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THE GREEN PORTAL
- SCIENCE |
The following news items
are reprinted, with occasional editions and additions,
by
permission of GreenMail/GreenBeam from Branch-Smith Publications:
USDA issues new pine shoot beetle regulations
Last week USDA imposed stricter regulations on pine nursery stock and other pine products imported from Canada. The action is designed to protect the country from pine shoot beetle. Pine nursery stock and pine bark products must meet new documentation, treatment and handling requirements before they can cross the border, and a new permit must be issued. Pine shoot beetle currently infests portions of the northeastern U.S. and is a vector for many pine tree diseases.
Florida hurricanes have positive effect nationally
While this year's hurricanes caused millions in damage to growers in the Southeast, there will be at least some positive outcomes, said Ben Bolusky , Fla. Nursery, Growers & Landscape Assoc. exec. v.p. The White House and USDA have made commitments to improve disaster relief and crop insurance programs to better meet nursery growers' unique needs. "When the first hurricane hit, nursery growers began to hit brick walls and fall through trap doors in USDA's emergency and disaster programs. Nursery crops do not traditionally fit these programs," Bolusky said. "Once the nursery crop insurance policy is fixed, FNGLA will no longer have to go to our nation's capital with hat in hand."
Experts educate N.J. citizens on longhorn beetle
N.J. Dept. of Ag. hosted a meeting last week to inform state residents about Asian longhorn beetle, which has infested more than 400 trees in Carteret, Woodbridge and Rahway. A quarantine includes these areas and a portion of Linden, and restricts movement of wood products. "Our best line of defense against these pests is to alert residents, and these informational sessions allow residents to listen to the professionals and ask questions," said Charles M. Kuperus, N.J. secretary of ag.
Mustard could be next great biofumigant
USDA's Agricultural Research Service scientists are studying the effectiveness of mustard ( Brassicas ) species as a biofumigant to control weeds and other pests. In greenhouse studies on potted irises, a fumigant made of mustard extracts reduced weeds and reduced nematode populations by 70-80 percent without harming crops. Scientists attribute the success of the fumigant to isothiocyanthes, chemicals produced by mustard plants that make surrounding soil toxic to pests and competing plants.
Confirmation tests continue in Fla. ralstonia case
Diagnostic labs in Wisconsin and Florida, along with a USDA lab in Beltsville, Md., are confirming diagnostics tests for Ralstonia solanacearum race 3 biovar 2 on cultures from infected geraniums and an irrigation pond at a Quincy, Fla., greenhouse, reported Tim Schubert , biological administrator in the Plant Pathology Section of Fla. Division of Plant Industry . The greenhouse remains under quarantine. Schubert said there is evidence that for some time R. solanacearum has been infecting a particular hydrangea cultivar at a nearby woody ornamental nursery. That pathogen isolate is still being characterized, too. Schubert said it is uncertain how all of this fits together, but significant work remains. He said R. solanacearum race 1 biovar 1 is widespread in field-grown tomatoes in surrounding areas.
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Fungicide labeled for SOD
Subdue MAXX fungicide from Syngenta Professional Products received supplemental labeling, Section 24(c), from EPA for special application in California to control Phytophthora spp. , including P. ramorum , the pathogen that causes sudden oak death in ornamental plants. Foliar applications have been approved for greenhouse, container and field-grown ornamental plants in nurseries, landscape plantings and conifers grown in nurseries and plantations. The fungicide is more effective as a preventive application than after infection appears.
Forecasters say El Niņo is back
On top of other bad weather news, experts at the Natl. Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration say that El Niņo has returned. Rising water temperatures in the tropical Pacific mark this event, which generally brings wet winter weather to the Southwest. This El Niņo event is expected to last through early 2005, but is said to be weaker than the 1997-1998 event.
