Washington, DC
July 6, 2007
U.S.
Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns today announced the
availability of an additional $11.3 million in emergency funding
for the emerald ash borer (EAB) program and $500,000 for the
potato cyst nematode (PCN) program in Idaho.
"This additional funding will enhance our efforts to eliminate
these plant pests and safeguard American agriculture," Johanns
said. "The emerald ash borer funding is for enhanced early
detection efforts and strict quarantine enforcement while the
potato cyst nematode money brings the program one step closer to
eradication of the pest in Idaho."
USDA will provide this emergency funding to states with
established EAB programs and quarantines to support pest
detection, control, regulation of host material that will
mitigate the risk of further spread of the pest, as well as
outreach and education to the general public. A portion of the
funding will also be provided to targeted uninfested states at
risk for EAB for additional survey and response if a detection
of the pest should occur. Early detection of new infestations is
critical to enhancing USDA's ability to eradicate such
incursions and contain the pest within quarantine areas.
EAB is an invasive species of wood-boring beetles, native to
China and eastern Asia that targets ash trees in North America.
It was first detected in July of 2002 in southeastern Michigan
and has since been found in Ohio, Indiana, Maryland, Illinois
and most recently in Pennsylvania. More than 177,934 square
miles are currently quarantined due to the presence of the
beetle. EAB has been responsible for the death and decline of
more than 25 million ash trees in the United States.
EAB larvae feed in the phloem and outer sapwood of ash trees
eventually killing the branches and entire trees. Trees can die
within two to three years of becoming infested. Ash trees are
important to wildlife species because of their seed production
and are important to the nursery, landscaping, timber,
recreation and tourism industries. Ash wood is also used for
flooring, furniture and sports equipment, in addition to playing
an important role in the culture and heritage of Native
Americans.
The $500,000 for PCN is in addition to nearly $24 million in
emergency funding that has already been dedicated toward PCN
surveillance and eradication activities in Idaho--the only state
with PCN. Specifically, the funding will advance intensive
survey activities in seed potato fields, packing facilities and
storage sheds. State and federal agricultural officials will
also continue soil fumigations and quarantine enforcement to
eradicate PCN in Idaho.
PCN, Globodera pallida, is a major pest of potato crops in
cool-temperate areas. It primarily affects plants within the
potato family including tomatoes, eggplants and some weeds. If
left uncontrolled, nematodes can cause up to 80 percent yield
loss.
PCN is known to exist in many potato-growing regions throughout
the world. In North America, the nematode is also known to be
present on the island of Newfoundland, Canada. PCN infestations
may be associated with patches of poor growth. Affected potato
plants may exhibit yellowing, wilting or death of foliage--none
of which has been observed in Idaho potato fields. |
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