Boxwoods have so many pests it’s a wonder we continue to grow them. On top of boxwood mites, psyllids, and leafminers boxwood blight has been spreading since 2011. Boxwoods are special though so we work to protect them from each new threat. That work will get harder if box tree moth gets established in North America. The box tree moth, Cydalima perspectalis, feeds on boxwoods (Buxus spp.). It is native to China, Korea, and other parts of Asia but was recently found at a couple of sites in Ontario, Canada. So far just the brown and white moths have been found. It remains to be seen if they laid enough eggs in enough places to initiate a lasting infestation. Box tree moth was introduced into Europe in 2007 and rapidly spread across the continent so its damage is well-documented. The caterpillars are yellow to lime green with dark stripes. They[Read More…]
Archives for November 2018
