Tennessee Greentimes - Winter 2014

VOL. 15/NO. 4

Winter 2014

Highlights from the

Tennessee Green Industry Expo, October 2–3, 2014

8 Common Reasons Why Herbicides Fail An Overview of SystemsBased Pest Management for Nursery Production

Table of Contents

green gatherings Tennessee Green Industry Expo, October 2–3 Nashville, TN

10

VOL. 15/NO. 4

Winter 2014

In the Landscape 8 Common Reasons Why Herbicides Fail

14

more features Business Matters New Releases for Green-Industry Professionals..............................................................20

DEPARTMENTS From the President, Matt Dawson.....................................................................................6 Thanks to Our HRI Sponsors............................................................................................8 TNLA New Members..........................................................................................................8 Calendar of Events............................................................................................................21 Index of Advertisers..........................................................................................................21

4

tennessee greentimes Winter 2014

In the nursery An Overview of SystemsBased Pest Management for Nursery Production

18

The Tennessee Nursery and Landscape Association serves its members in the industry through education, promotion and representation. The statements and opinions expressed herein are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the association, its staff, or its board of directors, Tennessee GreenTimes, or its editors. Likewise, the appearance of advertisers, or their identification as Tennessee Nursery and Landscape Association members, does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services featured in this, past or subsequent issues of this quarterly publication. Copyright Š2014 by the Tennessee Nursery and Landscape Association. Tennessee GreenTimes is published quarterly. Subscriptions are complimentary to members of the Tennessee Nursery and Landscape Association Third-class postage is paid at Nashville, TN. Printed in the U.S.A. Reprints and Submissions: Tennessee Green Times allows reprinting of material. Permission requests should be directed to the Tennessee Nursery and Landscape Association.

We are not responsible for unsolicited freelance manuscripts and photographs.

Contact the managing editor for contribution information. Advertising: For display and classified advertising rates and insertions, please contact Leading Edge Communications, LLC, 206 Bridge Street, Franklin, TN 37064, (615) 790-3718, Fax (615) 794-4524.

From the President Matt Dawson

A Winning

tradition A TNLA Would like to

Thank

the following companies for being

Membership Sponsors Gold Membership Sponsors Barky Beaver Mulch & Soil Mix, Inc. Dayton Bag & Burlap Co. Hale & Hines Nursery Co. Randall Walker Farms Samara Farms Swafford Nursery, Inc. Tennessee 811

Silver Membership Sponsors Allen Landscape Management Common Grounds Syngenta Flowers, Home & Garden

utumn is my favorite time of year. It is when the harvest and holiday season begins. I hope everyone in the green industry is busy digging, designing or planting. We all should be happy that we have work to do and that hard work pays off.

This year, we have worked hard as officers of TNLA, and we truly believe our efforts have been fruitful. We have put together not one but two successful tradeshows and educational events in Nashville, Tennessee. With the help of MTNA, the second show was twice as large as the first. Thank you, MTNA, for your support and belief that together we are stronger. I firmly feel that as long as we continue to work together, we can improve the lives of those around us and further elevate the green industry here in Tennessee.

As I reflect on this past year as president, I smile as I think of the great people in this industry that I have met over the past four years. When I first joined the TNLA board, there was a feeling of uncertainty due to the economic times. Now I feel there is a sense of optimism that we, as an organization and an industry, are headed in the right direction. I hope all of you have this feeling as well. It’s what has kept me working diligently when confronting hard times.

I have learned that there is a sense of tradition at TNLA that runs deep with its long-term members. It is a tradition of caring about each other. It has survived within this organization through good economies and bad, and it is part of the fabric that makes us great. There is one person who has helped me realize this great aspect of our organization, and that person is Louree Walker, our executive director. Her dedication to remembering and honoring those who have given both now and in the past is a remarkable attribute that should be admired. She truly cares about the members of TNLA. I believe that sharing our tradition of caring with new members of this organization will take us to a higher level of greatness.

As we enter the next year, I challenge the board and its members to think about a few questions that I would like each of you to try and answer as an individual and as part of this team.

• What is the common bond that holds the entire organization together?

• What are we doing to purposely create energy throughout the organization?

• What is a win to the organization?

• How good is our product that we are presenting?

