First detection of the emerald ash borer made in the state; quarantine established for Granville, Person and Vance counties
Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler signed an emergency quarantine order today restricting the movement of hardwood firewood, ash nursery stock and other ash materials from Granville, Person and Vance counties following the confirmation of the emerald ash borer in trees there. This marks the first time emerald ash borer has been found in the state.
North Carolina is the 20th state in the country to confirm the presence of the destructive pest, following the discovery of an adult beetle and other signs of borer activity in trees in Granville County by staff with the N.C. Forest Service. Additional surveying found signs of emerald ash borer activity in the bordering counties of Person and Vance. Read more>> | EAB FAQs
Cogongrass discovered in Stanly County
A small patch of cogongrass, considered by many experts to be one of the world’s worst weeds, was discovered recently in Stanly County by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The patch covers an area less than 200 square feet.
It is not clear how this small clump started, but cogongrass can easily become established if seeds or rhizomes are transported as a contaminant on equipment or on commodities, such as hay, that are moved from other states where the weed is established. The department’s N.C. Forest Service and Plant Industry Division are surveying land around the infestation and will treat the stand with herbicide. Read More>>
