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Forestry official: Inspections miss 72 percent of plant pests

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According to a story published by Capital Press, the importation of live plants into Oregon and the U.S. is a primary pathway for invasive insects and pathogens, some of which could cause severe damage to forests and nurseries. The statement was made by Wyatt Williams, an invasive species specialist with the Oregon Department of Forestry […]

Red palm weevil eradicated from California

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The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) declared the eradication of red palm weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus) from the Laguna Beach area of Orange County, California. The pest was first discovered in August 2010. Red palm weevil is one of three giant palm weevils that are native to Southeast Asia and known to occur […]

OSU receives $3 million grant to study destructive pathogens

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Agrobacterium tumefaciens creates cancer-like galls on the roots of plants such as Gaillardia. (Photo by OSU Plant Clinic) Oregon State University announced plans to use a $3 million grant to study two groups of bacteria that result in millions of dollars in losses annually to the nation’s nursery industry. According to a press release, OSU researchers […]

Spotting the spotted lanternfly

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Spotted lanternfly. Photograph by Lawrence Barringer, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture According to a tip from OSU Extension entomologist Robin Rosetta, a new insect pest — the spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) — was recently detected in Berks County, Pennsylvania. In response, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture announced a quarantine with the intent to restrict the movement of this pest. This […]

Sluggy trees aren’t coming to town

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As reported by KGW-8 (Portland, Oregon), OAN member Christmas tree grower Kirk International Inc. has come up with a novel way to remove hitchhiking slugs from its trees — hot showers. This allows the trees to be shipped to a number of overseas markets that have strict rules about invasive species — places like Hawaii, Guam and […]

Brown marmorated stink bug sightings increase

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There’s been a sharp uptick in reported sightings of the brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys), an invasive insect which can cause heavy damage in home gardens as well production nurseries. The insects are known to enjoy munching on cucumbers, raspberries, beans and several types of ornamental plants and trees. According to a report on […]

Rogg taking over for Hilburn at ODA Plant Program

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Dr. Helmuth Rogg (pictured) has been appointed the new director of the Oregon Department of Agriculture Plant Program Area. He replaces Dan Hilburn, who will retire at the end of October. Rogg has served as the manager of the ODA’s Insect Pest Prevention and Management Program since 2008, and was an entomologist with ODA for […]

State officials find no evidence linking dead bees to pesticides


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A laboratory analysis of dead honeybee samples taken from hives in Clackamas County this summer showed no detection of pesticides, according to the Oregon Department of Agriculture. Officials said that other factors are likely to be responsible for the death of thousands of bees from colonies owned by four local beekeepers. In addition, Oregon State […]