On May 13, USDA-APHIS proposed lifting the restrictions on the interstate movement of Berberis thunbergii varieties ‘Della’ and ‘O’ Byrne’ and Mahonia x media variety ‘Lionel Fortescue’. These three varieties were thoroughly evaluated by the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service at the Cereal Disease Laboratory in St. Paul, MN and found to be resistant to Black Stem Rust (Puccinia graminis).
APHIS plans to make the rule lifting restrictions on these plants effective July 12, 2013 but will be accepting comments through June 12, 2013. If they receive comments that suggest maintaining the restriction, APHIS may evaluate the situation further.
Hat tip to ANLA's Joe Bischoff for wading through the "governmentese" and providing this information. To see the rule in its entirety, go here.
Berberis thunbergii ‘O’Byrne’
Photo courtesy of Spring Meadow