Recycling Used Potting Soil for Reuse Workshop

If you are a nursery operator and have a pile of dumped plants and old soil in the back of the nursery somewhere (and I'm sure that you do), then here is a great workshop we are planning for you.  Please save the date for our February 26, 2015 Recycling Used Potting Soil Workshop.  This workshop will look at two methods of turning your waste into an input and save you money in the long run.  I will be reporting the findings of the Southern Agriculture Research and Education On-Farm Grant that was awarded to myself and John Pearson at Stardust Farms.  The project was using a large scale method of solarization to recycle used potting soil.  We have been working on this project for the last two years.  We will also have Dr. Monica Ozorez-Hampton to give you everything you will need to know about composting dumped soil and plants for safe reuse back into production.  You should walk away from this class with the recipe for two different ways to turn trash into treasure.  I will give more specific information as we get closer to the workshop. 

What: Recycling Used Potting Soil Workshop
When:  Feb. 26, 2015
Where:  TBD
Time: 10:00 - 14:00
Lunch:  Will be served
Cost:  Minimal

Sugarcane Mosaic Virus in St Augustine Grass

Photo from Phil Harmon EDIS #PP313

Here is a disease that has been showing up lately in our local area (Pinellas County) and growers should be aware of.  Mosaic disease of St. Augustinegrass was first reported in the 1960s in sugarcane producing areas of Palm Beach County, Florida. In September 2013, an outbreak of the disease occurred in Pinellas County. Leaf symptoms included mosaic, but turned necrotic and the severe dieback that completely killed some infected lawns.  Previously infected lawns as well as new ones started dying in both Pinellas and Palm Beach Counties. As of November 2014, all samples have tested positive for presence of Sugarcane Mosaic Virus. This 3-page fact sheet was written by Phil Harmon, and published by the UF Department of Plant Pathology, November 2014.  Here is a link to the factsheet.  http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pp313

If you are a sod producer and suspect that this might be happening in your production field let your local Extension Agent know.

Agritourism, Is it a Good Fit for Your Operation?

I'm sure there is a fit for ornamental operations to successfully engage in Agritourism, especially operating in such a highly sought out area between Tampa and Orlando.  We have Mickey on one side and cruiselines on the other.  The question is what can you do to include activities or become part of a group that promotes what we do to the public as part of tourism.  This might be a secondary stream of income without changing a whole lot to your operation.  Polk county is having a meeting that you might want to attend.  Please see the information below. 

Agritourism: Status Check & Charting a Course for the Future

Noticed a surge of interest in visiting farms for fun? Recreational farm visits, or agritourism, are on the rise around the state and the country, but how well is Polk County positioned to benefit from this trend?  The UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Small Farms program and Polk County Tourism & Sports Marketing (PCTSM) are joining forces to host a meeting to discuss the current status of agritourism in Central Florida and chart a course for future efforts.  Presentations and panel discussions, including speakers from local agritourism operations and the President of the Florida Agritourism Association, will bring attendees up to speed on where we are at and where we could go in developing agritourism in our area.  Topics include: “How does Central Florida Agritourism Stack up Against State and National Trends?”; “The Florida Agritourism Association: What does it do, why is it needed, and what is going on around the state?”; “Current Central Florida Agritourism Operations: What are we doing now and where would we like to be in the future?”; and “How should we move forward in developing Agritourism in Central Florida?”.  The meeting will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, November 12 at Lake Myrtle Sports Park, 2701 Lake Myrtle Park Road, Auburndale, FL. Lunch will be provided by PCTSM. Agricultural enterprises and others interested in developing agritourism are encouraged to come out and be a part of the discussion!

Details
When: Wednesday, November 12: 9:30 AM - 2 PM.
Where: Lake Myrtle Sports Park, 2701 Lake Myrtle Park Road, Auburndale, FL
Register: See the detailed agenda and free registration on the calendar page of http://polksmallfarms.com 
Contact: Mary Beth Henry at 863-519-1049 or mbhenry@ufl.edu

Recycling Plastic Containers?

Every once in a while I notice a really crafty idea while visiting nurseries that I like to share.  I happened across this idea while visiting a nursery of a different sort.  While going to pick up my children and wife at the church nursery I came across this unique use for recycling nursery containers.  One broken tibia, one fraying heel, one crafty dad, and one intelligent solution; problem solved.  Here is one more example of how our products positively benefit everyday lives.  Thanks H.'s for sharing your solution with us.

   

Operation Cleansweep is Back

If you have old chemicals and want to get rid of them at no cost (up to 500 lbs.) then here is a program for you.  Again in 2014-2015, Operation Cleansweep will provide farmers, nursery operators, golf course operators, and pest control services a one-time safe and economical way to dispose of their cancelled, suspended, and unusable pesticides. Now is your chance to get rid of those jugs and bags in your pesticide shed that you have no idea what they are, before you have an inspection. You will need to schedule a pickup.  Your business can register for free pickup and disposal of cancelled, suspended or unusable pesticides by email (cleansweep@freshfromflorida.com) by phone at 877.851.5285.   If you want to get rid of more than 500 lbs of material then there are provisions for that.  You will need to pay a reduced rate but a fee will need to be paid on extra poundage.  Click on the hyperlink for more information and contacts.  http://www.dep.state.fl.us/waste/categories/cleansweep-pesticides/

Scouting Help from North Florida

Dr. Mathews Paret from the UF/IFAS Quincy Research and Education Center has some really good disease information resources that can be used for your own information or for some of your crop scouting.  Please scan below to see what is available on his U-scout web page.

New in Plant Disease Blog:  http://nfrec.ifas.ufl.edu/paret/u-scout/Blog/Blog.html
Phytophthora crown and root rot of scotch bonnet
Phytophthora root rot of boxwood
Phytopthora root rot of gardenia
Daylily rust

New in Extension Tutor:   http://nfrec.ifas.ufl.edu/paret/u-scout/Tutor.html

Latest field trial data on bacterial spot, bacterial wilt, target spot and root-knot nematode management on tomato.
Latest field trial data on gummy stem blight (watermelon), powdery mildew (watermelon, cantaloupe), and Phytophthora crown and root rot of squash.
Latest field trial findings on management of diseases of crape myrtle using resistant varieties
History and present status of watermelon rind necrosis

This section also includes tutorials on many other aspects: hands on identification of tomato and cucurbit diseases, Florida and South Eastern Vegetable production handbooks 2014, rose and cucurbit diseases and management, and other topics on plant disease management.

Plant disease databases: Databases includes 100s of pictures of vegetable diseases (tomato, cucurbits, pepper, and brassica crops) and ornamentals (rose, crape myrtle, hydrangea, and magnolia). Most of the pictures are field shots and reflect how you may see the disease in the field.

