Best Management Practices

Weakened plants become more susceptible to disease and infestation.  Keeping the nursery free of weeds and debris can have many benefits.  Weeds and plant debris can harbor pathogens and pests which can spread to nursery stock and affect the health of plants.  Many plants will drop leaves that become infected with pathogens as a defense mechanism.  Leaving those infested leaves or other plant material on the ground exposes nearby plants to the pathogen.  Pests and diseases can persist in cull that is allowed to sit for a long time. Cull should be incinerated, buried or composted frequently.  Disposing of litter properly ensures that pest colonies and many diseases are destroyed before they can affect stock.  Keep loading docks equally free of debris to prevent contamination of incoming and outgoing stock (97). 

LBAM:  These practices are required in light brown apple moth quarantine areas (61).