Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
03/08/2023 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/08/2023 15:00
Draft assessment titled “Evaluation of non-Buxus plants as hosts of the box tree moth, Cydalima perspectalis Walker (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)” is available for public comment
Draft assessment titled "Evaluation of non-Buxus plants as hosts of the box tree moth, Cydalima perspectalis Walker (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)" is available for public comment
Published: Mar 8, 2023
USDA APHIS has developed a draft assessment to determine the hosts of box tree moth (Cydalima perspectalis). On May 26, 2021, APHIS issued a Federal Order amending the entry requirements for the importation of boxwood (Buxus spp.), Euonymus spp., and holly (Ilex spp.) plants for planting from Canada to prevent introduction of box tree moth into the United States. The purpose of this assessment is to critically examine associations of the box tree moth with non-Buxus plants reported in the literature. This document will be used to update restrictions for nursery plants that could serve as pathway of introduction for box tree moth.
APHIS is sharing the draft assessment to determine whether stakeholders have information that might lead us to revise the assessment before we update our requirements for hosts of box tree moth.
The draft assessment will be available for review and comment until April 6, 2023. To view the assessment or submit comments, go to https://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant-health/risk-assessment-consultation.
Additional Information
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America's food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.