Hudson Valley Horticulture
Cornell Cooperative Extension of the Hudson Valley
~~~Commercial Horticulture Electronic Newsletter~~~
Volume 8, Issue 11
November 24,  2008
Participating Counties: Orange * Dutchess * Putnam * Rockland * Sullivan * Ulster * Westchester *
Editor: Rosemarie S. Baglia
http://www.cce.cornell.edu

 In this Issue:

·            Still Time to Register for 2008 Perennials Conference!

·            Pepino Mosaic virus and Greenhouse Tomatoes

·            Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) on the Move Again

·            Horticulture Scholarships Available

·            USDA’s REAP Program: A Great Opportunity for Producers

·            Keeping Energy Costs Down

·            Cornell Cooperative Extension2008-2009 Horticulture Programs for Professionals

·            Fall 2008 Pesticide Certification Training and Exam Schedule

·            More About Pesticide Certification

 
Still Time to Register for 2008 Perennials Conference!
 
A day-long conference focusing on Four Season Specialty Gardening will be held on Wednesday, December 3, 2008 at the Villa Borghese, 70 Widmer Road, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590. The program, presented by Cornell Cooperative Extension of the Hudson Valley, is designed for landscape architects, commercial greenhouse growers, professional landscapers and gardening enthusiasts. Highlights from the program include presentations by Matt Horn, owner of the award-winning Matterhorn Nursery, on Plants for Winter Interest; Tom Smith, owner of  Garden State Koi and Aquatic Center, on Water Gardening; Ellen Zachos, renowned author and instructor at the New York Botanical Garden, owner of Acme Plant Stuff, NYC, on Tropicals in the Garden.  Kerry Mendez of Perennially Yours, lecturer and author featured on HGTV, and in Fine Gardening, Better Homes and Gardens, Garden Gate and other gardening magazines, will present And the Winner is…Designing with Perennials that Outshine the Competition.
                
The program is from 9 am to 4 pm. The fee is $90 if registered by Nov. 24 and includes a continental breakfast, lunch, all presentations and conference material;  $100 after Nov 24 or at the door, subject to availability. Five (5) continuing education credits for landscape architects will be offered.  To register by phone (with credit card) call Cornell Cooperative Extension of Orange County at 845-344-1234. To receive more information, please contact Marianna Quartararo, 845-292-6180 ext 112 or Donna Cooke, 845-429-7085, ext 108.
 
Written by Donna Cooke, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Rockland County
 

Pepino Mosaic virus and Greenhouse Tomatoes

The Pepino mosaic virus (PepMV), damages fruit and stunts growth of tomatoes in green house production.
Kai-Shu Ling, an ARS plant pathologist, is studying the evolution and origins of this virus. Ling has identified three wild tomato strains with a range of resistance to this virus and used them to develop a symptom-free strain of tomato which will go on to further trials, with the ultimate hope that new varieties will be resistant to several strains of PepMV.

For the original, short article, please see:
http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2008/080905.htm

For a longer article about this research:
http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/AR/archive/sep08/tomatoes0908.htm
 
Submitted By Jen Stengle, Putnam County
 

Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) on the Move Again

Emerald ash borer continues its march across the United States and Canada.  As of October 1, 2008 there are new infestations reported in the states of Missouri, Wisconsin and Virginia.  In addition EAB has now been confirmed in the province of Quebec, Canada about 20 miles or so north of the New York State border.  Survey traps (about 200) were placed in northern NY this past July. 

For up-to-date maps of the occurrence of EAB in the US go to:   http://www.emeraldashborer.info/surveyinfo.cfm


In addition, the federal government is banning imports of untreated firewood from Canada amid concerns it could carry an invasive pest species into the United States.  The quarantine imposed by the U.S. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service requires that all hardwood firewood entering the United States from Canada must be heated to almost 160 degrees for 75 minutes.
See:  http://www.syracuse.com/newsflash/index.ssf?/base/business-87/1224871466275280.xml&storylist=business

For more information on NYSDEC's ban on the movement of firewood go to: http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/44008.html.

Submitted by Stephanie D. Mallozzi, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Dutchess County
 

Horticulture Scholarships Available

Applications being accepted for the Garden Club of America’s Urban Forestry Fellowship

Application Deadline: January 31, 2009

Zone VI of The Garden Club of America has established a national fellowship in urban forestry for qualified U.S. students. The GCA Zone VI Fellowship
in Urban Forestry will be awarded in early 2009.  With this fellowship, The Garden Club of America seeks to forward their goal of advancing our
knowledge of urban forests and increasing the number of scientists in the field of urban forestry. Applications are reviewed by a selection committee
at Virginia Tech composed of practicing urban forestry scientists and professionals in related fields. Final selection is endorsed by The Garden
Club of America.