Tomato:  http://nfrec.ifas.ufl.edu/paret/u-scout/Tomato/Tomato.html
Cucurbits:  http://nfrec.ifas.ufl.edu/paret/u-scout/Cucurbits/Cucurbits.html
Pepper:  http://nfrec.ifas.ufl.edu/paret/u-scout/Pepper/Pepper.html
Brassica:  http://nfrec.ifas.ufl.edu/paret/u-scout/Brassica/Brassica.html
Rose:  http://nfrec.ifas.ufl.edu/paret/u-scout/Rose/Rose.html
Crape Myrtle:  http://nfrec.ifas.ufl.edu/paret/u-scout/Crapemyrtle/Crapemyrtle.html
Hydrangea:   http://nfrec.ifas.ufl.edu/paret/u-scout/Hydrangea/Hydrangea.html
Magnolia:   http://nfrec.ifas.ufl.edu/paret/u-scout/Magnolia/Magnolia.html

Disease Watch section for tomato, cucurbits, rose and hydrangea for Fall 2014 is issued and details can be found in the following link.
http://nfrec.ifas.ufl.edu/paret/u-scout/Disease_Watch.html

Pest Alert: First discovery of Rose Rosette Virus in Florida
http://nfrec.ifas.ufl.edu/paret/u-scout/Pest_Alert.html

Poinsettia Field Day at UF Gainesville

Growers have the opportunity to visit UF/IFAS Poinsettia Trial Field Day in Gainesville.  Here is your opportunity to see what grows best for us in Florida.  Please see the specifics below.

Title: Industry Poinsettia Trial Field Day
Host: UF/IFAS Extension
When: Tuesday, December 9, 9.15am to 2 pm
Where: University of Florida Environmental Horticulture Greenhouses, Gainesville FL.
Web page and registration: http://ufpoinsettia.eventbrite.com
Contact: Paul Fisher, pfisher@ufl.edu
Registration cost: free
Lunch provided, sponsored by Syngenta.

Includes tour of national poinsettia trials by Dr. Jim Barrett, discussion of alternatives to neonicitinoid pesticides by Dr. Lance Osborne, and new greenhouse production research by Dr. Paul Fisher.

Future Tree Use, Tradeshow, and Landscape Architects Class

What do all these things have in common?  A Hillsborough County Extension new class venture bridging the gap between growers, landscape architects and city planners on expectations of how, when, why, and where trees should be used.  The class "Tree Selection and Changing Urban Demands" is a fresh perspective on the future City of Tampa's Urban tree plan and what that will mean to growers and landscape architects.  Dr. Ed Gillman will look at tree grades and standards using real trees in a nursery as examples.  I will discuss how trees are grown in the area, how long it takes, and where to find plant material availabilities.  Mr. Rob Northrop will discuss the City of Tampa Urban Tree plan and what changes will be taking place as a model system for future municipalites.  We will then have an open discussion including City of Tampa Natural Resources to talk about opportunities and challenges for all involved.  Area growers are welcome to bring plants to the mini-tradeshow for landscape architects to view.  We will have FNGLA CEUs and LA CEUs available.  We will also have regionally famous JP's BBQ served for dinner as well.  This alone is almost worth the price of the class.  Only 50 seats available so hurry and get yours reserved! 
When:  December 11, 2014
Time:  1:30-7:00 pm
Where:  Stardust Tree Farm, 1001 Stardust Ln. Lutz, FL 33548
Cost - $100.00 (plus transaction fees)
CEUs-LA Continuing Education Credits-4, FNGLA Credits-TBD
For a link to register click here https://latrees.eventbrite.com

UF/IFAS Research and Extension in Hillsborough County get FNGLA Research Award

Extension and research at UF/IFAS work hand-in-hand to solve problems and deliver solutions to growers.  Sometimes it is a top-down approach, with research developed in the lab to deliver to local clients.  Other times extension and research also work from the bottom up at a grassroots level. Occasionally, an Extension agent in the field notices problems that the growers are having and lets researchers know there is a gap in our knowledge of a problem or situation.  Here is an example of a local case where a grass roots approach is working to solve problems growers are encountering every day. I was on a nursery visit at the request of Troy Gordon of Alafia Tropical Foliage, to look at light levels through shade cloth to see what was going on at plant canopy heights.  Mr. Gordon mentioned having very few herbicide tools at his disposal labeled for weeds associated with tropical plants.  I went back to the office to do some digging and found that this research was seemingly lacking in the industry, even though tropical plants comprise nearly 35% of the ornamental trade in Florida and account for $1.4 billion in sales (2010 numbers).  I mentioned this to our local weed science specialist Dr. Nathan Boyd at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center and proposed we write a grant to research herbicides for use in tropical ornamentals.  Dr. Boyd suggested we try the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association research grants.  The good news for our local growers and growers throughout the state is that our grant received funding.  We will now start preparing for the research and will bring you the results when we get them.  This is a great example of how Extension brings “Solutions for Your Life” and how your continued support as a grower of FNGLA and their research endowment helps the industry as a whole stay productive.

Lake Region FNGLA Fundraiser

The FNGLA Lake Region Chapter is fundraising for youth horticulture and community horticulture education.
Come join us!!!!!!
Have Fun at our Fund Raiser playing in our 2nd Annual Putt Putt Golf Tournament

Win Big Prizes playing Putt Putt!!

DATE: Tuesday, October 7, 2014 CHAPTER MEETING. PLACE:  Family Fun Center, 4825 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland TIME:  6:00 - 9:00 pm COST:  Adults $20.00, Kids $10:00 (Price includes dinner, golf and 12 tokens)  Proceeds from event goes to FNGLA Lake region chapter.   Please call Karen by Monday Oct. 6.  863.644.6491

100 Years of Extension

Extension is celebrating its 100th birthday this year.  You are invited to the party!  Hillsborough County Extension office is having an open house on October 9th to celebrate.  See some of the the great work that Extension is doing in Hillsborough County and beyond.  The festivities will start at 4:00 pm.  We will have food, giveaways (including seedling cypress trees) and a birthday cake.  I will also be planting a Centennial Tree to commemorate the occasion.  This is a 25 gallon winged elm donated by our friends at Sun City Tree Farm.  So come and enjoy the celebration!  We will also be honoring our Extension Agriculture Volunteer of the Year, Mr. Audie Ham with Diamond R Turf.

You may be interested in seeing the video of the anniversary celebration at USDA.

You can view the video at:  1.usa.gov/1oucSrL  Dr, Martin Draper, National Program Leader (Plant Systems), opened the ceremony by reading a proclamation from President Obama marking Extension’s 100 years, and NIFA Director Sonny Ramaswamy delivered a rousing address about the history and future of Cooperative Extension.

FNGLA Hockey Fundraising Event

The FNGLA is planning an event to raise money and build some enthusiasm for our local Tampa chapter.  This event will be raising money to support youth education and scholarships in horticulture related fields for local students.  Our hope is to have students join our horticulture field when their education is finished. 

 Join the FNGLA for a family-friendly exciting event you won't find anywhere! Only 100 Spots Available!

Sign up now by emailing amanda@bigearthsupply.com.

