Nursery &
Greenhouse Growers School scheduled for February 8th
Most growers grow an array of ornamental plants. This program incorporates
information covered at Bedding Plants School and includes
information on other commonly grown ornamentals such as perennials,
mixed containers, cut flowers and woody plants. The program is scheduled
for Wednesday, February 8, 2006 at the Ulster
County Fairgrounds Youth Building in New Paltz. Margery Daughtery
and Dan Gilrein from the Cornell University Long Island Horticultural
Research and Extension Center will cover identification plus Management
Strategies (cultural and biological and chemical) for some of the diseases,
insects and mites that have recently been affecting greenhouse flower
crops, herbaceous perennials and woody plants. Mark Bridgen, also from
the Long Island Research Center will present on field grown and high
tunnel cut-flower production. There will also be a grower panel as well
as a labor and Worker Protection Standard update. Participants will
be awarded 2 NYS DEC pesticide recertification credits in categories
1a, 3a, 3c, 10, 24, 25 and .5 Core Credits. Registration begins at 9AM
and the program ends around 4PM. The cost of the program is $40 if registered
by Jan. 31 and includes a catered lunch and refreshments. For more information
or to register please call Teresa Rusinek at 845-340-3990.
Written by Teresa Rusinek, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster
County
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Growing Cut
Flowers
At the upcoming Nursery/Greenhouse Grower’s School, Mark
Bridgen Professor and Director of Cornell’s Long Island Horticultural
Research & Extension Center, will present a program on growing cut
flowers. Cut flowers may be a crop that can add income to your business.
In the early 1990s, specialty cut flowers became an important crop,
due to several reasons:
* Farmers began to diversify into high–value
specialty crops.
* Retail florists began asking for new and unusual
flowers, many of which could not be grown in South America or shipped
well.
* Consumers had more disposable income and were willing
to spend some of it on flowers.
* More farmers' markets were established throughout
the country, and flowers became an integral part of those markets.
* Martha Stewart, Home and Garden TV, and similar
phenomena in the media brought home and garden decoration into the forefront
of American minds.
As a result of these changes, farmers began asking for
more information on cut flower production. The best source for the latest
information on these things is the Association of Specialty Cut Flower
Growers (ASCFG). The ASCFG was established in 1988 to address the unique
production and marketing needs of specialty cut flower growers. The
group publishes a newsletter The Cut Flower Quarterly, a membership
directory, a list-server, and provides information relative to local
conditions through the assistance of the Association's regional directors
and members. The Association also hosts an annual conference, held in
different locations around the country.
Contact the ASCFG at http://www.ascfg.org
for further information about the Association, available publications,
and for details about previous or upcoming national and regional conferences.
For more information on growing cut flowers as a business, check out
this publication – Sustainable Cut Flower Production at http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/PDF/cutflower.pdf
Submitted by Rose Baglia, Cornell Cooperative Extension of
Orange County
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Bleeding
Cankers on European Beech: A 2005 Progress Report on Management
by George W. Hudler, Ph. D.
Last year we noted that we either were or would be testing
various proprietary compounds for management of bleeding cankers on
European beech caused by Phytophthora spp. That work began in earnest
in the spring of 2004 with applications of Agri-Fos, one of several
formulations of phosphorous acid that have recently shown up on the
market. We followed a protocol recommended by company representatives
and scientists at the University of California calling for a bark drench
(to a height of 6-8 feet) with a mixture of 31.2 fl. oz. Agri-Fos plus
31.2 fl. oz. water plus 1.6 fl. oz. of Pentra-Bark". The latter
is an adjuvant that is supposed to promote movement of the Agri-Fos
through the outer bark and into the living phloem and cambium. Most
of the trees we treated were in the 30-40 inch stem diameter class,
and we used about 1/2 gallon of mixture per tree. When we examined the
trees 5 months later (October 2004), the cankers were still oozing and
there was no evidence that the treatments had been effective. However,
a second exam in August 2005 was more encouraging. Cankers less than
about 1 square foot in area were no longer oozing fluid and, in comparison
to pictures taken just before treatment, appeared to be the same size
that they were at the beginning of our observation period.