Scientists look at grasshopper control
USDA is searching for better ways to control grasshoppers control grasshoppers -- pests that can appear in extremely high densities during drought periods. Having good potential are beneficial fungi, including Beauveria bassiana , already registered for use in the U.S. for control of a number of other insects. Stefan T. Jaronski, USDA insect pathologist, is studying the use of beneficial fungal spores in combination with raw canola oil, which acts as an attractant. This mixture could be sprayed in strips around fields growers want to protect.Scientists develop new natural fungicide
Univ. of Ariz. licensed its patent for a natural fungicide to Jeneil Biosurfactant Co. The patent is for the use of a natural product called rhamnolipid to combat zoosporic plant pathogens that cause diseases including sudden oak death and root rots. Compared with other fungicides, "rhamnolipid, because of its biological nature, has less toxicity and better biodegradability," said Raina M. Maier , Dept. of Soil, Water and Enviro. Science prof. Any revenue the university receives from the patent license will fund future research and patent expenses.N.Y. gardener finds lily leaf beetle
A gardener in Henrietta, N.Y., found lily leaf beetle in her garden this summer -- a discovery that was confirmed by Cornell Co-op. Ext. The pest was not previously known to be established in the area. Adult beetles feed on a number of hosts, including Lilium spp., Fritillaria spp., Polygonatum spp., Solanum dulcamara , Hosta spp., Nicotiana spp., lily-of-the-valley and hollyhock, said Scott Clark, Cornell nursery specialist. But the beetle reportedly lays eggs only on Lilium and Fritillaria , and heavy feeding is only seen on these plants, he said.
San Francisco County latest affected by SOD
The first appearance in San Francisco of sudden oak death was confirmed after 2 coast live oaks in Golden Gate Park's AIDS Memorial Grove were found to be infected, making San Francisco the 14th affected county in Calif. The presence of Phytophthora ramorum subjects San Francisco to state and federal quarantine guidelines. Park officials are studying their next move and surveying the area to get a handle on how extensive the problem is, Katie Palmieri, spokeswoman for Calif. Oak Mortality Task Force , told San Francisco Chronicle. "They'll be teaching the public the importance of leaving material at the location -- don't take leaves home, clean off your shoes, your bike tires, your pets' paws -- so you don't accidentally spread the disease to another portion of the park or take it home," Palmieri said.Smith & Hawken price set at $72 million
Scotts Co. signed an agreement to acquire Smith & Hawken for $72 million. That amount includes an assumption of $14 million in debt. "In our mind, this is a natural fit for us," said Jim King, dir. of investor relations and corp. communications at Scotts. "Smith & Hawken isn't so much of a retailer to us as much as a brand. And it fills a component of our brand strategy that will have a long-term benefit." King also talked about future plans for Smith & Hawken, albeit with caution. "We don't own them yet," King said. "Does this create an opportunity for further reach into independents? Probably. Into do-it-yourself stores? Probably. To what extent, it's too early to know for now."
Pennsylvania awards Gold Medals
Pennsylvania Hort. Society named 4 plants Gold Medal winners: Abies koreana , Calycanthus floridus 'Michael Lindsey,' Gelsemium sempervirens 'Margarita' and Ilex verticillata 'Winter Gold.' The goal of the Gold Medal program is to "promote ornamental woody plants with extraordinary garden merit and demonstrated hardiness in the growing region from New York to Washington, D.C."
Officials capture 4 Oregon gypsy moths
After checking 17,000 gypsy moth traps statewide, Oregon officials have captured 4 of the pests this year. They were found in the Bull Run area of Clackamas County and the Sunriver area of Deschutes County. Lab tests will reveal if the insects are European or Asian. There were nodetections in the South Eugene area, where 16 gypsy moths were detected last year.
New overtime rules go into effect
New U.S. federal overtime rules went into effect last week. When it comes to independent retailers, the regulations are not that different from past regulations. The 2 areas storeowners need to pay close attention to are supervisor/manager exemption and the new base income, below which overtime pay is mandatory. One determining factor (among several) of whether or not your supervisor or manager is exempt from overtime pay is that they must spend 50% or more of their time in administrative duties and not on the floor selling. Also, if any employee's base pay is below $455 per week, that employee is automatically eligible for overtime for hours worked above 40 a week.Specialty stores thrived in 2003
America's specialty retailers showed renewed strength in 2003, according to the 2004 Top 100 Specialty Retailers ranking by STORES magazine. The report is an annual snapshot of the specialty retailing industry, ranking companies by revenues and grouping them on one chart regardless of their merchandise category. The Top 100 includes more than 20 merchandise categories and orientations. "Despite increased competition from Wal-Mart and other discounters, the specialty store sector enjoys a great amount of stability," said Rick Gallagher, STORES publisher and Nat'l. Retail Federation v.p. "Although there's no question that specialty stores are a competitive bunch, retailers of all stripes are just happy that sales have finally bounced back from the slow growth they experienced for several years."Prepare your staff for new $50 bill
The Federal Reserve will begin issuing a new $50 note on Sept. 28. Like the new $20 bill that was issued in 2003, this bill will include enhanced security features and new background colors to help prevent counterfeiting. Nat'l. Retail Federation has set up a resource page filled with information on the new $50 bill to help prepare retailers for the effects that the new currency will have on businesses.
