Ill. declares state free of Asian longhorn beetle
Asian longhorn beetle (ALB) has been officially eradicated in Ill., according to the state's dept. of ag. and USDA. The pest was found almost 10 years ago in Chicago's Ravenswood neighborhood. Ill. is the first state to make such a declaration. With at least 4 years of active surveys and no signs of insects or infestation, USDA and its partners now can declare ALB eradication in Ill. Between 1998 and 2006, approximately 1,771 host trees were removed to destroy the invasive insect.
ColorChoice cracks down on unauthorized propagation
Six growers were ordered to destroy plants after it was determined they were illegally propagating and selling patented plants. Proven Winners ColorChoice, with the help of an independent firm, conducted a series of audits chosen both randomly and based on tips from licensed growers. "When we get reports of illegal propagation, we take them very seriously," said Jennifer Holland, licensing mgr. at Proven Winners ColorChoice. "We owe it to our breeders and to our legitimate licensed growers to protect them from illegal sales and propagation. It's unfortunate, but with the high level of demand for these new plants, there are some people that cut corners to save a few pennies. The irony is that, in the end, they've made a very costly decision." Proven Winners ColorChoice plans to expand its audits to locate illegally propagated plants at both the wholesale and retail levels.
Summer Valentine is daylily winner
Hemerocallis Summer Valentine was named 2008 winner of the All-American Daylily Award. Well-formed flowers are adorned with a wide rose eye and picotee edging. Flowers are perched on 22- to 28-inch scapes and float about 5 inches above the foliage for a well-balanced presentation.
Pro-union bill may still have life in Conn.
A bill that would allow unionization of nursery and greenhouse workers in Conn. has been temporarily halted in the state Legislature but could be resurrected. S.B. 489 was technically killed in the Appropriations Committee, but the bill's sponsor, the AFL-CIO, may try to bring the bill up on the House or Senate floor as an amendment to another bill, said Robert Heffernan, exec. dir. of Conn. Nursery & Landscape Assoc. If that happens, green-industry-related groups are prepared to offer an amendment to exempt agriculture.
AARS launches Region's Choice
All-America Rose Selections (AARS) names the tops in roses each year, but what works well in Southern Calif. may not hold up in the Northeast. To ensure success in different parts of the U.S., AARS introduced Region's Choice. To be selected, the rose must have "exceptional resistance to disease, overall beauty, and is easy to care for," such as needing only regular water and sun, plus fertilizing and pruning once annually. This year the group recognized 10 roses in 3 regions: Northern California/Pacific Northwest; Southern California/Southwest; and the mountain states. In 2009, the program will include the rest of the U.S.
Planned changes to FMLA spark interest
Proposed changes to the 15-year-old Family and Medical Leave Act have set off a fierce debate. More than 4,000 comments have been submitted to the Labor Dept. Among Bush administration proposals: workers would have to tell their employer in advance when they take non-emergency leave, instead of being able to wait until 2 days after they left. Those taking intermittent leave for medical reasons would have to undergo "fitness for duty" evaluations to return to physically demanding jobs. To prove that they had a "serious health condition," they would have to visit a health-care provider at least twice within a month of becoming ill. And employers would have the right to contact health-care providers who authorized leave.
Discovering the world of sustainability
A governor's ruling helps California residents — and the light brown apple moth — breathe easier. Project: Green Industry
Worth a visit
Kennedy's Country Gardens in Scituate, Mass., tends to attract upscale customers. Learn which are the retailer's favorite green goods and hard goods. Only on GreenBeamPro.com.
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