Now's the time to control thrips
Late March and April are when thrips populations in greenhouses really start to explode, said Mich. St. Univ. entomologist David Smitley. A combination of factors is responsible: overwintering thrips begin to reproduce under higher temperatures and longer days and an ample pollen supply allow thrips to reproduce faster. Most importantly, thrips present on greenhouse crops since February have now completed a 2nd generation, multiplying from 100 to 30,000 thrips. Smitley said the best way to avoid problems is to watch scouting reports carefully and begin a management program when numbers increase on yellow sticky cards. When the number of thrips increases beyond the tolerance level, spray infested greenhouses with labeled chemicals every 5 days for 4 applications. For a description of chemical classes, see the new wall chart Insect Controls for the Greenhouse Industry, MSU Extension Bulletin E-2696.
USDA conducts Ralstonia survey
USDA is asking for input on Ralstonia solanacearum race 3 biovar 2 to help develop a training program about the serious pathogen. Interested parties, including growers, extension faculty, diagnosticians and researchers, are encouraged to take a short survey before June 30. R. solanacearum race 3 biovar 2 is a bacterial pathogen that can decimate a geranium crop. Infected geraniums from Kenya and Guatemala were brought into the U.S. in 2003 and 2004, respectively, but the disease was controlled.
Sun Gro Hort. to receive financing
Sun Gro Hort. Income Fund has entered into a binding commitment for a $50 million fixed-rate private placement of long-term debt with a life insurance company. At closing, which is expected in the 2nd quarter, the net proceeds of the private placement will be used to refinance $21.5 million borrowed to acquire GrowBest Holdings and other U.S. and Canadian dollar debt. Sun Gro is N. America's largest producer of sphagnum peat, and the largest distributor of peat moss and peat- and bark-based growing media to the U.S. and Canada.
Reports focus on miticide, nematicide markets
Kline & Co., a worldwide research and consulting firm, has published separate reports on the U.S. miticide and nematicide markets. "Miticides 2007: U.S. Market Analysis and Opportunities" is an analysis of infestations, treatment methods and chemicals used to treat mites on field and specialty crops. "Nematicides 2007: U.S. Market Analysis and Opportunities" covers 4 crop categories and 16 crop markets to determine the extent of recognized nematode damage, important nematode species and the degree to which the damage is treated with cultural practices versus chemicals and fumigants.
Casa Flora expands with acquisition
Casa Flora, the largest U.S. producer of fern liners, recently purchased a 7.1-acre nursery in Dallas. The acquisition adds another 70,000 sq. ft. of greenhouse production space. The purchase will expand its product line and increase availability.
New Jersey begins 12th year of recycling program
New Jersey is kicking off its 12th year of plastic film recycling. In 2007, 715,000 pounds of film was recycled by growers, resulting in saving nearly $15,000 in landfill tipping fees. In addition, individual growers sold used film directly to vendors in 2008 for more than $32,000 and saved more than $11,000 in tipping fees. Since the program began, growers have recycled more than 5.5 million lbs. of film. Both white and clear nursery film and clear multi-season greenhouse film can be recycled.
Discovering the world of sustainability
2 companies announce a joint venture to develop and commercialize new bio-packaging products for the horticulture industry. Project: Green Industry
Worth a visit
Pest identification is the first step to management. Keep a watchful eye for these plant pests. Only on GreenBeamPro.com.
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