Red palm mite poses threat to U.S. palms
USDA-APHIS Plant Protection and Quarantine has told U.S. Customs and Border Protection to heighten vigilance for red palm mite (Raoiella indica)on flights from Puerto Rico to the U.S. Last November, detections of the mite were confirmed by APHIS-PPQ in several areas on the eastern half of Puerto Rico. The mite is a pest of international quarantine significance and a direct threat to Puerto Rico's ornamental palm and coconut industries. It is a potential threat to these industries in Florida, Alabama, Arizona, Texas, California and Hawaii. The mite is reported to have new hosts, including gingers, bananas and plantains.

Maximize light levels to improve cutting propagation
If you propagate cuttings, now is the time to maximize light levels, said Dean Krauskopf with Mich. St. Univ. Ext. The greatest impact of supplemental lighting is during propagation. The cost for supplemental light is lowest at this time because of the number of plants per sq. ft. Maximize the amount of light entering the greenhouse by cleaning glazing inside and out -- or replace it. Maintain optimum rooting temperatures of 72-78 degrees F using bottom heat. Place plastic skirts around benches to ensure heat goes up around the cuttings and isn't lost around the bench edges. Check the temperature of mist water. Water that is 50 degrees F or lower can lower the temperature of the medium; it can take an hour or longer to recover to the optimum temperature.

2006 is 3rd warmest year on record
The average annual temperature in the contiguous U.S. during 2006 was the 3rd warmest on record, according to the NOAA Nat'l Climatic Data Center. Only 1998 and 1934 were warmer. January, April and July were either the warmest or second warmest on record. September and October were cooler than average. For the contiguous U.S., 5 of the first 7 months of the year were drier than average. Widespread severe drought remains over much of the southern Plains, northern High Plains and northern Rockies, as well as parts of Arizona and Minnesota. Worldwide, the global annual temperature for combined land and ocean surfaces was the 6th warmest on record. Canada experienced its warmest winter and warmest spring since recordkeeping began in 1948.

Time to focus on liverwort prevention and control
The dark, damp weather of winter is an ideal time for the spread of liverworts (Marchantia polymorpha), branching, ribbonlike plants lacking distinct roots, stems and leaves. They reproduce by spores and vegetatively. Univ. of Conn. ext. educator Leanne Pundt recommends inspecting incoming plants for signs of liverworts. Isolate infected plants. If the growing medium stays moist, small infestations can spread quickly. Clean and disinfect empty greenhouses to remove spores. Store media properly to prevent spore contamination. Avoid overwatering. Allow the medium to dry between waterings to reduce liverwort vigor. Proper plant spacing reduces humidity levels. Topdressing slow-release fertilizer can contribute to increased liverwort growth. Sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate (TerraCyte) is labeled for liverworts, algae and moss.

Worth a visit
Solutions Source is a 12-month series providing answers to the challenges growers face today. This month: energy efficiencies. Only on GreenBeam.com.

Concise™, the new uniconazole-p ornamental plant growth regulator, offers flexible control options and produces more compact and marketable plants at exceptional value.

Dramm JetRain Nozzles ● Perfect for propagation. ● Offers superior coverage. ● Includes check valve. ● Available barbed or threaded.

New England Grows is scheduled for Tuesday, February 6 - Thursday, February 8, 2007 at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center in Boston, Massachusetts. Register online today!