Mexico prohibits shipments to stop moth
Effective May 10, Mexico has prohibited the shipment of propagative plants, fruit and vegetables that are host of the light brown apple moth (Epiphyas postvittana) from Hawaii and any Calif. counties where the moth has been detected. From all other Calif. counties, host fruits and vegetables must be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate and must be free of leaves and residual debris. Host propagative plants must have a phytosanitary certificate and a declaration that the shipment is coming from a Mexican-approved company or exporter.
Fungus may control whitefly
A new fungal species, Isaria poprawskii, has been shown to be parasitize and then kill or disable silverleaf whitefly (Bemisia argentifolii). Studies by scientists at the USDA-ARS Beneficial Insects Research Unit in Weslaco, Texas, have shown the fungus is effective against whitefly larvae and adults. The fungus has also been found to harm larvae and adults of glassy-winged sharpshooter, which is the main vector of the bacterium that causes Pierce's disease. Other promising features: the fungus can survive in the absence of insect hosts; it has high spore production in common culture media; and it can establish in semiarid regions where temperatures reach 107°F.
California on alert for tomato virus
In March, the virus that causes tomato yellow leaf curl was discovered on greenhouse tomatoes grown by an Imperial County (Calif.) high school science class. Since this disease is new to the state, Univ. of Calif. plant pathologist Robert Gilbertson worked with UC Statewide IPM to develop a brochure to assist growers and pest control advisers to learn how to identify the disease and actions to take if plants are suspected to be infected. The virus is vectored by thrips and whiteflies.
Groups join to document life forms
Many of the world's leading scientific institutions have announced the launch of the Encyclopedia of Life. This global effort aims to document all named species of animals, plants and other life forms on Earth. Over the next 10 years, the Encyclopedia of Life will create Internet pages for all 1.8 million species currently named. The pages will provide information, maps and other multimedia information on each species.
Ohio St. Univ. to offer course on Latino work force
Since more immigrants are being employed in floriculture, Ohio St. Univ. asst. hort. professor Claudio Pasian is trying to prepare students for a career in which they may work alongside with or supervise Latino workers. Starting this fall, Pasian will teach a new course to examine issues faced by immigrant ag. workers. It will cover cultural, historical and legal issues affecting workplace relations.
Cornell Univ. hort. professor John Seeley dies
Cornell Univ. emeritus professor of floricultural science John Seeley died May 9. He was 92. His teaching, research and extension work included research assistant at Rutgers Univ., assoc. professor and chair of floriculture at Pa. St. Univ., and head of Dept. of Floriculture and Ornamental Hort. at Cornell. Seeley was inducted into SAF's Floriculture Hall of Fame in 1979. He was elected president of American Hort. Society in 1986. The Seeley Conference, an annual gathering of industry professionals to promote floriculture, was established in 1986 after his retirement from Cornell.
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