Florida hit with gladiolus rust
On March 10, an inspector with Fla. Dept. of Ag. and Consumer Services, Div. of Plant Industry submitted a gladiolus leaf sample suspected to be infected with gladiolus rust from a commercial gladiolus farm in Hendry County. A DPI pathologist confirmed the sample was positive for gladiolus rust (Uromyces transversalis). USDA-APHIS, Plant Protection and Quarantine confirmed the diagnosis on March 14. This is the 1st detection of the rust in Florida this year. It was found in 2006 and 2007 at the same operation. DPI and APHIS-PPQ are conducting a comprehensive survey to determine spread of the rust.
Deadline extended for sustainable standard committee
The Leonardo Academy extended the application deadline to be a part of the nat'l. ag. sustainable standard development committee to May 23. The extension allows time for additional stakeholders to submit applications to participate on the committee. Since Sept. 2007, Leonardo Academy has been promoting awareness of the development process of the Draft American Nat'l. Standard for Trial Use for Sustainable Ag. Practice, intended for subsequent approval as an American Nat'l. Standard. Meetings have been held in Berkeley, Calif., and Arlington, Va., in addition to 3 teleconferences, to inform interested parties about the standard-development process.
Energy grant dates approach
USDA's Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Program is accepting applications for 2008 to purchase renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements for ag. producers and rural small businesses in eligible areas. Funding will be available in the form of grants, guaranteed loans and combined guaranteed loans and grant applications. For fiscal year 2008 there is approximately $15.8 million in funding for competitive grants and $204.9 million in authority for guaranteed loans. Application deadlines are April 15 and June 16, depending on the grant or loan.
Monsanto to acquire De Ruiter Seeds
Monsanto Co., headquartered in St. Louis, Mo., signed an agreement to acquire De Ruiter Seeds Group, a Dutch holding company that owns and operates De Ruiter Seeds, for 546 million euros less net debt. Once completed, the acquisition is expected to build on the strength of Monsanto's vegetable seed business as well as enhance the company's growth in the protected-culture segment. The acquisition is expected to expand Monsanto's vegetable seed platform into a $1 billion revenue business by 2012, said Terry Crews, CFO of Monsanto and CEO of Seminis.
Jiffy buys Tref
Jiffy Int'l., headquartered in Kristiansand, Norway, acquired Tref B.V., which includes all of the peat reserves and operations/subsidiaries of Tref in the Netherlands, Estonia, Sweden, Germany and France. Tref, headquartered in Moerdijk, Netherlands, is one of the leading substrate and potting soil suppliers in the Netherlands and one of the major substrate manufacturers in Europe. Jiffy Int'l. is the world's largest producer of containerized growing media as well as a market leader in packet seeds and seed-starter kits.
Growers gear up for New Guinea impatiens
With production of New Guinea impatiens well under way, members of the Univ. of Md. Co-op. Ext. offer these tips. Don't fertilize plants until the roots hit the bottom or sides of the pot, then start feeding with 100 ppm nitrogen. Grow them on the dry side and do not pinch plants. Adequate light levels are critical for good quality (3,500-5,500 footcandles is ideal). If there's a heavy canopy of baskets above New Guineas on benches or the ground below, flowering may be hindered. Keep basket canopies somewhat open by alternating basket heights to prevent blocking light.
Discovering the world of sustainability
Calif. operation makes saving water look easy. Project: Green Industry
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