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 A public information meeting has been scheduled to discuss the
Department's intent to declare Boxwood Blight a nuisance in the
State of Illinois. This meeting will take place on Tuesday,
March 28 at 10 AM at the Illinois Department of Agriculture
Building, 801 E. Sangamon Avenue, Illinois State Fairgrounds,
Springfield, IL 62702. The meeting is required under the Insect
Pest and Plant Disease Act. At the meeting, the public is
invited to offer testimony regarding whether such a declaration
is deemed an appropriate response to this issue impacting our
state.
Boxwood Blight has recently been detected in three counties in
Illinois - Cook, Lake, and Clinton. If declared a nuisance, it
will be required that infected plants be eradicated according to
department guidelines.
Boxwood Blight (Calonectria pseudonaviculata) only affects
Boxwood, Pachysandra, and Sarcococca plants, a common shrub used
in landscape designs throughout the state, and can be fatal,
especially to young plants. Defoliation, stem cankers, and leaf
spots, which occur as light or dark brown circular lesions
surrounded by a yellow ring are the main symptoms. Stem cankers
appear dark brown or black in a linear or diamond shape and are
easiest to see on new tissue. Defoliation is usually the final
symptom. To prevent the spread of this fungal disease,
interstate transport of know affected or suspect plants or
material is discouraged, along with increased attention to
sanitation of equipment and tools.
"Although Boxwood Blight might be considered a nuisance, you
shouldn't be worried if you currently have Boxwood in your
landscaping," said Warren Goetsch, Deputy Director, Illinois
Department of Agriculture. "The affected plants were sourced
from out of state, and at this time we do not believe this is a
widespread or established problem in Illinois."
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This is not a new pathogen to the United States. It was
originally discovered in 2011 and has been found in 20 states
across the country. The Department is proactively working with
industry professionals to educate the public about this
pathogen, including the proper form of disposal of infected
plants.
"The Illinois Green Industry Association -- representing growers
and nurseries, garden centers and retailers and landscape
professionals throughout the state -- has been working with the
Illinois Department of Agriculture to establish the best
approach for protecting our industry, along with the Illinois
landscape, from this disease," said Joe Khayyat, Executive
Director of the Illinois Green Industry Association.
"We feel the open channels of communication have led to the best
available strategy for our growers and dealers, while putting in
layers of protection to prevent the further introduction and
spread of this potentially devastating pest throughout the
state."
More information regarding Boxwood Blight is available online:
[Illinois Department of Agriculture]
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