Bedding Plant News

Seed Propagated Annual Bedding Plant Trials - Gulf Coast Research & Education Center, Bradenton, Florida

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Click on the featured topic of interest below, or scroll down this page to view all the news we have posted.

The Value of Bedding Plants

The wholesale value (2001/2002) of the top five bedding plant producing states was: Florida ($91/101 million; €77.9/86.5 million), ranking fifth behind California ($254/251 million; €217.5/214.9 million), Texas ($154/164 million; €131.9/140.4 million), Michigan ($143/153million; €122.5/131 million), and Ohio ($104/98 million; €89.1/83.9 million), who together generate 42% of the bedding/garden plant wholesale value.  (United States Department of Agriculture, 2003).

2003 Stats

Bedding Plant News - All Subjects Listed Above

Pests, Bedding Plants and the Industry

Date

Source

02-1

UF experts evaluate flowering plants to help consumers.  Click on the gator to learn more:

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April 1, 2003

Weekly NMPRO e-mail, Nursery Management and Production Magazine, Branch-Smith Publishing.

[Geraniums]

USDA-APHIS made an addendum to its Ralstonia solanacearum race 3 biovar 2 Action Plan. Plant Protection and Quarantine changed the wording in its instructions to clarify definitions of commingling and what is considered a shipment. Any questions should be directed to state plant health directors or regional contacts [more on this pathogen from Purdue University].

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April 29, 2003

Weekly NMPRO e-mail, Nursery Management and Production Magazine, Branch-Smith Publishing.

Michigan State's Diagnostics Services lab is starting to receive plants infected with Rhizopus stem rot, said plant pathologist Jan Byrne. This fungal pathogen has a wide host range and infects all aerial plant parts, including flowers. It occurs most often on vinca and poinsettia and occasionally on gerbera and African violet. It creates lesions on stem tissue, causing , plant tissue beyond that point to yellow and die. It has spore-producing structures that appear as a black or gray fuzzy mass similar to Botrytis. byrnejm@msu.edu; http://www.msue.msu.edu
/ipm/grnhouse03/G04-10-03.htm.  

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June 2003

Greenhouse Business, Vol. 9, No. 6, page 31, Perkins Communications.

The authors state that petunias are much less susceptible to Phytophthora infestans than tomato, because tomatoes produce many more sporangia, making tomatoes a more potent source of inoculum.  The spread of the disease from a petunia host depends on distance of the infected plant from other potential hosts.  R. Kelly.

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June 10, 2003

Weekly NMPRO e-mail, Nursery Management and Production Magazine, Branch-Smith Publishing.

SAF, which estimates the loss to growers affected by the Ralstonia solanacearum quarantine will exceed $5 million, met with congressional representatives of nearly all 127 greenhouse operations that were forced to destroy plant material by USDA. SAF is seeking financial assistance for these growers in the 2004 USDA budget. Losses increased when USDA required growers to destroy all geraniums and other plants that may have been commingled with diseased plants. lschmale@safnow.org; http://www.safnow.org.  

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July 8, 2003

Weekly NMPRO e-mail, Nursery Management and Production Magazine, Branch-Smith Publishing.

The 1st reported case of septoria leaf spot in Florida was confirmed on Rudbeckia fulgida. Fla. Ext. Plant Diagnostic Clinic at the N. Florida Research and Education Center in Quincy, Fla., received a sample of R. fulgida 'Goldsturm' with leaf spots. The spots were dark brown and similar to bacterial spot, but without the ooze, said Tim Momol, NFREC plant pathologist. This disease has been found on Rudbeckia throughout the Midwest and as far south as Mississippi, but never before in Florida.  tmomol@ufl.edu

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July 15, 2003

GMPRO greEn-MAIL, Greenhouse Management and Production Magazine, Branch-Smith Publishing.

