Contents. New Noxious Weed Web Page Launched. Noxious Weed Program. New Noxious Weed Web Page Launched 1. County Agricultural Inspectors 2

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1 Contents New Noxious Weed Web Page Launched 1 County Agricultural Inspectors 2 Minnesota Exterior Quarantine on Thousand Cankers Disease Amended on April 2, Biological Control of Leafy Spurge in Minnesota 5 Biological Control of Emerald Ash Borer in Minnesota 6 Japanese Hops Eradication Effort 7 MDA to Set Nearly 16,500 Traps Statewide for Gypsy Moth 8 Recent Plant Biotechnology Trait Deregulations 9 Noxious Weed Program New Noxious Weed Web Page Launched Anthony Cortilet, Program Coordinator Anthony.Cortilet@state.mn.us The Noxious Weed Program website has been one of the most visited MDA sites over the past five years. This is, in part, because of public and partner visits for general information, but also because all of our county, township, and city enforcement partners utilize the site for topics such as weed law reference, species listings, enforcement forms, County Agricultural Inspector contacts, early detection and eradication procedures, and disposal guidelines. In 2014 and early 2015, the Noxious Weed Program web page was reconstructed and revised with the goal to update pages, delete extraneous pages, organize content, simplify language and improve navigation. After many hours of work by MDA staff and with input from partner groups, the end result is ready for viewing at One of the new features that has drawn a lot of interest is our Weed of the Month series, a series of articles posted regularly about Minnesota noxious weeds. Work will continue throughout 2015 and early 2016 to add new features to the site. Responsibilities of Retail Seed Establishments 10

2 2 Noxious Weed Program County Agricultural Inspectors Anthony Cortilet, Program Coordinator County Agricultural Inspectors (CAI) are the backbone of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture s (MDA) Noxious Weed Program. Unfortunately, most people do not know what a CAI does or why they even exist. They: act as the primary enforcement entity for the noxious weed law, serve as lead contacts for all noxious weed issues in their jurisdictions, provide an enormous amount of outreach on behalf of the county and the MDA, are responsible for training all township supervisors and city officials with noxious weed enforcement procedures, and serve the MDA when requested with many other activities. CAI providing outreach. The CAI position dates back to the early 1920 s when local governments petitioned the state legislature to allow for local oversight and enforcement of the weed law. Since then, CAIs have been active in all 87 counties under a state mandate. To provide a better view of what the average CAI experiences in their daily job, we asked veteran Hennepin County CAI, Greg Senst, to provide a synopsis of what daily life is like. CAI in action. A Day in the Life Greg Senst, Hennepin County Agricultural Inspector It s the last week of March and finally the snow is all gone; lake ice is in retreat. I get to the office on Monday morning, wondering how many calls I will have waiting for me. You see, I am a County Agricultural Inspector and, like many of my counterparts around the state, I wear many hats, as my phone messages remind me. There are a couple of calls about well sealing, one for Ag Best Management Practices Loan Program (AgBMP), one for radiological testing, one for sustainable landscaping and three calls for Ag work. As I consider which of these calls I will return first, I wonder how things got so crazy with so many programs covering so many areas of expertise. I think of all of the other CAIs and the wide range of things they do: forestry, planning, zoning, water shed management, wetlands, ditch inspections, solid waste, hazardous waste inspections, feedlot officers, septic systems, public works and farmers. Then I feel better that I at least have a manageable list of jobs and I appreciate the other CAIs because I know if I have a question in any of those areas I can call them for assistance.

