{"id":27590,"date":"2024-04-09T08:38:12","date_gmt":"2024-04-09T15:38:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/?p=27590"},"modified":"2024-04-09T08:38:12","modified_gmt":"2024-04-09T15:38:12","slug":"guard-your-green-invasive-plant-pests-threaten-your-communitys-trees-and-gardens","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/index.php\/2024\/04\/09\/guard-your-green-invasive-plant-pests-threaten-your-communitys-trees-and-gardens\/","title":{"rendered":"Guard your Green: Invasive Plant Pests Threaten Your Community’s Trees and Gardens"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

USDA Proclaims April 2024 as Invasive Plant Pest and Disease Awareness Month<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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Our partners at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) have proclaimed April 2024\u202fas Invasive Plant Pest and Disease Awareness Month. During this month, we are encouraging everyone\u2014whether you\u2019re a gardener or a camper, a bug enthusiast or a student, a traveler, or an online shopper\u2014to learn about the danger of invasive plant pests and what you can do to help.  We are sharing information on curbing the spread of these pests to foster a healthier environment and protect our food supply.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Invasive pests don\u2019t have many enemies in their new environment, so they multiply fast.<\/strong> These pests compete with native species and cause big problems for the environment and farms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAnnually, invasive insects and plant diseases inflict a staggering $40 billion in damages to plants that we depend on,\u201d said USDA Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. \u201cInvasive species threaten our food supply, agricultural jobs, and way of life. Fortunately, we can reduce their impact and spread. There are lots of things you can do today to avoid moving invasive pests to new places.\u201d  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Invasive pests have a relatively small natural range, but they burrow inside untreated firewood, and attach to cars, boats, and other outdoor surfaces. They can travel in agricultural material such as soil, seeds, homegrown produce, and plants. They move large distances by hitching rides on what we move, mail, or travel in. Invasive plant pests and diseases can be inconspicuous hitchhikers.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s easy to unintentionally move hitchhiking invasive species, but if you know what to look for, you can take steps to avoid bringing these damaging pests with you,\u201d said Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs (and former CDFA Undersecretary) Jenny Moffitt. \u201cThis awareness month is a reminder to us all to slow the spread of invasive species. We can do that by informing ourselves on what to look for and ensuring invasive pests aren\u2019t traveling with us, or on the items we buy online, or mail.\u201d \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, humans help plant pests spread faster and farther than they can travel on their own.<\/strong> A bug with a 10-mile natural range in its lifetime may be able to travel 500 miles in a single day by hitchhiking on a plane, train, or car.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2014 We need the public\u2019s help to reduce the impact of invasive species. Join us in protecting plants this month! Here are some tips:\u202f\u202f\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n