Howard Bodger, 82, died June 19. He joined Bodger Seeds in 1947, working in sales and marketing. He was instrumental in the company's increased involvement in research and development. He became president of John Bodger and Sons Co. in 1974. He founded Environmental Seed Producers, which focused on wildflower seed, in 1974. He was extensively involved with All-America Selections and Nat'l. Garden Bureau. He was responsible for Bodger Seeds becoming one of the 1st international Fleuroselect members. Donations in his memory can be made to National Garden Bureau. http://www.ngb.org.  

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12-7-04-7

Oct. 26, 2004

From Compilation by Carol Miller, editor:

Deadline nears for diazinon stop-sale.  Don't forget the EPA-mandated Dec. 31, 2004, stop-sale date for outdoor diazinon home, lawn and garden products. It will be unlawful to sell diazinon outdoor non-ag products in the U.S. after the end of this year, part of an agreement between EPA and diazinon registrants to phase out and eliminate residential uses of the insecticide.  Retailers and formulators have until March 31, 2005, to sell unopened, unused outdoor diazinon residential products back to manufacturers. Consumers may continue to use diazinon residential products they have in their possession. http://www.epa.gov.

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Sept. 30, 2003

GMPRO greEn-MAIL, Greenhouse Management and Production Magazine, Branch-Smith Publishing.

OPGC collects Cuphea. The Ornamental Plant Germplasm Center at Ohio St. Univ. in Columbus has collected 20 accessions of Cuphea, which represent 8 identified species and hybrids. There are several potential ornamental uses for these accessions. Some are good for monoculture, others do well in mixed plantings, and others have the potential for use in hanging baskets by themselves or in combinations, as a groundcover and as a flowering pot plant. Cuphea is a very variable genus in terms of plant form, leaf type, color and size, flower size, form and color and flower timing. When OPGC was established in 2001, the first set of germplasm it received was of the vegetatively propagated ornamental types of Cuphea maintained at the USDA North Central Plant Introduction Station in Ames, Iowa. opgc@osu.edu; http://opgc.osu.edu.   

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Dec. 7, 2004

03-9

GCMM-The Weekly Dirt, Garden Center Merchandising and Management, Branch-Smith Publishing.

Garden Month to focus on sharing. Nat'l. Gardening Assoc. selected "Give a Garden" as the theme for the April 2005 National Garden Month. NGA is inviting consumers, schools, youth centers and all gardeners to visit their local garden center and to "Give a Garden -- Add Beauty to Life." Rose Getch, communications director for NGA, said: "Every individual knows someone in his or her circle of influence who will benefit from gardening.  Pick up a potted plant, flat of plants or get creative with your own container project and share the joy of gardening with someone in your community." http://www.nationalgardenmonth.org.

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Oct. 28, 2003

GMPRO greEn-MAIL, Greenhouse Management and Production Magazine, Branch-Smith Publishing.

Fungus gnats could be a fall problem. Rutgers Co-op. Ext. floriculture specialist Jim Wilmott tells growers in October's Northeast Greenhouse IPM Notes that this year's wet spring and summer could increase fungus gnat problems this fall. He said poinsettia cuttings are most vulnerable to feeding during propagation, but the insect can also spread root rot pathogens. This fall Wilmott is conducting a trial to evaluate chemical and biological controls of fungus gnat larvae that originate beneath greenhouse benches. willmott@aesop.rutgers.edu.

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Nov. 4, 2003

GCMM-The Weekly Dirt, Garden Center Merchandising and Management, Branch-Smith Publishing.

Group pushes higher Fla. minimum wage. Floridians For All has begun a campaign to boost the state's minimum wage from $5.15 to $6.15 an hour. The group says it would benefit 300,000 workers immediately. Business leaders oppose the rise, saying it may slow job creation and would benefit only 4% of the state's workforce. http://www.floridiansforall.org.

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Nov. 4, 2003

Weekly NMPRO e-mail, Nursery Management and Production Magazine, Branch-Smith Publishing.

U.S. economy booms in 3rd quarter. U.S. Commerce Dept. reported that the U.S. economy grew at a 7.2% rate in the 3rd quarter -- the strongest increase since 1984. This exceeded analysts' forecasts of 6% growth. Last week the department reported that new housing starts increased 3.4% to 1.89 million in September.  

