Coalition begins cut flower pilot program
Floral Logistics Coalition, a group representing all segments of the cut flower industry, has begun a pilot program to identify the processes and procedures necessary to allow electronic communication of purchase orders, invoices, receiving protocols and other box-level activities using the Global Trade Item Number System. This pilot will test the use of selling unit UPCs, which will allow scanning receipts into inventory and improved data capture of transactions. The end goal of the project is to develop standards and processes that promote efficiency and smooth movement of products, providing the means for tracking and tracing, and improving communication and productivity. At the completion of the pilot program in November, a recap will be presented that will detail best practices for implementing GTINs and UPCs on an industrywide basis.

Learn about cutting-edge cut flower trends
Just as products in the fashion, home decor and cuisine industries go in and out of style, so do flowers. To help industry members and consumers stay on top of cutting-edge floral trends, Calif. Cut Flower Commission and Flower PR launched an electronic version of the American Floral Trends Forecast 2008-2009. The forecast offers ideas for combining colors, types of flowers and accent pieces to holistic designs that reflect broader lifestyle trends.

1st report of tomato viroid in U.K.
Dept. for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in the U.K. reported 2 outbreaks of Columnea latent viroid in tomato production nurseries in England. To prevent further spread of the viroid, restrictions have been placed on the distribution and sale of the fruit, and hygiene measures have been implemented at affected nurseries. Investigations are under way to establish the origin and extent of the infection and whether there are links to other sites. The viroid is not indigenous to the U.K. and could pose a significant risk to tomato crops. It has been shown that ornamental hosts such as Columnea erythrophae, Brunfelsia undulata and Nematanthus wettsteinii can be infected asymptomatically by the viroid and serve as a viroid reservoir.

Plan now for fall events
• EuroAmerican Propagators' Autumn in Bloom open house, Sept 5-15 in Bonsall, Calif., will focus on landscaping with drought-tolerant plants including succulents and low-maintenance perennials. Other events include: P. Allen Smith presentations, live radio programming featuring Garden Compass personalities and new intro displays of Proven Winners and Proven Selections plants.
• Sakata Seed and Metrolina Greenhouses in Huntersville, N.C., are hosting a Southeast regional pansy trial on Oct. 26. The full comparison trial is being grown under standard commercial production conditions to provide a real-world evaluation of every series. There will also be 2 technical trials focusing on specific growing conditions and challenges.

Worth a visit
The nursery business deserves its own action/adventure serial, "The Great Nursery Adventure: A Year in the Life of Greene Family Nursery." This month, the family faces an immigration scare. Only on GreenBeam.com.

• Yoder
• Goldsmith Seeds
• Fine Americas
• Dramm

From unrooted cuttings to deep 30s, get the size you need, when you need it -- grown to order. Order now and save!

Vibrant, strong & sturdy! Stimulate early spring sales with this free-flowering beauty. Large flowers and strong stems handle the rigors of retail. Bred by Goldsmith.

Concise™, the new uniconazole-p ornamental plant growth regulator, offers flexible control options and produces more compact and marketable plants at exceptional value.

Dramm Autofog. Save TIME and CHEMICALS. Kill bugs and disease AUTOMATICALLY!