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* Officials eradicate large gypsy moth infestations. Two of the
largest gypsy moth outbreaks in Minnesota history were officially
declared eradicated. Eighteen months after control measures began,
Minn. Dept. of Ag. said the Lake Harriet and Golden Valley regions are
free of the pest. However, MDA officials warn that the pest is
steadily moving toward the Midwest from eastern states, and it has
become established as far west as Wisconsin. They predict that gypsy
moths could become established in Minnesota in the next 5 years.
http://www.mda.state.mn.us/newsroom.htm

* State requires tree-care professionals to register. In other
Minnesota news, the state has initiated a tree-care registry, which
Minn. Dept. of Ag. hopes will help battle potential tree pests such as
gypsy moths, emerald ash borer and Asian longhorn beetle. All
tree-care professionals, arborists and city foresters and
municipalities that remove trees and brush must register. The compiled
list will be kept updated on infestations and quarantines.
http://www.mda.state.mn.us/newsroom.htm

* Experts say dont spray for emerald ash borer. Ohio green-industry
professionals and residents are being urged not to spray for emerald
ash borer. Insecticidal treatments may be a waste of money, as ash
trees near infested areas will likely have to be destroyed. Dan Herms,
Ohio Ag. Research and Development Center entomologist, said infested
trees can still look healthy for years, and that research has shown
that no insecticide is 100% effective against EAB. More than 8,000 ash
trees in Ohio (Lucas, Defiance, Paulding and Wood counties) have been
destroyed due to the pest.

* Gene mapping could speed cultivar evaluation. New gene mapping
techniques developed by USDA could cut the time it takes to evaluate
new woody plant cultivars. ARS scientists have developed a method to
detect traits, such as dwarf habits, by looking at plants genetic
codes. Normally, it would take 10 years or more to detect such traits.
Initial research has been onducted on apple rootstocks, but the
research has application for other woody plants.
http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2003/031104.htm

* California makes sharpshooter headway. Bill Lyons Jr., Calif. Dept.
of Food and Ag. secretary, said the state has made strides to protect
itself from glassy-winged sharpshooter. Three years ago, the outlook
was bleak for controlling the pest, which spreads Pierces disease.
"Our progress has been substantial and our prospects are vastly
improved. We have improved our methods and means of limiting the
spread of the pest, and that buys time for the many researchers who
are working to identify a cure or treatment for the disease."
Glassy-winged sharpshooter control has cost growers in the state
millions of dollars since 2000. http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/phpps/pdcp