3 distributors form alliance
Griffin Greenhouse and Nursery Supplies headquartered in Tewksbury, Mass., BFG Supply Co. headquartered in Burton, Ohio, and BWI Co. headquartered in Nash, Texas, have formed a hort. distribution alliance called the Integrated Hort. Alliance. The alliance will focus on 4 primary areas: operational excellence, quality customer service, sales effectiveness and supplier support. The companies expect their synergies will allow for better info flow regarding overall distributor challenges.

Novalis expands grower network
Novalis, a professional hort. trade consortium made up of U.S. annual, perennial and woody growers, added 7 new growers to produce plants for the Novalis' Plants That Work by Color program: Armstrong Growers, Beds & Borders, Carolina Nurseries, Peace Tree Farms, Sunbelt Greenhouses, Tanasacre Nursery and Wenke Greenhouses. Novalis also added Bailey Nurseries to its network.

Reduce fungus gnat infestations
Some parts of the country, including the Mid-Atlantic, are experiencing higher than normal temperatures that heat up the greenhouse for several days, followed by cloudy, rainy weather. These conditions are ideal for fungus gnats, which can feed on the roots of spring crops, especially pansies. Maryland growers have submitted plant samples where the larvae have bored into the stems. This has occurred usually when the plants have been held too wet during cloudy periods. Univ. of Md. Co-op Ext. recommends growers irrigate when it is predicted to be sunny and warm and to water in the morning so plants dry during the day. Also, keep the growing medium on the dry side during cloudy, wet weather. Monitor fungus gnat larvae by placing a potato wedge on the soil and inspecting it every couple of days.

Organic media offer choices
Many organic media can be formulated from the host of organic-approved materials and additives available, reports Doug Cox, assoc. professor of floriculture at Univ. of Mass. He said a good starting point is to follow a proven recipe and then make your own modifications later. ATTRA--Nat'l. Sustainable Ag Info Service publication "Potting Mixes for Certified Organic Production" lists 30 growing media recipes. If you'd prefer to buy a commercial organic medium, Cox said several manufacturers, including Sun Gro Horticulture, Premier and Fafard, offer organic versions of soilless mixes. Many are OMRI-approved.

USDA provides help in identifying pests
USDA provides free identification of insects and mites through its Systematic Entomology Lab. The majority of identification requests received by SEL are submitted by APHIS-Plant Protection Quarantine. SEL does not provide extensive biological info or specific pest control info.

Discovering the world of sustainability
Colombia is making sustainable strides with its Florverde program. Project: Green Industry

Worth a visit
Learn to grow Adiantum hispidulum, a fern that adds texture and color to shady areas. Only on GreenBeam.com.

• Walters Gardens
• Fine Americas
• OFA Short Course
• OHP

Elle Plugs Deliver More Green Economical, efficient and environmentally friendly Elle Plugs now available in three sizes. For your free color catalog call 1-888-WALTERS.

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

Connect with peers, industry leaders, customers, suppliers, and the next generation at the 2008 OFA Short Course!

OHP, Inc. is pleased to announce the launch of Prescription Solutions, where growers can find program solutions to the pest issues they face. Visit www.ohp.com for more details.