Conduct delimitation trapping and survey for box tree moth (cydalima perspectalis; BTM) in the surrounding counties of the quarantine which includes brown, clinton, fayette, madison, clark, champaign,…

The Ohio Department of Agriculture received a $300,000 Cooperative Agreement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) under the Plant and Animal Disease, Pest Control, and Animal Care program (CFDA 10.025), effective July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. The award funds delimitation trapping and survey activities for Box Tree Moth (Cydalima perspectalis; BTM) across nine Ohio counties surrounding an established quarantine zone. Primary deliverables include installation and operation of BTM traps at all boxwood production, distribution, and holding locations in proximity to the known infestation boundary; collaboration with key stakeholders to implement population suppression measures; testing of new techniques and technologies for area-wide pest management; and comprehensive outreach and education to stakeholders throughout Ohio and neighboring states.

The cooperative agreement supports critical federal and state regulatory objectives by enabling delimitation of the BTM infestation to inform regulatory boundary decisions and resource allocation by USDA and the Ohio Department of Agriculture. The robust trapping program, focusing on regulated nurseries and plant dealers, is designed to prevent spread of BTM to Kentucky, Indiana, and other regions through nursery stock movement. Trapping data, infestation status information, and treatment histories will be utilized to address knowledge gaps and validate best management practices. The intended beneficiaries include Ohio's nurseries, plant dealers, residential areas, and the broader United States agricultural community.

Conduct delimitation trapping and survey for box tree moth (cydalima perspectalis; BTM) in the surrounding counties of the quarantine which includes brown, clinton, fayette, madison, clark, champaign, shelby, darke, and preble counties through october 2026. Activities to be performed: place BTM traps at all boxwood (buxus SPP.) production, distribution, and holding locations within proximity of the known leading edge of BTM. Work with key stakeholders in BTM-infested communities to encourage population suppression measures and studies to gauge the effectiveness of existing or new techniques or new technologies for area-wide deployment. Conduct outreach and education to key stakeholders throughout ohio and neighboring states. Deliverables and expected outcomes: delimitation of the recently detected BTM infestation will allow USDA and ODA to make informed decisions on where to draw regulatory boundaries and where to focus resources. A robust trapping program inside or near regulated businesses (nurseries and plant dealers) will be critical in preventing the spread of BTM from ohio to kentucky, indiana, or to other areas via nursery stock movement. The infestation status, treatment histories, and trapping data can be used to refine knowledge gaps and test best practices.intended beneficiary(IES): ohio's nurseries, plant dealers, residential areas, and the whole USA.subrecipient activities, if known or specified at the time of award: none at this time.