Hot Topics in Horticulture Services

Hot Topics

Hot Topics is intended to notify the professional horticulture services
industry of breaking horticulture news and to provide links to more in-depth
information on interesting topics. It is not intended to provide complete
information on a topic.

7-31-07 Fall Schedule of classes for HCC/UF

01/23/07 Check out the list of Pest Control Operators who are prepared to handle Africanized Honey Bees - Bee Removal List August 2006 98 Kb

12/06/06 Check out the UF/IFAS- Plant City Spring 2007 Schedule
Register at http://www.registrar.ufl.edu/ January 5, 2007 is the deadline.

11/14/06 Looking for Classes to Learn English?
Are you or someone you know looking for access to classes to help learn English or get a GED? There are several resources in Hillsborough County! Try these:
Adult and Community Education Center at (813) 276-5654;
Hispanic Services Council (813) 876-7223;
Hillsborough Literacy Council (813) 273-3650;
Vocational English Training in the Workplace (813) 877-9303;
CARIBE Refugee Program (813) 231-1972.
11/14/06 Pesticide Training Manuals Now Available at Hillsborough County Extension
We currently have these manuals available in the office for purchase.
Applying Pesticides Correctly ($7.00),
Aquatic Pest Control ($15.00),
Natural Area Weed Management ($12),
Ornamental and Turfgrass Pest Management ($20.00,
Private Applicator Pest Control ($7.00),
and Right of Way Pest Control ($15.00)

Please note: We are not able to accept credit cards! Cash or check only please.
Make your check payable to Tree and Landscape Advisory Committee.
11/14/06 Agriculture Pesticide Collection Day
Free pesticide disposal is available for Hillsborough County Agriculture Operations only on December 12 from 8:00-12:00 at EQ Florida, 7202 East 8th Ave., Tampa. For more info contact Stephen Gran of the Agriculture Industry Development Economic Development Department at (813) 272-5506.
11/14/06 Operation Cleansweep Deadline December 15, 2006
Operation Cleansweep will come to your farm, nursery, greenhouse, golf course, forestry or pest control office and collect cancelled, suspended and unusable pesticides for free. Pesticide dealers may also participate, but will pay a fee. Contact Robin Waddell at the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services at waddelr@doacs.state.fl.us or call 877-851-5285. Check out the website at www.dep.state.fl.us/waste/categories/cleansweep-pesticides/
11/14/06 Wow! $15.2 billion!- New Numbers on the Green Industry Economic Impact
The results of the latest University of Florida-IFAS economic impact study were released during the FNGLA FNATS Trade Show in Orlando. The study found a dramatic 54% increase in nursery and landscape sales since the last study in 2000. The highest sales impacts were reported from Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, Orange, Hillsborough, Broward, Pinellas, Duval, Volusia, Lee and Lake Counties. Landscape installation, maintenance, and design totaled $5.26 billion Check out the report at http://economicimpact.ifas.ufl.edu. Or download the report directly, full report or report summary.
11/14/06 Online Class for Limited Commercial Landscape Maintenance Now Available
Check out this convenient way to get the license for applying pesticides in beds and shrubs at http://coop.co.pinellas.fl.us/Commhort/certified.htm
9/15/06 UF Releases New Coleus Varieties
Have you wished for later flowering coleus that will tolerate more sun? Well, check out the Proven Winners 2007 catalog and you'll see two of the fourteen new varieties of coleus developed by UF graduate student Penny Nguyen. These varieties "Royal Glissade" and "Twist 'n' Twirl" feature fancy color, high branching, and high vigor in addition to late- no flowering and sun tolerance. Congratulations Penny!
9/15/06 Plants in Outer Space?
Do you recall the go, no-go status of the space shuttle Discovery earlier this month? Maybe it was secretly related to the plant research project on board! Assistant Professor Melanie Correll of UF/IFAS sent joint research with Miami University and Indiana University up with the shuttle. The experiment involves dry thale cress seeds packaged in cassettes. These cassettes will be incubated and watered in a controlled environmental chamber at the International Space Station. This research will shed light on the long-term mission of using plants in space for food, recycling water, and perhaps as a source of oxygen. Aren't the possibilities amazing?!
9/15/06 New! Organic Agriculture Degree Program at University of Florida
Are you interested in organic production? It is a growing field! Revenue from organic food sales has been increasing almost 20% a year in the U.S. Designed to prepare students to manage organic operations, UF will be one of only three U.S. universities to offer this science based undergraduate degree. Find out more by contacting Dan Cantliffe, chairman of the horticultural sciences department at djc@ifas.ufl.edu or call (352) 392-1928
9/15/06 "Idearaiser" Set for September 22
Do you have ideas that would help make Florida a better place? Make plans to attend the "idearaiser" in Gainesville. It's a chance for citizens to express their ideas, concerns, and issues to legislators. Make your way to G186 McCarty A at 4:00 on Friday, September 22. Or look out for "idearaisers" in your area. They will be held in Homestead, Clewiston, Bartow, Ocala, Live Oak, and Jay, and will feature regional ag industry specific topics.
8/29/06 New! Commercial Environmental Horticulture Agent in Pinellas County
Please welcome Jane Morse to Pinellas County Extension. Jane has worked with Master Gardeners and homeowners in Manatee County Extension for the past seven years and has now brought her talents to Pinellas. Jane holds a Bachelors Degree in Agriculture form the University of Florida and a Masters in Adult Education from University of South Florida. She intends to focus her programming based on the expressed needs of the industry, so call her up and let her know what's on your mind! Jane can be reached at (727) 582-2562 or jvmorse@ufl.edu.
8/29/06 New! Spanish Pest Control Technician Training Scheduled
Do you know Spanish speaking people interested in getting or maintaining a Pest Control Technician ID card? This training will be available in Spanish on September 26 here at the Hillsborough County Extension Office. Register by calling (813) 744-5519x104. See the flyer. At least 25 people must register or class will be canceled. Pesticide Licensing and FNGLA CEUs have been approved.
8/15/06 New! Hillsborough County Extension has multiple opportunities for convenient CEUs:
        Integrated Pest Management Video- 1 Core CEU

