Study finds P. ramorum evolution
A Univ. of Calif. Berkeley study found Phytophthora ramorum is evolving in Calif. forests, with unique genotypes appearing in newly infested areas. Samples from the wild were compared with 15 P. ramorum isolates collected from nurseries in 12 states. Matteo Garbelotto, ext. specialist at UC Berkeley, identified 35 unique strains of the pathogen. He discovered how those strains were related to each other and that all strains were originally derived from 3 basal strains. The study also found strains from areas of recent forest infestations are more genetically distant from current nursery strains, suggesting that regulations controlling the spread of the pathogen from nurseries to the wild are working. However, moving plant material within the quarantine area allows different strains of the pathogen to freely move within the 14-county quarantine area, he said.
H-2B included in appropriations bill
The Senate Appropriations Committee approved an emergency spending package last week that includes a 3-year extension of the H-2B returning worker provision. The H-2B amendment exempts returning workers from counting against the national cap of 66,000. The package also includes the Emergency Ag. Relief Act, which is patterned after the AgJOBS bill. It provides a 5-year visa for experienced farm workers, including those in the nursery and greenhouse sector, who meet strict conditions and agree to continue working in the agricultural sector. The amended bill still faces full Senate adoption, conference negotiations between the Senate and House and approval by the president.
Farm bill faces Bush veto, followed by override
The House passed a $290 billion farm bill last week, 318-106, despite President Bush's promise to veto it. He says the measure is too expensive and gives too much money to wealthy farmers. Senators were debating the bill late last week. The farm bill is a 5-year authorization bill that sets the framework for federal ag. policies and contains funding for food and nutrition programs. Veto overrides are possible in both houses.
Project EverGreen, Bailey Nurseries host summit
The Nat'l. Green Industry Summit is slated for June 11-12 at Bailey Nurseries in St. Paul, Minn. Hort. reps will discuss the need for a nat'l. marketing campaign to consumers, much like milk producers created with the Got Milk? campaign. Nursery and greenhouse growers are invited. Representatives from ANLA, America in Bloom, OFA and Project EverGreen will attend. The summit begins at noon June 11 and ends at noon June 12. All meals will be covered during that time. RSVP by June 2 to Elizabeth Neiderhiser, dir. of strategic partnerships at Project EverGreen.
Publications focus on weed ID
Proper identification is the first step to controlling weeds in the nursery, said Tom Dudek, hort. ext. specialist at Mich. State. He suggests 2 publications: "Weeds of Container Nurseries in the United States" by Joseph C. Neal, N.C. St. Univ,. and Jeffrey F. Derr, Va. Tech; and "An IPM Pocket Guide for Weed Identification in Nurseries and Landscapes" from Mich. State Ext. (pub. No. E-2982) The pocket guide is also available online.
Connecticut invasive plant bill dies
An invasive plant bill that would have provided more structure to potential plant bans died when the Conn. Legislature's session ended May 7. The bill would have pre-empted towns from enacting their own plant bans for the next 5 years, refined imperfections in the current invasive law and clarified state inspectors' roles in plant inspections. This marked the 3rd year such a bill was introduced. The state's Invasive Plants Council meets in Sept., said Bob Heffernan, exec. sec. at Conn. Nursery & Landscape Assn.
Sustainable standards committee apps due May 23
Growers who want serve on the committee that will review and finalize the Nat'l. Sustainable Ag. Standard must submit an application by May 23. The committee will review and deliberate each component of the draft standard. The final draft standard will be subject to public review and comment by affected parties before submission to Amer. Nat'l. Standards Institute.
GPS units to guide Plant Tour participants
Southern Calif.'s successful Plant Tour Days is expanding to include areas outside of San Diego County. Connecting buyers with growers in a casual but educational atmosphere is the goal of Plant Tour Days, scheduled this year for June 5-6. Jan Berry, exec. dir. of San Diego County Flower and Plant Assoc., said attendees will be given GPS units that are preloaded with navigational coordinates and information about growers on the tour. The GPS units will be handed out to tour participants.
Discovering the world of sustainability
Kelli Rodda introduces your new market segment: scuppies. Hint: they're basically green yuppies. Project: Green Industry
Worth a visit
Learn control measures to what experts have identified as the most unwanted pests in the industry. Only on GreenBeamPro.com.
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