3 3 Noxious Weed Program A Day in the Life (continued) I decide to tackle the Ag calls first. The first one deals with one member of a group of property owners that I had contacted last fall about wild parsnip. It was too late to control but I informed the owners that I would contact them in the spring to give them help in identification and control. Gosh, the snow has been gone about a week and this person wants to get started doing weed control! I loved the concern but I had to pull his reins in a little, at least until May 1st. The next call was an individual who is looking for purple loosestrife bio-control insects. I tell the person that he would be contacted when the correct time for collections came around later in the spring. The third call was about a seed inspection and samples that I had taken last week. While I was talking to these people a new call came in. This caller wanted to know if reed canary grass was a noxious weed. I explained why it wasn t currently on the list. This last call reminded me not only do we need to know what weeds are noxious, but it is equally important to know why many of these invasive plants are NOT on the list. After hanging up I sit back and take another sip of coffee. Agricultural Inspector - the title sounds so simple. Our normal work includes assisting the MDA in various areas: the Noxious Weed Program (training local inspectors, plant ID, our own inspections, and control issues), seed and seed sampling, fertilizer, pesticides, pesticide applicator testing and other areas. We work with the MDA on all items termed agricultural in our counties so many issues end up on our desks. What that means is that we deal with any type of invasive species (gypsy moth, EAB, Japanese beetle and many others), the AgBMP and other programs that I am forgetting. As I finish my coffee, I think there is no time to worry about that, I heard about a new store that is selling seed and I thought I would I go introduce myself and see if I could answer any questions. I grab my seed probe and inspection forms and hit the road. It s going to be another great day! Greg Senst has been the Hennepin County Agricultural Inspector since Greg received an undergraduate degree in Soil Sciences and Turf Management from the University of Wisconsin in Madison. Prior to serving with Hennepin County, he worked as a golf course superintendent and for a Midwest turf and horticulture company. In addition to his role as agricultural inspector, he also serves as an advisor to the MDA on the Minnesota Noxious Weed Advisory Committee, represents the Minnesota Association of County Agricultural Inspectors on the Minnesota Invasive Species Counsel, and is an important resource for CAIs throughout the state. Greg is also involved in many working groups within MDA, Minnesota DNR, and Minnesota DOT and is regularly asked by the Minnesota Association of County Agricultural Inspectors to represent them with legislative matters.

4 4 Pest Detection & Response Unit Minnesota Exterior Quarantine on Thousand Cankers Disease Amended on April 2, 2015 Kathryn Kromroy, Ph.D., Research Scientist Michael Merriman, Plant Health Specialist Thousand Cankers Disease (TCD) of Walnut Disease Distributions and Quarantines as of April 15, 2015 The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has had an exterior quarantine for thousand cankers disease of walnut since The quarantine prohibits import of walnut in a variety of forms from states where thousand cankers disease is present unless a compliance agreement is established between the distributer, receiver, and the MDA. In 2011, thousand cankers disease was known to occur in nine western states and in Tennessee and Virginia. The 2015 quarantine amendment added five states: Indiana, Maryland, North Carolina, Ohio, and Pennsylvania (see attached map). These states were added because 1) diseased trees were found; 2) the beetle that spreads the disease was found and/or; 3) the fungal pathogen was found. Thousand cankers disease requires both an insect and a fungus to cause disease. The insect, the walnut twig beetle (Pityophthorus juglandis), tunnels into the tree bark to lay eggs, distributing the fungal pathogen in the process. The fungus then blocks the movement of water and nutrients in the bark, killing plant tissue. As the numbers of beetle attacks increase, the fungus is eventually distributed to enough areas of the tree to girdle and kill branches and, ultimately, the tree. Black U.S. map that shows thousand cankers disease of walnut disease distribution and states with quarantines as of April 15, The northern edge of the native distribution of black walnut extends into southeastern Minnesota. States where thousand cankers disease of walnut, the walnut twig beetle, and/or fungal pathogen has been confirmed include 9 western states and 7 eastern and central states, not including Minnesota. State exterior quarantines exist in 16 central and eastern states, including Minnesota. walnut is the most susceptible tree to the disease, although other walnut species can be affected as well. Once a black walnut is infected with thousand cankers disease, it will die. There is currently no effective treatment or cure. Individuals who should be concerned about the quarantine on thousand cankers disease include wood hobbyists, wood movers (especially if moving logs and bark-on slabs), wood processors (mills and kilns), and any other individuals who deal with walnut. If you import walnut from other states into Minnesota, check out the map of thousand cankers disease distribution and our 2015 state exterior quarantine at If you are receiving walnut from any states where thousand cankers disease is present, whether it originated in the state or just passed through in transit, please consult the MDA on your options regarding a free compliance agreement.