        Multiple Ornamental Outlook articles with questions you answer and send in - 1 Core

        Aquatic Pest Control Applicator Training Part I and II Videos- 1 Aquatic CEU

       "Mole Crickets and Enemies of Mole Crickets" Bug Tutorials CD- 2 CEUs total, may be     split in the following categories: Commercial Lawn and Ornamental, Ornamental and Turf, Limited Lawn and Ornamental, Private Applicator, Agricultural Row Crop
8/10/06 Sponsors needed for IFAS Pesticide Manuals in Hillsborough County Office
Have you called or visited the Hillsborough County Extension Office looking for pesticide training manuals to prepare for your exam?

Were you frustrated to find they are not available in this office and you had to order materials and wait for them to arrive?

Are you willing to bet there are many others whom have also experienced this run around?

Are you willing to sponsor the cost of ordering books?

Having easy access to pesticide training manuals in the office would be a great service and convenience for busy people. If you are interested in supporting this effort email mbhenry@ufl.edu. Your name or the name of your business would be posted as sponsoring this service.
8/10/06 Changes in Unincorporated Hillsborough County Watering Restrictions
Wondering when you can water? Established lawns and landscaping can now be watered two days a week. If your address ends in even numbers, your days are Tuesday and Saturday. If your address ends in odd numbers or the location does not have an address at all, such as common areas or entry areas, your days are Wednesday and Sunday.

Irrigation must be done before 8:00 A.M. or after 6:00 P.M.
Each area may only be watered one time on that day (i.e. morning or evening- Not both).

If the lawn or landscaping is new different restriction apply.
New plantings may be watered any day for the first 30 days. The hours still apply- before 8:00 A.M. or after 6:00 P.M.