Unfortunately, our experimental design was far from optimal
inasmuch as we had no untreated trees on the same properties as the
treated trees and on all but one of 12 properties we worked on there
were only one or two diseased trees. Thus, we cannot be sure that the
apparent improvement is a result of our treatment or some other factor
such as the persistent drought in 2005. We look forward to 2006 with
plans for better experimental design with guarded optimism that were
on the track of a viable treatment for this disease.
In the meantime, Agri-Fos for Phytophthora-caused beech
cankers, applied either as a bark drench or injected directly into the
trunks of trees has been approved by the EPA and the NYS Department
of Environmental Conservation. Other phosphorous acid formulations also
approved for Phytophthora on beech include Arborfor, Whippet, and Alude.
So far as I am aware, data to indicate that any of these materials is
effective for control of bleeding cankers has yet to be published in
a scientific forum. but their use in New York State for this purpose
is now legal, nonetheless.
The bottom line is that if you are caring for European
beech trees with bleeding cankers, our very tentative observations are
that one of the phosphorous acid products may be a viable option for
slowing canker growth. The earlier that cankers are found, the more
likely you will be to contain them, and treatment is likely to be most
effective when trees are actively growing. We have not seen any evidence
of phytotoxicity on beech, but we do know that if the bark drench mix
of Agri-Fos gets on herbaceous plants or moss, it will burn or kill
the plants. If there are valuable groundcovers around trees you are
treating with this material, be sure to cover them with a tarp during
application.
Submitted by Rick W. Harper, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Westchester
County
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Pine Shoot Beetle
is on the Move
The pine shoot beetle (Tomicus piniperda) a European/NorthAfrican/Asian
bark beetle has been detected in Christmas tree plantations and nurseries
throughout much of New York State. Many counties are under quarantine
(except Rockland, Dutchess, Putnam, Westchester, Long Island and New
York City). This pest was first detected in Ohio in 1992 and has spread
rapidly in both the US and Canada.
The adults bore into 1-2 year old shoots and cause a flagging
of the terminals and branches. Their feeding cause disfiguration reducing
the aesthetic and thus economic value of pines. Preferred hosts are
Scots, red and ponderosa pines, but all native pines can be susceptible.
On occasion they will attack balsam fir. Adults are tiny, about 1/8
- 1/5" long. They emerge in late spring to early summer from bark
galleries and fly to new shoots where they bore into and create 3/4
- 4" tunnels. This boring causing the flagged appearance. Beetles
overwinter in shoots at the base of trees or in soil. They will emerge
in the first warm days of early spring seeking areas to lay eggs, including
recently cut stumps, logs, stressed or dead pines and pine debris. There
is one generation per year.
Best method of control is plant sanitation. Remove all
prospective breeding sites including stumps down to the root collar.
Trap logs such as Austrian, red, Scots or jack pine should be placed
out in early March to attract egg-laying beetles. A foliar spray applied
just prior to adult emergence may be used.
For more specific information on the quarantine and other
regulatory information please go to: US Quarantine map:
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/maps/psbquarantine.pdf
Quarantine and regulatory information: http://www.ceris.purdue.edu/napis/pests/psb/
Source: Dan Gilrein, LI Horticulture News, December 2005
Written by: Stephanie D. Mallozzi, Cornell Cooperative
Extension of Dutchess County
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House Passes
Enforcement-only Immigration Bill
On December 16th the House of Representatives passed bill HR 4437. If
passed in the Senate and signed by the president, this "enforcement
-only" immigration bill would mandate electronic verification of
workers' Social Security cards and alien employment authorization documents.
Failure to do so would result in fines ranging from $5,000-$25,000 per
worker. Another provision of the bill is that employers verify the eligibility
of current workers and terminate these workers if their documents were
not valid. The ANLA opposes this bill because of the cost to nursery
owners. Read more about the bill here. http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d109:h.r.04437::
Submitted by Dianne Olsen, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Putnam County
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New Worker Protection
Standard Manual
The Worker Protection Standard for Agricultural Pesticides How to Comply
Manual has been updated to reflect amendments to the Worker Protection
Standard (WPS), a regulation designed to protect agricultural workers
and pesticide handlers. The WPS contains requirements for pesticide
safety training, notification of pesticide applications, use of personal
protective equipment, restricted entry intervals following pesticide
application, decontamination supplies, and emergency medical assistance.
