Drought causes Pike to file for bankruptcy
Pike Family Nurseries, headquartered in Norcross, Ga., filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy last week. Company officials blame the severe 2-year drought in the Southeast for the action, reports the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The company, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2008, has obtained $11.75 million in financing to keep operating. The newspaper reports that the company, which has 22 operations in Georgia, Alabama and N. Carolina, is considering closing its Conyers and Lawrenceville locations. Wayne Juers, v.p. of learning at Pike, told the newspaper that sales are down 35% this year. Sherry Loudermilk, exec. director of the Ga. Green Industry Assoc., told the newspaper that the drought and Georgia's water restrictions will affect more than ornamental growers. She expects manufacturers of fertilizers, containers, brick and fencing to be affected, too.

Proposed commission would address water issues
Lawmakers and water experts from Arizona, Georgia and Texas are seeking to create a nat'l. commission on water resources. U.S. Rep. John Linder, R-Ga., who is leading the effort, introduced H.R. 135, the 21st Century Water Commission Act. It has passed the House in the last 2 congresses, but hasn't been considered by the Senate. The commission, which would address worsening water shortages, would be authorized to consider all technologies for increasing water-supply efficiently and effectively while safeguarding the environment. Georgia is in the 2nd year of a severe drought.

Bell acquires Ulery Greenhouse
Bell Nursery, headquartered in Burtonsville, Md., acquired Ulery Greenhouse Co. in Springfield, Ohio. The acquisition of the 680,000-sq.-ft. greenhouse operation will enable Bell to expand its market to include the Columbus, Cincinnati and Dayton areas. Ulery, a producer of bedding and potted plants and starter material, has more than $3 million in annual sales and about 80 employees. The Ulery family will maintain an ownership interest and will continue to manage the business under the Bell Nursery name.

Mealybugs found in Maryland
IPM scouts in Maryland report seeing mealybugs on strobilanthes and coleus plants this month. Plants prone to mealybug infestation include coleus, rosemary, sage, Swedish ivy, artemisia, ipomoea and gardenia. Young, immature mealybugs prefer to feed on plant tips. These sucking insects feed on plant juices and can cause leaf yellowing and distortion. They secrete the waste product honeydew. Often sooty mold grows on this honeydew, making the foliage appear dirty and interfering with photosynthesis. An adult female can lay 500-600 eggs. Once eggs hatch, nymphs can be dispersed by wind currents in the greenhouse, attached to workers' clothing or by closely spaced plant material. Chemical and biological controls are available.

Worth a visit
Solutions Source is a 12-month series providing solutions to the challenges growers face today. This month: sales forecasting. Only on GreenBeam.com.

• Goldsmith Seeds
• Fine Americas
• New England Grows

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.

The green industry's must-attend event. Just a few efficient days in this prductive environment will give you everything you need to make your garden center a s tand out.