After 30 days new lawns and landscaping may be watered every other day for 30 days:
Even numbered addresses water on even numbered dates
Odd numbered addresses water on odd numbered dates

Are you getting all this?
If you are confused with all this detail or for even more detail you can call (813) 275-7094 to listen to a recorded message about watering restrictions in Unincorporated Hillsborough County. If you need customer service call (813) 272-6680. If you would like to report a suspected violation call(813) 224-8993.
To see the watering restrictions for Hillsborough County and links to municipalities go to
www.hillsboroughcounty.org/water/restrictions/

Once a week watering restrictions are still in effect for the city of Tampa
http://www.tampagov.net/dept_Water/Restrictions/current_restrictions.asp
8/9/06 Prepare for Hurricane Cleanup
Are you the Ghostbusters of tree limbs after a storm? Well, prepare yourselves with some training on using chainsaws, precision felling, and other dangerous aspects of trees and storm cleanup. The Florida Chapter International Society of Arborists, the Division of Forestry, and University of Florida are hosting four more training events from August 29- September 28 in four different locations. Contact Norm Easey at (941) 342-0153 or email FloridaISA@comcast.net.
8/9/06 New Link to Statewide Events
Are you visiting this site far from Hillsborough County? You may be interested in the calendar of statewide events available at http://calendar.ifas.ufl.edu . Check out opportunities for training and CEUs, and you can also search the calendar by program area. There is also a new link to this page available on the ProHort calendar.
8/9/06 New Landscape Management Assistant Professor in Balm
The IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Balm will be home to University of Florida's new Landscape Management Extension Specialist, Amy Shober. Shober earned her Ph.D. at University of Delaware in Environmental Soil Management and has been hired as an assistant professor of landscape nutrient/ runoff management.
8/9/06 Are You Attending FNATS?
FNATS or the Florida Nursery & Allied Trades Show & Educational Conference is happening September 28-30 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando. There are exhibits from nearly every sector of the market and it's a great opportunity to see what's new out there! There are also classes to fulfill CEUs for professional organizations and pesticide applicators. You can get complete details at www.FNATS.ORG or at (407) 295-7994
or (800) 375-3642.
8/9/06 Online CEUs for Professional Organizations Certification Available
Check out www.greenindustries.org to find online courses and 8 week shortcourse opportunities. Registration for the shortcouses is August 7-25 and October 2-20.
7/25/06 New Hillsborough County Program for Condo and Homeowner Associations
Hillsborough County now has a program to help educate condo and homeowner associations about Florida-friendly landscape choices. Come by the office and meet Lisa Strange, the new Florida Yards and Neighborhoods Community Association Coordinator. You can give her a call at (813) 744-5519 x 142.
7/25/06 Check out the UF/IFAS- Plant City Fall 2006 Schedule
Register at http://www.registrar.ufl.edu/ August 18, 2006 is the deadline.
7/25/06 New Publications Available Online
A Key to Common Landscape Palm Disorders and Diseases in the Continental United States
Available at http://flrec.ifas.ufl.edu/Hort/Palms/palmproduction/palmproduction.htm

Field Key to Identification of Scale Insects on Holly
Available at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IN649

Assessing Damage and Restoring Trees After a Hurricane
Available at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/EP291

Scale Insects and Mealybugs on Ornamental Plants
Available at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/MG005

Twolined Spittlebugs in Turfgrass
Available at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/LH077

Caterpillars that Defoliate Trees and Shrubs
Available at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IN628

Aphids on Landscape Plants
Available at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/MG002

Leafminers on Ornamental Plants
Available at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/MG006