Invasive
weed worries Southern states
After decades as a minor pest, tropical
spiderwort , Commelina benghalensis , has become a major
economic headache. To better understand the weed's impact, take a look
at its growth in Georgia. In 1999, tropical spiderwort was reported in
5 counties, but by 2002, it was in 41 counties with 17 counties
rated with a "severe" infestation. The weed not only competes
with desired plants for water and soil nutrients, but it also cloaks its
competitors, cutting them off from sunlight.
New Zone Map will be more accurate
The revised version of the USDA Hardiness Zone map has many improvements, uses more data and is more accurate, said Tony Avent , owner of Plant Delights Nursery in Raleigh, N.C., and a member of the map's advisory board. The new map will be issued in two phases. Phase 1 will show average annual low temperatures by zone in 5-degree increments (a and b designations) and use weather data from the last 30 years. The current map, issued in 1990, uses 12 years of data. The new map will better reflect coastal and lake effects and urban heat islands, Avent said. Phase 2 will incorporate overlay maps to reflect factors such as duration of cold, summer heat factors and possibly airflow patterns.Fla. green association calls for storm aid
Fla. Nursery, Growers & Landscape Assoc. is collecting financial and material donations to help green-industry members and their businesses recover from Hurricane Charley. Financial donations should be sent to FNGLA's headquarters, with checks made out to FNGLA. Indicate the donation is for Hurricane Charley relief. General supplies are also needed, including personal and business items. Partial list: Personal hygiene items, towels, bedding, inflatable mattresses, work clothes, diapers, baby formula, wipes, pet food, water, non-perishable food, trash bags, insect repellent. These items are needed for getting businesses back on their feet: flashlights, chain saws, pruning tools, generators, shade cloth, poly house materials and any supplies used in building shade or poly houses.
U.S. gardeners flunk environmental scorecard
"A majority of U.S. households followed only 3 out of 12 recommended environmentally friendly lawn and garden practices," said Bruce Butterfield, Nat'l. Gardening Assoc. research director, responding to a new NGA report on how environmentally responsible gardening consumers really are. "Less than half of all households followed the remaining 9 simple environmentally friendly practices," he said. Other survey findings: 42% mulch around trees, shrubs or garden areas; 32% identify lawn and garden problems, and research control methods before using pesticides; 28% recycle yard waste by composting; 25% use only well-adapted or native plants and remove poorly adapted, exotic or invasive plants. To order a copy of 2004 Environmental Lawn and Garden Survey ($200 before Aug. 31; $250 beginning Sept. 1), contact Butterfield, (800) 538-7476, Ext. 113.
New Jersey finds more longhorn beetles
The newly discovered Asian longhorn beetle infestation in Carteret, N.J., continues to expand. Officials have found more infested trees along the border of Carteret and Rahway, in the northeastern portion of the state. The first beetle was discovered in a Carteret residence on Aug. 2. Officials are urging people to look for signs of the pest, which include large holes in trunks and branches, oval or rounded tree wounds and large piles of sawdust around tree bases. (609) 292-5440.Oregon lifts SOD quarantine
Ore. Dept. of Ag. lifted the Phytophthora ramorum quarantine in Columbia County. Officials determined that P. ramorum , the sudden oak death pathogen, hadn't established itself in the area after being discovered at a local nursery in early June. Infected plants from the nursery had been found in a local landscape, but were destroyed to halt further spread of the fungus. ODA reports that 925 Oregon nurseries statewide have been inspected and found free of the disease.
California opens new biocontrol facility
Calif. Dept. of Food and Ag. opened a new 4-acre facility in Arvin, Calif., designed to produce beneficial wasps to help control glassy-winged sharpshooters. The wasps ( Gonatocerus triguttatus ) are being released in Riverside, Ventura and Kern counties with hopes of controlling this nursery and vineyard pest. The facility, which previously served as a watermelon seed plant, is operated jointly by CDFA and USDA. The state released 400,000 beneficial wasps last year, and the new facility doubles the state's production capacity.Melaleuca battle needs private help
Florida officials announced that the state needs help from private landowners in the battle against melaleuca , an invasive tree in Broward, Dade, Palm Beach, Lee, Martin and Collier counties. "The good news is that various government agencies have been able to clear melaleuca from almost 100,000 acres of publicly owned natural areas," said Ken Langeland, Univ. of Fla. professor of agronomy. "The bad news is that the tree is still spreading rapidly on privately held lands where there are no controls, resulting in no net loss of melaleuca.Program encourages stewardship of invasives
ANLA endorsed a new education program intended to prevent the release of potentially invasive aquatic species used in water gardening. Habitattitude was launched last week by a government-industry coalition at Super Zoo/Western Expo in Las Vegas. Founding partners are Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Sea Grant program. Habitattitude encourages consumers to avoid introducing potentially invasive species by adopting simple steps when discarding unwanted fish or plants, such as when cleaning and restocking a water garden. "Informed customers making wise decisions in their own backyards can help to solve invasive species challenges," said Buzz Bertolero, exec. v.p. of Navlet's in the San Francisco Bay Area and pres.-elect of ANLA.
