Peace Tree, Gro 'n Sell announce merger plans
Peace Tree Farm and Gro 'n Sell, both in Bucks County, Pa., will merge. "We are doing this from what we feel is a position of strength," said Lloyd Traven, co-owner of Peace Tree Farm. "We're both at a milestone stage sizewise, which is resulting in lost opportunities. We are literally turning away business. Together we jump into player-size status." Peace Tree has 60,000 sq. ft. of greenhouses and 25 acres of outdoor space available. Gro 'n Sell has about 100,000 sq. ft. of greenhouses, 2 acres of outdoor space and 1.5 acres of off-site contract production. Traven said the merger will enable the companies to offer a wide range of seed and vegetative annual and perennial starter material from multiple breeders.

Republicans introduce compromise plan
Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas, and Rep. Mike Pence, R-Ind., introduced what they consider to be compromise legislation to jumpstart negotiations on immigration reform programs. Their plan, reports the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, would require millions of illegal immigrants now in the U.S. to return to their home countries within 2 years of the law's enactment. Immigrants would reapply for entry and, if eligible, would be issued renewable visas and allowed to return. Under the plan, placement agencies would be created to match foreign workers with unfilled U.S. jobs. These centers would be managed by private companies in cooperation with the government. Those who remain in the program for 17 years would become eligible to apply for permanent resident status and citizenship.

New scale insect found in Florida
APHIS inspectors collected samples of an unidentified Iceryine, a scale insect, in Broward County, Fla. The initial find was on a Sesbania species (Leguminosae). The find is considered to be the first in the continental U.S. The scale was found on additional hosts within a 1-mile north and south radius of the initial site by Fla. Dept. of Ag & Consumer Services, Div. of Plant Industry and APHIS personnel. Government officials are unsure of the overall economic significance of this scale insect.

Inspect poinsettia cuttings before planting
At least a week before receiving poinsettia cuttings, be sure to inspect greenhouse facilities to be sure they are clean, advised Univ. of Conn. ext. hort and greenhouse IPM specialist Leanne Pundt. Once cuttings arrive, inspect them before planting or shortly thereafter. Pundt suggests inspecting at least 10% of cuttings by variety and shipment. Look for whiteflies, particularly the small 1st and 2nd instars on the underside of leaves. Check the roots to be sure they are white and healthy. Look for signs of fungus gnat feeding on roots (blunt tips) and the presence of fungus gnat larvae. Cuttings with brown or black lesions on roots or discoloration at the base of the stem should be submitted to a diagnostic lab. Record which shipment or cultivars may need treatments immediately after planting.

Worth a visit
Where some people see a nursery, we see a body of complex parts and systems working together. This month we dissect soil mixing and storage systems. Only on GreenBeam.com.

Blooms of Bressingham is dedicated to carrying on the Blooms family tradition of introducing sturdy garden plants for discriminating growers and gardeners.

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