The fellowship is highly competitive and applicants must present clearly in their applications how they will advance the GCA’s goal of advancing urban
forestry knowledge and increasing the number of practicing urban forestry scientists.

Eligibility: The fellowship is open to both advanced undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in urban forestry, forestry,
horticulture, environmental studies or a closely related field at any 4-year college or university degree program in the United States.
Recipients must be U.S. students who will be enrolled as juniors or seniors or graduate students during the fellowship period.  The award is for $4,000
and recipients may apply for one additional year of funding.

Application Process: For more information, online application forms, and past recipients, visit www.cnr.vt.edu/urbanforestry/scholarship
or contact Dr. Day at gcaurbanforestry@vt.edu or 540-231-7264.

Submitted by Stephanie D. Mallozzi, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Dutchess County

 
USDA’s REAP Program: A Great Opportunity for Producers
 
Among the provisions of the 2008 Farm Bill is the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). Managed by USDA Rural Development, this program authorizes $225 million in grants and loan guarantees for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Farms, ranches, and rural businesses are eligible. A simplified application process is available for projects costing less than $200,000. To learn more about how the program works, see www.farmenergy.org, Web site of the Environmental Law and Policy Center. To find your state contact person for the REAP program, visit www.farmenergy.org/incentives/contacts.php

Submitted by: Elizabeth M. Lamb, New York State Integrated Pest Management Program
Coordinator, Ornamentals IPM
 

Keeping Energy Costs Down

In these tough times it makes a great deal of sense to reduce energy use and costs. This issue of ATTRAnews offers tools to help farmers and ranchers evaluate and improve their energy systems.
In this issue:
·         Farm Energy Saving Tips
·         USDAs REAP Program: A Great Opportunity for Producers
·         Farm Energy Calculators
·         Farm Energy Search Tool
·         Bright Ideas to Reduce Farm Lighting Costs
·         Improving Light in Dairy Barns
·         Pest Management Strategies that Save Energy
·         Where to Learn More About Energy-Saving Pest Management Strategies
·         Farm Energy Publications
·         New and Updated Publications from ATTRA
ATTRA  News
November 2008, Volume 16, Number 5
Newsletter of ATTRA - National Sustainable Agricultural Information Service: A project of the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT). This issue of ATTRAnews is available online.
 
Submitted by: Elizabeth M. Lamb, New York State Integrated Pest Management Program
Coordinator, Ornamentals IPM
 

Cornell Cooperative Extension
2008-2009 Horticulture Programs for Professionals
 
Cornell Cooperative Extension Hudson Valley provides educational programs that can help you improve your skills in horticulture, pest management and business management.  Updated brochures with specific information about each program will be mailed to you beforehand only if you are on your county's Cooperative Extension mailing list.  If you wish to get on your county mailing list, have questions or need further information about these programs, contact your local Cooperative Extension office listed below.
 
Pesticide Recertification Credits will be awarded at programs marked * pending NYS DEC approval.  In addition, ISA, SAF, and NYS licensed landscape architect continuing education credits (CEU's) may be available for certain programs.  Please contact the facilitating educator for more information on specific programs.  All dates subject to change.
 
Perennials Conference
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Villa Borghese, Wappingers Falls, NY
Contact: Marianna Quartararo 845-292-6180 X112 or Donna Cooke 845-429-7085 X108
Knowledgeable speakers will present a wide range of topics on herbaceous perennials.  A great program (and luncheon) for designers, growers and other perennial enthusiasts.
 
*Nursery/Greenhouse Grower's School
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Ulster BOCES Conference Center, New Paltz, NY
Contact: Teresa Rusinek 845-340-3990 or Rosemarie Baglia 845-344-1234
 
Nursery/Greenhouse Grower's School has been expanded to include a wider variety of ornamental crops including perennials, shrubs and bedding plants.  Get the latest information on pest control, cultural controls, and other hot topics from industry experts.  Spend the day networking with professionals and other growers.
 
*Urban & Community Forestry Conference
Wednesday, January 28, 2009, 8:15 am – 3 pm
Location: Westchester County Center, White Plains, NY
Contacts: Stephanie Mallozzi 845-677-8223 X104, sdm10@cornell.edu or Rick Harper 914-285-2622, rwh26@cornell.edu
 
This program is designed to provide tree care professionals, municipalities and community groups with cutting edge research on tree planting, care and maintenance in the community and urban landscape.  This year's featured speaker with be Dr. E. Thomas Smiley, Arboriculture Researcher from the Bartlett Tree Research Laboratory and Adjunct Professor at Clemson University.
 
Arborist Certification Training
Wednesday, February 11th & 18th, 2009, 12:30 – 5 pm
Wednesday, March 4th & 11th, 2009, 12:30 – 5 pm
Certification Exam: Friday, March 27, 2009, 8:30 am (doors open at 8:00 am)
Location: Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County - Farm & Home Center, 2715 Route 44, Millbrook, NY 12545
Contacts: Rick Harper 914-285-2622, rwh26@cornell.edu or Stephanie Mallozzi 845-677-8223 X104, sdm10@cornell.edu
 
A training program designed to assist green industry professionals in obtaining the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist designation.  Topics will include tree biology, pruning, pest management, and safe work practices.  Sessions will also offer ISA Continuing Education Units (CEU's) and NYS DEC Pesticide Recertification credits for certified arborists & licensed pesticide applicators.
 
*Landscaping in a Changing Climate
March/April 2009, date and location TBA
Contact: Rosemarie Baglia 845-344-1234, Marianna Quartararo 845-292-6180, or Jennifer Stengle 845-278-6738
 
Our changing climate poses some challenges for landscapers.  This program will address the predicted climatic changes and issues surrounding landscaping for extremes in temperature and moisture such as stormwater management, drought tolerant and moisture tolerant plants, building healthy soils, and energy efficient landscaping techniques.
 
*Christmas Tree Twilight Meeting
July 2009, date and location TBA
Contact: Stephanie Mallozzi 845-677-8223 x104, Teresa Rusinek 845-340-3990, or Rosemarie Baglia 845-344-1234
 
This is a hands-on, in the field program focusing on professional Christmas tree production issues.
 
*Sports Turf Program
Spring/Summer 2009, date and location TBA
Contact: Rosemarie Baglia 845-344-1234
 

Other Professional Horticulture Programs of Interest

 
Hudson Valley Farmer Renewable Energy Forum: Maximizing Farm Opportunities from Renewable Energy
Wednesday December 3, 2008 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Holiday Inn, 503 Washington Ave., Kingston, NY ( www.holidayinnkingstonny.com)
This workshop is meant to provide timely information on current programs and opportunities for farmers in their pursuit of production or utilization of renewable energy.
 
*2009 Empire State Green Industry Show  
January 7-9, 2009
Rochester Riverside Convention Center, Rochester, NY
Contact: NYSTA at 800-873-8873 or visit www.nysta.org
 
*41st Annual Professional Turf and Landscape Conference
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Westchester County Center, White Plains, NY
Contact: NYSTLA at 914-993-9455 or visit www.nystla.com
 
Sponsored by the New York State Turf & Landscape Association. One of the largest
programs for the green industry in New York.
100-booth trade show and 16 classes from which to choose.
 
*NYSTA SE Regional Turf Conference
Wednesday, February 24 & 25, 2009
Suffern, NY
Contact: NYSTA at 800-873-8873, visit www.nysta.org, or email jill@nysta.org
 
Sponsored by the New York State Turfgrass Association.  There will be a trade show and a number of program tracks running concurrently, including Building Your Skills, Golf Turf, Lawn/Landscape.
 
NYS Releaf Conference
July 16-18, 2009
Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, NY
Contact: Mary Kramarchyk at 518-402-9412
 
Certified Landscape Technician Training
Contact: NYSTLA at 914-993-9455 or visit www.nystla.com.
 
An optional national testing program to recognize proficiency of qualified landscape professionals.
 
Certified Nursery Professional Training Program
Contact: In Dutchess, Putnam & Westchester: Scott Olivieri, 914-682-4224;
In Orange, Rockland & Ulster: Mark Masseo 845-658-9148
 
By passing this exam you can earn the title Certified Nursery Professional (CNP).  Contact your New York State Nursery and Landscape Association, listed above, for more details.
 
Pesticide Certification Exam Schedule

Fall 2008 – Region 3

 
COUNTY                                                        TRAINING                        EXAMS
                                                                        9:30 AM – 1:00 PM        CORE: 9:30 AM
                                                                                                                  CATEGORY: 11:00 AM
 
Ulster (845-340-3990)                                  completed                        completed
 
Orange (845-344-1234)                               completed                        completed
 
Sullivan (845-292-6180)                              completed                        December 4, 2008
 
Rockland (845-429-7085                             completed                        December 9, 2008
 
Dutchess (845-677-8223                             completed                        December 15, 2008
 
Westchester/Putnam (845-278-6738)        December 2, 2008         December 17, 2008
 
Seating may be limited. Reservations are required by all counties.  Contact the Cornell Cooperative Extension office where you wish to attend to sign up.
 
The DEC charges $50 for the exam fee (If you are attending the pre-exam training session, please bring a check or money order for the $50 exam with you that day).  Upon passing the exam, the certification fee is $225 for your first category (except $100 for cat. 3A or 3B only).  This certification will be valid for a 3 year period (only 1 year for cat. 3A or 3B only).  If adding a category, a letter of experience or 12 recertification credits are needed to be allowed into the test: also certification fee to be determined at the time of the exam dependent on expiration date of current license.
 
For more information contact the New York State Department of Environment Conservation, Division of Solid and Hazardous Materials, Region 3, 21 South Putt Corners Road, New Paltz, New York 121561-1696; by phone 845-256-3097, fax 845-255-3414, or visit their website at www.dec.ny.gov.
 
More About Pesticide Certification

 

If you apply pesticides, including weed-killers, weed and feed products, insecticides, fungicides, or tick control products to customer's properties for hire, you or someone in your company must be a New York State Certified Pesticide Applicator through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and have your business registered.  There are now three levels of commercial certification: applicator, technician, and apprentice.
 

For Commercial Applicators
 

To be eligible to take the exams to become certified, you must meet one of the following requirements:
·         3 out of the past 5 years of verifiable experience as an apprentice working in the category applicant is seeking certification in; or
·         3 out of the past 5 years as a certified private applicator in a corresponding private category; or
·         Certification in another State with which New York has reciprocity; or
·         if seeking certification in the Sales Category - At least 3 years experience in the sale of pesticides, or can demonstrate, through applicable training certifications or education degrees, that one possesses appropriate technical background.

Certified Pesticide Technician

·         be at least 17 years of age.
·         2 years of verifiable experience as an apprentice; or
·         completion of a 30-hr. training course, approved by the Department or a baccalaureate or associate degree from an accredited college or university in the area seeking certification.  T

These are offered at the following:
Westchester Community College: (914) 785-6830
Dutchess Community College: (845) 431-8904
ATC: (845) 657-7027
 
For technicians, once certified, desiring full applicator status the following documentation is required: a letter indicating 2 yrs. of experience or 1 yr. of experience plus 12 recertification credits. Experience and recertification credits must be category or sub-category specific.
 

Pesticide Apprentice

·         Must be at least 16 years of age.
·         Must receive 40 hours of pesticide use experience under supervision of a certified applicator and a minimum of 8 hours of instruction on topics outlined in Section 325.18 of Part 325 Rules & Regulations relating to the application of pesticides, before being able to apply general use pesticides under the off-site direct supervision of a certified applicator.
·         Documentation of the above must be maintained by the certified applicator, and include: name & address of apprentice; date(s) of instruction or observation; content of training and certification category; instructor's name and certification identification number; and an evaluation of the competency of the apprentice.

For Private Applicators:

·         Must be at least 17 years old.
·         Have at least one year of full-time experience within the last five years in the use of pesticides in the category in which certification is requested – OR
·         Has completed a 30-hr. training course, or has received an associate's or higher level college degree in the area of which certification is requested.
For further information on eligibility rules and regulations, and fees, contact the NYSDEC Region 3 Pesticide Staff at (845) 256-3097.
Eligible candidates for certification must attend a training session, and pass two examinations, administered by the NYSDEC and held in conjunction with Cornell Cooperative Extension. Once you determine you are eligible for certification, contact your county's Cornell Cooperative Extension office for information on registering for the training class and exams. Contact your local CCE educator to find out training and exam dates for your county in the Hudson Valley.
 
Cornell Cooperative Extension County Commercial Horticulture Educators
Dutchess: Stephanie Mallozzi, sdm10@cornell.edu, 845-677-8223 x 104
Orange: Rosemarie Baglia, rsb22@cornell.edu, 845-344-1234
Putnam: Diane Olsen, dko3@cornell.edu, or Jennifer Stengle, jjs95@cornell.edu, 845-278-6738
Rockland: Donna Cooke, dmc72@cornell.edu, or Paul Trader, pwt2@cornell.edu, 845-429-7085
Ulster: Teresa Rusinek, tr28@cornell.edu, 845-340-3990
Westchester: Rick Harper, rwh26@cornell.edu, 914-946-3005
Sullivan: Marianna Quartararo, mdq2@cornell.edu, 845-292-6180 x 112
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mention of trade names and commercial products is for educational purposes; no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by Cornell Cooperative Extension or Cornell University is implied.
Pesticide recommendations are for informational purposes only and manufacturers' recommendations change.  Read the manufacturers' instructions carefully before use.  Cornell Cooperative Extension and Cornell University assume no responsibility for the use of any pesticide or chemicals.
Some of the links provided are not maintained by Cornell Cooperative Extension and Cornell University. Cornell Cooperative Extension and Cornell University are not responsible for information on these websites.  They are included for information purposes only and no endorsement by Cornell Cooperative Extension or Cornell University is implied.
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