Monrovia sells its Azusa growing facility
Monrovia Growers sold its 545-acre Azusa, Calif., growing facility, said Monrovia CEO Richard VanLandingham. The land was sold to a conglomerate and will be developed, he said. Monrovia, which still hasmore than 4,000 acres of nursery production in California, Oregon, Georgia, North Carolina and Ohio, has been trying to sell the facility for years. Azusa residents voted down a proposal to develop the site in the late 1990s. The company is now attempting to sell its 100-acre Glendora, Calif., facility, VanLandingham said. (800) 999-9321.
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Inspectors find SOD at another Oregon nursery
Ore. Dept. of Ag. inspectors found Phytophthora ramorum , the sudden oak death pathogen, at a Washington County, Ore., nursery. All SOD host material has been put on hold at the facility. "Thanks to our regulatory program, we have isolated the most recent occurrence of SOD and, since its discovery, have kept infected material from leaving the nursery where it was found. This should be a signal that the program offers an important level of protection," said Katy Coba, ODA director. The department has certified 678 nurseries in the state as SOD free.
Florida: Watch for pink hibiscus mealybug
Fla. Division of Plant Industry issued a pink hibiscus mealybug advisory in August, asking growers to adhere to control efforts. In July, a Florida shipment of hibiscus plants to Louisiana was destroyed after the discovery of a mealybug infestation. State officials said regulatory and biological control efforts have been implemented and they expect them to be successful in controlling the spread of the pest.
Scientists discover new root-knot nematode
A root-knot nematode species, previously unnamed and assumed to be "race 3" of Meloidogyne incognita , has now been classified as its own species, M. floridensis . The newly named nematode was isolated from nematode-resistant Nemaguard and Okinawa peach rootstocks in Gainesville, Fla. This explains why nematodes were infesting and reproducing in these root-knot-nematode-resistant rootstocks. The discovery is based on studies by an international team including scientists from USDA's ARS. (478) 956-6438.
Hurricanes bring unwanted pests
Univ. of Fla. entomologist Lance Osborne said he is receiving reports from growers about ants and mosquitoes entering production structures after the recent hurricanes. He advised growers to pay close attention, especially when it comes to the health and safety of their workers. Also, if state inspectors find fire ants in greenhouses, growers could have problems shipping plants, he said.
California bans hand weeding
California has become the 1st state to ban hand weeding in most ag operations to prevent back injuries to workers. The rule, which will be enforced by Calif. Occupational Safety and Health Division, will eliminate hand weeding for most crops, but will allow the use of long-handled tools. Organic farmers, who don't use pesticides and usually have more weed problems, are exempt from the rule. Other exemptions include high-density plants, ag and hort commodities when they are seedlings and hort commodities grown in tubs or planter containers when use of long-handled tools or other alternatives is unsuitable. An emergency version will take effect for 120 days while public hearings are conducted.
U.S. lifts ban on Hawaiian gardenias
Cut and potted Hawaiian-grown gardenias might become more commonplace on the U.S. mainland since a 50-year old ban has been lifted on Hawaiian nurseries. Ag. inspectors must first determine that the plants are free of Coccus viridis , coffee green scale, which feeds on coffee, citrus, gardenia and other plants. USDA ARS scientist Robert Hollingsworth in Hilo, Hawaii, determined that scale outbreaks occurred on the same plants as a result of incomplete control with pesticide applications. The scale has a synergistic relationship with ants, which feed on honeydew secreted by the scale. The ants protect the scale by warding off predators and parasites, which are its natural enemies.
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City pays homeowners to xeriscape
Southern California's Cathedral City, near Palm Springs, is offering residents financial incentives to make their yards more water-friendly. A pilot program gives financial aid to people willing to replace their front lawns with cactuses, xeriscape plants and hardscape. The city has $30,000 in an environmental conservation fund to match funds spent by residents. Up to $500 in matching funds will be given to qualified projects on a first-come, first-served basis. "We want to encourage the residents to switch to drought-tolerant landscaping," city environmental conservation mgr. Deanna Pressgrove told the Press-Enterprise newspaper.
