Canada seeks to prevent LBAM
Canada implemented new regulatory controls last week to prevent the introduction of light brown apple moth (Epiphyas postvittana) from California and other regions where LBAM is found. The new measures require inspection and a phytosanitary certificate of all unrooted and rooted plants, cut flowers, cut foliage and decorative branches and fresh fruits and vegetables of regulated LBAM host taxa. Also, import requirements are being introduced for fresh produce from California to British Columbia, where it is believed LBAM could thrive due to the warmer winter climate. Canada exports more than $2.7 billion in LBAM host materials worldwide annually, some of which are shipped to countries that regulate LBAM hosts.
Stinging nettle caterpillars found in Hawaii
An infestation of nettle caterpillars (Darna pallivitta) was found at a nursery in Oahu, Hawaii, in June. The caterpillar, a native of Asia, was first detected in Hawaii in Sept. 2001. This is the 1st detection outside of the Big Island. The caterpillar attacks a range of ornamental and food crops. The 1-inch-long, white with black stripe caterpillar has bristly spines that cause pain and irritation when touched. The owner reported the caterpillars to Univ. of Hawaii, extension agents and Hawaii Dept. of Ag. The entire nursery is being chemically treated. HDOA is asking Oahu residents and nurseries to look out for the caterpillars and to report suspected infestations.
FloraStar to cease operating
The board of directors of FloraStar has determined that because of changes in the floriculture industry in regards to plant trialing and marketing that the value of the organization's activities have been diminished. This month the organization will begin to conclude its activities and will cease operations by the end of the year. FloraStar was founded in 1988 to evaluate and promote new varieties sold as containerized plants in the U.S. FloraStar worked with 20 trialing locations to test plants. Varieties judged to be outstanding received the FloraStar Award. Since its inception, nearly 50 plants received awards.
Senate immigration reform bill stalls
Last week the Senate failed to obtain the 60 votes needed to limit debate on its immigration reform bill (S. 1639), which would have cleared the way for a vote on the controversial legislation. The bill fell 14 votes short. Sen. Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada, who with President Bush had revived the bill after it was defeated earlier in June, told USA Today that he would pull the bill if the procedural vote failed. Prior to the vote, Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., said if the bill was rejected there was little chance the issue could be revived until after the elections.
1-800-Flowers.com builds virtual flower shop
1-800-Flowers CEO Jim McCann has invested more than $50,000 to build a retail florist in Second Life, an Internet-based virtual world, reports USA Today. Second Life already has some operating small florists, but 1-800-Flowers.com will be the 1st mainstream florist to open for business. The newspaper reported that McCann is also working on establishing a presence on social-networking sites MySpace and Facebook. His company was also the 1st retailer on AOL. McCann is developing an online social network community of his own. He told the paper he wants his site to become the one for information and advice on all celebratory occasions.
Worth a visit
ANLA's Bob Dolibois describes the potential impact of a late-spring freeze on plant supply and demand. Only on GreenBeam.com.
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