Avoid disease, insect problems on pansies
Growers producing spring pansies should watch for insect and disease problems, according to Univ. of Md. Co-op. Ext. Root-rot symptoms include stunting, wilting and yellowing promoted by cold, cloudy weather when the growing medium stays wetter longer. Examine roots for Pythium, which along with Rhizoctonia, can be detected with Agdia test kits. Thielaviopsis- (black root rot) infected plants are best discarded. To avoid problems with Botrytis, remove spent flowers and water early in the day and increase air movement to allow drying. Insufficient nitrogen can lead to leaf spots caused by Alternaria or Colletotrichum in cold weather and Cercospora in hot weather.

Bulb research tops Parade's quirkiest stories
In 2006, Cornell Univ. hort. research used diluted alcohol to shorten stems and leaf growth of potted Narcissus. This dubious research earned a nod from Parade magazine as Worst Gardening Tip of 2006 in a Dec. 31 article, "The Year's Quirkiest Stories." Cornell research showed that dilute solutions (4%-6%) of alcohol are effective on paperwhites to prevent plants from flopping over. Diluted rubbing alcohol works just as well as distilled spirits such as gin, vodka, whiskey, rum and tequila.

USDA expands import list
USDA-APHIS expanded the fruits and vegetables eligible for import into the U.S. As a condition of entry, they will be inspected and subject to disinfection at the first port of arrival. Some may require treatment or a phytosanitary certificate issued by the national plant protection organization in the country of origin.

Research focuses on eliminating pathogens
Univ. of Ill. scientists are working to develop ways to prevent foodborne pathogens, including the strain of E. coli that contaminated Calif. spinach. Food science professor Scott Martin is looking for ways to eliminate biofilms that contain pathogens and attach themselves to produce. Once the biofilm is on the produce, Martin said washing cannot remove it. Also, low levels (10-100 cells) of this E. coli strain can cause infection. Martin's colleague Hao Feng is developing a process that kills pathogenic organisms in liquid products using ultrasound and low temperatures.

Worth a visit
University of Connecticut extension educator Leanne Pundt talks about implementing and maintaining a successful IPM program. Only on GreenBeam.com.

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

Fine Americas, Inc. offers you a complete range of plant growth regulators to improve your crop quality and increase profit margins. Contact your distributor today.

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!