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Nov. 4, 2003

GMPRO greEn-MAIL, Greenhouse Management and Production Magazine, Branch-Smith Publishing.

California fires set back growers. Flower and herb grower Rudy Vis of River Ridge Farms, near Somis, Calif., told the Ventura County Star he expects losses to be about $150,000. Univ. of Calif. Co-op. Ext. agent Julie Newman in Ventura County said the airborne ash and soot has caused respiratory problems for workers. But she doesn't expect the ash to cause crop problems because it can be washed or shaken off. Juan St. Amant of Plug Connection in Vista, about 10 miles from the fires, said employees have been wearing masks or respirators. He said some outgoing and incoming deliveries were delayed because San Diego's airport was closed and some shipping companies briefly stopped operating. Scott Brown, president of San Diego County Flower & Plant Assoc. and co-owner of Brown's Plants in Encinitas, said every association member had been contacted by fax to determine if they encountered any problems as a result of the fires and if they needed assistance. Calif. Gov. Gray Davis expects costs associated with battling the wildfires and cleanup will run about $2 billion.

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Nov. 11, 2003

GCMM-The Weekly Dirt, Garden Center Merchandising and Management, Branch-Smith Publishing.

PlantFind adds employment search capability. PlantFind, a provider of technology-based business solutions to the green industry, partnered with GreenSearch, a national executive search and human resource consulting organization dedicated to the horticulture industry and allied trades. "We are not just about finding plants any more," said PlantFind pres. Michael Ferraro.  In the next couple of months, look for a new GreenSearch HR section on the PlantFind.com site. It will offer PlantFind members information about human resource issues targeted to industry businesses. http://www.plantfind.com

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Nov. 11, 2003

03-15

GMPRO greEn-MAIL, Greenhouse Management and Production Magazine, Branch-Smith Publishing.

Yoder appoints Rasbach president. On Nov. 1 William Rasbach was appointed president and CEO of Yoder Bros. Inc., N. America's largest privately owned flower producer. He succeeds Thomas Doak, who becomes vice chairman of the board until retiring Oct. 30, 2004. Rasbach joined Yoder in 1973 as a technical customer service representative and was exec. v.p.. before the promotion. Rasbach was instrumental in Yoder's move to expand beyond its traditional chrysanthemum product base into perennials, annuals and other flowering plants. kellehc@yoder.com; http://www.yoder.com

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Nov. 11, 2003

03-16

GMPRO greEn-MAIL, Greenhouse Management and Production Magazine, Branch-Smith Publishing.

New greenhouse pest control publication. The Greenhouse Pest Posse is a new newsletter designed to keep greenhouse growers informed of current pest, disease and production info. It is produced by Laura Pottorff, diagnostic plant pathologist and regional greenhouse specialist at Colo. St. Univ. The Oct.-Nov. issue includes info on root and crown rots, how to comply with Worker Protection Standard and pesticide phytotoxicity on poinsettias. The newsletter is available on the Internet and by fax.  lpottorff@co.adams.co.us; http://www.colostate.edu/Depts/CoopExt/Adams/gh/pdf/pestposse1003.pdf

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Nov. 11, 2003

GMPRO greEn-MAIL, Greenhouse Management and Production Magazine, Branch-Smith Publishing.

Reducing humidity controls Botrytis. Mich. poinsettia grower Joe Pinter of Pinter Inc. tells Mich. St. Univ. Ext. agent Dean Krauskopf that heating and venting his greenhouses during the morning and evening significantly reduces Botrytis outbreaks on bracts. Pinter said venting and heating for 30-45 minutes is necessary to dry out the air. Shorter intervals just don't do the job. Other ways to lower the greenhouse humidity that Krauskopf suggests include watering early in the day and removing excess water that may be on floors and benches. krauskop@msue.msu.edu

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Nov. 25, 2003

GCMM-The Weekly Dirt, Garden Center Merchandising and Management, Branch-Smith Publishing.