7/24/06 Online Access to BMPs
Best Management Practices (BMPs) are the basics of environmentally sound practices in agriculture and green industries. The use of water resources and managing nutrient runoff are important current issues that are not likely to go away anytime soon. You can download your copy of BMPs for your industry at http://www.floridaagwaterpolicy.com/BestManagementPractices.html.
Find the turf BMPs at http://turf.ufl.edu/BMPmanual.pdf.
7/24/06 Worker Protection Standard
Are you grower supervising workers on your property? If so the EPA requires you to do pesticide training for your employees. Training includes how to protect yourself from pesticides and personal protective equipment. EPA approved materials are available from the UF/IFAS Pesticide Information Office at (352) 392-4721 or the EPA hotline at 1-888-663-2155. WPS publications are also available to download at http://www.epa.gov/oecaagct/awor.html . Training materials are printed in English, Spanish, Creole and some are also available in Southeast Asian languages.
7/13/06 New Newsletter Now Available
The latest edition of Growing Concerns is now available. Click on the newsletters tab at the top of this page or the following hyperlink. Growing Concerns will now combine information for professional horticultural services and retail. New features include "Fact is Stranger Than Fiction" and "Your Turn". Check it out and let me know what topics are of concern to you at mbhenry@ufl.edu .
7/13/06 New Format Is Coming
Look for a new look to the prohort website coming soon as Extension websites are converted to the new IFAS Solutions For Your Life format. The new format is clean, easy to navigate and will bring continuity between Extension websites.
7/13/06 New Format Is Coming
As prohort is converted to new formatting, some of the older and less used information may no longer be available. Be aware if you would like to be sure to have access to a particular newsletter etc. save it today just in case.
7/13/06 Changes In Requirements for Limited Commercial Landscape Maintenance
Effective July 1st, Revisions of Chapter 482 of Florida Pesticide Law have changed the required experience and hours of training before taking the exam. The number of hours of training has been reduced from 8 hours to 6 and the three years experience requirement has been eliminated. Also proof of insurance can now be done after passing the exam, rather than in order to take the exam.
6-7-06 Dave Palmer Moves On Dave Palmer has moved on in Extension. He'll be using his vast techie knowledge and experience to serve other Extension Agents. Dave will be helping to develop websites and online courses and teach Agents how to use technology to serve our audiences. Good for you Dave!!

6-7-06 New Professional Horticulture Services Agent
I am the new agent serving professional horticulture service people in Hillsborough County! My name is Mary Beth Henry and I'll introduce myself to those of you who did not receive the email Dave sent out.
Brace yourselves!
I am from what was once a one light town in Michigan (yeah I heard that sigh). I grew up on a little farm where we raised mostly corn and tomatoes for our produce stand. (Little farm but big stand) Along with our own we had different goodies from all over the state, but always as local as possible. We also sold at local farmers markets.

I went on to college at Michigan State University and graduated with a Crop and Soil Sciences Degree in 2004. I studied a lot of different interesting topics like GPS and GIS; phytoremediation (using plants to clean up pollutants); sustainable agriculture; and I also went to South Africa for a study abroad in Agriculture and Animal Systems.

While I was at MSU I worked in research labs and for a crop consultant, and after I graduated I went to work for Walt Disney World. I completed an internship at the "Land" hydroponic greenhouses at Epcot. Do you remember the "Land" and tomatoes growing up strings?

While I was at Disney I spent a lot of time scouting and reading pesticide labels to absorb everything I could about their IPM program which includes using beneficial insects. I also got a lot of experience in presenting scientific material to people in a meaningful way without resorting to big words.

I'm really very honored to have been chosen for the position and I'm looking forward to meeting you all. I'm sure there are some apprehensions in dealing with someone new, but hey lets plow through it and get the job done!! Dave is still around for a reference if we need him.

Stop by or email me at mbhenry@ufl.edu . I'm very interested to hear where you think I should focus my efforts in the future to serve the professional hort service industry. Let me know what you like about the website and what you would like to see changed and I'll do my best to take that into account in putting things together. The website will be a hybrid for the next few weeks while I work on updating it.

Again I'm very happy to be of service so if there is anything I can help with let me know!

