Groups conduct Q-biotype whitefly study
Several industry organizations are conducting a study concerning grower awareness of the Q-biotype whitefly. Growers are being asked to complete a brief online survey providing their perceptions about the pest and the impact it is expected to have on operations this year. The survey can be completed through June. Univ. of Fla. entomologist Lance Osborne will present the study results at the OFA Short Course in Columbus, Ohio, on July 9 at 9:15 a.m.
Council receives energy issues grant
Mich. Floriculture Growers Council received a USDA grant to fund a feasibility study on energy cost reduction for Michigan greenhouses. The study will include info on reducing costs through growing practices, energy conservation and energy source conversion technologies. The council will contract with Mich. St. Univ. and other industry experts to obtain info in these areas. The council, in cooperation with MSU, will offer workshops for growers to help them find ways to reduce energy costs.
Calla shows potential for outdoors
Producing Zantedeschia as a spring color crop under field conditions is well-suited for Southern growers, according to research by Cecil Pounders Jr., geneticist at USDA's Ag. Research Service Southern Hort. Lab in Poplarville, Miss. "Colored calla lily production in containers as an outside spring crop in [USDA] Hardiness Zone 8b can be successful without making significant modifications to either existing greenhouse production guidelines or the environment used for woody plant container culture," he said. 'Pink Persuasion' and 'Garnet Glow' were the best cultivars evaluated in terms of flower production, flowering cycle and disease resistance.
Watch for golden tortoise beetles
Golden tortoise beetles can often be found feeding on plants in the morning glory family (sweet potato vine, morning glory, moon flower and cardinal climber), reports Univ. of Conn. ext. hort. and greenhouse IPM specialist Leanne Pundt. These 1/4-inch-long tortoise-shaped beetles can be dull orange, green or shiny gold. Both adults and larvae feed on leaves. Feeding symptoms are distinct round holes on the leaves. Controls include Orthene, Conserve and Marathon, when applied as a systemic.
Sanitize greenhouses between seasons
Univ. of Md. Co-op. Ext. personnel are advising growers who are sold out of spring plants that this is a good time to consider a thorough sanitation of greenhouses before moving into summer production. They said a relatively "plantless" greenhouse provides a great opportunity to get caught up on sanitation practices.
Worth a visit
Floral Marketing Funding Initiative Coalition president Charles Kremp 3rd talks about why the coalition was formed and the impact it could have on floral sales. Only on GreenBeam.com.
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Learn & Grow at the 2006 OFA Short Course, July 8-11 in Columbus, Ohio. Enjoy a 1,300-booth trade show, 120 sessions, and networking.
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