Jobless claims continue to fall. The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits dropped over the past 4 weeks to slightly more than 375,000, marking the lowest level since March 2001. Economists note when claims drop to 350,000, the economy is said to be in a period of sustained job growth.

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Nov. 25, 2003

Weekly NMPRO e-mail, Nursery Management and Production Magazine, Branch-Smith Publishing.

Officials propose eliminating funds for Michigan extension. To help the state's budget crisis, some have proposed eliminating state funding for Mich. St. Univ. Ext. and the Mich. Ag. Experiment Station. MSUE receives $28.6 million from the state annually, but also gets more than $50 million from matching federal, local and county funds and other grants. MAES receives $35.9 million in state funds, which leverages another $44 million in matching grants. krauskop@msue.msu.edu.

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Nov. 25, 2003

Weekly NMPRO e-mail, Nursery Management and Production Magazine, Branch-Smith Publishing.

Florida's weather network now covers entire state. Univ. of Florida's Fla. Automated Weather Network has added 13 new stations, and now encompasses the entire state. Previously, network coverage was limited mainly to Central and South Florida. FAWN was started in 1997 when the Nat'l. Weather Service discontinued forecasts for ag. In addition, the network has improved communications technology for collecting weather data and has new computers that service the FAWN Web site.  http://fawn.ifas.ufl.edu

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Dec. 2, 2003

GCMM-The Weekly Dirt, Garden Center Merchandising and Management, Branch-Smith Publishing.

San Diego may ban big-box retailers. While Wal-Mart has no announced plans to build a Supercenter in San Diego, the city is considering a ban on retail stores of more than 130,000 sq. ft. as a pre-emptive measure.  Community activists are concerned about retail sprawl and fear that Wal-Mart would have a detrimental affect on the local economy.  Wal-Mart said it would fight the proposal because it unfairly singles them out. Source: San Diego Union-Tribune.

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Dec. 7, 2004

Weekly NMPRO e-mail, Nursery Management and Production Magazine, Branch-Smith Publishing.

From Compilation by Todd Davis, Editor:

H-2B cap stalled. Congress ended its lame-duck session without increasing the H-2B temporary guest-worker program cap.  The program annually grants 66,000 work visas for employers demonstrating a seasonal need for foreign workers.  In March 2004, the cap was reached unexpectedly early, leaving employers without access to needed workers. "The H-2B reform is the most urgent labor concern of all service industries," said John Meredith, ANLA dir. of legislative relations. jmeredith@anla.org.

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Dec. 2, 2003

Weekly NMPRO e-mail, Nursery Management and Production Magazine, Branch-Smith Publishing.

Guest-worker reform reduces illegal immigration. A study by the Nat'l. Foundation for American Policy shows that a reformed guest-worker policy would significantly reduce illegal immigration, according to ANLA.  Researchers found that ag. work programs in the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s reduced illegal immigration and Mexican worker apprehension in the U.S.  TheAgJOBS bill, on the floor of Congress, would reform the existing H-2A program and allow undocumented immigrants an opportunity to earn legal U.S. citizenship by working in ag. for the next 6 years. http://www.anla.org

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Dec. 7, 2004

GMPRO greEn-MAIL, Greenhouse Management and Production Magazine, Branch-Smith Publishing.

From Compilation by David Kuack, editor:

Look for late-season powdery mildew. Plant pathologists Margery Daughtrey of Cornell Univ. and Mary Hausbeck of Mich. St. Univ. report that powdery mildew is making an appearance on poinsettia crops in the Midwest and Northeast. Late-season outbreaks are a serious threat to poinsettia bracts.  The researchers advise growers to check lower leaves for white mildew colonies on upper and lower surfaces. Fungicides should be applied if disease is detected. mld9@cornell.edu; hausbec1@msu.edu.

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Nov. 30, 2004

Weekly NMPRO e-mail, Nursery Management and Production Magazine, Branch-Smith Publishing.

