Topics Related to Plant Industry
Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler today named William “Bill” Foote of Cary as the new director of the Plant Industry Division in the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Foote replaces Phil Wilson, who is retiring at the end of September after 37 years with the department.
North Carolina farmers interested in growing hemp in 2022 will begin getting their licenses from the U.S. Department of Agriculture as North Carolina wraps up its pilot program in conjunction with federal rules going into effect this year. Letters will soon be sent to the 1,500 licensed hemp producers in the state notifying them of the change.
The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is expected to start treatments for a gypsy moth infestation June 14 in a 1,330-acre block near Marion in McDowell County.U.S. 221 passes through the center of the block, with hardwood forests throughout. There are 305 residences in the area, and a portion of this block is Forest Service land. In 2019, a total of five male moths were trapped in this area. That number increased to 34 in 2020, signifying a reproducing population. One application of mating disruption is planned.
The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will soon start treating for gypsy moth infestations in areas of Buncombe and Yancey counties. Two areas are scheduled for treatment – a 1,760-acre block around Mount Mitchell in both Yancey and Buncombe counties; and a 2,845-acre block near the Celo community in Yancey County. Treatments are expected to start as early as June 14, weather permitting. Following are descriptions of the treatment areas:
The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is expected to start treatments June 3 for a gypsy moth infestation in a 2,080-acre block near the Lamsburg community in Surry County. Bryant Road goes through the middle, with Interstate-77 running along the eastern edge of this block. There are 163 residences in the area. In 2019, a male moth was captured in this block. In 2020, 25 gypsy moths were captured, signifying that a reproducing population is present. One application of mating disruption is planned.
WHO/WHAT: WHEN: WHERE: BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The N.C. Plant Conservation Board will meet to discuss items related to land conservation, stewardship efforts of the N.C. Plant Conservation Program, and regulatory matters.
The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will soon start treating a gypsy moth infestation in Buxton in Dare County. An annual field survey conducted by NCDA&CS indicated a reproducing population in the Buxton area. Treatments are expected to start on or around April 14, depending on weather conditions and insect development, and should be complete by late April.
The board of the Boll Weevil Eradication Foundation of North Carolina has set the 2021 boll weevil assessment at 75 cents per acre of cotton. The amount remains the same as in 2020. The fee supports the foundation’s efforts to monitor cotton acreage in North Carolina for any re-introduction of the boll weevil and to respond promptly with eradication treatments if necessary.
WHO/WHAT: WHEN: WHERE: BACKGROUND INFORMATION: