People, Events & News

Poinsettias: the problem children

From MSU Extension:

For some of us, poinsettias are a signal that the holidays are upon us and it is time for another cup of hot cocoa. But for greenhouse growers around the country, poinsettias can be a very challenging crop to grow. According to Michigan State University Extension, poinsettias are extremely susceptible to diseases such as pythium root rot and scab (Sphaceloma poinsettiae), heat stress, plant growth regulator (PGR) overdose and phytotoxicity, and numerous nutrient deficiencies. Cultural practices such as keeping a clean greenhouse, not allowing dramatic swings in temperature, and providing a fertigation program with micronutrients can help prevent some of these production issues.

Poinsettias with pythium root rot are often stunted, wilted despite media wetness, and slightly chlorotic. The roots are often brown, squishy,and exhibit “rat tails,” where the outer cortex of the root slips away from the vascular tissue.

For more: http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/poinsettias_the_problem_children
 

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New micro water sensor can aid growers

From the Cornell Chronicle:

Crop growers, wine grape and other fruit growers, food processors,and even concrete makers all benefit from water sensors for accurate, steady and numerous moisture readings. But current sensors are large, may cost thousands of dollars and often must be read manually.

Now, Cornell researchers have developed a microfluidic water sensor within a fingertip-sized silicon chip that is a hundred times more sensitive than current devices. The researchers are now completing soil tests and will soon test their design in plants, embedding their “lab on a chip” in the stems of grape vines, for example. They hope to mass produce the sensors for as little as $5 each.

For more: bit.ly/CornellMicroSensor
 

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Albano to lead ANLA/HRI research programs

In November, Joseph Albano joined the American Nursery and Landscape Association staff to direct research programs for the ANLA and the Horticultural Research Institute (HRI). Albano comes to ANLA and HRI from the USDA-ARS-U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory (USHRL) located in Fort Pierce, Fla., where he served as research horticulturist for more than 14 years.

Albano’s research with USDA-ARS was on plant nutrition, water quality and conservation, and alternative substrates.

His recent research efforts were on developing Algal Turf Scrubber (ATS) technology for remediating runoff water of excess nutrients and processing the algae produced in the process into compost that could be used as an alternative substrate for growing container crops. He served as Lead Scientist on several USDA-ARS projects of national scope, including “Integrated Horticultural Production Systems for Water Quality Protection and Water Conservation” and “Algal-Based Water Treatment Technologies for Sustainable Horticultural Crop Production.

He served as the lead scientist for the Floriculture and Nursery Research Initiative (FNRI) project, “Environmental and Resource Management,” known as the “Water Project.”

Albano has authored or co-authored over 50 peer-reviewed publications and has twice received the Alex Laurie Award presented by OFA – The Association of Horticulture Professionals for the most outstanding research paper published in an American Society of Horticultural Science (ASHS) journal (2001 and 2006).

For more: www.hriresearch.org
 

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Four new growers added to Plant Development Services team

Alabama-based Plant Development Services has added four new growers its team of professionals that supply plants for some or all of its brands such as Encore Azalea, Southern Living Plant Collection and Sunset Western Garden Collection.

The new growers are:

• Hawksridge Farms in Hickory N.C.
• Turtle Creek Nursery in Davidson, N.C.
• Bennett’s Creek Wholesale Nursery in Suffolk, Va.
• Park Hill Plants & Trees in Tahlequah, Okla.

 

For more: www.plantdevelopment.com
 

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IPM webinars available on demand

Looking to learn more about integrated pest management (IPM)? Check out the Integrated Pest Management Academy Online. This series of on-demand webinars created by Michigan State University Extension are designed to help Michigan growers identify pest management resources and understand IPM basics. Registration is not required and they are available for free. Viewers can earn up to four pesticide recertification credits. A computer with Internet connectivity, a web browser and speakers are required.

For more: bit.ly/ipmwebinars
 

 

People As long-time president Paul Ecke III retires, the Shinoda Foundation welcomes well-known flower executive Bob Otsuka as its new leader. “Bob’s deep ties to floriculture and his passion for advancing our industry make him a natural for continuing the Shinoda legacy,” says Ecke. In addition to serving as Executive Vice President and General Manager of the California Flower Market since 1987, Otsuka has served on the Shinoda Foundation board of trustees since 2008. He is extensively involved in the floriculture industry, also serving on the boards of directors for Hortica Insurance and the California State Floral Association, on the Advisory Council for the San Francisco Conservatory of Flowers and on the Wholesale Council for the Society of American Florists. He has been recognized for his industry dedication with awards including the California State Floral Association’s Meritorious Service Award, the Master Florists Association Hall of Fame Award and the Society of American Florists John H. Walker Award. Dow AgroSciences is pleased to announce the addition of two sales representatives to the Turf & Ornamental (T&O) team. Annie Nsafoah has accepted a role in Eastern Florida after joining Dow AgroSciences in January as a sales trainee in Southern California. She received a bachelor’s degree in agricultural biotechnology from the University of Kentucky and a master’s degree in agricultural economics and international agricultural development from Oklahoma State University. Nsafoah replaces Kevin Sheaffer, who has relocated to Indianapolis to work on the recruitment and talent development team. The business also welcomes back Patrick Bell, who will assist customers in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee and the Florida Panhandle. Bell most recently worked as a product manger in the Dow AgroSciences U.S. Crops and T&O businesses. He earned a bachelor’s degree in animal and poultry sciences and a master’s degree in agricultural and resource economics from Tuskegee University. Bell replaces Jennifer Monko, who has relocated to Indianapolis as a training specialist. Greenstreet Growers announces the addition of Cody McKee as Assistant Grower for seasonal product. In addition to assisting the Head Grower, Cody will be responsible for crop documentation, inventory control, integrated pest management, and plant database maintenance. He will also ensure that the growing team is following the latest and best practices for greenhouse culture to maintain optimal efficiencies and quality. McKee grew up in the horticulture business, having worked his family farm from a young age. He received his bachelors degree in Plant and Soil Science from the University of Tennessee-Martin and a masters degree in Plant Breeding from Texas A&M University. He spent four years as a research associate for Monsanto in Leesburg, GA, where he assisted in corn-hybrid research for regional applications, as well as maintained inventory and data for breeding trials.

 

 

Mastronardi plans Coldwater greenhouse expansion

Mastronardi Produce has broken ground for phase II expansion at its Coldwater greenhouse. The Michigan facility is doubling its current size to 60 acres.

Coldwater opened for production in 2012. The greenhouse uses grow light technology to provide Michigan-grown tomatoes to Midwest consumers year-round. The expansion will enable the greenhouse to introduce more products for year-round production.

The expansion will also allow increased energy efficiency and decrease food miles, as more local products will be available. Rainwater irrigation will be used and the farm will continue to recycle water. Upon completion in Summer 2014, it will become a Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program verified farm in recognition of Mastronardi’s environmental initiatives.

For more: www.sunsetgrown.com
 

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BioSafe Turkey Drive helps families in need

For the past few years, BioSafe Systems has participated in the Foodshare Connecticut Thanksgiving Turkey Drive, which raises money to buy the holiday dinner for families in need and $30 for meals, otherwise known as “Turkey and a Thirty.”

BioSafe started small in its first year participating in the drive. Employees in the family-owned company of about 50 people raised money by paying $5 to wear jeans on Fridays and organizing other small events and initiatives. The group raised more than $30,000 in the past three years, says Tammy Raymond, marketing director for BioSafe, a Connecticut-based company which manufactures biodegradable disease-control products, many of which are used in food production.

If 100 teams of individuals each collect 10 turkeys and $300, BioSafe will donate 1,000 turkeys.

Rob Larose, president and CEO, said that if employees and other BioSafe participants raise $7,000, he would match it to give a total of $14,000 to FoodShare, which will feed 1,000 families Thanksgiving Day and give them an extra $30 toward food costs.

For more: www.biosafesystems.com
 

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Correction from the September issue:

Capsicum annuum Explosive Ember is not available through Syngenta Flowers.
 

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Sweden’s Heliospectra wins green award

Swedish technology company Heliospectra was awarded the SACC New York - Deloitte Green Award on Oct. 23. The Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce in New York annually awards the prize to a company with a breakthrough green technology within the food chain.

Heliospectra was awarded in recognition of the company’s groundbreaking work in the field of enhanced agricultural results and sustainable greenhouse farming, in particular for the development of the Heliospectra intelligent LED system. The company’s mission is to develop and sell efficient lighting systems that provide control of plant growth and quality.

 

Calendar DECEMBER 10-12, Greenhouse Grower Expo 2013, Grand Rapids, Mich. www.flor.hrt.msu.edu/expo 12, UCNFA Nursery/Floriculture Insect Symposium, Watsonville, Calif. http://ucanr.edu/sites/UCNFA/2013_Educational_Programs/ JANUARY 14-15, CNLA-CGGA Winter Symposium, Manchester, Conn.; www.flowersplantsinct.com. 16-17, OSU Greenhouse Management Workshop – Water Management, Wooster, Ohio; www.oardc.ohio-state.edu. 22-23, Garden Center Symposium/Midwest Perennial Conference, Waukesha, Wis.; www.gardencentersymposium.com 22-24, Tropical Plant Industry Exhibition, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.; www.fngla.org. Do you have an event to list in the calendar? Contact jjancsurak@gie.net.