From Compilation by Todd Davis, Editor:

Bush touts immigration plan. President Bush met with Mexican president Vicente Fox last week to promote his illegal alien plan.  Bush's proposals would overhaul the U.S. immigration rules over the next 18 years, allow millions of undocumented guest-workers to apply for 3-year visas and allow them to apply for permanent legal status if their employers could document that their positions could not be filled by U.S. citizens.  The proposal has not been written into a bill, and many wonder how it would be received by the conservative U.S. Congress. Source: L.A. Times.

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Dec. 3, 2003

Pest Alert, Entomology - Nematology - Plant Pathology
University of Florida/IFAS

The FDOACS-Division of Plant Industry has posted a warning on Chrysanthemum white rust on its own Pest Alert Web site.  This disease reappears in the US every now and then.  The site includes color images of the disease.  The USDA-ARS announced three new citrus rootstocks that it hopes will  resist key diseases and the citrus root weevil.  A link to both sites are available on the UF/IFAS Pest Alert site.  The UF/IFAS Pest Alert WWW site is available at http://extlab7.entnem.ufl.edu/PestAlert.

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Dec. 9, 2003

Weekly NMPRO e-mail, Nursery Management and Production Magazine, Branch-Smith Publishing.

Landscaping isn't high on homeowners' lists.  A survey by the Evergreen Foundation found that landscape upgrades are not high priorities on most homeowners' home-improvement lists.  The foundation surveyed 611 adults and asked, "If you were given a $5,000 check for home improvement, how would you most likely spend it?" Only 12 percent said they'd upgrade their lawn and landscape. The foundation's mission is to promote the benefits of well-maintained landscapes. http://www.evergreenfoundation.com

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Dec. 9, 2003

Weekly NMPRO e-mail, Nursery Management and Production Magazine, Branch-Smith Publishing.

Invasive cogongrass spreads across Southeast. Cogongrass (Imperarta cylindrica), a hard-to-control invasive weed, is creeping its way across the Southeast.  This plant, on the Federal Noxious Weed List, can now be found in Texas, La., Miss., Ala., Fla., S.C. and Va. Cultivars of I. cylindrica, including 'Red Baron' and 'Rubra,' are sometimes sold in U.S. nurseries as Japanese blood grass. It's illegal to ship across state lines, and illegal to posses or sell in some states, said John Byrd, Miss. State Univ. extension weed scientist. johnb@ext.msstate.edu

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Nov. 23 2004

Weekly NMPRO e-mail, Nursery Management and Production Magazine, Branch-Smith Publishing.

From Compilation by Todd Davis, Editor:

AgJOBS to get fresh start in January.  Capitalizing on momentum generated by President Bush's re-election, lawmakers are continuing strong pushes for Sen. Larry Craig's AgJOBS bill. AgJOBS, with its 62 Senate co-sponsors, is now filibuster-proof. The bill, however, is unlikely to move forward during the lame-duck session because of time constraints. It will be reintroduced during the 109th Congress.  Craig. R-Idaho, plans to work with Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn., to give AgJOBS a "high-profile" bill number when it is reintroduced in January. Craig also plans to meet with administration officials and new Republican senators to discuss needed reforms and to urge senators to co-sponsor AgJOBS.

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Dec. 14, 2003

Gulf Coast Research and Education Center,

Bradenton, Florida.

Winding down trials at the Bradenton location - Gulf Coast Research & Education Center.  The 2003-2004 winter and spring 2004 annual bedding plant trials will be the last trials conducted at the current site.  A new era for the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center will begin, as the center is reborn in a new 400 acre location in Balm.  View the transition by clicking on the gator:

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Dec. 16, 2003

Weekly NMPRO e-mail, Nursery Management and Production Magazine, Branch-Smith Publishing.