Mary Beth (813) 744-5519 x 103
6/13/06 Registry of Persons Requiring Prior Notification of the Application of Pesticides
Are you checking this list of people that need to be notified when pesticides are used in their vicinity? It is required by Section 482. The range of notification goes from adjacent property up to within a half a mile radius of sensitive people. An April listing has 113 people over 29 counties that need to be notified at least 24 hours in advance. The list is released quarterly. If you need an updated list you can contact the District Office in Jacksonville at (904) 381-6006.
6/13/06 New Termite Species Discovered
A University of Florida research team has documented a unique termite species on the island of San Salvador in the same island chain as the Bahamas. Named Cryptotermes bracketti, this newly discovered insect is not considered a new threat to Florida structures as it is only found on San Salvador. Just how the insect came to be on the island is a mystery, as native species are usually found on other islands in a chain.
6/13/06 New Feature- Online Interactive Pesticide Presentations
The Pesticide Information Office now has presentations available to bone up on pesticide information. Short quizzes are included in the presentations which can help you prepare for pesticide testing. Check it out at http://pested.ifas.ufl.edu
6/13/06 New Hispanic Environmental Health page on EPA website
Tons of applicable info written for the Spanish speaking population. Check it out at http://www.epa.gov/espanol/pesticidas.htm
6/14/06 2,4-D Review
Originally patented in 1945, 2,4-D is a Danger- Poison herbicide available in multiple products on the market. It has recently been reviewed once again for concerns over an increased risk of cancer due to exposure. The EPA has concluded that when following label directions the exposure for homeowner lawn applications does not pose an unacceptable risk.
6/14/06 Bt Cotton Reduces Use of Pesticides
Even if you're not a fan of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) it's hard to argue with reducing the use of pesticides! Researchers at the University of Arizona have documented a reduced use of pesticides on Bt cotton. Bt cotton produces a toxin from a bacteria and kills pink bollworm. Since the plant protects itself against this pest, the 5.4 insecticide treatments at $80 an acre have been eliminated.
6/14/06 Credit for green space?
The U.S. Department of Energy has put together a program with the USDA to estimate and track the amount of greenhouse gasses produced, reduced and trapped (sequestered) by farms and land owners. Wouldn't it be nice to get some recognition for the many scientific benefits green space and undeveloped land provide? At this point the program is voluntary. Find out more at http://www.usda.gov/oce/global_change
Don't sell your mule to buy a plow
Don't skinny dip with snapping turtles (or gators)
6/14/06 Herbicide Pricing Estimates
Need to know some approximate costs of herbicides for your budget? IFAS has a fact sheet out just for that! Find it at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/scripts/htmlgen.exe?DOCUMENT_WG056
6/14/06 Return on Investment (ROI) for Pesticides in Florida
Ever wonder if pesticides earn their own keep? The Crop Life Foundation has come up with some values for the return on the investment in pesticides and you might be surprised. They find herbicides return about 9 times the investment, and fungicides return 32 times the investment. You can see the article in the February 2006 issue of Chemically Speaking at http://pest.ifas.ufl.edu/news.htm
6/14/06 Public Comment on Federal Law
Want to let your views be known? You can submit your comments on specific federal regulations at http://www.regulations.gov/fdmspublic/component/main . Browse or search for what's important to you and have a say in the process! It doesn't get any easier than this!
6/14/06 Citrus Canker Compensation
$100 million of funding for commercial citrus growers impacted by canker was announced last week by Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns in Washington. This brings the total compensation to $536 million so far. Comment on the rule at the above website. See the press release at:
http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/!ut/p/_s.7_0_A/7_0_1OB?contentidonly=true&contentid=2006/06/0196.xml
6/14/06 Warning About Guest Worker Program Fraud
Although there has been much discussion about immigration lately, don't be fooled. There is not a current guest worker program. http://www.uscis.gov/graphics/publicaffairs/statements/FraudWarning_040706PN.pdf

