Category Archives: News

Scam Alert: Fraudulent USDA Letters

Posted on April 6, 2012 by

Greenhouse Management posted this scam alert last week: Growers are being targeted by a new scam, Oregon Association of Nurseries (OAN) and other industry groups reported. A letter, which appears to be from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is making the rounds. … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Legal, News

Downey Mildew Running Rampant

Posted on February 17, 2012 by

I’ve heard several local reports of major problems with downy mildew on Impatiens in the landscape. In fact this seems to be widespread not just in our area but also down the West Coast and even on the lower East … Continue reading →

Posted in News, Pests, Plants, Trends | 1 Comment

New Nursery/Greenhouse Publications From UF/IFAS

Posted on January 6, 2012 by

Dieffenbachia Diseases: Identification and Control in Commercial Greenhouse Operations (PP286) Dieffenbachia is among the top 10 most popular plants produced by commercial foliage growers in Florida. This 4-page fact sheet provides guidelines to identify and treat diseases that may be … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, News, Pests, Plants, Research

Important Whitefly Information

Posted on November 9, 2011 by

This email was forwarded from Dr. Lance Osborne. REPORTS ARE COMING IN ABOUT WHITEFLY MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS! Based on early reports, 2011 may be another challenging year for whitefly management, with whitefly detections reported in several parts of the country. Growers … Continue reading →

Posted in News, Pesticides, Pests

Specialty Crop Grants Help Horticulture and Nursery Industry

Posted on November 3, 2011 by

Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnuam announced last month that $4.3 million in block grants from the USDA have been allocated to 23 projects in Florida.  The grants will fund projects to enhance the competitiveness of Florida’s specialty crops including horticulture and nursery crops.   This … Continue reading →

Posted in News, Research

NASS Cutbacks

Posted on October 27, 2011 by

The USDA’s National Agriculture Statistical Service (NASS) announced last week that it is discontinuing or reducing a wide range of agricultural survey programs due to funding reductions.  The notice is here:  http://1.usa.gov/oD9oD7. Following deliberate reviews of all its programs, the agency made … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Growers, News

Did You Know About… Agriculture Detector Dogs?

Posted on July 8, 2011 by

Ag Commissioner Adam Putnam officially launched the Travelers “Don’t Pack a Pest” Outreach Campaign on July 8th at Miami International Airport. The goal of the campaign is to raise awareness among travelers of the risks associated with the introduction of … Continue reading →

Posted in News, Pests

Upcoming Private Applicator Exam Pesticide Training Classes in English and Spanish

Posted on June 22, 2011 by

Here are two training classes growers might be interested in. What: Core and Private Applicator Exam Training in English Where: Manatee County Extension Service When: July 21, 2011 Time: Core: 9-11am, Private 11-1pm To register and view the agenda please … Continue reading →

Posted in Events, Growers, News

Landscaping Projects top Priority of Homeowners

Posted on June 13, 2011 by

Media research company Scarborough issued a press release in May that says nearly 50 million home owners (29 percent) will be taking on landscaping projects. Landscaping is the top home improvement measured by Scarborough, followed by interior painting/wallpaper (28 percent) … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, News, Research

Great CEU Roundup

Posted on May 26, 2011 by

Private applicators and Florida Certified Horticulture Professionals can earn CEUs at the upcoming Great CEU Roundup presented by UF/IFAS in cooperation with Florida Turfgrass Association, FNGLA, and other industry organizations. This statewide tele-conference will be held on June 8 from 8:00 am to 4:oo … Continue reading →

Posted in Growers, News