Regelbrugge addresses ag. outlook conference
Craig Regelbrugge, ANLA sr. dir. of gov't. relations, addressed the illegal immigration/farm worker situation at the USDA Ag. Outlook Conference on March 1. "The fact that agricultural employment has actually declined between 1990 and 2006 while output has grown is a direct reflection of labor productivity gains," Regelbrugge said. "Automation and mechanization are part of the picture, yet so are innovations like the developments of dwarf fruit trees that simplify the harvest. From 1990 through 2002 labor productivity in U.S. agriculture increased 29%. Aggregate agricultural output increased 15.4% while total labor input decreased 9.2% So the notion that the influx of illegal aliens into the agricultural workforce has caused labor productivity to stagnate, and that farmers have relied on hiring illegal workers rather than adopting labor-saving technological innovations, is not supported by the data."

States seek liverwort control help
Several states are urging U.S. EPA to grant an emergency-use exemption to use Gentry (quinoclamine) on liverwort. Oregon has already completed the application process. Other states, including AL, CA, FL, MI, TX and WA, are applying for the same exemption, said Paul Pilon, owner of Perennial Solutions Consulting. Pilon wants growers nationwide to comment for all the emergency-use exemptions to make the U.S. EPA aware of the problems associated with liverwort control. "Regardless of your location, it is very important [EPA] hear from you," Pilon said. "In theory, if a couple of states approve the Section 18 Emergency-Use Exemption applications, then it will be easier for additional states to apply and receive approval." Comments should include percentage of crop infested, cost of hand-weeding and how liverwort deteriorates profitability.

Officials find Asian longhorn beetles in Canada
In January, Canadian officials found 16 trees infested with Asian longhorn beetles in the Toronto area, according to NAPPO. These trees were in a zone already regulated for the pest, which was first discovered there in 2003. Since the first detection, an estimated 25,000 host trees have been removed, including 600 trees that were known to be infested with the pest. No Asian longhorn beetles were found in the area in 2006.

U.S. pine shoot beetle quarantine grows
APHIS added the entire states of IA, MI, MN and PA to the pine shoot beetle quarantine. The states were added based on a decision not to enforce intrastate movement restrictions. APHIS also added CT and RI based on projections of the natural spread of the pest. Certain counties in IL, IN, NJ, NY and OH also were added. Any regulated articles, including pine nursery stock, to be moved interstate from a quarantined area must first be inspected and/or treated to qualify for a certificate or limited permit.

Worth a visit
For that boom-without-bloom look, gardeners are turning to cordyline. Learn to grow Cordyline Festival Grass. Only on GreenBeam.com.

BroadStar™ -- a preemergence broad spectrum granular herbicide, fights resistance providing the longest residual control of any herbicide for containerized woody ornamentals.

Emerald Coast Growers produces superior starter plants in a variety of cell sizes; specializing in ornamental grasses and perennial plants.