In 2011, boxwood blight was first detected in the U.S., prompting fears that the fungal disease would mean quarantines and bring sales of the iconic landscape plant to a halt. In response, AmericanHort (then ANLA) led an industry effort to develop science-based management practices for disease prevention and containment, and to find funds for urgent research needs. State plant regulatory officials collaborated on the best practices, and developed a model compliance agreement. Major disruptions were averted.
Since then, things have been relatively quiet. Until now. This spring, boxwood blight-infected plants were shipped from an Oregon source to a major mass retailer and perhaps other outlets in at least four states, including Alabama, Missouri, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina. At least some of the plants passed through an Ohio nursery distribution facility owned by the same company.
The incidents fueled frustration and much conversation at the recent annual meeting of the National Plant Board. Regulators and industry would be wise to consider the facts and proactive steps they can take.
For the full story, on AmericanHort's website, click here.