New software helps 'build' greenhouse
Jim Locke, research plant pathologist with the USDA-ARS Application Technology Research Unit in Toledo, Ohio, announced at the recent SAF Pest Management Conference that Virtual Grower 2.0 is now available to download for free. The original software package was released in Jan. 2006. This decision support tool allows users to build a greenhouse with a variety of materials for roofs and sidewalls, design the structure style, schedule temperature setpoints throughout the year and predict costs. Heating and scheduling scenarios can be predicted with a few inputs. Research unit scientists have also worked with Mich. St. Univ. assoc. prof. Erik Runkle to add plant growth models for 8 crops (Christmas cactus, chrysanthemum, cosmos, lettuce, pansy, petunia, snapdragon and verbena).
Michigan greenhouses see increase in pests
During recent visits to Michigan greenhouses, Tom Dudek with MSU Ext. Hort. reports that insect pressure is increasing.
• The 1st case of impatiens necrotic spot virus, which is vectored by thrips, has been confirmed. He said if thrips counts exceed 10 per sticky card per week, growers should consider applying chemical controls.
• Aphids have been seen on both rooted and unrooted cuttings, especially calibrachoa and rosemary. Scout plants carefully for the aphids' white cast-skins and spot-spray infested plants with a labeled insecticide.
• Spider mites are showing up on lamium, especially 'White Nancy.' Inspect off-color or speckled plants for mites on leaf undersides. Mite-infested plants should also be spot-sprayed.
• Broad mites have been observed on Galleria geraniums. Symptoms include stunted, twisted growing points that turn black under heavy infestation. These mites can only be seen with a microscope. Spray plants with a registered miticide, leaving a few untreated for comparison to confirm diagnosis and treatment effectiveness.
Cut flower grower looks to expand with Web sales
Texas Floral, a cut flower grower in Azle, Texas, is looking to expand its sale of cut bulbs through direct-to-consumer sales. The 2-year-old company was featured on the front page of the Work & Money section of the March 9 Fort Worth Star-Telegram. The company sells direct to 50 florists and several supermarkets. Last year, the company had sales just over $500,000. With the addition of a 33,000-sq.-ft. greenhouse, the company anticipates sales will top $1 million.
Know compatibility of natural enemies and pesticides
Using natural enemies with pesticides depends on several factors, including: whether the natural enemy is a predator or parasite; the particular natural enemy species and its life stage; and the pesticide rate, timing and mode of action. Univ. of Conn. ext. hort. and greenhouse IPM specialist Leanne Pundt said pesticides are most harmful to natural enemies by direct contact. Pesticides can also harm biologicals by killing their host insect or mite, which eliminates the control agent's food source. Also, pesticide residual activity may repel a natural enemy so it cannot effectively find its food source.
MFCG chooses topics most pertinent to growers
Mich. Floriculture Growers Council has selected the state and federal topics to be of most importance to Mich. growers during 2008. State issues include: no water withdrawal fees; labor; new business taxes; and to protect funding for MSU Extension, Mich. Ag. Experiment Station and Mich. Dept. of Ag. Federal issues include: the Farm Bill.
Discovering the world of sustainability
Is daylight-saving time actually an energy waster? Project: Green Industry
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