Invasive Box Tree Moth Found in Western New York

08192021_Boxwood Hedge_PA Dept of Ag

(Boxwood plants grown to form a hedge / Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture)

08192021_box tree moth_nys dept of ag

(Box Tree Moth / New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets)

ITHACA, NY -- The Box Tree Moth has been found in parts of Western New York. This invasive pest is a serious threat to boxwood plants, which are important in the U.S. nursery industry.

Boxwood plants are shrubs, and are often grown to make decorative low hedges. Signs of infestation include chewed up leaves, and defoliation. Box tree larvae are green and yellow with, white, yellow and black stripes as well as black spots.

The box tree moth’s presence in New York was confirmed on Wednesday by the State Department of Agriculture.

They’re asking for signs of infestation to be reported. You can do by going to agriculture.ny.gov, and filling out their Box Tree Moth Public Report.

CREATIVES: Chandra Oppenheim with Dusty Visions

By Felix Teitelbaum | November 25, 2024

Dusty Visions of Threading the Needle interviews Post Punk legend Chandra Oppenheim and bandmates live in studio. Chanda Oppenheim is a musician and performer originally from New York City. At a young age, she was heavily exposed to the New York art world thanks to her father, Dennis Oppenheim, work as a sculptor, photographer and…

The Undiscovered Country: Jason Hoge of LawNY on the NYS Clean State Act

By Felix Teitelbaum | November 18, 2024

Host Michael Rhynes interviews attorney Jason Hoge about the new legislation that will make a difference to men and women coming home from prison. The law holds a unique promise for 2.3 million New Yorkers with conviction records. The law will clear the path for them to access the employment, housing, education and other opportunities…

This is people-powered radio! Your support powers local voices, independent news, and music from beyond the algorithm!

By Felix Teitelbaum | October 3, 2024

♥ THANKS TO YOUR SUPPORT, WE’VE MET OUR FALL 2024 GOAL!!! ♥ PLEASE GIVE TODAY TO HELP US REACH OUR YEAR-END GOAL. ♥ WRFI is truly one in a million. We don’t fit the mold of commercial or corporate media. We’re homegrown, we’re independent, and, most importantly, we’re fun! Where else can you find unfiltered,…

The Undiscovered Country: Taili Mugambee

By Felix Teitelbaum | September 30, 2024

Host Michael Rhynes interviews Taili Mugambee Director or ⁠the Ultimate Re-Entry Opportunity⁠ about re-entry work underway in Tompkins County. The organization works to address housing, employment, safety, health, and wellness of those impacted by incarceration, and to make policy and systemic change. “The Undiscovered Country” is a radio program and podcast featuring the poetry, prose,…

Voter Information for 2024

By Felix Teitelbaum | September 20, 2024

Elections in our area’s newly defined districts have been decided by razor thin margins. Make sure you’re registered to vote today. The deadline to register is October 26. Early voting in Tomkins County runs from October 26 through November 3. Any registered New York State voter in Tompkins County can vote early at either of…

CREATIVES: Ruth Reichl with Rachel Bezner Kerr and Felix Teitelbaum [AUDIO, TRANSCRIPT]

By Felix Teitelbaum | September 12, 2024

Felix Teitelbaum hosts a discussion with Ruth Reichl and Rachel Besner Kerr on WRFI about the documentary “Food and Country,” which explores the impact of the pandemic on food systems. Get tickets for the September 17 screening and join the panel conversation following the film. Reichl highlights the resilience and struggles of farmers, ranchers, and…

Local Food Security Roundtable [AUDIO]

By Felix Teitelbaum | September 12, 2024

How can we ensure access to healthy, sustainable food for everyone in our community? What can we do as individuals? What changes would you like to see to government policy? How did the pandemic affect the way you eat?  Listen back to our WRFI’s September 12 food security and call-in show. Panelists, callers, and host Felix Teitelbaum…

CREATIVES: Author Jonathan Lethem

By Felix Teitelbaum | September 10, 2024

In this edition of CREATIVES ON WRFI, a conversation between celebrated American novelist Jonathan Lethem and Jacob White, Associate Professor of Writing at Ithaca College and host of Jamaican Clash on WRFI. Jonathan Lethem visits Ithaca this weekend as part of the fourth annual Ithaca Is Books Festival (Sept. 12-15). You can see Lethem live…

Alcance Latino: Starting a Small Farm Business [in Spanish]

By Felix Teitelbaum | September 5, 2024

María José Oviedo y Tim W. Shenk del equipo de Futuro en Ag del Cornell Small Farms Program comparten con Carlos Gutiérrez en el programa Alcance Latino. Invitan a conocer las oportunidades disponibles para productores y aspirantes a la producción agrícola que son de la comunidad latina o hispanohablante. De particular interés es el curso virtual…

Alcance Latino: Starting a Small Farm [in Spanish]

By Felix Teitelbaum | September 1, 2024

María José Oviedo y Tim W. Shenk del equipo de Futuro en Ag del Cornell Small Farms Program comparten con Carlos Gutiérrez en el programa Alcance Latino. Invitan a conocer las oportunidades disponibles para productores y aspirantes a la producción agrícola que son de la comunidad latina o hispanohablante. De particular interés es el curso virtual…