Plant Pathology Alert: Boxwood Blight Warning
Posted: November 2, 2012
Photo: Sandra Jensen, Cornell University, Bugwood.org: Boxwood blight (Cylindrocladium buxicola) on boxwood
During the holidays, many people make or distribute decorations that contain boxwood cuttings. Dr. Kelly Ivors, from North Carolina State University, has been studying boxwood blight (also called Cylindrocladium box blight).
Recently, she sent out cautionary information for anyone using boxwood cuttings for holiday decorations (or any other reason). The greatest potential to spread boxwood blight over long distances is by the movement of infected plants and cuttings. It can also be spread on tools used to shear infected plants or take cuttings.
Dr. Ivors also provides some instructions for sanitizing pruners or other equipment used during the cutting of boxwood twigs. Boxwood blight has been found in Pennsylvania and many surrounding states. If you work with boxwood, you should be aware of the potential for spreading this devastating disease.
Boxwood Blight and Greenery Tip Production
Kelly Ivors, Extension Plant Pathologist, Dept. of Plant Pathology, NC State University
Treatments used for sanitizing tools, equipment, cultivation surfaces, & other related items
Kelly Ivors and Mike Munster, Dept. of Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University
Pest Alert! Boxwood Blight, A New Disease in North America
Gary Moorman, Penn State Department of Plant Pathology