5 5 Pest Mitigation & Biocontrol Biological Control of Leafy Spurge in Minnesota Monika Chandler, Research Scientist Leafy spurge plant. What is leafy spurge and why is it a problem? Leafy spurge, Euphorbia esula, is an herbaceous perennial native to Eurasia. Once a stand of leafy spurge becomes established and spreads, it reduces pasture or grassland productivity. It is toxic to cattle so they avoid the plant. If leafy spurge is present in a hayfield, the hay cannot be cut and moved, resulting in economic loss. Infestations can displace native plants and reduce wildlife habitat. How did leafy spurge get here and what are we doing about it? It was introduced to Minnesota in 1890 with a bushel of oats from Russia. By 1992, it was estimated that there were 800,000 infested acres in central, northern and western areas of the state in addition to the Twin Cities. In response, approximately 9 million leafy spurge beetles (Aphthona lacertosa) were released at over 2,000 sites in Minnesota from 1994 to present as a biological control. These releases have been overwhelmingly cost-effective and successful at greatly reducing infestations at most sites. How does biological control of leafy spurge work? Adult spurge beetles are collected from late May until mid-june. These beetles are sorted then placed in paper food containers, then distributed to cooperators who release them at infestations. Spurge beetles lay their eggs at the new sites. After hatching, the tiny beetle larvae burrow down to feed on spurge roots. They overwinter as larvae then pupate and emerge as beetles the following summer. The spurge beetle population builds for several years at a site until the feeding damage of so many beetles in adult and larval stages kills the spurge plants. When beetle populations are high, they can be collected and distributed to new sites. Leafy spurge flowers. Adult leafy spurge beetle. Long-term studies consistently demonstrate the reliability of spurge beetles to reduce large, stable infestations. Biological control is not effective at sites with disturbance such as flooding, construction, mowing and overgrazing. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), in cooperation with the Minnesota Association of County Agricultural Inspectors, oversees a statewide biological control program for this noxious weed that is free of charge to landowners. To learn more about leafy spurge biological control, contact the MDA or your County Agricultural Inspector. Infested field before biocontrol release. Field after biocontrol release.

6 6 Pest Mitigation & Biocontrol Biological Control of Emerald Ash Borer in Minnesota Jonathan Osthus, Emerald Ash Borer Biological Control Coordinator Emerald ash borer (EAB) biological control unites a serious invasive pest that attacks ash trees with its natural predators. Since 2010, Minnesota has been releasing two types of parasitoid wasps to help combat EAB. Tetrastichus planipennisi is a larval parasitoid of EAB which attacks the immature stage of EAB underneath the bark of ash trees. The wasp s eggs are laid inside of the EAB larva, where they develop, consume and kill the EAB larva. Oobius agrili is an egg parasitoid. The wasp attacks EAB eggs laid in the bark crevices on the exterior of ash trees and inserts its own egg inside of the EAB egg, where it develops and kills the EAB. EAB biocontrol activities are entering its sixth year with continued progress on bioagent release distribution and recovery efforts. Highlights of EAB biocontrol activities and accomplishments are: Over 177,000 parasitoid wasps have been released at 22 sites in the state with more than 10 new sites to be added in Tetrastichus planipennisi continues to be recovered through yearly branch sampling at Great River Bluffs State Park in southeast Minnesota, indicating that it has established, is reproducing and is dispersing in EAB infested areas. Oobius agrili has been recovered from two sites: Great River Bluffs State Park in the southeast and Fort Snelling State Park in the Twin Cities. Recoveries from Great River Bluffs State Park indicate Oobius agrili has established and is reproducing. Recent recovery efforts have been bolstered by learning two new techniques from researchers with the U.S. Forest Service in Lansing, MI. Tetrastichus planipennisi larvae found inside of an emerald ash borer gallery at Great River Bluffs State Park. Sampling bark of ash trees and then sifting debris to look for EAB eggs under a microscope. Dissecting EAB larvae recovered through branch sampling efforts to look for immature parasitoid larvae. As the summer field season gets underway, new release sites are being identified and necessary permissions and data are being collected. The Tracking the EAB Infestation Core study will continue to track ash health, EAB and EAB bioagents over time in the original infestation area of the Twin Cities. New trees will be selected and added to the study during the summer to maintain a robust monitoring network within the study area. For more information on EAB biocontrol, visit: mn.us/en/plants/pestmanagement/eab/eabbiocontrol.aspx. Staff looking for parasitized EAB eggs in ash bark samples.

