Selecta Klemm, partner to develop transgenic ornamentals
Selecta Klemm, a breeder and propagator of vegetative plants based in Stuttgart, Germany, formed a joint venture with Mendel Biotechnology, a functional genomics company in Hayward, Calif., to develop and market transgenic ornamentals. The new entity, Ornamental BioResource, combines Mendel's expertise in drought, cold/freeze tolerance, disease resistance and flower stability traits with Selecta's experience in plant transformation technology and marketing. Ornamental BioResource is working on Selecta crops, including petunias, poinsettias, New Guinea impatiens and geraniums. Selecta cooperated in developing a blue carnation with Florigene of Australia.
Wet summer could lead to peat shortage
This summer's wet weather in eastern Canada, where 70% of the country's peat moss is harvested, could lead to a short supply next spring. The peat harvest in western Canada has been average. A Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss Assoc. August survey determined that only 66% of this year's requirements have been harvested in Canada. The normal harvest for September is about 10%, which would leave producers 15% short of the year's target.
Conference to focus on energy, productivity
The 23rd Annual Hydroponic and Organic Growers Conference, Nov. 3-4 in Orlando, Fla., will focus on energy costs, greenhouse energy efficiency and alternative energy sources. Other topics covered: steps to improve yields and quality, lighting, water and nutrient management, organic production, product marketing and safe insect and disease control. The conference features joint sessions and tracks for prospective and experienced growers.
OMRI approves bacteria products for production
The AgriPhage line of bacteria-control products from OmniLytics Inc. has been listed by the Organic Materials Review Institute for use in organic production. The bacteriophage-based products are used for vegetable production. The U.S. EPA has also approved a label amendment for the Agri-Phage products to reduce the REI to 0 hours and to eliminate the need for all PPE.
Gloeckner Foundation awards grants
Fred C. Gloeckner Foundation awarded 18 grants totaling $162,000 to 17 universities for the 2006-07 research year. Since it was established in 1960, the foundation has provided nearly $5.3 million for floriculture research. Funded studies include identifying new scent genes, filtration of irrigation runoff, avoiding boron deficiency in pansy and gerbera plugs and use of silica to inhibit fungal pathogens.
Mich. expo offers College of Knowledge courses
Mich. St. Univ. Floriculture College of Knowledge and Business College of Knowledge will be offered at the Mich. Greenhouse Growers Expo in Lansing, Nov. 7-8. Eight courses will be presented: 4 production-related (temperature management, physiological disorders, hanging baskets and potted plants) and 4 business-related (marketing, human resource management, financial management and strategic planning). This year, attendees can mix and match among the courses. For each class, participants receive course notes and textbooks.
Worth a visit
ANLA's John Farner explains the process being undertaken during congressional hearings on immigration. Only on GreenBeam.com.
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