Thursday, November 13 attend the FNGLA Cornhole Tournament on the Bud Light Deck at Amalie Arena 4:30-6:30.
Admission fee of $25 includes:
Entrance to the Bud Light Deck
Free Tailgate Style Food
You will receive CLUB LEVEL Ticket to watch the San Jose Sharks play the Lightning, Face-off at 7:30pm.CAN'T GET THIS OFFER ANYWHERE ELSE, normally $90-100 this offer includes CLUB LEVEL SEAT, FOOD AT BUD LIGHT DECK EVENT AND RAFFLE PRIZES

For Cornhole Enthusiasts, $60 per team: Includes entrance to tournament to win, 2 CLUB LEVEL tickets and Food at Bud Light Deck

Special FREE Raffle for Kids ages 4-15 year old: Chance for child & guardian to win the experience of high-fiving the Lightning players when the enter the ice !

Other Raffle Prizes will include Lightning Tickets, signed merchandise, gift cards to local establishments, prizes and more !

Look forward to seeing you at this exciting event. Remember, only 100 spots available so act fast!

Thank you warmly,
FNGLA Tampa Chapter

Cogongrass Help!

Cogongrass is an extremely aggressive rhizomatous grass that I have seen spreading more and more around Hillsborough County.  I have even seen it taking over nursery production areas under the groundcover as well.  Here is a link to a fact sheet on the weed and below is an update for a program that will help provide cost share assistance with control of the weed.  There is another factsheet below dealing with cogongrass control in pastures.

 COGONGRASS TREATMENT COST-SHARE PROGRAM NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS


Applications accepted through Feb. 27, 2015 to remove invasive plant

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Florida Forest Service is now accepting applications for the Cogongrass Treatment Cost-Share Program. Cogongrass is an invasive, non-native grass, which occurs in Florida and several other southeastern states. Cogongrass infestations negatively affect tree regeneration, growth and survival, as well as wildlife habitat, native plant diversity, forage quality and property values. They also increase the risk of wildfires and alter fire behavior.

The Cogongrass Treatment Cost-Share Program is offered for non-industrial private lands in all Florida counties. It provides reimbursement of 50 percent of the cost to treat Cogongrass infestations for two consecutive years. Applicants who wish to conduct treatments in 2014 may apply from Sept. 22, 2014 through Oct. 3, 2014. Applicants who wish to conduct treatments in 2015 may apply from Oct. 6, 2014 through Feb. 27, 2015.

To learn more about this program and obtain an application form, contact a local Florida Forest Service office or visit http://www.FloridaForestService.com. All qualifying applications will be evaluated and ranked for approval. This program is supported through a grant from the U.S. Forest Service.

For more information about cogongrass and management see http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/wg202

For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit http://www.FreshFromFlorida.com.

Last Chance for Integrated Pest Management Update Seats

Don’t miss out on your opportunity to get the latest information on Integrated Pest Management on weed control and find out what is going on with the chemical manufacturers.  They will give you thier latest updates and changes that will help you stay productive.  Join us on September 5^th at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Balm.  We will have CEUs and lunch.  You can see the agenda and join us by registering on-line by clicking this link.  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/integrated-pest-management-update-tickets-12274388025

New Businesses Marketing on the Internet

Can internet marketing help you increase your business revenues?  This was a question that some Extension researchers asked and then proceeded to find out the answer.  Yes you can!  The researchers surveyed Mississippi small businesses and found a significant result.  The results from their survey showed that by using the internet you can in fact, increase your business.  The longer businesses used the internet, the older the businesses were, the more employees they had, and the higher the revenue generated.  This might be a compelling reason, especially for start-up nurseries to join the digital age and start selling more plants.  For more information here is a link to the Journal of Extension article by Gallardo and Jacobs.  http://www.joe.org/joe/2014august/rb6.php

Here are a few publications if you are a small grower and looking for a start on the internet
that might help you out.  "Increasing Sales on Small Farms Using Web Based Classifieds,"  http://hillsborough.ifas.ufl.edu/documents/pdf/agriculture/A-Z_pubs/WebBasedClassifieds.pdf
and this one, "How Small Farms can Use Blogs to Increase Businesses."  http://hillsborough.ifas.ufl.edu/documents/pdf/agriculture/A-Z_pubs/BusinessBlogs.pdf

Nursery Equipment for Sale

A nursery owner has the following equipment for sale...Please send ststeed@ufl.edu an email if you are intrested.

 2000 International 24’ box low profile delivery truck. Removable shelves, Diesel, Cruise Control, GPS.

 Jatco 400 3 pt blower cannon sprayer with 100 mph wind.   Sprayer is mounted on a Massy 265. Can sell sprayer without tractor.

Private and Core Pesticide Applicator Exam Prep Class at Hillsborough County Extension

If you are in need of a Private Applicator License we are offering exam training classes on August 14 ,2014.  These classes are for those wishing to pass the Core and/or Private Pesticide Applicator License Exam (Restricted Use Pesticide License) from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. You also may receive Pesticide CEUs if you already have a license. We will offer 4.5 CEUs for the trainings. You may register for either training alone or for both. We will offer the Core and Private Exams after each training session. Please contact Shawn Steed for any questions or special needs regarding this event 813-744-5519 ext. 54147.  To register please click on the link below.  
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/private-and-core-pesticide-applicator-training-tickets-12575482607

Instructors: 
Cami McAvoy - Multi-County Agricultural Production Extension Agent, Sumter & Pasco Counties
Shawn Steed- Multi-county Ornamental Horticulture Extension Agent, Polk & Hillsborough Counties

Exam Preparation
CORE - 8:30 am to 10:35 am
Topics to be Covered: Pesticide Law, Principles of Pest Control, Pesticide Labels, Environmental Hazards, Harmful Effects and Personal Protection Equipment; Mixing, Loading, and Application, Transportation, Disposal, and Spill Cleanup, and Pesticide Application Procedures.

Break 10:35 am to 11:35 am - Lunch on Your Own

Private Applicator - 11:45 am to 1:50 pm
Topics to be Covered: Licensing Private Applicators, Pests & Pest Control, Fumigants, The Worker Protection Standard, Application Equipment & Calibration, Dilution & Site Sizes, Pesticide Labels, and Calibration & Dilution Mathematics.

FNGLA Tampa Chapter Past President's Dinner

Just wanted to let you know about the Tampa Chapter FNGLA Annual Past President's Dinner and Officer Installation.   The event will be at Keel and Curley Winery on Thursday, July 31, 2014 at 6:00 pm.  Join us for fun catching up with old friends and meeting some new ones.  You can also help us by spreading the word.  Past Presidents will eat free others will be charged $20.00.  Please RSVP with Shawn at 813-744-5519 x 54147.

Integrated Pest Management Update 2014

This year's IPM Update Class is new information regarding weed control. This will be a statewide videoconference. We will discuss Globally Harmonized System for Pesticide Classification, preemergent herbicide trials, weed BMPs, new weed threats to production, and our chemical manufacturers will be giving their updates and any new products that can help in the control of important pests. We will offer CEUs and a free lunch. Don't miss out.  To register click on this link.  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/integrated-pest-management-update-tickets-12274388025

If you have any special needs please call Shawn Steed 813-629-6104.