7 7 Pest Mitigation & Biocontrol Japanese Hops Eradication Effort Emilie Justen, Research Scientist Scattered infestations of Japanese hops (Humulus japonicus) have been recorded in southeastern Minnesota along the Root and Mississippi Rivers. In July 2014, a 44-mile section of the Root River State Trail was surveyed to determine the presence and extent of the infestations. A few infestations were found and a river survey was organized to view the riverbanks for Japanese hops infestations. The Minnesota Departments of Agriculture (MDA), Natural Resources (DNR), and Transportation (MnDOT) with Conservation Corps Minnesota (CCM) surveyed 101 miles of the Root River, recording Japanese hops infestations from Preston to Hokah. The collaborators determined that the upriver seed source was at Preston, and infestations were absent on tributaries that were surveyed. Japanese hops is a noxious weed on the eradicate list and is one of the plant species the Elimination of Target Invasive Plant Species project, funded by the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative- Citizens Commission on Minnesota Resources, is working to eradicate. Because the infestations are limited to the riverbanks of the Root River, multiple private landowners are involved with the treatments, which are done by project partner CCM. The Japanese hops eradication project has involved careful planning and organization. Japanese hops treatments are approached from an environmentally friendly standpoint and will be timed to minimize herbicide use. Treatments will be prioritized between Preston and Whalan in order to minimize the flow of seed downstream that spreads Japanese hops seeds. Because the Root River is a valued and sensitive Japanese hops covering a bank. watershed, a careful review of herbicide labels recommended for application in close proximity to water was conducted by the MDA s Pesticide and Fertilizer Management Division. Collaborators from the DNR investigated the definition of the high water line to determine how much public and private land the project would cover. The MDA and CCM will work with partners at the DNR to identify rare plants in the target treatment areas. This will inform treatment method decisions to protect valuable resources. An outreach plan was developed to notify landowners, county officials, and the general public. A brief talk on the project and steps moving forward was given at the Fillmore County annual township meeting in early April. Following the meeting, a mailing was sent to 80 landowners in Fillmore County with land adjacent to the Root River. Since the mailing, over 30 landowners have responded to set up landowner agreements to have Japanese hops treated free of charge on their land. Treatments are expected to begin at the end of June; continued outreach efforts are being developed for landowners and the general public.

8 8 Pest Mitigation & Biocontrol MDA to Set Nearly 16,500 Traps Statewide for Gypsy Moth Natasha Northrop, Gypsy Moth Trapping Coordinator Allen Sommerfeld, MDA Senior Communications Officer Gypsy moth caterpillars are a problem because they voraciously eat the leaves of many trees and shrubs, favoring oak, poplar, birch and willow. Severe, repeated infestations can kill trees, especially when the trees are already stressed by drought or other factors. To find potentially infested areas, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) will set approximately 16,500 gypsy moth traps across the eastern half of Minnesota (see map). The work is part of the MDA s annual detection trapping program and is designed to protect Minnesota s forests and urban areas from new infestations of gypsy moth. Beginning May 18, MDA staff will be setting traps in the southern region of Minnesota. The northern portion of the state will start to receive traps after June 15. Setting the thousands of traps will take several weeks. Gypsy moth traps are small, triangle-shaped and made of cardboard (see photo). All of the traps are set on trees or poles across the state and contain a pheromone to lure in male gypsy moths. The traps are placed on a grid at a specific distance from each other in order to efficiently trap as many male moths as possible. To be successful, it is important to maintain the trapping grid. Citizens are asked not to disturb the traps and to call MDA s Arrest the Pest line at if they would like traps moved or removed from their properties. Map of the 2015 gypsy moth trapping area (in blue) in Minnesota. Trapping results may identify areas that need localized treatments to control the moths. The Twin Cities metro area is considered high-risk for human-assisted introductions of gypsy moth, but trap counts are still expected to be low in that area. Northeastern Minnesota is again expected to be the hot spot for gypsy moths in 2015, as the invasion front has now moved into that area from infested states to the east. For more details about the trapping program and gypsy moth, visit the MDA website at Delta gypsy moth trap stapled to a tree.

