Woody Ornamental Production Field Day Registration Now Open

Make plans to attend UF Extension's Woody Ornamental Production Field Day on May 31st, 2018 at the UF Gulf Coast Research and Education Center.  We have another great line-up of education and field demonstrations prepared for you.  Topics will include, chemical updates from chemical industry reps, pre-emergent herbicide trials on ageratum and tropical plants, updates from a plastic mulch trial, comparison of pH and EC collection methods for large container production and more!  The final agenda is now complete. The times will be 9:00 - 4:00.  Registration will include a lunch and CEUs (1 Core and 2.5 PRVT/O&T).  You can register for $55.00 now at this link to reserve your spot.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2018-woody-ornamental-production-field-day-tickets-45941613603

Here is the agenda for the event.
Classroom
8:30       Registration, set-up, conversations over snacks
9:00       Welcome, Introduction, Orientation 5 min.  (Mr. Shawn Steed)
9:05       Plastic Mulch Update 15 min.  (Mr. Shawn Steed)

Field Demonstration
9:25         Bio-Mulch for Containers 15 min. (Dr. Chris Marble)
9:40         Irrigation Using Leaching Fraction for Large Containers 20 min.  (Dr. Tom Yeager)
10:00 Nutrient/pH Monitoring in Large Containers 20 min (Mr. Shawn Steed)
10:20 Ageratum Control in Nursery Containers 20 min.  (Drs. Nathan Boyd/Chris Marble)

Classroom
10:45 Chemical Updates 30 min. (Various reps)
11:15 SWFWMD Permitting Process 40 min. (SWFWMD Staff)

11:55 Vendor Visits / Lunch

12:40 OSHA Fit Test 50 min.  (Mr. William Tomlin, USF Health)
13:30 Alternative containers 20 min.  (Dr. Andrew Koeser)
13:50 Break
13:55 Tropical Plant Herbicide Options 20 min.  (Dr. Nathan Boyd)
14:15 DOT Rules and Regulations update 40 min. (Tpr. Austin Daniels)
15:55 Summary/Evaluation (Mr. Shawn Steed)
16:00 Adjourn

We thank our sponsors, Diamond R, Southern Ag, Mosaic, FNGLA Tampa Chapter, BASF, Syngenta, SWFWMD, USF Health, USDA Southern SARE for making this event possible!

FDOT Vehicle in Commerce Requirements

by Erin Harlow and Paul Mitola
Erin Harlow is the Commercial Horticulture Agent in Duval County. Paul Mitola is FDACS Field Training Coordinator and has 20 years experience in the pest control industry.

As far as I'm aware, these requirements apply to wholesale nursery and commercial landscape vehicles.

In July, the Region 5 Florida Pest Management Association held its monthly meeting at the Duval County Extension Office. Paul Mitola with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services spoke about the Florida Department of Transportation requirements for vehicles in commerce. This is an important topic for anyone doing business and FDOT does not need a reason to stop you.

The requirements are summarized below:
1. All loads must be secured with DOT approved straps (no bungy cords).
2. All equipment and tools must be secured with DOT approved straps.
3. All gas cans must have a spout cap or an automatic spout stop.
4. All gas cans must be secured to the vehicle.
5. All lights must be working.
6. Vehicle must not be leaking any fluids.
7. Must have 3 reflective devices cones or triangles.
8. Windows must have at least 70% transparency.
9. Must have an approved fire extinguisher and it must be mounted.
10. The vehicle must be registered for the proper tax class for the vehicle GVWR or maximum weight or it’s $0.05 per pound fine over the registered weight.
11. Gas cans must be FDOT approved and cannot be more than 8 gallons.
12. All opened bags of fertilizer must be closed and sealed to prevent spillage.
13. Vehicles over 8 feet wide must have center marker lights on rear; all lights must be working.
14. FDOT can put your vehicle “out of service” which means you cannot move it unless the condition is corrected or have the vehicle towed.
15. If you move the vehicle other than it being towed without the corrections being made the company will be fined $2500, the driver could lose his CDL and could go to jail. Fine also depends on driver or driver/owner.
16. After corrections are made the mechanic or the owner must complete and sign the inspection report and send it to Tallahassee.
17. Water tanks should be marked “water only” or “non-potable water” and the gallon capacity.
18. You cannot have any alcoholic beverages even unopened in vehicles in commerce.
19. Any vehicles over 10,000 lbs must stop at weigh stations and must follow “no trucks in left lanes” signs.
20. Front tires must have at least 4/32” tread on front tires and 2/32” on rear tires.
21. Your license plate must be secured and unobstructed.
22. Mirrors must be in working condition.
23. Placarded vehicles require the driver to have proper license endorsements and possess a valid medical card.
24. Fertilizer spreader with fertilizer still in must have a cover on it during transportation as to not allow spillage.
25. Hoses not on a hose reel must be secured properly.
26. FDOT also checks the vehicle suspension and brakes.
27. Cans or bottles must be secured against movement.