21 fewer states in 2006 Floriculture Crops Summary
USDA-Nat'l. Ag. Statistics Service released its Floriculture Crops 2006 Summary with data from the top 15 largest producing states. Previous summaries included data from the top 36 producing states. The 2006 wholesale value of crops is down 4% from the revised 2005 valuation. Total crop value at wholesale for the 15 states is estimated at $4 billion for 2006, compared with $4.15 billion for 2005. Number of producers for 2006, at 6,546, is down 9% in the 15 states compared with the revised 2005 count of 7,178. Number of producers in the 36 states was 10,692 the previous year. In the 15 states, total covered area for production was 762 million sq. ft., 5% less than the revised 2005 figure. For 2005, the 15 states accounted for 85% of the 941 million sq. ft. of covered area in the 36 states. Greenhouse space for 2006, at 415 million sq. ft., is down 3% from 2005. This accounts for 54% of total covered area.
Nat'l. Pest Alert posted for chilli thrips
Chilli thrips (Scirtothrips dorsalis) is a major new ornamentals pest in Florida. Univ. of Fla. entomologist Lance Osborne said the insect has the potential to cause significant damage to U.S. crops. A Nat'l. Pest Alert on the thrips has been prepared, which Osborne said will be sent to many states.
SAF/FPO alliance launches public relations program
Society of American Florists and Floral Promotion Organization, which formed an alliance in 2006, launched a public relations campaign to promote flowers in the workplace. The program is based on recent Harvard Univ. behavioral research commissioned by the alliance. The research identified the factors most likely to impact employee well-being, commitment and productivity. The program features business strategist and workplace relationship expert Courtney Anderson.
FedEx Freight cuts fuel surcharge by 25%
FedEx Freight, a provider of regional next-day and 2nd-day less-than-truckload (LTL) service, and a subsidiary of FedEx Corp., reduced its standard LTL fuel surcharge by 25%, effective July 23. Additionally, recently formed FedEx National LTL, a long-haul LTL company, reduced its standard LTL fuel surcharge to levels commensurate with FedEx Freight. Fuel surcharges for both LTL companies are updated weekly, based on fuel prices published by U.S. Dept. of Energy.
Dutch growers test plants to eliminate hosta virus X
Henk Westerhof, chairman of Anthos, the Royal Dutch Wholesalers Assoc. for Dutch Flower Bulbs and Nursery Stock, said Dutch perennial growers, exporters and Naktuinbouw, an independent Dutch hort. inspection service, are working to resolve problems related to hosta virus X. Growers voluntarily submit hosta stock to Naktuinbouw, which conducts an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test to determine whether or not plants are infected. Exporters can ask suppliers for ELISA test results as a guarantee that they are shipping virus-free material. Growers use the test results to ensure the quality of replanting stock.
Time to take in a garden trial
If you're looking to visit a trial garden this summer to see how new varieties hold up to real-world conditions, there are plenty of opportunities.
• Aug. 1: Pleasant View Gardens in Loudon, N.H., opens its display gardens.
• Aug. 2: Pleasant View's annual open house.
• Aug. 7: Mich. St. Univ. Garden Plant Showcase, East Lansing.
• Aug. 7-8: Fischer USA Open House, Boulder, Colo.
• Aug. 8: Sawaya Garden Trials, Simcoe, Ontario.
• Aug. 10: Plantpeddler in Cresco, Iowa, will conduct its Variety Day.
Worth a visit
View the industry's most comprehensive lineup of new perennial plants. Only on GreenBeam.com.
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• Yoder
• Goldsmith Seeds
Check out the new consumer website for 2008's Perennial Plant of the Year, Geranium 'Rozanne,' at www.geraniumrozanne.com
Think...Cora™ Vinca for strength and beauty in the garden! To order, call your favorite supplier. Bred by Goldsmith.
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