9 9 Seed, Biotechnology & Grain Programs Recent Plant Biotechnology Trait Deregulations Dr. Stephen Malone, Supervisor In the past six months the following genetically engineered plant traits have been deregulated by the United States Department of Agriculture/Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service and have also been granted Commercial Use Exemptions in accordance with state law. Once these traits are incorporated into varieties appropriate for Minnesota conditions, they will begin to become available to Minnesota farmers. These include new options for herbicide tolerance in soybeans and corn, insect resistant soybeans, and potatoes that are less prone to storage deterioration and have a reduced potential for the formation of possible carcinogens when cooked. COMPANY CROP EVENT WHAT IT DOES Dow AgroSciences soybean DAS Provides resistance to Lepidopteran insects Dow AgroSciences corn DAS Tolerant to 2,4-D and ACCase inhibitor herbicides Dow AgroSciences soybean DAS Tolerant to 2,4-D and glufosinate herbicides Dow AgroSciences soybean DAS Tolerant to 2,4-D, glyphosate, and glufosinate herbicides Monsanto soybean MON Provides resistance to Lepidopteran insects Monsanto soybean MON Tolerant to dicamba (herbicide) J.R. Simplot potato E12, E24, F10, F37, J3, J55, J78, G11, H37, H50 Low-Acrylamide Potential, Reduced Susceptibility to Black Spot Bruise

10 10 Seed, Biotechnology & Grain Programs Responsibilities of Retail Seed Establishments Dr. Stephen Malone, Supervisor The Minnesota Seed Law focuses mostly on the responsibilities of the initial seed labeler to accurately and truthfully disclose the identity, purity and quality of seed sold to Minnesota farmers, contractors, and homeowners. However, businesses that sell seed to consumers also have some responsibilities. Co-ops, ag input dealers, hardware stores, and garden centers often sell seed. Usually this seed is prepared by a seed company (the labeler) and distributed through these establishments. A few key points to remember: Only sell seed that is legal for sale in Minnesota. While labeling is the responsibility of the labeler, retail locations should only agree to sell seed from reputable companies that properly label their packets or bags. Check the expiration dates. Small packets of flower or vegetable seed include a packed for (year). Seed that is packed for 2015 can only be sold in Once the selling season is over, remaining inventory should go back to the seed company, marked down on the clearance shelf, or be disposed of. Lawn and turf grass seed containers have a sell by (month/year) statement. Grass seed that is nearing its sell-by date needs to be sold quickly. The seed company may be able to supply updated labels to extend the test date if they have recently re-tested the seed. The best way to avoid out-of-date seed is to use first-in, first-out management of the seed inventory. Sell older seed of the same mixture first by placing it at the front of the shelf. Retailer Education The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) released an 18-page document (Retailers Guide for Proper Handling and Storage of Lawn Seed Products) designed to educate business owners who sell grass seed. The Association of American Seed Control Officials, the Federal Seed Regulatory and Testing Branch, several grass seed companies and seed control officials from several states, including Minnesota, contributed to the content of the document. This document provides guidance on managing seed inventory in stores and distribution channels to maintain seed quality. It also educates retailers about general principles of seed law compliance, such as how to interpret germination test dates and sell by dates, basic labeling requirements, and how to work with seed companies to re-label outdated seed inventory. It also includes a section on how to work effectively with inspectors and state seed control officials. The guide can be accessed at Seed inspectors incorporate the guide into seed law compliance education with stores that sell lawn grass seed. While the guide is primarily designed for retailers of lawn and turf grass seed, the principles of inventory stewardship and effective working relationships with suppliers and regulatory officials would be easily adapted to any seed or plant material retail operation.

11 11 Current and past issues: pestmanagement/plant proreview.aspx Editor: Lu Schmidtke, Address: Minnesota Dept. of Agriculture Plant Protection Division 625 Robert St. N St. Paul, MN Subscriptions: To subscribe, send to pp.review@state.mn.us with Subscribe in the subject line. Material in this newsletter is not copyrighted. Reproduction of material is encouraged. For copied material, credit the Minnesota Department of Agriculture s. Published electronically three times per year by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, Plant Protection Division. Division Main Number Geir Friisoe, Division Director Chuck Dryke, Assistant Director Mark Abrahamson, Pest Detection & Response Supervisor Mike Horken, Potato Program Supervisor Stephen Malone, Biotechnology & Grain Programs Supervisor Nick Milanowski, Fruit, Vegetable & Grain Supervisor Mark Schreiber, Nursery Inspections/Export Unit Supervisor Kimberly Thielen Cremers, Pest Mitigation & Biocontrol Supervisor In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, this information is available in alternative forms of communication upon request by calling TTY users can call the Minnesota Relay Service at 711 or The MDA is an equal opportunity employer and provider.