 2010.
Rainy Weather Contributes to Disease Outbreaks
This year’s wet weather in June and July was ideal for plant disease development. Growers should watch for disease symptoms whenever rainy stretches are forecast. Tomato and potato late blight were particularly hot topics. Press coverage generated many inquiries from concerned growers and homeowners. Greenhouses should expect homeowners to have questions in the spring. For more information on how to prepare for a healthy tomato crop visit: www.umassvegetable.org/LateBlightAlertforTomatoandPotato.html