The revised manual provides detailed information on who is covered by
the WPS and how to meet regulatory requirements. The updated manual
will facilitate better protection of pesticide workers and handlers
in agriculture from the potential risks of pesticides. The new 2005
WPS How to Comply (HTC) Manual supersedes the 1993 version.
For further information download a copy online at http://www.epa.gov/agriculture/epa-735-b-05-002.pdf.
To obtain print and/or CD-ROM versions of the REVISED
manual, or for additional information about the WPS, please visit: www.epa.gov/agriculture/htc.html.
Submitted by Dianne Olsen, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Putnam County
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Emerald Ash
Borer Update
Emerald ash borer was first discovered and identified in Michigan
in the summer of 2002. Prior to that time, it had never before been
found on the North American continent. This highly destructive pest
causes vast mortality in ash trees and has killed approximately 15 million
of Michigan's estimated 700 million ash tree population. It has since
been detected in Indiana and Ohio. Cornell University scientists are
working with other researchers to develop control possibilities, but
there are no known controls as of this writing.
For fact sheets on this insect, visit: http://www.entomology.cornell.edu/Extension/DiagnosticLab/IDLFS/EmeraldAshBorer/EmeraldAshBorer.html
Submitted by Dianne Olsen, Putnam County
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Easter
Lily Bulb mite Control Options
Dan Gilrein, Cornell Cooperative Extension Entomologist located in Suffolk
County, alerted readers of Northeast Greenhouse IPM Notes that in the
lab, "Bulb mites clearly ignored healthy Easter lily bulb scales
but readily attacked those with various kinds of mechanical damage,
which could be easily created by rough handling or by fungus gnat larvae.
If fungus gnat flies are present in the greenhouse (use sticky cards
at planting), a drench of Azatin, Adept, Citation or other approved
options might be called for."
Submitted by Dianne Olsen, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Putnam
County
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Floriculture
Production Survey
The National Agricultural Statistics Service mailed out questionnaires
for the 2005 Floriculture Production survey early last month. The surveys
are mailed to all commercial producers of cut flowers, flowering and
foliage plants, bedding plants, or cultivated florist greens in the
state of New York. Through this survey, detailed information can be
compiled about the production and sales of these items and the importance
of this contribution to the agricultural economy of New York State.
To guarantee the accuracy of information obtained for the industry,
there needs to be a continued support by commercial growers. The definition
of a commercial grower is one who earns $10,000 or more in gross annual
sales. Commercial producers are asked to return the survey by mid-January.
Any producer who has a question regarding the survey may call Bill Blackson
or Kathy King at 1-800-821-1276.
Submitted by Tolly Beck, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Rockland
County
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Perennial
Plant of the Year for 2006
The Perennial Plant Association (PPA) has chosen the perennial Dianthus
gratianopolitanus ‘Firewitch’ as the Perennial
Plant of the Year for 2006. In order to be selected for this distinction,
a perennial must meet the association’s four required attributes.
The perennial chosen must be suitable for a wide range of climate types,
must be low maintenance, must be easily propagated (easily comes true
from seed or vegetative propagation), and must exhibit multiple seasonal
interest.
Dianthus gratianopolitanus ‘Firewitch’ has attractive, blue-green
foliage and fragrant, magenta flowers. It is hardy from zones 3 to 8
and requires well-drained soil and sun. It has been bred to tolerate
both heat and humidity. The flowers open in early summer, and should
be removed when they fade to encourage reblooming. Both bees and butterflies
are attracted to the flowers. This perennial is fairly short (6-10”)
so should be placed in the front of a border. In addition to its use
in mixed perennial borders, Firewitch can be useful in both rock gardens
and containers.
To view this and other past PPA perennial plant winners go to http://www.perennialplant.org/ppy/ppyindexs.htm.