Encouraging Beneficial Insects for Pest Control

I am hearing more and more stories of how producers are using beneficial insect to control pest population in production areas.  Here is a very short video of some ideas you might like to incorporate into your operation to enlist beneficials to help.  This video from GrowingProduce.com was made from Dr. Hugh Smith at our very own UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center.  It mainly speaks to vegetable growers but there are some ideas that you can think about and possibly incorporate into nursery, greenhouse, or sod production.  Click on this link for the video. 

 http://www.growingproduce.com/video/pest-control/v-how-to-encourage-beneficial-insects-in-the-landscape/

Pest and Beneficial Insect ID Workshop: Core and PRVT CEUs available!

This workshop is a hands-on workshop for ornamental or horticultural crop growers that will help you properly identify pests and beneficials commonly found in our area. We will have many live samples for you to view. On-hand we will have the Florida experts on insect pests and beneficials, Drs. Catharine Mannion (Tropical Research and Education Center, Homestead), Steven Arthurs (Mid-Florida Research and Education Center, Apopka), and Hugh Smith (Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, Balm). We will be focusing on whiteflies, thrips, mites, scales, and mealybugs. We will also discuss strategies to conserve pollinators. Resources for more information on pest and beneficial ID will be presented. The workshop will be held at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Balm on June 26, 2014. Sign in starts at 8:00 am. The cost will be $25.00. CEUs (Core and Private) and lunch will be available. Register online by following this link. http://tiny.cc/pandb_insect_id

Here is the agenda

08:00-08:30 Sign-in

08:30-08:50 Introductions and Welcome
08:50-09:20 Basic entomology review
09:20-11:20 Hands-on identification of key arthropod pests of horticultural and ornamental crops and their natural enemies
09:20 – 10:00 Whiteflies (Bondar’s nesting, rugose, ficus, giant, silverleaf) and their natural enemies
10-:00 – 10:15 Break
10:15 – 10:50 Thrips, spider mites, broad mites, aphids and natural enemies
10:50 – 11:30 Scales and mealy bugs and their natural enemies.
11:30 – 12:00 Lunch (provided)
12:00 – 12:50 Managing pests and conserving beneficial arthropods.
12:50 – 13:20 Available resources-
13:20 – 13:40 Wrap up, evaluations and CEUs

Core, Private Applicator and WPS Train-The-Trainer Workshop at Balm GCREC

Core, Private Applicator, and WPS-Train-The-Trainer classes to be offered at GCREC, Wimauma, FL on June 25! Details and registration for all 3 classes can be found here: www.commercialveg.eventbrite.com

Private Applicator and WPS classes will be held simultaneously. Therefore, a person could register for both Core and WPS if desired.

Core and Private Applicator Training and Exams

Core 8:30am-10:30am, Private 10:45am-12:50pm. Two separate exam prep classes will be held to help you prepare for the Core and Private Applicator RUP license exams. Exams will be offered immediately following the classes. However, you do not have to take the exams the same day. You may schedule a time to take the exams at your convenience. You may take one class without the other, if needed.

If you are already a license holder, 2.0 CEUs in Core and 2.5 in Private are offered for both classes, respectively. Light snacks will be offered. Walk ins will be welcomed. The class fee is $15 per class. Please bring a cash or a check made out to “Manatee County Friends of Extension.”

WPS Train-The-Trainer: 10:45am-12:50pm

Need CEUs?
The WPS TTT workshop provides CEUs in several categories. Even if you don’t need to be WPS certified, don’t miss this opportunity for CEUs. CEUs available: 2 in the following categories: Aerial, Ag. Row, Ag. Tree, O&T, Private, Forest Pest Control, and Soil and Greenhouse Fumigation.

Need to become a WPS certified Trainer?
The Worker Protection Standard (WPS) is a federal program designed to protect agricultural farm workers in the production of agricultural plants. A person is qualified to teach WPS to farm workers if he/she holds a restricted use pesticide license or if he/she has completed the WPS Train the trainer course.
There is a $20 class fee. You may pay at the door with cash or check made out to “Manatee County Friends of Extension”

The Great CEU Round-Up

IF you need CEUs for your pesticide license and want to hear about herbicides and weeds here is your opportunity to register for...IFAS/FTGA's "The Great CEU Round-up Event" at Hillsborough County Extension Office on July 9th in the conference room.  This meeting will be broadcast throughout Florida by video conferencing.  Here is the agenda below.

8:30 – 9:00 Registration


9:00—9:50 How Herbicides Work Dr. Jay Ferrell

9:50—10:00 Break

10:00 – 10:50 Integrating Biological Controls and Herbicides Dr. Jim Cuda

10:50—11:00 Break

11:00—11:50 Managing Herbicide Applications Against the Development of Resistance Dr. Bill Haller

11:50—1:00 Lunch (provided)

1:00—1:50 Increasing Product Power Dr. Fred Fishel

1:50—2:00 Break

2:00—2:50 Up and Coming Weeds to Watch Dr. Lyn Gettys

2:50—3:00 Break

3:00—3:50 Herbicide Injury From Off Target Sprays Dr. Peter Dittmar

3:50 – 4:00 Closing & CEU Distribution   CEUs available are Ag. Row Crop Pest Control, Ag. Tree Crop Pest Control, Private Applicator, Aerial, Aquatic Weed Control, Demo & Research, Forestry, Natural Areas Weed Mgmt, Ornamental & Turf, Regulatory Pest Control, Right‐of‐Way, LL&M, LL&O, CL.   To sign up, visit this link and send in a registration.  http://www.ftga.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Agenda.pdf  If you have any questions or need special accomodations please call Shawn Steed 813-629-6104.

IPM for Nursery Crops Workshop Quincy, FL

Don't miss this hands-on, 2-day workshop focused on integrated pest management (IPM) for nursery crops! Learn how to save resources, reduce pest damage and pesticide use, and create a safer working environment for employees, all while earning 13 pesticide CEUs plus FNGLA CEUs! Georgia pesticide CEUs applied for.

You will learn to identify major pests, plant diseases, and weeds using live samples, lectures, and images. Horticulturists, plant pathologists, entomologists, and weed scientists - - from major universities across the southeastern U.S. - - will teach you about some of the latest technologies to prevent pests and use your smart phone as a pest scouting device. Each participant will receive a free copy of IPM Pro, a mobile device app for IPM in ornamental crops, as well as many printed reference materials. In-depth and focused on IPM in ornamentals, this workshop is one of kind and well worth your time!

Registration is only $15 but you must pre-register to participate; no walk-ins allowed! To register and for more information, go to https://ncnla.wufoo.com/forms/ipm-2day-workshop-quincy-fl-june-1011-2014/

Spring/Summer Preemergent Herbicide Demonstration Workshop

What weeds do you commonly fight to control at your nursery?  Is the herbicide you use the best on your weed spectrum?  Do your folks know how to calibrate a backpack sprayer?  We will help to answer some of these questions at our Spring/Summer Preemergent Herbicide Demonstration Workshop brought to you by UF/IFAS Hillsborough County Extension and Diamond R Fertilizer. 

