More bad news for long-suffering box (Buxus). In the April 2012 issue of “Branching Out”, the outstanding IPM newsletter published by Cornell University, Margery Daughtrey and George Hudler of Cornell’s Department of Plant Pathology & Plant Microbe Biology report on a new virulent and aggressive fungus affecting all species and cultivars of garden boxwood.

It was first seen in the UK in 1994; in 2011 infected plants were discovered in garden centers here in Suffolk County, and soon after at other New York locations. The blight has also spread to CT, MA, MD, NC, OH, OR, PA,VA, Canada – and the list is growing.

Because this fungus disease, Calonectria pseudonaviculatum, progresses quickly, causing foliage browning, defoliation and death, with no known cure, it’s a greater threat to the survival of box than any previous disease problem. To limit further contamination, it is recommended that diseased plants  be promptly removed and destroyed.

For proper identification— symptoms may be confused with other less serious box problems— seek professional guidance. (In Suffolk County call: The Cornell Cooperative Extension in Riverhead, N.Y., (631) 727-4126, Monday-Friday, 9am-noon).

I previously wrote about a deadly box pest, active in Europe and the UK, (“Pest-Alert: Box Tree Caterpillar), which may also travel across the pond to our shores. Global commerce creates particularly challenging times for box lovers in particular and for gardeners in general. We all need to be on guard and ultra observant.