When ash trees die, do invasives take over?
When emerald ash borer (EAB) attacks a forest, dead ash trees aren't the only environmental mess left behind. Invasive plants waiting to take the place of the trees may have an even greater impact on EAB-infested ecosystems. Ohio Ag. Research and Development Center (OARDC) and Ohio State Univ. Ext. weed specialist John Cardina said that in the process of killing native white, green and black ash trees, EAB opens gaps in the forest canopy, creating an opportunity for invasive plants to colonize the understory and trigger changes in forest structure and dynamics. "Killing the ash trees is bad enough, but this may not be the worst impact of emerald ash borer on eastern U.S. forests," Cardina said. "These plants can change natural cycles, soil chemistry and degrade the ecosystem in many other ways. There's also the question of what plants will win the battle for establishment in the gaps once occupied by ash trees."
Researchers look for EAB-resistant ashes
Native-Asian hybrid ash trees will likely be the most resistant to emerald ash borer, said Dan Herms, an entomologist at the Ohio Ag. Research and Dev. Center (OARDC). Herms and his colleagues planted test plots to expose different species of native and Asian ashes to the insect to evaluate their resistance. They're studying natives such as white ash and green ash; Manchurian ash (an Asian native); and Northern Treasure ash, a hybrid between native black ash and Manchurian ash. While native ashes succumbed to EAB, most Manchurian ash was much more able to withstand the attack. Based on preliminary results, the U.S. Forest Service has begun projects to hybridize Asian and North American ashes —- the first step in developing a resistant tree.
Governor saves N.J. ag. dept.
Gov. Jon Corzine agreed to retain the state's Dept. of Ag. after several weeks of protest. But the dept. treasurer told theN.J. Farm Bureau other cuts must be made in the FY '09 budget proposal to pay for the restoration. Corzine said eliminating the NJDA would save the state $525,000. The change still has to clear the state's legislative budget committees.
Program introduces nursery crop insurance
Live Asset Insurance is a new green-industry insurance program designed to cover nursery and greenhouse crops, distributors and garden centers. The company insures against weather events including hurricanes, tornadoes, hail, snow, ice and lightning. Policies are available to cover up to $10 million in damages. It can be purchased as a stand-alone policy or wrapped around Gov't. Crop Insurance catastrophic coverage. The program is available in 18 Southern states and will go nationwide by Dec. 2009. The program was developed with input from ANLA members and its grower div. board.
Real disposable income grows
Real disposable personal income grew at an annual rate of 1.82% in April 2008 compared to April 2007, according to the U.S. Dept. of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis. This is the highest rate of growth since Dec. 2007, said Charlie Hall, economist and Ellison Chair in Int'l. Floriculture at Texas A&M Univ. The report "provides some additional evidence that the U.S. economy is not on the verge of recession, and might in fact actually be 'moderately' healthy," he said. Hall's blog, Making Cents, cites other economic indicators that point away from a recession.
UMass researchers look for ants
During the last decade, a stinging ant (Myrmica rubra) has been spreading in New England. Pat Vittum, turf entomologist at UMass, wants to know the distribution of these ants in Mass. Workers are usually reddish-brown, about 5 mm long (1/5 inch). The ant's "waist" has 2 segments, and the body is covered with fine hairs. The first abdominal segment, which is fused to the thorax, has 2 spines pointing backwards. One publication describes the abdomen as shiny. Send 5-10 ants to Vittum. Packaging directions can be found here.
Discovering the world of sustainability
A recently released survey shows that green concerns have taken a backseat to the economy for more than 75% of Americans. Project: Green Industry
Worth a visit
The EarthKind Rose program has found a national audience. Only on GreenBeamPro.com.
|
• Southern Living Plant Collection
• Leatherman
• Central Life Sciences
• BigFoot Baler
Initial Release Purple Diamond® Loropetalum, Purple Pixie ™ Loropetalum, Bigfoot™ Cleyera, Bronze Beauty™ Cleyera, LeAnn™ Cleyera, Spring Sonata™ Indian Hawthorn, Oakland™ Holly, Robin™ Holly.
Leatherman does landscaping Ultra durable pruners + 9 tough tools in the handle. Carry them everywhere, everyday.
Mavrik Aquaflow® Insecticide/Miticide provides immediate and long term, broad-spectrum insect control for use on all greenhouse and nursery crops. For more information contact your local distributor, call 1-800-248-7763 or visit us online at www.mavrikaquaflow.com.
The BF-300 is your complete solution for plastic baling. This baler allows you to pull up to any location and start baling within minutes. From Ag films to drip-tape, greenhouse covers and dairy silage covers, the BF-300 bales a wide range of plastics.
|