On Thursday, May 29, 2014 we will open our demonstration plots of weeds and preemergent herbicides so you can see how well your herbicide measures up against others with extreme pressure.  We used old potting soil with weed seeds and added more commonly found nursery weed seeds in to the mix.  Creating an extreme test for preemrgent herbicides.  We applied 60 days before this workshop so you can see how well they performed over time.  We repeated it four times so you can be certain how well they worked.

At the workshop we will have some weed identification, time to look at and discuss the plots, and we will also go over simplified hands on calibration of a backpack sprayer.  We will also have a great BBQ lunch from Johnson's BBQ to top it off.  2.5 CEUs are available for Private, Orn. & Turf, Lim. Lawn and Orn., Lim. Lawn Maint., and Comm. Lawn and Orn. The cost will be $15.00 plus processing fee.  Click Here To Register!  

 10:00-10:10 Welcome and Opening Remarks

10:10-11:00 Weed id, review weed identification, and weed id resources

11:00-12:00 Calibration of backpack sprayer and review of results

12:00-13:00 Lunch (sponsored by Diamond R Fertilizer)

13:00-14:00 Weed demonstration plot and herbicide discussion

      

Pest and Beneficial Insect Workshop 6/26/14

Have you wondered what type of whitefly you are looking at?   Ever have question about is that a predator mite or a pest?  What does a whitefly parasite look like?  Are those chili thrips or flower thrips?

This workshop is a hands-on workshop for ornamental or horticultural crop growers that will help you properly identify pests and beneficials commonly found in our area. We will have many live samples for you to view.   On-hand we will have the Florida experts on insect pests and beneficials, Drs. Catharine Mannion (Tropical Research and Education Center, Homestead), Steven Arthurs (Mid-Florida Research and Education Center, Apopka), and Hugh Smith (Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, Balm).  We will be focusing on whiteflies, thrips, mites, scales, and mealybugs.  We will also discuss strategies to conserve pollinators.  Resources for more information on pest and beneficial ID will be presented.  The workshop will be held at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Balm on June 26, 2014.  Sign in starts at 8:00 am.  The cost will be $25.00.  CEUs and lunch will be available.  Register online by following this link.  http://tiny.cc/pandb_insect_id
Here is the agenda
08:00-08:30 Sign-in

08:30-08:50 Introductions and Welcome (Shawn Steed)

08:50-09:20 Basic entomology review (Dr. Hugh Smith)

09:20-11:20 Hands-on identification of pest, beneficials and management

09:20 – 10:00 Whiteflies and whitefly beneficials (Bondar’s nesting, rugose, ficus, giant, silverleaf) 40 min. (Dr. Catharine Mannion)

10-:00 – 10:10 Break

10:00 – 10:35 Thrips (chilli, flower), mites (spider, two spotted, etc.) aphids and beneficials (Dr. Hugh Smith) 35 min.

10-:35 – 10:45 Break

10:45 – 11:20 Scale and mealybugs and beneficials. (Dr. Steven Arthurs) 35 min.

11:20 – 12:00 Lunch

12:00 – 12:50 Managing Pests and Conserving Beneficials. (Drs. Smith and Mannion)

12:50 – 13:20 Available resources for ID- (Shawn Steed)

13:20 – 13:40 Wrap up and CEUs (Shawn Steed)

Nursery with Used 3 Gallon Pots for Sale

A nursery has hunderds of used 3 gallon pots for sale.  For more information please email Mark Worley at mworley@speedling.com for price and quantities.

Rooting Hormones for Plants

Have you ever wondered what type of rooting hormone to use on certain plants and then how do you mix it at the proper rate.  I remember when I started propagating plants everyone would use technical grade rooting hormones from chemical manufacturers.  These however are not labeled for nursery use.  So where do you get rooting hormones, what kind to you use that are labeled for nursery use, and how do you mix them to the right amount.  Here is a great publication from Cheryl Boyer, J. J. Griffin, B. M. Morales, and Eugene Blythe entitled "Use of Root-Promoting Products for Vegetative Propagation of Nursery Crops"  Here is the link:  http://www.ksre.ksu.edu/bookstore/pubs/MF3105.pdf

Core and Private Pesticide Applicator Exam Training at Seffner

If you are in need of a Private Applicator License we are offering exam training classes.  These classes are  for those wishing to pass the Core and/or Private Pesticide Applicator License Exam (Restricted Use Pesticide License) from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. You also may receive Pesticide CEUs if you already have a license. We will offer 5 CEUs for the trainings. You may register for either training alone or for both. We will offer the Core and Private Exams after each training session. Please contact Shawn Steed for any questions or special needs regarding this event 813-744-5519 ext. 54147.  To register please click on the link below. 

Instructors:
Mary Beth Henry - Small Farms Extension Agent, Polk County
Shawn Steed- Multi-county Ornamental Horticulture Extension Agent, Polk & Hillsborough Counties

Exam Preperations
CORE - 8:30 am to 10:35 am
Topics to be Covered: Pesticide Law, Principles of Pest Control, Pesticide Labels, Environmental Hazards, Harmful Effects and Personal Protection Equipment; Mixing, Loading, and Application, Transportation, Disposal, and Spill Cleanup, and Pesticide Application Procedures.

Break 10:35 am to 11:35 am - Lunch on Your Own

Private Applicator - 11:45 am to 1:50 pm
Topics to be Covered: Licensing Private Applicators, Pests & Pest Control, Fumigants, The Worker Protection Standard, Application Equipment & Calibration, Dilution & Site Sizes, Pesticide Labels, and Calibration & Dilution Mathematics.

Exams administered from 2 pm to 5 pm
To register please click the link below.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/private-and-core-pesticide-applicator-training-tickets-11511185265

Experienced Grower Looking for a Nursery Position

An experienced grower/manger is looking for a wholesale management position at a nursery.  Email ststeed@ufl.edu for a resume.

FNGLA Event Supports the Future of Our Local Green Industry

The FNGLA Tampa Chapter keeps our local growers and landscapers growing in their professionalism.  The Chapter also informs and rewards youth in our area who are potentially interested in careers growing ornamental plants and landscaping.  The Tampa Chapter has rewarded many local college students in environmental horticulture and agricultural related fields with money to attend college.  In fact, the scholarships are given to local youth as a priority.  The Chapter also helps fund the youth plant show and sale and the landscape, nursery, and floriculture career development event awards as well as Ag-Venture program to educate third graders about environmental horticulture.

The Tampa Chapter is having a fund raising Corn-Hole Tournament event that will help to replenish the coffers to keep our youth projects going forward.  You can help by attending, participating, or becoming a sponsor.  Email tampachapter@gmail.com to attend.  More details can be found at http://www.tampafngla.com/


When: May 30th, 2014

Check-In and Warm-ups Start @ 11:30pm

Tournament Begins @ 1:00 pm

Cash Prizes for 1st, 2nd & 3rd place!!

