Don't overlook black root rot
The most common root rots found in greenhouse crop are caused by Pythium and Rhizoctonia. However, black root rot caused by the fungus Thielaviopsis is a serious threat to pansies, viola, petunias and vinca and may also infect cyclamen, poinsettia, primula, impatiens, snapdragon, verbena, phlox, begonia and nicotiana. Thielaviopsis-infected plants often show symptoms similar to nutrient deficiencies such as stunting with older leaves shriveling. Mich. St. Univ. plant pathologist Mary Hausbeck said sanitation is the best preventive measure. Once the fungus is established, use fungicides containing thiophanate-methyl as the primary active ingredient.
Organization to address plant taxonomy
Int'l. Assoc. for Cultivated Plant Taxonomy was created last year to provide leadership in taxonomy and nomenclature of cultivated plants. The association seeks to achieve stability and harmonization in cultivated plant names through international cooperation. The association will sponsor symposia, publish a cultivated plant taxonomy journal, develop databases and online resources for improving stability in cultivated plant nomenclature and provide advice on the implementation of the Int'l. Code of Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants. Members include taxonomists, cultivar registration authorities, representatives of plant breeders' rights authorities, scientists and public garden professionals.
More thrips overwintering in Maryland
Md. Co-op. Ext. IPM vegetable specialist Gerald Brust has been conducting a 2-year survey to determine if thrips overwinter. For most samples no thrips were found. In 5 of the 12 sample sites, thrips were found in December through January on winter annuals. Western flower thrips were found to overwinter in Maryland, Delaware and Virginia, although in low numbers. Chickweed was found to harbor 70% of all thrips; wild mustards and henbit were the next best winter hosts. Sampling sites near high tunnels or woods had a greater probability of containing thrips than open-field sites. Farms where thrips were found to overwinter had greater probabilities of infestations during the season.
Project aims to create 'smart' greenhouse
Cleveland Botanical Garden and Kent St. Univ.'s Liquid Crystal Institute launched a research project last week to explore the potential of liquid crystal technology for creating more sustainable, energy-efficient greenhouses. Officials from both organizations unveiled the 2 greenhouses that will be used in the 1st phase of the project; 1 contains liquid crystal panels and the other, a control, has plain glass. A demonstration revealed how the panes "switch" to manage the amount of sunlight that enters the greenhouse.
ASCFG celebrates 20th anniversary
Assoc. of Specialty Cut Flower Growers was created at Univ. of Ga. in 1988 by hort. professor Allan Armitage and current exec. director Judy Laushman. 20 years later, the organization provides production and marketing info. to 600 growers across the U.S. and in 7 other countries. Members grow perennials, annuals, herbs, grasses, bulbs and woody cut stems as cut flowers. The association's annual nat'l. conference and trade show is Sept. 8-11 in Portland, Ore.
Breeder introduces 1st yellow streptocarpus
Maybe it has to do with trying to read British English. The plant species listed in the 4-29 greEn-MAIL item was incorrect. It should have been streptocarpus, not primula. After 11 years and 8-9 generations of plants, breeder Lynne Dibley of Dibleys Nurseries in North Wales, United Kingdom, released the 1st commercially available yellow-flowering streptocarpus. Jolly good show!
Discovering the world of sustainability
A governor's ruling helps California residents — and the light brown apple moth — breathe easier. Project: Green Industry
Worth a visit
Kennedy's Country Gardens in Scituate, Mass., tends to attract upscale customers. Learn which are the retailer's favorite green goods and hard goods. Only on GreenBeamPro.com.
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