Boxwood producers and boxwood plantings are facing a new threat—the invasion of the box tree moth (BTM-Cydalima perspectalis), an invasive insect from East Asia. With total annual value of U.S. sales at an estimated $141 Million, boxwood is an important revenue source for plant producers. Boxwood plantings are among the oldest plantings in the United States, with living plants dating back to the 1700s. The triple threat of box tree moth on revenue for boxwood producers, on the viability of historic boxwood plantings, and on the health of boxwood plantings throughout North America makes this pest high-consequence.

In this webinar, Dr. Jeanine West will provide background on the box tree moth best management practices developed in Canada, where the pest was first detected in 2018. Dr. Alejandro Del-Pozo will share updates from Western New York, where the pest was first detected in 2021, including phenology, biology, and ecology.

Phenology of the Box Tree Moth in Western New York
This presentation, led by Dr. Alejandro Del-Pozo, will discuss the data collected on this invasive pest in Niagara County, New York from June to October in 2022. A Virginia Tech research team documented the fluctuation of densities for this insect utilizing adult trapping and visual examinations. Additional field observations on the biology and ecology of this insect in its new US invasive range will be shared during this presentation.

Managing BTM in the Nursery
Immediately following the first report of BTM in Toronto, Canada, the nursery growers’ association formed a best management practices document. Over the last few years, these “BMP’s” have evolved along with the science, and nurseries across Canada are using this information to guide BTM management and/or prevention at their farms. Dr. Jeanine West will share experiences and challenges of boxwood producers in the regulated area.

Following the presentations, we’ll have time for Q&A with webinar participants.