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6-22-2005 |
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BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR EXOTIC PESTS THIS SUMMER The West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) is conducting surveys this summer for exotic pests through the Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey (CAPS) Program. Each of these pests presents a different problem from tree destruction to human health concerns, and detecting their presence early could greatly reduce these impacts. Since these pests will likely be localized in low numbers if they are found in West Virginia, they can be difficult to find. "We are hoping that people keep these pests in mind when they are outdoors, and that they report possible infestations to us," said WVDA Weed Specialist David Dick. The CAPS program generally surveys for pests that are not known to occur in West Virginia, but have a high likelihood of finding their way here. This year, the CAPS program is looking for three specific insects, four weed species and two plant diseases. The insects are blueberry fruit fly, emerald ash borer and viburnum leaf beetle. The weeds include giant hogweed, goats' rue, British yellowhead and tropical soda apple. The primary plant diseases of concern are sudden oak death and soybean rust. Information about these pests can be found on the West Virginia Department of Agriculture's website (www.wvagriculture.org ) by opening the Plant Industries Division web page and looking on the right hand side of the page for the pest alert box for links to the above pests. Please contact the WVDA Plant Industries Division at (304) 558-2212 to report possible infestations, or if you would like to receive information but do not have an internet connection.
The West Virginia Department of Agriculture protects plant, animal and human health through a variety of scientific, regulatory and consumer protection programs, as mandated by state law. The Commissioner of Agriculture is one of six statewide elected officials in West Virginia. Currently, Commissioner Gus R. Douglass is the longest-serving agriculture commissioner in the nation. For more information, visit www.wvagriculture.org. |
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©2001, 2002 West Virginia Department of Agriculture, All Rights Reserved |
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