http://www.uscis.gov/graphics/index.htm
6/22/06 Chocolate Covered Mulch?
Have you heard of Cocoa Mulch? Apparently this mulch is gaining popularity because of it's tempting aroma. Pet owners should be advised that there are reports of dogs eating this mulch and dying as a result. The mulch is said to contain the same ingredient that makes chocolate harmful to dogs and if given access to this mulch some dogs just can't resist. This mulch may be best suited to indoor situations such as malls and office building interior plantings. Find out more at
http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pro_apcc_publicationscocoa.
6/22/06 Seen a Brown Recluse Lately?
Not likely. Although there are reports each year of sightings and medically diagnosed bites, the brown recluse has not established a population in Florida. Naturally found along the Mississippi River valley, it may travel here with visitors from the north but does not seem to survive and reproduce here.
The brown recluse bites when trapped. The bite is usually not painful for 2-3 hours and resembles a blister shortly after the bite. Pain intensifies as the wounded area begins to deteriorate and slough off even down to the bone. If you suspect you have been bitten by a recluse try to bring the spider with you to an emergency room or doctor.
6/23/06 Retail Beware
STORES.org reports consumers are decreasing their spending on groceries, eating out, vacation and travel because of the price of gas. Consumers are looking to reduce driving and get more bang for their buck to compensate for the rising costs. Also, BusinessWeek online reports that retailers are employing less workers than a year ago, at a time when employment overall is increasing. Some suggested explanations include increased online sales and the low paying nature of these jobs is failing to attract workers.
6/23/06 Expanded Host List of Chilli Thrips
The list of possible hosts for Chilli thrips, Scirtothrips dorsalis, has expanded to include varieties of Celosia, Florida Blue Lisianthus, Gerber daisy, Verbena and Coleus among others. Take a look at some photos and bet the updated list and info at
http://www.mrec.ifas.ufl.edu/lso/thripslinks.htm
6/23/06 Are You Interested in Pheromones?
Wouldn't it be great to use the propensity of a pest to populate (say that 3 times fast) against them? Pheromone products work just like this. They use the chemical signals (like hormones) of pests, to attract or otherwise interrupt their normal behavior. Pheromone traps are a common example in that they emit a pheromone that sends male insects looking for their true love only to find a sticky end. A new catalog of products can be found at http://www.jfoakes.com/catalogrequestform.htm
6/23/06 Don't Let the Bed Bugs Bite!
If you were at the Bartow Ornamental and Turf Pest Management Workshop this June, you heard Dave Shibels speak about the increased incidence of Bed Bugs in the past year. Apparently not even the most exclusive hotels can be excluded from the problem as travelers from around the world arrive carrying these bits of extra baggage. The problem is expected to continue as people travel to and from more exotic locations than ever.
A one day symposium is planned to address the problem and more info can be found at http://www.npmapestworld.org/events
6/23/06 Can You Emphasize Safety Enough?
Recently a lawn maintenance man was found dead trapped under a mower in 2 feet of water. It appears the mower flipped over while the man was operating it on a slope near a pond. He was discovered under the mower a half an hour later by his crew.

Tragedies like this are a good reason to invest in safety training and model safety among your crew. It is an area I plan to do some programs on in the future. I'm also working on a safety chapter in an upcoming manual. If you have any suggestions please feel free. The National Safety Council is promoting a bilingual Operators Safety Training Program that addresses zero-turn mowing techniques. It looks pretty practical. See what you think at the NSC's Website.
If olive oil comes from olives, where does baby oil come from?
Why do we press harder on the remote when the battery is dead?
Never Take Life Seriously- Nobody gets out alive anyway

"If you have nothing to say-- say nothing."
"Everything in life requires a price. Know how much you're willing to pay." No Chairs Make For Short Meetings

11-4-05 - News - Dr. Eileen Buss, an entomologist in Gainesville has been busy lately following up reports of pyrethroid-resistant chinch bugs. She's concluded that they do indeed exist, in small local pockets. She says "In areas where resistance is suspected, insecticides with different modes of action should be rotated. Based on UF testing, the most effective contain one of the following active ingredients: bifenthrin, carbaryl, clothianidin, or trichlorfon." BE SURE to use AT LEAST 2 of these products, and rotate between them.

