AGENTS GUIDE – NEW AND OLD THREATS TO BOXWOOD PRODUCTION AND MAINTENANCE
Horticulture & Turfgrass
Timothy Waller
Agriculture & Natural Resources County Agent III
Rutgers
Millville
Abstract
Extension personnel working in commercial nursery, or with landscape professionals, or with home horticulturalist will eventually interact with Boxwoods (multiple Buxus species). Therefore, it is important to have a baseline understanding of the common and emerging pests and diseases associated with this horticulturally important crop (11M boxwoods are sold annually with an estimated value of $126M (USDA NASS 2019)). Here, identifying characteristics of common abiotic factors, fungal and oomycete diseases, and insect pests will be discussed in the context of differentiating visually similar symptoms. Some of the examples to be covered include Volutella Blight versus Boxwood Blight symptomology, Phytophthora root rot versus Boxwood Dieback fungi, winter injury versus phytotoxicity versus disease, and differentiating damage caused by multiple insect pests. Emerging threats to boxwood production and transport, such as the rapidly spreading Box Tree Moth will be discussed within the context of existing and new regulatory compliance agreements. Throughout the session chemical treatments, cultural practices, important overwintering locations, and other pertinent information will be discussed in efforts to provide Extension professionals with the tools they need to navigate future boxwood problems.
Authors: Timothy Waller, William Errickson
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Timothy Waller Agriculture & Natural Resources County Agent III, Rutgers Cooperative Extension, New Jersey, 08332-9776
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William Errickson Agriculture and Natural Resources County Agent III, Rutgers Cooperative Extension, New Jersey, 07728