Where: Keel & Curley Winery

5210 Thonotosassa Rd, Plant City, FL 33565

Entry Fee: $50 per 2-man team (non-refundable)

Spectator Bands available for $10

Entry into tournament includes food and non-alcoholic beverages

Beer &Wine available for purchase

New Cultivar of Tung Tree 'Anna Bella'

                     Tung tree 'Anna Bella' picture with permission from Timothy Rinehart USDA-ARS

I came across this new sterile variety of tung tree (Vernicia fordii) while reading through a USDA-ARS report.  The flowers are stunning and thought it might make a great candidate for local niche production.  The tung tree is from China and was produced in the Southeast US for the production of tung oil.  An oil that has a great property of drying when applied.  Non-sterile tung trees are considered a Category II invasive which means they are slow to get started in changing the landscape (as opposed to a Cat I invasive which takes over).  Tung trees can grow to 40 foot and have a smooth bark.  They are deciduous and poisonous and can cause allergic reactions.  The flowers appear first before they set leaves.  Specimens have been located in Central and North Florida according to UF's Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/node/31

The cultivar 'Anna Bella' was collected and housed in the germplasm collection at the Thad Cochran Southern Horticulture Research Laboratory in Poplarville, MS.  If you were on the International Plant Propagation Society Southern Region Meeting a few years back this was one of the tour stops.  There were no records of the cultivar in production so with the efforts of Timothy Rinehart they trialed the plant and released it to the industry.  The nice thing about this cultivar (other than the amazing flowers) is that it is sterile and produces no viable fruit.  So no need to worry about invasiveness and fruits in the yards.

If you would like more information about 'Anna Bella' here is a link to the article from where this information was derived  http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/AR/archive/apr14/tree0414.htm and here is a link to the Thad Cochran Sothern Horticulture Research Laboratory   http://www.ars.usda.gov/main/site_main.htm?modecode=64-04-05-00     

Money Available from Mini-FARMS Grants

FDACS has money to give in 75% cost-share grants to producers who want to reduce their water use and decrease their environmental impact.  You can either contact Shawn Steed or go directly to Jessica McCoy Stempien, Office of Agricultural Water Policy, FDACS.  Her number is (813) 985-7481 ext 2125, her email is JessicaLea.Stempien@FreshFromFlorida.com.  We both have a list of items that can be covered with the grant money.

Pesticide Collections Information Wanted

Stephen Gran, the Hillsborough County Extension Director is seeking funding to sponsor an Agriculture Pesticide Collection Day, like Hillsborough County has done in the past. The funding agency has requested that we seek some information from the industry to justify funding the event.

Would you please send an email to ststeed@ufl.edu if you are interested with the answers below.


1.      Do you have cancelled, suspended or unusable pesticides in storage awaiting proper disposal?

2.      Are proper disposal methods difficult to find?

3.      Is proper disposal a costly and regulatory burden for farmers?

4.      Would you participate in an agriculture pesticide collection event if it were offered at no cost to farmers?

5.      If yes, approximately how many pounds of pesticides do you have to dispose of?

Central Florida Water Initiative Meeting

The Central Florida Water Initiative is a collaboration of different stakeholders and regulators to look at the sustainability of the water resources at the conversion points of three water management districts in an area that includes southern Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Polk counties. The three water management districts, along with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS), regional public water supply utilities and other stakeholders are collaborating to develop a unified process to address central Florida’s current and long-term water supply needs.  One of things that Jim Fletcher (County Extension Director of Osceola County who sits on the committee) has been trying to do, is make sure agriculture is represented at the the table.  Part of the continuing efforts of this planning initiative is the development of a solutions planning team that represent all the interests in the 5 county area.  Jim was selected to serve as the agriculture representative on the committee. Part of the charge of this committee is to make sure all interests have been heard as the initiative moves forward.  Robert Beltran, Executive  Director for SWFWMD is the chair person of this solution team.  Mr. Beltran would like to meet with the agricultural industry as a whole to make sure he understands and can report all the issues.  If you are interested in attending the meeting with Robert Beltran and CFWI it is on April 16, at 1:30-3:30 pm at the UF Osceola County Extension Service, 1921 Kissimmee Valley Lane, Kissimmee, Fl 34744.  For more information please call 321.697.3000.  You may want to visit the Central Florida Water Initiative website http://cfwiwater.com/  to get more information prior to the meeting.

WPS-Changes in the Making and Meeting Notice

On February 20, 2014, the Environmental Protection Agency announced proposed changes to the agricultural Worker Protection Standard (WPS) to increase protections from pesticide exposure for the nation's 2 million agricultural workers and their families.  They are seeking input on the changes that are being proposed.  Here is an EPA factsheet on the changes and compares with what is already in place.  http://www.epa.gov/oppfead1/safety/workers/proposed/comparisons-current-proposed-wps.pdf   Here is a list of the included changes:

Increased frequency of mandatory trainings (from once every five years to annually) to inform farm workers about the protections they are afforded under the law, including restrictions on entering pesticide-treated fields and surrounding areas, decontamination supplies, access to information and use of personal protective equipment. Expanded trainings will include instructions to reduce take-home exposure from pesticides on work clothing and other safety topics.

Expanded mandatory posting of no-entry signs for the most hazardous pesticides; the signs prohibit entry into pesticide-treated fields until residues decline to a safe level.

First time-ever minimum age requirement: Children under 16 will be prohibited from handling pesticides, with an exemption for family farms.

No-entry buffer areas surrounding pesticide-treated fields will protect workers and others from exposure from pesticide overspray and fumes.

Measures to improve the states’ ability to enforce compliance including requiring employers to keep records of application-specific pesticide information as well as farmworker training and early-entry notification for two years.

Personal Protection Equipment (respirator use) must be consistent with the Occupational Safety & Health Administration standards for ensuring respirators are providing protection, including fit test, medical evaluation, and training.

Make available to farm workers or their advocates (including medical personnel) information specific to the pesticide application, including the pesticide label and Safety Data Sheets.

Additional changes make the rule more practical and easier to comply with for farmers.

Continues the exemptions for family farms.

Here is the site for more information from the EPA as well as a link to add your comments to the proposed changes.  http://www.epa.gov/oppfead1/safety/workers/proposed/index.html
If you would like to go to a meeting about these rule changes FDACS and EPA is holding one.  Here is the information: 
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) will be hosting a meeting with growers and grower organizations to provide an overview of the recently proposed changes to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Worker Protection Standard (WPS). The purpose of the meeting is to better inform the grower community on the WPS proposals and the comment submission process. Mr. Richard Pont with the U.S. EPA, Office of Pesticide Programs will be making a presentation and answering questions regarding the changes. The meeting will be held on April 3, 2014 at 9:30 AM-12:00 PM at the Citrus Research and Education Center (CREC), located at 700 Experiment Station Rd., Lake Alfred, FL. Please note that the public is strongly encouraged to submit their comments to the docket via Regulations.gov.

