SD56: Into the field: Protecting plant resources through diligent monitoring and inspection across the State

Part of the mission of the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s Plant Protection and Weed Control program is to protect native and cultivated plants from pest and disease outbreaks. These goals are primarily completed through regulatory work, including the establishment of quarantines, greenhouse and nursery inspections, and annual monitoring of invasive species. Regulatory action taken by the department has a direct impact on Kansas citizens. Quarantines and inspections slow the spread of pests while minimizing potential economic loss experienced by individuals and live plant dealers. Monitoring allows the department to track a pest's progression into the state while keeping the public informed so they can develop proper management strategies on their property. Here, I discuss some of my regulatory projects for the 2023 season and their impact on Kansas citizens, including findings from greenhouse inspections and a spongy moth delimiting survey.