Dutch breeders join forces
Several Dutch breeders -- Schreurs Gerbera & Roses!, Van den Bos Flowerbulbs, Anthura, Corn. Bak, Jn. Haakman & Zn, P. Kooij & Zonen B.V., Könst Alstroemeria and Fides -- will work together in a new cooperative effort called Dutch Creations. These cut flower and pot plant breeders are looking for cooperative marketing opportunities. International Horti Fair 2006, Oct. 31-Nov. 3, in Amsterdam, will be the first joint presentation by the companies. "Every company focuses mainly on his own product group, from market research to development of new products and services," said Harry Kloppenburg at Fides. "Our main interests lie in the exchange of market information, product and market development as well as joint promotion on a retail level."
Colombian datura virus expands host range
Colombian datura virus is expanding its host range to other Solanaceous crops in Europe, according to a North American Plant Protection Organization phytosanitary alert. Originally described in 1968, the virus was found on Brugmansia candida and has since been identified on greenhouse tomatoes in the Netherlands (1996) and in the U.S. on terrestrial orchids (Spiranthese cernua, 2004) and Brugmansia (2005). The virus is vectored by an aphid (Myzus persicae) found in numerous countries. Infections can be symptomless. NAPPO reports that other economically important Solanaceous plants could be at risk for infection.
Chili thrips expands its host list, damage
Chili thrips, Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood, has expanded its host list to include Ligustrum japonicum (ligustrum), Gardenia jasminoides (gardenia), Pittosporum tobira (pittosporum), Hedera helix (English ivy), Richardia brasiliensis (Brazil pusley or tropical Mexican clover) and Ocimum basilicum (basil). Of particular concern are infestations on various woody ornamentals and the weed (pusley), which are common in Florida landscapes. The damage to ligustrum was very significant, said Univ. of Fla. entomologist Lance Osborne.
Spittlebugs making a move on perennials, herbs
Damage from spittlebugs has been reported on various herbaceous perennials and herbs as the insects move from grassy areas surrounding protection areas. Look for white foam surrounding small, light-green spittlebug nymphs, said Univ. of Conn. ext. educator Leanne Pundt. This foam helps nymphs stay moist during hot, sunny conditions and protects them from predators. Most of the plant damage is cosmetic, due to spittle masses. A forceful jet of water can be used to dislodge nymphs in minor infestations.
Growth regulator experts to answer questions
Chemtura Corp. will host a series of question-and-answer sessions on the use of plant growth regulators at the OFA Short Course, July 9-11, in Columbus, Ohio. Six nationally recognized PGR experts will be available at the Chemtura booth (No. 1832). July 9: P. Allen Hammer of Purdue Univ. (10 a.m.-noon) and Jim Barrett of Univ. of Fla. (1-3 p.m.); July 10: Paul Pilon of Perennial Solutions Consulting (10 a.m.-noon) and Joyce Latimer of Va. Tech. Univ. (1-3 p.m.); July 11: Brian Whipker of N.C. State Univ. and Jamie Gibson of Univ. of Fla. (10 a.m.-noon). Chemtura introduced its Prescription Growth Control program, called PGRx, that provides growth control use and rate info.
Worth a visit
Can you name the Top 12 unWanted Pests, as selected by the our readers? We can! Check out No. 6 this month. Only on GreenBeam.com.
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