Core and Private Applicator Trainings in Manatee County

April 22: Core and Private Applicator Training and Exams

Core 8:30am-10:35am, Private 10:35am-11:40pm, Manatee County Extension Service, Palmetto, FL.

Two separate exam prep classes will be held to help you prepare for the Core and Private Applicator RUP (Restricted Use Pesticide) license exams. Exams will be offered immediately following the classes. However, you do not have to take the exams the same day. You may schedule a time to take the exams at your convenience. You may take one class without the other, if needed.

If you are already a license holder, 2.5 CEUs in Core and 2.5 in Private are offered for both classes, respectively. Light snacks will be offered. For details and registration visit:

Core link to information and registration:  http://tinyurl.com/l94g76t
Private Applicator link to information and registration:   http://tinyurl.com/owo2vay

New Factsheets from UF/IFAS

There are a few more factsheets for your perusal from IFAS EDIS our Electronic Data Information Source.  This week we've got factsheets on trees, diseases and weeds for your reading pleasure. 

This one is entitled Plumeria:  Propagation from Cuttings http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/EP/EP48900.pdf
Here is one on identification and control of Impatiens Downey Mildew  http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/PP/PP30900.pdf 
Here is a factsheet on one of the weeds that I see at nurseries everywhere. Erect and Prostrate Spurge Managenment in Turf. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/EP/EP49500.pdf
This is one on a unique tree I haven't seen before. Faber's Maple:  Acer fabri http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/EP/EP49000.pdf
And here is one on Apalachee Crapemrytle:  Lagerstromia idica x fauriei 'Apalachee' http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/EP/EP49100.pdf

News from Tampa Chapter of FNGLA

The Tampa Chapter of FNGLA would like to convey some news about their upcoming events.

Happy Hour/Social on the 1st Thur of each month!

If you're in business in the Tampa Bay market, you don't want to miss our monthly socials. Take a break from the daily grind and network with fellow industry professionals.

Gaspar's Patio Bar & Grill
8448 N. 56th St. Tampa, FL 33617
Thursday, 4/3/14, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
NO RSVP needed. Just show up and look for the group.

1st Annual Cornhole Tournament
5/30/14 Details coming soon!

Welcome our newest member to the Board of Directors: Amanda Hebert - Big Earth Landscape Supply

Private and Core Pesticide Exam Review Classes and WPS Train the Trainer Workshops

Need to become a WPS certified Trainer?

The Worker Protection Standard (WPS) is a federal program designed to protect agricultural farm workers in the production of agricultural plants. A person is qualified to teach WPS to farm workers if he/she holds a restricted use pesticide license or if he/she has completed the WPS Train the trainer course. Once a person has completed the course he/she is certified for life.

Need to pass the Private or Core Pesticide Exams?

We have regional classes that will help you review the information for the FDACS Core and Private Pesticide Spray License Exams.  

Need CEUs?
The Core and Private Exam Reviews will offer 2.5 CEUs for Core and 2.5 CEUs for the Private License for a total of 5 CEUs.  You can take one or both of the classes for CEUs.

The WPS TTT workshop provides CEUs in several categories. Even if you don’t need to be WPS certified, don’t miss this opportunity for CEUs. CEUs available: 2 in the following categories: Aerial, Ag. Row, Ag. Tree, O&T, Private, Forest Pest Control, and Soil and Greenhouse Fumigation.

For more information about all of these programs and times, dates, and locations please click here for this flyer.

Floriculture Outlook for Florida

Here is a new publication on the outlook of the Florida floriculture industry that might help out with you future marketing and production planning.  We are seeing a bit of an uptick in the industry which is following the housing and development industry.  Here is your link to the article entitiled "Floriculture Crops Economic Outlook for 2014" by Dr. H. Khachatran, et. al.  http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/FE/FE94100.pdf

4-H Fund Raising Event Strawberry Picking

Help the 4-H youth and food banks of our community by picking strawberries.

8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Rain or Shine. . . Restrooms on grounds)

50 cents a qt. No Limit!!!

Location:  Fancy Farms

I-4 Exit #25, south on County Line Rd. 3 miles to Rice Rd.

4-H Ambassadors will be in the field to assist the

elderly and disabled.

For more information call 4-H @ 813-744-5519 x 54132

New Gerbera and Caladium Varieties

Here are a few new cultivars and factsheets on the latest ornamental plant cultivar releases from Dr. Zhanao Deng at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Balm. 

                                       Caladium 'Red Hot' photo credit Zhanao Deng UF/IFAS
First are his caladiums are called 'Fairytale Princess' and 'Red Hot.'  These two new varieties are vibrant red, lanced leaved cultivars that show excellent tuber yield, pot quality, and landscape performance.  If you would like to read more here is a link to the EDIS factsheet. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/EP/EP48100.pdf
If you would like to find out about availability please send Shawn Steed and email ststeed@ufl.edu.

                                                 Photo Credits: Gail Bowman UF/IFAS

Secondly, are his gerbera daisy releases in the Funtastic TM, line called, 'Tangerine Eye' and 'Golden Eye.'  These gerberas have been breed and tested for use in large containers.  They are powdery mildew resistant and produce large flowers in colors complimenting the Funtastic TM line and are orange-red and yellow-orange.  If you would like to read more about these cultivars here is a link to the factsheet  http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/EP/EP48200.pdf

Private and Core Pesticide Training Classes in Polk County

If you are looking to take the Core or Private Applicator Pesticide exams or if you need CEUs for your current license, here is a class for you.  Registrants may attend classes for exam preparation or to gain CEUs if he/she already has a license. Exams will be administered at the conclusion of material review for those interested. Calculators, scratch paper, and pencils will be provided for exams.


February 28, 2014 or October 16, 2014

8:30am to 5:00pm

Instructors:

Mary Beth Henry - Small Farms Extension Agent, Polk County

Shawn Steed- Multi-county Ornamental Horticulture Extension Agent, Polk & Hillsborough Counties

Reviews

CORE - 8:30 am to 10:35 am

Topics to be Covered: Pesticide Law, Principles of Pest Control, Pesticide Labels, Environmental Hazards, Harmful Effects and Personal Protection Equipment; Mixing, Loading, and Application, Transportation, Disposal, and Spill Cleanup; and Pesticide Application Procedures.

Break 10:30 am to 11:30 am - Lunch on Your Own

Private Applicator - 11:45 am to 1:50 pm

Topics to be Covered: Licensing Private Applicators, Pests & Pest Control, Fumigants, The Worker Protection Standard, Application Equipment & Calibration, Dilution & Site Sizes, Pesticide Labels, and Calibration & Dilution Mathematics.

Exams administered from 2 pm to 5 pm

If you would like to register please click on this link.  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/core-and-private-applicator-exam-preps-and-exams-tickets-9730972601

Worker Protection Train the Trainer Workshop and CEUs

Here is another class for those who may have missed the WPS TTT in Hillsborough County.  Crystal Snodgrass the vegetable agent in Manatee County will be hosting this one.

March 18: WPS Train-The-Trainer: Manatee County Extension Service, 10am-12pm


Need CEUs?