New publication - "Weed Control in Ponds" by Ken Langeland, Thayer, Haller & Joyce. this book is intended for homeowners and landscapers and will provide just about anything you need to know about Florida's aquatic weeds.
All for $3
http://ifasbooks.ufl.edu/merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=IFASBOOKS&Product_Code=SP+334
Rob Northrop, our County Forester has put an Urban Forestry website online to address the needs of both the professionals in the industry and the homeowners needing information about tree care. The website is located at http://urbanforestry.ifas.ufl.edu

Africanized honeybees make headway in Florida
Univ. of Fla. scientists believe Africanized honeybees, also known as killer bees, are becoming established in Florida. The insect has been captured at many ports of entry, but recently has been found farther inland, especially near Tampa. Officials believe the Africanized bees (aggressive hybrids of African and European species) are mating with European bees in Florida, creating less-aggressive strains. Since 1990, Africanized honeybees have been found in TX, NM, AZ, CA, NV and UT. (Source: Weekly NMPRO e-mail for July 05, 2005)
July 2005 - A report, "Economic Impacts of the Green Industry in the United States," was issued recently by both the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and the University of Florida. Some of the numbers quoted and the conclusions reached are interesting indeed. According to the report, environmental horticulture is one of the fastest growing segment of the nation's agricultural economy. Economic impacts were estimated at $147 billion for 2002 with nearly 2 million jobs.
See the full report Here.

I’ve also been putting some existing "hurricanes & horticulture" publications together in one
place, mostly for extension agents to refer the media to, but if you’re looking for information
on flooded lawns, how to care for wind-damaged plants or what trees to plant to replace
hurricane-damaged trees, there is some info at http://district4.extension.ifas.ufl.edu/disaster.htm
As soon as I can find time, I’ll enlarge the selection. I suggest that rather than referring your
customers to the site, that you print or download the publications to give to your customers.
Eventually I hope to post them to the ProHort website. Since we've had 2 extremely wet
summers in a row, I found what research existed on soil saturation and put it together in a
publication for our area. Included is a list of some common trees and their tolerance of
saturated soil. It can be found by Clicking Here

ANLA publishes updated American Standard for Nursery Stock
Free publication provides buyers and sellers with common terminology to describe trees,
shrubs, bulbs and other plants. (Source: LM Week in Review e-mail newsletter for July 23,
2004) http://www.anla.org/

Did you know that UF offers the following courses through Hillsborough Community College? Strategic Selling, Insect Classification, Med / Vet Entomology, Landscape &Turf Management, Interior Landscape Practices, Environmental Nutrient Management, Wildlife Ecology & Management, Biogeochemistry of Wetlands, Environmental Soil, Water & Land Use, Soil Microbial Ecology, and more. Some classes are offered on site, but many are offered an a distance basis (web, CD, Video-conferencing) Complete information on UF/IFAS classes offered through HCC Plant City: http://mrec.ifas.ufl.edu/pcc/fall04.htm#Course%20Information

New UF / IFAS publications:
Sudden Oak Death: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/PP118
Native Subterranean Termites: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IN369