Submitted by Tolly Beck, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Rockland
County
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Hudson Valley Cornell
Cooperative Extension
Commercial Horticulture Education Program
2005-2006 Horticulture Programs for Professionals
*A printable version of the Hudson Valley 2006 Regional
Horticulture Program Calendar is available online at the following link:
http://www.cce.cornell.edu/ulster/Ag/AGEVENTS.htm
38th Annual Professional Turf and Landscape Conference
Wed., Jan. 11, 2006, Westchester County Ctr., White Plains, NY
(914) 961-2535, www.nystla.com
Sponsored by the NYS Turf & Landscape Assoc. One of the largest
programs for the green industry in New York. 100-booth trade show and
16 classes from which to choose.
Urban and Community Forestry Conference
Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2006, Westchester County Ctr., White Plains, NY
Stephanie Mallozzi (845) 677-8223 x 104; Rick Harper (914) 285-2622
This program is designed to give tree care professionals, municipalities
and community groups an update on tree planting, care and maintenance
in the community and urban landscape. Granting opportunities and sources
of funding will also be discussed.
Nursery/Greenhouse Grower’s School
Wed., February 8, 2006, Location: New Paltz
Teresa Rusinek (845) 340-3990; Rosemarie Baglia (845) 344-1234
Growers will be updated on the latest information on a variety of topics
including pest management, and cultural practices for bedding plants
and other greenhouse/nursery crops.
Arborist Certification Training
February/March 2006
Dutchess County CCE, Millbrook, NY
ISA Certification Exam: Wednesday, March 29, Dutchess County CCE, Millbrook,
NY
Stephanie Mallozzi (845) 677-8223 x 104; Rick Harper (914) 285-2622
A training program designed to assist green industry professionals in
obtaining the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified
Arborist designation. Attendees of this program will gain an increased
knowledge of practices pertaining to the care of trees including identification,
proper pruning, and safety. Certified arborists may also attend select
sessions for review and qualify for Continuing Education Units. Certain
sessions will also offer pesticide recertification credits.
NYSTA SE Regional Turf Conference
Mon., Feb. 27, 2006, Tarrytown Hilton, Tarrytown NY
NYSTA (800) 873-8873 www.nysta.org
Sponsored by the NYS Turfgrass Association. There will be a trade show
and four program tracks running concurrently, including Building Your
Skills, Golf Turf, Lawn/Landscape.
Pesticide CORE/Apprentice Training
Tues., March 21, 2006, Stony Kill Environmental Education Center, Wappingers
Falls, NY
Marianna Quatararo (845) 292-6180 X112; Dianne Olsen (845)278-6738
This course will introduce the basic CORE concepts and principles that
satisfy the NYSDEC requirements to become a Commercial Pesticide Apprentice.
Commercial Pesticide Technicians and Applicators may also attend this
course for review and NYS DEC Pesticide Applicator Recertification Credits.
Hudson Valley Turfgrass Field Day
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
DeBuck’s Sod Farm, Pine Island, NY
Rose Baglia (845) 344-1234, Joann Gruttadaurio (607) 255-1792 or jg17@cornell.edu
This full day of lectures and demonstrations will cover various aspects
of turfgrass including sports turf, lawn care, golf, sod, pest management,
and new discoveries.
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Other Programs of Interest:
2006 NYS Farmers' Direct Marketing Conference
Feb. 2-5, 2006
SUNY Cobleskill, Cobleskill, New York
For Information call 877-384-8829 or email NYSDirect@btitravel.com
NYS ReLeaf Conference
July 13-15, 2006
Long Island, NY
For more information contact:
Mary Kramarchyk at 518-402-9412 or email: mckramar@gw.dec.state.ny.us
Join fellow urban and community foresters, municipal officials, community
organizations, arborists, and affiliated industry professionals for
a conference that offers workshops and tours on urban and community
forestry issues.
Certified Landscape Technician Training
Contact: New York State Turf and Landscape Association,
(914) 961-2535, Website: www.nystla.com
An optional national testing program to recognize proficiency of qualified
landscape professionals.
Certified Nursery Professional Training Program
Dutchess, Putnam & Westchester: Scott Olivieri, (914)
682-4224
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.
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