The WPS TTT workshop provides CEUs in several categories. Even if you don’t need to be WPS certified, don’t miss this opportunity for CEUs. CEUs available: 2 in the following categories: Aerial, Ag. Row, Ag. Tree, O&T, Private, Forest Pest Control, and Soil and Greenhouse Fumigation.

Need to become a WPS certified Trainer?

The Worker Protection Standard (WPS) is a federal program designed to protect agricultural farm workers in the production of agricultural plants. A person is qualified to teach WPS to farm workers if he/she holds a restricted use pesticide license or if he/she has completed the WPS Train the trainer course. Once a person has completed the course he/she is certified for life.

For details and registration visit: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/worker-protection-standard-train-the-trainer-tickets-10589229671

New Virus in Roses for Florida

Rose Rosette Virus is a disease that has been around for a long time but has just been identified in Florida from a nursery in Quincy, in Knock-Out roses.   This virus is transmitted by microscopic mites (Eriophyid mites). The virus causes a proliferation of thorns and abnormal growth (witch's broom symptoms).  As of January, it was also found in Gadsden, Alachua, and Levy counties in Florida.  The disease will usually kill infected plant within 1 to 2 years.  Growers should be scouting for this new disease as DPI will quarantine a nursery with this virus until there is no more apparent risk at the site.  If you suspect that plants have the symptoms, you can submit them for proper identification at a UF plant disease clinic.  Growers should destroy infected plants. UF is recommending the use of insecticides for Eriophyid mite control in the early spring.  Always rotate Modes of Action!  For a general overview about the disease and pictures of symptoms, here is a link you can take a look at http://entomology.ifas.ufl.edu/news/2013-2014/RRV_PestAlert_Paret_2014.pdf.  For an extensive amount of grower information about Rose Rosette Virus, check out the site www.roserosettedisease.com.  For more information about the mite vector, here is a link to an EDIS publication http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/IN/IN99900.pdf  Information from the above sources were used for this article.

New Insects and Factsheets

Photo credit:  Holly Glenn

Here are a couple of new insects to be on the look out for.  One insect is the Rugose spiraling whitefly.  This insect has been found in most of the coastal counties in Florida south of I-4.  This insect is extremely problematic in the amount of honeydew, sticky wax, sooty mold and dead insects that can accumulate on leaves and drop down to surfaces below.  The insect has a spiraling pattern of egg laying which is rather distinctive.  Here is a link to the new publication.  http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/IN/IN101500.pdf
There is also a list of host plants that you can click on in the online version of the publication.

Photo credit:  Anita Neal

Another new insect is the Sri Lankan weevil.  This little weevil has a big appetite for plants and has a rather large host range.  Over 150 plants are on the menu for this insect!  Typical damage is seen on the margins of leaves being notched.  This insect also has been found in most counties south of I-4.  Here is a factsheet on it. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/IN/IN101600.pdf

Lake Region FNGLA, Chili, and CEUs

How does Lake Region FNGLA, chili, and CEUs go together.  Stop by and find out.  The Lake Region FNGLA will be having their February meeting at the Polk County Extension Office.  They will also be hosting their first chili cookoff fundraiser.  It will be $5.00 to enter your winning chili.  While you are eating and judging chili you can get a Private Applicator Pesticide CEU for free.  The class will be entitled Pre-Emergent Herbicides for Ornamentals-Use and Efficacy.  If you'd like to attend please call Karen Norris at 863-644-6491.

Sustainable Substrates for Nursery Production

Here is a video you may want to watch about sustainable substrates for nursery production.  This is one video in a series of videos from a Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education grant to help nursery producers move towards sustainable systems for plant production.  This particular video is 4.5 minutes long and discusses options to formulations of peat and pine bark substrates that are most prominently used in current potting soils.  Click here for the link to the video.  Sustainable Substrates

Work on the Boards Down

The American Institute for Architecture has just released Architecture Billings Index (ABI) for the month of December. This index is a leading index of nonresidential building construction approximately 9 to 12 months into the future.  The idea is that construction firms make architectural plans and are billed prior to constructing the buildings in the future.  The ABI is centered around a value of 50.  Scores above 50 indicate an increase in billings and below 50 indicate a decrease in architectural billings.  The ABI score for November was 49.8, in December it fell again to 48.5.  This generally would mean a potential downturn in construction spending on nonresidential projects in the future.  Some good news is that on a regional average, the ABI for the southern region (a 3 month moving average) was 51.2.   For more information on this topic you can check out this link  http://www.aia.org/press/releases/AIAB101427

Local Retail Help Needed

Saturday Help Wanted  

Treemart Garden Center is looking for Saturday Retail Sales help. 

Plant knowledge and experience is mandatory.  Saturdays 8:30 to 4:00

Must walk with, talk to and write up customers. 

Email  scott@treemart.com   for information.

Worker Protection Standard Train the Trainer Training

Worker Protection Standard Train-The-Trainer Training being offered at the Hillsborough County Extension Office. 

When:  1/29/14 09:oo

Where:  Hills. Co. Extension Office Meeting Room

Why:  To comply with EPA WPS Standard Employee Trainings

How Much: $25 plus processing fees. 

CEUs: 3

This training will enable an attendee to train workers and handlers to comply with the Worker Protection Standards regulated by EPA. Participants will learn what material are required by trainers to cover when educating their workforce. 3 Core Pesticide CEUs will be issued after the class for those needing CEUs. Cost will be $25.00 + processing fees. Check or cash will be accepted at the door. Just click on this link to register.  http://tiny.cc/WPSHills

Environmental Horticulture Outlook 2014

For those of you wishing you had a crystal ball to look into the future of the environmental horticulture production industry for 2014 here is as close as it gets.  UF/IFAS Food and Resource Economics Department (FRED) Dr. Hayk Katchatrayn and Dr. Alan Hodges give their perspective for the Florida Nursery and Landscape Industry for 2014.  Overall in their opinion it looks like there will be a similar year as last year. Factors that will affect the increase of sales will be the housing and construction market, homes sales, consumer sentiment, and general employment.  Increases in these areas will generally lead to support in sales of environmental horticulture products.  As an industry we need to be exacting in knowing our costs and diligent in finding new market outlets for our products to increase sales and profit growth.  Remember we are in a mature to declining industry where competition abounds forcing a downward movement in prices.  A bright spot however on the horizon looks to be the landscaping market.  This segment of the industry still seems to have some growth left in it.  Here is Dr. Katchatrayn’s 22 minute report that you can download and view yourself just follow this link.  http://tiny.cc/greenreport2014

Frost Cloth and Pots for Sale

A local grower is trying to sell seven rolls of Agrifabric Pro70 20'X140' - brand new, still in the original wrapping. They were never used and he is willing to take offers on them. He also has several hundred used NSI 10,000S squat pots that were previously used for blueberries. They are 20 gallon pots and he is wanting $2.00 a piece for them.  If you would like more information please give Shawn a call at the extension office 813-744–5519 ext. 54147.