Common Beneficial Insects Used in Interiorscapes:
http://www.interiorbusinessonline.com/Features/Feature.asp?ID=61
Sources of Beneficial Insects:
http://www.interiorbusinessonline.com/Features/Feature.asp?ID=62
See the DACS website for more info on SOD
http://www.doacs.state.fl.us/pi/enpp/pathology/sudoakdeath.html
4-14-04 Sudden Oak Death (SOD) - More than a dozen states have banned some or all of California's plants after 2 Southern California retail nurseries were found to have the disease in early March. USDA is imposing regulations that should supercede the state bans. Monrovia, one of the infected California nurseries, has destroyed more than 200,000 plants valued at more than $4.3 million. Researchers have found that the organism causing this disease Phytophthora ramorum, spreads in the wild from spores moved by the wind or water, latching onto trees and creating open cankerous sores that lead to death in 3-5 years. When people carry host plants from location to location, the disease can spread more rapidly over longer distances. On 3-31-04 DACS issued a press release indicating that SOD had been found on 3 retail nurseries in North Florida. See informatiion on SOD on the DACS website at http://www.doacs.state.fl.us/pi/ and the UF publication on SOD at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pp118 (Sources: Orlando Sentinel article of April 2, 2004 and Weekly NMPro e-mail of April 13, 2004)
2-19-04 I was asked a question today on what guidelines to follow if pink hibiscus
mealybug (PHM) was either located or suspected by someone in the industry. I
thought that was an excellent question and did a quick search of the 2 websites I'm
aware of.
The answer is as follows:
1) Do NOT cut or trim the plants you think have PHM! PHM spreads most easily by
the wind and the movement of infested plants.
2) Don't use pesticides! The use of pesticides on your plants should be avoided.
Pesticides will kill the biocontrol insects used to attack PHM.
3) Call the PHM Helpline toll-free at (888) 397-1517. Please provide our inspectors
access to your property. All state and federal agriculture inspectors carry proper identification
and drive vehicles with state/federal emblems.
4) If plants are already cut, double-bag in plastic all plant cuttings (leaves, branches,
flowers, etc.) and put them out with regular household garbage, NOT yard trash.
5) Lawn/landscape companies in Broward and Miami-Dade counties are required to
COVER ALL CUTTINGS while transporting; though businesses should also NOT cut or
trim suspected plants.
For further information call the PHM Helpline toll-free at (888) 397-1517.

Again, the 2 PHM websites I know of are:
http://www.doacs.state.fl.us/pi/enpp/ento/pink.htm
http://www.mrec.ifas.ufl.edu/lso/PinkMealybug.htm
2-16-04 This message is primarily for West Central Florida horticulture professionals.
Pink hibiscus mealy bug has recently been identified in Pinellas County by the Division
of Plant Industry. This is an aggressive pest and has more then 250 host plants. It is very
difficult to control. The mealybugs were found in 4 different home owner landscapes. The
supposed introduction came from hibiscus purchased at a hibiscus society show.
Predatory wasps will be released this week to assist in control.

UF/IFAS has more information at http://www.mrec.ifas.ufl.edu/lso/PinkMealybug.htm

DACS also has a website at: http://www.doacs.state.fl.us/pi/enpp/ento/pink.htm

Use great caution if you purchase plants from outside your county. Check all plant purchases
carefully.

Visit the above websites to become familiar with the signs and symptoms of this pest. Be alert for this pest on your existing properties and contact the local DPI plant inspection personnel if you have questions. Go to http://www.doacs.state.fl.us/pi/plantinsp/pi-dist-map.html to locate your local inspectors. (Sources: John Alleyne, Pinellas County Extension Service, Hugh Gramling, Tampa Bay Wholesale Growers.)

New Mallis Handbook of Pest Control Due This Fall - The leading reference source in the pest control industry, the Mallis Handbook of Pest Control, 9th Ed., will be released this fall. The book is a scientific guide and practical aid for the biology, behavior and control of structural and food plant pests. See the website at www.mallishandbook.com (Source: http://www.pctonline.com/News/news.asp?Id=2002 7/28/03)

Did you know... , DMV has the right to sell and distribute your personal information on file (DOB, SS#, Address, etc). However the law also requires that DMV give individuals the opportunity to block their information (Driver Privacy Protection Act) from being sold. https://www2.hsmv.state.fl.us/DPPAInfo.html

        FCLC is the Fla Certified Landscape Contractor, FCLD is the Fla Certified Landscape
        Designer, and FCLT is the Fla Certified Landscape Contractor. To my knowledge
        these are the only significant horticulture certifications in the state. For more info on
        them see the FNGA certification webpages at http://www.fnga.org/certify.asp

This page last updated on 05/27/08