What is the Nursery and Christmas Tree Farm Survey?
The Pest Detection and Export Certification Unit conducts a multi-pest early detection survey at nurseries and Christmas tree farms that have both retail and in-field growing sites across Minnesota. The survey is funded as part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Plant Protection Act 7721.
The Nursery and Christmas Tree Farm Survey monitors invasive pests and pathogens at nurseries and Christmas tree farms across Minnesota. In recent years, invasive species have been found in Minnesota and nearby states through the nursery and Christmas tree industry, highlighting this as an important pathway for new pests of concern. These discoveries have led to trace-forward events, delimiting surveys, and regulatory actions aimed at preventing the spread of these pests into the state. This survey allows for the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) to visit high-risk sites multiple times throughout the growing season to monitor for pests and diseases of major concern.
Who Is Involved?
Emphasis is placed on sites that ship plant material into the state for retail sale in addition to having in-ground year-round production of plant material on-site.
How Is the Survey Conducted?
The MDA works with the USDA and the University of Minnesota (U of M) to identify insects and pathogens that might pose the greatest risk to Minnesota and U.S. agriculture. Pests are assessed using criteria such as:
- How likely they are to appear in the near future
- How common their host plants are in Minnesota’s farms and natural areas
- Climatic suitability and ability to survive cold temperatures
Each year, the list of monitored target species is updated as new information becomes available. Pheromone-baited traps and visual inspections are used to monitor insect species, insect life stages, and host damage. Plants are inspected for symptoms of plant diseases, and tissue samples are collected from plants showing signs of target pathogens. Soil and water samples are also collected at specific intervals throughout the growing season. All plant disease samples undergo diagnostic lab testing.
What Happens After a Detection?
Not all pests pose the same level of threat to Minnesota agriculture, so our response varies when a pest is found.
- Some pests are not regulated. If we find pests that are not regulated, we focus on education and outreach to growers about the pest(s) of concern.
- Some pests are regulated, either locally or federally. If we find pests that are regulated, several things could happen, including:
- Restrictions on the movement of plants and goods
- Limitations on exports
- Efforts to control or eradicate the pest
In addition to education, outreach, and potential regulatory actions upon finding a new pest, the MDA also works to track pests after they have arrived in Minnesota to determine their spread and scope within the state.
How to Help
The Nursery and Christmas Tree Farm Survey allows for meaningful interaction between commercial growers, retailers, and the MDA regarding invasive species. We hope this survey will continue to strengthen industry partnerships to protect local agricultural systems. Additionally, early detection of a new pest provides the best opportunity to mitigate its impact on the state.
If you suspect any new pests on your property or elsewhere in Minnesota, visit the MDA's Report a Pest page for information on reporting invasive pests.
