Japanese Beetle Update

Nebraska has numerous counties infested with Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica). As this pest becomes more common across the state, the prevalence of Japanese beetle has implications for nurseries that ship out of state. 

Nebraska nursery stock moving interstate may need special certification, in addition to a regular nursery inspection and license, to meet other states’ entry requirements. This certification may require soil sampling, trapping surveys, inspections and/or chemical treatments.  

Special certification may be required for all Nebraska nurseries shipping nursery stock to other states, not just nursery stock shipped from known infested counties.   

All Nebraska nurseries involved in interstate shipment of nursery stock should contact NDA now to determine what certification measures will be needed. Be proactive in contacting NDA; do not wait until you are ready to ship, or certification may not be possible. Contact Jessica Schueth, Export Certification Coordinator, at 402-471-5902 or by email at agr.phyto@nebraska.gov, for more information or to discuss certification requirements.