Growers seek pest-free imports
In a Nov. 29 commentary published by Calif. Farm Bureau Foundation, Norm Groot of Monrovia Growers and Janet Kister of Sunlet Nursery addressed their concerns about potential devastation caused by imported pests. Citing the impact of Phytophthora ramorum on hundreds of California nurseries and garden centers during the past 3 years, the growers advised readers of the potential consequences of making proposed changes to federal Quarantine-37, which regulates imports of plants into the U.S. Groot and Kister requested that future Q-37 modifications be science-based and that federal, state and int'l. resources are made available to protect future production and U.S. landscapes.
Costa Farms acquires Hines facility
Costa Farms in Miami acquired the former Hines Horticulture production facility in Pipersville, Pa. Costa also has production facilities in Asheville, N.C., Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic. The latest acquisition consist of 11 acres of greenhouses plus shipping and office space. Shipments from the facility will begin in spring 2007.
Hemerocallis fulva designated as invasive
American Hemerocallis Society reports that several state and agency publications and Web sites list Hemerocallis fulva as an invasive species. Commonly called tiger lily, roadside ditch lily, common orange daylily and tawny lily, this plant has a long lifespan and has been used in erosion control along drainage ditches and near old home sites. It has been considered invasive in settings where its slow spread could displace native plants. H. fulva is an infertile triploid that does not set seed. It spreads by rhizomes. If left unattended, it can form large colonies.
Virus infects Arizona melons
Cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus has been detected in Arizona melon fields for the first time, according to a N. American Plant Protection Organization alert. The virus is also suspected of infecting melons in California's Imperial Valley. Transmitted by whitefly (Bemisia tabaci), the virus causes yellowing of older leaves and is closely related to lettuce infectious yellow virus. The virus, which appears to be exclusive to the cucurbit family, is difficult to control because of the lack of resistant cultivars and the vector's ability to become resistant to insecticides.
Plant Select designates plants for 2007
Plant Select choices for 2007 are: Acer tataricum 'GARANN,' Delospermum dyeri 'Psdold,' Eriogonum umbellatum var. auerum 'Psdown,' Penstemon x mexicali 'Psymyers,' Salvia darcyi 'Pscarl' and Satureja montana ssp. illyrica. Plant Select is a cooperative program administered by Colo. St. Univ. and Denver Botanic Gardens. It is designed to identify and distribute the best plants for gardens from the high plains to the mountain regions.
Interiorscape Hall of Fame accepts nominations
Plantscape Industry Alliance is accepting nominations through Jan. 12 for the Interiorscape Hall of Fame. Nominated individuals must have contributed their leadership and organizational skills for a minimum of 15 years to the development and permanent betterment of the interiorscape industry. Persons may be nominated regardless of state residence or business location. 2007 inductees will be honored Sept. 27 during CalScape Expo.
Worth a visit
Where some people see a nursery, we see a body of complex parts and systems working together. This month we dissect overwintering. Only on GreenBeam.com.
|
Dramm JetRain Nozzles ● Perfect for propagation. ● Offers superior coverage. ● Includes check valve. ● Available barbed or threaded.
Something’s keeping you awake at night. You’ve got questions. We’ve got answers. 3 intense days. 75 business changing sessions. 1000 green industry professionals.
New England Grows is scheduled for Tuesday, February 6 - Thursday, February 8, 2007 at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center in Boston, Massachusetts. Register online today!
|
