MDARD
MDARD, USDA taking immediate action to safeguard against invasive pest
For immediate release: May 28, 2021
LANSING, MI - The U.S. Department of Agriculture s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has identified box tree moth (
Cydalima perspectalis) in nurseries and greenhouses in the United States, including Michigan. This is the first detection of this invasive species in the nation. Box tree moth is not considered a forest pest because boxwood is not native to Michigan forests. However, if left unchecked, it could cause significant defoliation and death of boxwood in the landscape.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is advising anyone, including landscapers, who purchased boxwood plants within the last two months to inspect their plants very closely for the invasive pest. Signs of infestation include silky webbing and possibly caterpillars located deep inside of the plants.
MDARD
For immediate release: May 14, 2021
LANSING, MI - If you can prevent mosquito bites, you can prevent mosquito-borne diseases. The message seems simple enough-and it holds true for both humans and animals-but aside from spray-on repellant, what other tactics are there? And what are the dangers of not taking precautions?
In the latest edition of the Fresh from the Field podcast series from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), four experts discuss several strategies Michiganders can use to prevent or reduce the threat of mosquitoes when enjoying the beautiful outdoors. One of the biggest things Michigan residents can do is get rid of standing water in their yards or around their property, said Thomas Lawrence, a pesticide applicator business license specialist in MDARD s Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division. Mosquitoes like to lay their eggs in standing waters, which can be found in kiddie pools, old tires, flowerpots, eaves and g
MDARD begins hemp sampling under new state plan
01/20/2021 | 05:22pm EDT
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Message : Program contact: Gina Alessandri, 517-284-5637 Media contact: Jennifer Holton, 517-284-5724 LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) recently completed its first industrial hemp sampling under the state s new Hemp Production Plan marking an exciting milestone for MDARD s hemp program. Last week, MDARD s Pesticide and Plant Pest Management inspectors conducted their first sampling of hemp under the state s federally approved hemp program at a greenhouse in Kalamazoo MI. We recognize the importance of an efficient and effective sample collection program, said Gina Alessandri, MDARD s Industrial Hemp Program Director. Our experience in Kalamazoo will facilitate improvement of standard operating procedures for sample collection that will best meet the needs of the hemp industry in 2021.