University issues list of ash alternatives
Mich. State Univ. (click this link for the PDF file) published a list of ash alternatives for the state as a result of trees lost from emerald ash borer. The Michigan nursery industry is increasing production of many of the trees on the list. However, it will take a few years for quantities of larger landscape sizes to reach the market. Some of the alternatives suggested: Acer buergeranium (trident maple), Celtis occidentalis (hackberry), Gymnocladus dioica (Kentucky coffee tree), Nyssa sylvatica (pepperidge) and Quercus imbricaria (shingle oak).
LINK TO PAPER - Cornell develops hardy apple rootstocks (for paper, click on above photo)
Two apple rootstocks developed at Cornell Univ. (click on link to contact via email) have shown strong resistance to subzero temperatures. A freeze last year in New York's Champlain Valley destroyed nearly 25,000 apple trees, but the Cornell rootstocks (Geneva 30 and Geneva 16) had more than 90% survival rates. The rootstocks were originally bred as fire-blight tolerant. The rootstocks are not yet readily available, but that eventuality holds promise for improving hardiness in related plant species the near future.
A degree in Hurricane Humor
Univ. of Fla. ornamental plant production ext. specialist Laura Miller said growers who made it through any of the four (4) hurricanes that pounded the state in the last 2 months easily qualify for a degree in Hurricane Humor if: your plants spent more time lying down than standing up the last few weeks; you are using an airboat to move around your nursery rather than a golf cart; the entrance road to your nursery has more than 3 "No Wake" signs posted on it; you ordered gas cans through FedEx; you think of your pesticide storage facility as "safe room cozy"; you've considered upgrading from a 16- to a 20-inch chainsaw; you now think that $6,000 for a whole-house generator seems reasonable.
ADDENDA & REPRINTS
Researcher names blackspot-resistant roses (note: this assessment remains unproved outside the U. of K. project area)
John Hartman, Univ. of Ky. plant pathologist, compiled an extensive list of roses resistant to blackspot. Some resistant hybrid teas: Auguste Renoir, Bride's Dream, Cayenne, Duet, Elizabeth Taylor, Keepsake, Lady, Love and Peace, Mister Lincoln, Pink Peace, Smooth Lady, Tropicana and Voodoo. Resistant floribunda and grandiflora roses: Angel Face, Candelabra, First Kiss, Hot Cocoa, Love, Prima Donna, Razzle Dazzle, Simplicity and Viva (see photo near top of this section).
NEW: RELATED ARTICLE - Cornell develops perennial Web site
Cornell Univ. has launched a new Web site with photos and growth characteristics for more than 150 perennial plants. The database is fully searchable by plant name, height, flower time and color. Plants include those considered to be commercial perennials along with a number of lesser-known plants. The site was developed by masters degree student Allison Mayer with horticulture professor Bill Miller. The site is hosted by Texas A&M Univ. professor Dan Lineberger, who is Web master of Texas Aggie Horticulture. Plant information on the site is based on observations in Ithaca, N.Y., USDA Hardiness Zone 5. SEE ABOVE (green-tinted photo) for the Cornell study on Apple rootstock hybridization program.NEW: RELATED ARTICLE - Fertilizers may inhibit beneficial fungi
USDA's Ag Research Service scientists looked at how certain fertilizers and potting media affect development of mycorrhizae during nursery production. Mycorrhizae are naturally occurring fungi that help plant roots absorb water and nutrients. Phosphorus-rich inorganic fertilizers usually inhibited mycorrhizae, and initial studies show that compost high in phosphorus inhibit the fungi as well. In some cases peat inhibited the fungi, while in other cases it did not. Coconut coir did not inhibit mycorrhizae, but reduced plant growth in some cases. Organic fertilizers were usually compatible with mycorrhizae. CLICK BELOW for TRN Science Editor, Lakshmi Sridharan's NEW ARTICLE on Mycorrhizal fungi:
Click photo for article
NEW IMAGE: Fire ant predators become established in Florida
Pseudacteon curvatus, a South American predator of imported fire ants, has become permanently established in Florida, USDA says. The flies, which lay eggs in fire ant heads, have increased in number since they were released in Gainesville in March 2003. This particular biotype of P. curvatus can parasitize even small worker ants and prefers the more abundant red imported fire ants.
THE GREEN PORTAL
- SCIENCE |