Atlanta extends watering ban
Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin and Commissioner of Watershed Mgmt. Rob Hunter announced on Feb. 19 that the city will continue its ban on outdoor watering. "We are still in a Level 4 drought," Franklin said in a press release. "And we still are under an obligation to cut our use 10%. We can't allow outdoor watering and meet that goal." Although Ga. Gov. Sonny Perdue approved loosening restrictions earlier this month, the state maintained the requirement for local utilities to reduce use by 10% and gave local utilities the responsibility of deciding how best to meet that goal. Hunter noted that the 30-day exemption for new landscaping is still in place but that the city would no longer exempt watering for lawn overseeding and aeration. Officials will continue to monitor the situation and take more steps if necessary.
Oil tops $100 a barrel for 1st time
History was made last Tuesday when oil closed above $100 a barrel for the 1st time. USA Today reports that the $100.01 price, combined with rising gasoline prices, could push the U.S. average for gasoline to $3.75 a gallon by Memorial Day. This would be more than 50 cents higher than the record average of $3.227 set on May 24, 2007. Reasons given for the record price included concerns over political unrest in oil-producing Nigeria, a recent explosion at Alon USA Energy's refinery in Big Spring, Texas, a threat by Venezuelan Pres. Hugo Chávez to cut oil deliveries to the U.S. over a dispute with ExxonMobil and comments by OPEC representatives that the oil cartel doesn't plan to increase production.
California announces LBAM eradication plan
Calif. Dept. of Food and Ag and USDA have completed an action plan outlining strategies to eradicate the light brown apple moth from the state's Central Coast and Bay Area. The overall goal is to eradicate LBAM from California. This task will likely take several years to accomplish using treatment tools, some of which are available and in use now while others are under review or development. The primary tool for eradication will be aerial treatment with moth pheromone. Treatments are expected to begin June 1 in Monterey and Santa Cruz counties. A USDA study indicates that, if California becomes generally infested, the moth would cause $160 million-$640 million in crop damage annually. Additionally, it would hinder exports and interstate commerce due to quarantine restrictions.
Mississippi hosts greenhouse tomato short course
The 18th annual Greenhouse Tomato Short Course is scheduled for March 4-6 in Raymond, Miss. The 1st day will cover tomato basics, including production methods and problems, greenhouse environment management and marketing. The 2nd day will focus on new greenhouse technologies and more marketing. The 3rd day will be devoted primarily to pest management. Exhibitors from the U.S. and Canada will be available to discuss products related to the greenhouse tomato business.
Applications available for AFE scholarships
Applications and info regarding the American Floral Endowment's Vic and Margaret Ball and Mosmiller Intern Scholarship Programs are available for students looking to gain experience in greenhouse production, floral retail and wholesale and allied trades. The Vic and Margaret Ball program funds training at floriculture production greenhouses in the U.S. The Mosmiller program helps support students with internships at a retail florist, wholesaler or allied trade company. Deadline for applications is March 1 in spring and Oct. 1 in fall. Applications can be downloaded from the AFE Web site.
Discovering the world of sustainability
The majority of U.S. firms aren't addressing ways to improve environmental performance, according to one study. Project: Green Industry
Worth a visit
The GMPRO Combo Chef shows you how to create a sparkling combination highlighting silvery selections, and a container that puts coleus 'Defiance' in the spotlight with some worthy supporting actors. Only on GreenBeam.com.
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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.
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Connect with peers, industry leaders, customers, suppliers, and the next generation at the 2008 OFA Short Course!
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