Maine Department of Agriculture News


Updates on Invasives:


Giant Hogweed, Asian Longhorned Beetle and Emerald Ash Borer


By Ann Gibbs, State Horticulturist Karen Coluzzi, Exotic Pest Survey Coordinator


Giant hogweed has been getting lots of press this summer. Giant


hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) is appropriately named. It can reach heights of 15 feet, with 2-4 inch wide stems and leaves up to 5 feet. It is native to the Caucasas mountain region in Russia and was brought to this country as an ornamental. It was a popular plant during the Victorian era when excess was the rage even in plantings. Te problem with this plant is that is exudes sap containing a furocoumarin which causes a skin reaction known as photodermatitis. A rash or blistering occurs on some people when sap on there skin is exposed to ultra violet light. Because of this human health threat the plant is listed as a federal noxious weed. Tis characteristic of the plant has provided for some very sensational stories in the press. With funding provided by USDA, we started surveying for giant


hogweed in 2002 and found about 14 sites in 5 different counties. During that time we developed several brochures to help with identification and suggestions for control. Over the years several of the sites were eradicated. In 2011 with a renewed focus 4 new sites were found bringing the total number of sites to 20 in 9 counties. Te Department will help with identification and providing


resources to help with control. As with any plant that sap that causes an allergic reaction people just need to use caution when working around these plants, particularly being properly covered with long sleeves, long plants and gloves. Controlling this plant is not a one shot deal and people should be persistent as this is a long term commitment. Information about this plant in Maine and how to deal with it can be found at our website: http://www.maine.gov/ agriculture/pi/pestsurvey/pestinfo/gianthogweed.htm. Te legislature moved one step forward this session to formalizing


the process for developing an invasive terrestrial plant list. LD 182 was presented this session focusing on banning certain invasive plants and developing a list. Tis bill morphed into a resolve requiring that the Department develop criteria for listing invasive terrestrial plants and promulgate them in regulation by February 2012. In invasive forest pest news, the Maine Department of Agriculture has deployed conspicuous purple traps in ash trees at various nurseries around the state to look for the emerald ash borer. Tis is part of a multi-agency effort that combines the resources of the Department, the Maine Forest Service, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Penobscot Indian Nation Department of Natural Resources.


GrowingMEGreen


Purple Trap. Photo submitted by Ann Gibbs.


Midseason inspections have been made, and no EAB have been found so far. Read more about the trapping effort here… http:// www.sunjournal.com/connections/story/1066554 Te Department has also received funding to continue the Forest


Pest Outreach and Survey Project for a third year. If anyone would like Asian longhorned beetle or emerald ash borer handouts to distribute to clients and customers, please contact the Department.


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