New fungal plant disease in Oregon
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - It's no sudden oak death, but Oregon agriculture officials say a new fungal plant disease has been detected in Oregon for the first time.
Unlike the pathogen that causes sudden oak death, the state Agriculture Department said boxwood blight is no threat to the state's environment.
It affects only boxwoods, a plant species that is not native to Oregon.
The ailment has now been found in eight states and a Canadian province. It previously invaded Europe and New Zealand.
Boxwoods are commonly grown and sold by nurseries.
The Oregon Agriculture Department found the disease in December in a Washington County nursery. The state is working with the nursery to destroy the infected plants.
A dozen other boxwood producers in Oregon have been surveyed with no signs of the blight.
The disease causes the evergreen species to lose its leaves.
