Native to East Asia, the Box Tree Moth (Cydalima perspectalis) (BTM), a defoliating and destructive pest, has been a serious issue in Europe more than a decade. The moth appeared in the Toronto, Canada area in 2018. Despite the efforts of regulatory agencies [Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)], recent shipments of potentially-infested boxwood from a nursery on the Niagara Peninsula of Ontario went to a number of U.S. retail facilities in CN, MA, MI, NY, OH, SC plus a distribution facility in TN. The presence of infested plants was confirmed at facilities in CT, MI, and SC.
APHIS’ response has been swift. Within days of detection, the agency issued a federal order to temporarily halt importation of boxwood (and alternative hosts Ilex spp. and Euonymus spp.) into the U.S. from Canada. Efforts are underway to trace and destroy plants in impacted states as well as distribute traps. APHIS feels that their eradication plan of BTM from these impacted states has an excellent chance of being successful.
Photo taken in Europe of box tree moth larva (caterpillar) and webbing. (Photo by Bennett Saunders)
However, as with many invasive species, over time BTM may become established in the United States. The U.S. boxwood industry has learned from the European situation and has recently hosted educational programs for growers, researchers, regulators, and homeowners. Research money has already been distributed to begin studies on pheromone traps and life cycles of BTM. The recent finding of BTM in the Canadian shipment will increase the scope and accelerate the pace of the research – efforts are already underway.
Note that native boxwood forests in Europe allowed the BTM populations to increase unchecked at huge numbers. The lack of native boxwood forests in the US, along with the help of APHIS and state regulatory agencies will likely keep the population from spreading as quickly as it did in Europe. Another positive aspect is that the selection of insecticides available for use in the U.S. is broader than in Europe or in Canada. Used properly, this arsenal will be very important when growers and homeowners face this pest.
Saunders Genetics, LLC and Saunders Brothers Inc. will be monitoring the BTM situation closely and assisting with all available resources. The arrival of Boxwood blight (Calonectria pseudonaviculata) in the U.S. forged a comprehensive effort – with the Horticultural Research Institute (HRI)/AmericanHort, USDA, researchers, cooperative extension, and growers ALL teaming up to turn things around. So the players are in place – half the battle with an invasive pest situation – and we’re confident this latest challenge will also be met, head-on and industry-wide.
For more information on Box Tree Moth and APHIS response, follow this link - https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/planthealth/plant-pest-and-disease-programs/pests-and-diseases/sa_insects/box-tree-moth