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.
