Mini poinsettias can be easy to produce
For the past 2 years researchers at Cornell Univ. Long Island Horticultural Research and Ext. Center in Riverhead, N.Y., have been growing mini poinsettias (2 1/2- and 3 1/2-inch pots). More than 30 cultivars were trialed in 2006. Plants were spaced 5 pots per sq. ft. of bench area and kept in preformed trays to avoid being tipped over. The growing medium was kept on the dry side to eliminate the need for growth regulators. Both pinched and non-pinched plants were produced. Some cultivars didn't require pinching, while others didn't respond well to pinching. Cultivars that rated "excellent" were 'Christmas Feelings White' and 'Da Vinci.'

Maryland finds leaf distortion on echinacea
Leaves of Echinacea 'Sundown' are puckering and curling upwards at numerous Maryland nurseries. In addition to the distortion, leaves are becoming brittle and silvery in color, which is characteristic of scorching. Symptoms are similar to herbicide damage or a viral infection. However, virology tests have come back negative. Univ. of Md. and Md. Dept. of Ag. researchers will be looking at whether the symptoms are an environmental stress response related to the recent hot weather.

Stopping plant virus could impact HIV prevention
A study by Purdue Univ. researchers to stop virus reproduction in plants could lead to new ways to prevent infection by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Cauliflower mosaic virus (CMV), which attacks a plant group that includes cauliflower, broccoli and cabbage, and HIV, which causes AIDS, use the same process to multiply in their victims' cells and spread disease. Botany professor Zhixiang Chen and his colleagues have found that CMV relies on the same protein complex to multiply in plants. He said the proteins in the host plants might be particularly important for these type of viruses, such as HIV, because if they are blocked, then the viruses can't replicate. The key question for researchers is how blocking the function of 1 protein inhibits transcription and replication of the viruses. Discovering the answer could mean major advances in preventing retroviruses and treatment of diseases they cause in plants and animals.

Kroger adds more organics
Kroger Co. is expanding its line of organic food by adding 60 products in its Private Selections brand. Most products will be available in Kroger's stores by the end of September. Its Private Selections Organic products carry the USDA Organic Certified seal, in addition to Kroger's Naturally Preferred natural and organic foods line, introduced 5 years ago. Kroger operates more than 2,400 stores in 31 states under 24 name banners.

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