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DECEMBER 18, 2007

Floridians sue over loss of backyard citrus trees
At least 5 class-action lawsuits have been filed by Florida residents upset over the state's aggressive action against backyard citrus trees in an effort to combat canker diseases, Washington Post reported. The tree-cutting effort was started in 1995 and was meant to eliminate citrus canker, a bacterial disease afflicting orange, grapefruit and other citrus trees, from spreading and damaging one of Florida's most important crops. Eventually, the crews had orders to destroy not just infected trees but any others within 1,900 feet of an infection. One of the state's best-known producers of hard-to-find varieties — Harris Citrus Nursery in the Tampa area — is in a race to sell hundreds of its larger trees to homeowners before new regulations take effect at the end of this month.

Sonoma County, Calif., plans for SOD battle
Sudden oak death-related tanoak and coast live oak mortality has dramatically increased over the last 2 years in California's Sonoma County. Of the 75,000 acres impacted by SOD, 39% is new die-off mapped in 2007; 23% of the county's at-risk forests are infested. In January, officials will present a Sudden Oak Death Strategic Response Plan to the County Board of Supervisors. Funding needs for the first year are estimated at $3.3 million. The strategic plan is intended to bring attention to the increase in pathogen spread, the expense of removing hazard trees and the potential for increased fire risks associated with heavy mortality. For more information on Sonoma County's SOD program, contact Lisa Bell or Caerleon Safford.

Red palm mite found in South Florida
Red palm mite (Raioella indica) has been found on a coconut palm tree in Palm Beach County, Fla. The mite has been ravaging the Caribbean and threatens to alter the landscape of Florida, agriculture officials said. It attacks coconut, areca and date palms, banana, heliconia and ginger. All stages of the flat-bodied mite, including eggs, are red, and adult females often have black patches on their backs. Adult females are 0.32 mm long; males are smaller and triangular. The mites also have long body hairs with droplets of liquid at the tip. Feeding mites, especially at high densities, cause localized yellowing of leaves, followed by tissue death. Mites travel to new hosts by wind or by being brought in on infected leaves and plants.

Mid-Am moving to new McCormick Place West
The Mid-Am Show is on the move. Beginning with the 2009 show, Mid-Am will relocating its show to the new McCormick Place West in Chicago. The new facility, which opened ahead of schedule this year, features a 470,000-sq.-ft. state-of-the-art exhibition hall, more meeting rooms and a centralized transportation center at ground level. McCormick Place West is exhibitor-friendly with a special dock, crate storage facilities and dedicated roadways for freight with direct connection to the truck marshalling area.

Pennsylvania Christmas trees headed to Iraq
Pa. Landscape & Nursery Assoc. arranged for donations from its members that will be used in the 1st Operation Green Christmas. This project provides Christmas trees and landscaping plants to military troops serving in Iraq. PLNA and 3 of its members — Eaton Farms, Henry Molded Products and Strathmeyer Forests — presented Christmas trees and plants to be shipped to Pennsylvania Nat'l. Guard troops in Iraq. "We hope that by sending them some Pennsylvania-grown trees, they'll feel a little closer to home for the holidays," said Ag. Secretary Dennis Wolff.

Discovering the world of sustainability
A staff of environmental and energy experts identified 10 companies as frontrunners in the shift to green business. See who ranked first. Project: Green Industry

Syngenta remains committed to investing in every aspect of our ornamental business to bring value to growers for producing beautifully strong plants.

Register now! Visit www.midam.org for details. Mid-Am, the Midwest's premier trade show, features hundreds of exhibits, 130+ hours of education, plus much more!

Hortica is the horticultural industry advocate that is a trusted partner for your business insurance, employee benefits and personal insurance. Contact Hortica to discuss your needs.

The ANLA 2008 Management Clinic is coming! February 8-11, 2008 in Louisville, Ken.

Info Now! Use our Directory of Suppliers to easily research supplies or contact suppliers directly.
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