USDA establishes biotechnology unit. USDA created an environmental and ecological analysis unit within its biotechnology regulatory services program. The emphasis of the new unit will be assessing potential environmental hazards of new genetically engineered plants. It will alsoissue permits to allow field testing of GE plants.  http://www.aphis.usda.gov/lpa/news/press.html

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Dec. 16, 2003

GMPRO greEn-MAIL, Greenhouse Management and Production Magazine, Branch-Smith Publishing.

Avoid chilling injury.  Now that outdoor temperatures are falling below freezing, Mich. St. Univ. Coop. Ext. agent Dean Krauskopf advises that when plants requiring warmer temperatures are exposed to temperatures below 50-55 degrees F, they undergo physiological changes.  The cold exposure only has to be for a few minutes for damage to occur.  Plants eventually overcome the damage and start growing again. During the time plants are trying to recover they are more susceptible to over watering and disease attack.  Monitor plants carefully and be prepared to apply a preventive fungicide. krauskop@msu.edu

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Dec. 23, 2003

GCMM-The Weekly Dirt, Garden Center Merchandising and Management, Branch-Smith Publishing.

'People, Places & Plants' goes national. "People, Places & Plants," a gardening program spun off of the popular regional magazines, will begin broadcasting nationally on Jan. 5, 2004.  The producers signed an agreement with the America One network.  The program stars Roger Swain, former host of "The Victory Garden," and Paul Tukey, founder of People, Places & Plants magazine. http://www.ppplants.com/television/index.html

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03-34

Dec. 23, 2003

Weekly NMPRO e-mail, Nursery Management and Production Magazine, Branch-Smith Publishing.

2003 3rd-hottest year on record. This year was the 3rd hottest in nearly 150 years, the United Nations weather agency reported. World Meteorological Organization estimated the average surface temperature for the year to be 0.81 degrees F higher than the normal 57 degrees. The agency said the warmer weather could not be attributed to any one cause but was part of a trend of global warming likely to continue. http://www.wmo.ch

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Dec. 7, 2004

Weekly NMPRO e-mail, Nursery Management and Production Magazine, Branch-Smith Publishing.

From Compilation by Todd Davis, Editor:

Activists halt genetically modified turfgrass.  The movement toward genetically modified ornamentals has slowed. Monsanto halted its attempt to get approval for a bentgrass variety genetically modified to resist glyphosate herbicides after protests filed by the International Center for Technology Assessment, according to ICTA.  The nonprofit group filed papers with USDA, including expert testimonials stating the turfgrass could becomea "superweed."  The group also petitioned USDA to list glyphosate-resistant bentgrass as a federal noxious weed.

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Jan. 27, 2004

Weekly NMPRO e-mail, Nursery Management and Production Magazine, Branch-Smith Publishing.

Downy mildew confirmed on rudbeckia. Univ. of Fla. researchers confirmed the presence of downy mildew (Plasmopara halstedii) on Rudbeckia fulgida --the first time the disease was found on this species in the state. Nearly all plants in a half-acre block of rudbeckia at a production nursery showed symptoms, and infected plants did not produce flowers. The infection occurred in July and August after a period of excessive rain.  http://extlab1.entnem.ufl.edu/PestAlert

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Aug. 31, 2004

GCMM-The Weekly Dirt, Garden Center Merchandising and Management, Branch-Smith Publishing.

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.  http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2004/040824.htm.

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Feb. 26, 2004

GMPRO greEn-MAIL, Greenhouse Management and Production Magazine, Branch-Smith Publishing.

Mealybug found in western Florida.  Fla. Dept. of Ag. and Consumer Services confirmed that pink hibiscus mealybug has been found for the 1st time on the west coast of the state. The mealybug was found on several hibiscus plants at 4 residences in southeast Pinellas County. The insects were found during a routine USDA Sentinel Survey inspection in the county.  FDACS launched a survey to determine the extent of the infection. Initial results identified the mealybug on 3 more properties within a few blocks of the 1st discovery. FDA, in cooperation with USDA, will launch a biological control program by releasing 2 small parasitic wasps (Anagyrus kamali and Gyranusoidea indica). About 6,000 wasps will be released initially, with more planned based on inspection findings. The initial outbreak of the mealybug was in June 2002 in Broward and Dade counties. The biological control program in those counties has been successful in minimizing the natural spread of the insect. The mealybug, which occurs in most tropical areas of the world, attacks more than 200 plant species. http://www.doacs.state.fl.us/press/02172004.html

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12-7-04-9

Nov. 30, 2004

GMPRO greEn-MAIL, Greenhouse Management and Production Magazine, Branch-Smith Publishing.

