Wednesday, June 4, 2008

North Carolina prohibits the sale and distribution of Cogongrass along with all its cultivars

The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' Plant Industry Division is implementing a

policy change that will prohibit the propagation, nursery cultivation, sale and distribution of cogongrass, (lmperata

cylindrica) (Linnaeus) Raeuschel, along with all cultivars including 'Red Baron' or Japanese blood grass. This

action is needed to prevent further introduction and secondary spread of cogongrass into and within NOJih Carolina.

Cogongrass has been detected and is a major concern in the states of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama,

Georgia, Florida and South Carolina. It was recently detected and confirmed in Tennessee. Additionally, this

policy change for North Carolina is needed to ensure this state's regulatory actions are harmonized with those of

surrounding states.



The following actions will be taken to implement this new policy.



I. Effective immediately, the NCDA&CS, Plant Industry Division will deny permits for the interstate

movement of Cogongrass-Imperata cylindrica (Linnaeus) Raeuschel, including cultivars referred to as

'Red Baron' or Japanese blood grass.

2. NCDA&CS, Plant Industry Division will enforce regulatory restrictions on all nursery propagation, nursery

cultivation and sale/distribution of cogongrass, including cultivars referred to as 'Red Baron' or Japanese

blood grass after October 31,2008.

3. Existing inventories of cogongrass-Imperata cylindrica (Linnaeus) Raeuschel, including cultivars referred

to as 'Red Baron' or Japanese blood grass, must be sold or removed from nurseries or nursery dealers by

October 31, 2008. Any remaining plant material will be subject to stop-sale and will be destroyed or must

be shipped in compliance with USDA, APHIS, PPQ regulations. The application and instructions for a

PPQ Form 526-Applicationfor Permit to Move Live Pests or Noxious Weeds may be found at the USDA,

APHIS, PPQ web site http://www.aphis.usda.gov/permits/ppg epermits.shtml and must be completed by

the nursery/nursery dealer operation in the receiving state.

4. Failure to comply may result in revocation or suspension of the NCDA&CS' Nursery Certificate or

Nursery Dealer Certificate.


Should you have questions or need additional information regarding this policy change, please feel free to contact

your local NCDA&CS Plant Pest Specialist or Rick Iverson, Weed Specialist, NCDA&CS.