Page 40 - MNLGA Free State Winter 2024_WEB
P. 40
TOTAL PLANT MANAGEMENT (Continued)
The box tree moth (BTM) is an invasive species that is native to East Asia.
It can spread rapidly and become a serious pest in areas outside of its
native range because it lacks natural predators.
Currently, a federal quarantine
prevents export of boxwood nursery
stock from counties with known
infestations. If it shows up in Maryland
and your nursery is in a quarantine
area, you will need to keep
meticulous records, conduct regular
inspections, treat your boxwoods,
and work with MDA inspectors to
ensure you are clean of this pest.
It is also likely that you will need to
obtain a phytosanitary permit before
shipping out to non-quarantine
areas. The BTM originated in China
and Korea, then spread to Europe,
and within very few years jumped to
Ontario, Canada, then onward to the
United States.
Box Tree Moth caterpillars. The only good news is that the box
tree moth only feeds on Boxwood
species, which are not native
Damage of boxwood leaves caused by box tree caterpillars Eggs are deposited on the underside of boxwood leaves
40 WINTER 2024 • Free State News