Protein may signal flowering. A discovery by researchers at Cornell Univ. could lead to the manipulation of flowering times. Brian Ayre and Robert Turgeon believe the plant protein, constans, may be the signal that causes plants to flower. Ayre said the potential to manipulate plants when to flower would be of great benefit and could be used for virtually any greenhouse plant. Accelerated flowering could lead to a much shorter growing season. Researchers used Arabidopsis (mustard) to find the protein.  Their studies show either constans is moved throughout the plant to the site of flowering through the phloem, or it interacts with another factor inside the phloem that is transported to the site of flowering. It is not clear whether constans is in fact the flowering hormone.  http://www.news.cornell.edu/releases/Sept04/Florigen.snd.chron.html.

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Nov. 23, 2004

GMPRO greEn-MAIL, Greenhouse Management and Production Magazine, Branch-Smith Publishing.

Ball seeks 'the next big thing.' Ball Horticultural launched a new Web site, <http://www.balldiscoveries.com>, designed as a source for amateur and independent professional breeders seeking distribution arrangements for newly developed plants. Individuals may submit plants on a form available at the Web site.  Plants of interest will be thoroughly trialed.  If introduced, appropriate royalties will be paid. regardless of the source.  The company pledges to protect the interests of anyone who submits a plant to the company for consideration.

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12-7-04-10

Nov. 16, 2004

GMPRO greEn-MAIL, Greenhouse Management and Production Magazine, Branch-Smith Publishing.

Mustards may be used as soil biofumigants. USDA's ARS and university researchers are studying mustards as alternatives to chemical controls.  Scientists are biofumigating soils with white mustard, brown mustard and rape seed. These plants release natural substances while decomposing that make surrounding soils toxic to some weeds, nematodes and fungi. Scientists credit isothiocyanates, which are byproducts of the plants decomposition, with much of the biofumigant effect. aalva@pars.ars.usda.gov; http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/AR/archive/oct04/pest1004.htm?pf=1.

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12-7-04-11

Oct. 26, 2004

GMPRO greEn-MAIL, Greenhouse Management and Production Magazine, Branch-Smith Publishing.

Hurricane-ravaged Florida nurseries to receive assistance.  President Bush has directed that up to $500 million in USDA assistance be designated for Florida's growers located in counties that received a presidential disaster declaration for Hurricanes Charley and Frances.  Ag. Secretary Ann Veneman announced that USDA is launching the Fla.  Hurricane Ag Disaster Assistance to help growers in cleanup efforts and to compensate them for lost crops.  Efforts are also under way to determine losses from Hurricanes Ivan and Jeanne.  Veneman said USDA would provide the same level of response to other hurricane-impacted ag sectors as assessments are completed.  Veneman said other aid available includes a disaster food stamp program. White House and USDA officials worked with Fla. Nursery, Growers and Landscape Assoc. to develop an assistance program. USDA will announce a sign-up date for growers. http://www.fngla.org/articles/viewArticle.asp?articleID=381; http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/!ut/p/_s.7_0_A/7_0_1OB?contentidonly=true&contentid=2004/09/0414.xml.

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Dec. 7, 2004

Gulf Coast Research and Education Center,

Bradenton, Florida.

Packing up and ready for the move - Gulf Coast Research & Education Center.  A quarter of a century of bedding plant trials have come to an end at Bradenton's Gulf Coast Research and Education Center.  We are scheduled to move into our new research center in Balm in January 2005.  The dedication will take place on Friday, 1 April 2005.  View the transition by clicking on the gator: 

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