A tradition of caring… it’s a good thing, for companies, organizations and families. Choose to create energy, give your best, and expect to win.

Matt Dawson 2014 TNLA President

save the dates!

September 17–18, 2015

Tennessee Green Industry Expo Music City Center • Nashville, TN 6

tennessee greentimes winter 2014

The Tennessee Greentimes is the official publication of The Tennessee Nursery & Landscape Association, Inc. 115 Lyon Street McMinnville, Tennessee 37110 (931) 473-3951 Fax (931) 473-5883 www.tnla.com Email: mail@tnla.com Published by Leading Edge Communications, LLC 206 Bridge Street Franklin, Tennessee 37064 (615) 790-3718 Fax (615) 794-4524 Email: info@leadingedge communications.com Editors Dr. Bill Klingeman Dr. Amy Fulcher Associate Editors Dr. Donna Fare Dr. Nick Gawel Dr. Frank Hale Mr. Gray Haun Dr. John Sorochan TNLA Officers President Matt Dawson Samara Farms 1st Vice President Jeff Harrell Tennessee Valley Nursery 2nd Vice President Kim Holden Holden Nursery 3rd Vice President Josh Woodlee David’s Nursery Secretary-Treasurer James Hines Hale & Hines Nursery, Inc. Associate Director Tony Graham Tractor Supply Co. Ex-Officio Bill Seaton TruGreen LandCare Executive Director Louree Walker Administrative Assistant Pam Stern

tennessee greentimes Winter 2014

7

Section Thanks Name to Our HRI Sponsors

Thank You to Our Horticultural Research Institute (HRI) Sponsors!

Blankenship Farms Botanico, Inc. Carlton Plants Cherry Springs Nursery Dayton Bag & Burlap Co. Denning & Cantrell CPAs, PLLC Florikan

Forest Nursery Co., Inc. Hale & Hines Nursery Co. Hans Nelson & Sons Nursery, Inc. Kidd Ford Little River Nursery Co. Nursery Supplies, Inc.

Odom Nursery Co., Inc. Pleasant Cove Nursery, Inc. Samara Farms Tennessee Valley Nursery, Inc. Tennessee Valley Tractor Walker Nursery Co. Witty Creek Nursery

New TNLA Members

Welcome,

TNLA New Members!

Active Member

Green Works Landscape Design Brock Hughey P.O. Box 682511 Franklin, TN 37068-2511 Justin Stelter Landscape Gardening Justin Stelter P.O. Box 565 Franklin, TN 37065

Associate Members GreenStalk Cody Catherine Peterson 4720 Middlebrook Pike Knoxville, TN 37921 Hamner Tree Farm Luke Hamner 9271 Luthersville Road Greenville, GA 30222

Affiliate Members

Maureen Thiessen University of Tennessee Extension 204 North Cutler St., Ste. 105 Greeneville, TN 37745 8

tennessee greentimes Winter 2014

Recent Event

Highlights from the

Tennessee Green Industry Expo October 2–3, 2014 • The Music City Center • Nashville, TN

THANKS

TO OUR SPONSORS!

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR BOOTH WINNERS

Platinum Tennessee Dept. of Agriculture Tuff Equipment Company

Gold Samara Farms

Silver Reedy Landscaping, Inc. Southern Agricultural Insecticides Swafford Nursery, Inc.

1st Place Green Goods winner: Goldleaf Farms

2nd Place Green Goods winner: Swafford Nursery

3rd Place Green Goods winner: Blankenship Farms & Nursery

1st Place Hard Goods winner: J & R Garden, Stone and Rental

Passport Forest Nursery Company Heather Farms Nursery, Inc. Pleasant Cove Nursery, Inc. Randall Walker Farms Trivett’s Nursery Don Yancy & Son’s Nursery

2nd Place Hard Goods winner: Tuff Equipment 10

tennessee greentimes Winter 2014

3rd Place Hard Goods winner: General Equipment

THANKS Anderson Mulch & Soil, LLC Angel Creek Nursery Barky Beaver Mulch & Soil Biodirt, Inc. Black Fox Farms Blankenship Farms & Nursery Bobcat of Nashville BoShanCee Nursery, Inc. Botanico, Inc. Bottoms Brothers Nursery Boyd & Boyd Nursery Bracy’s Nursery Bradford Farms Nursery BWI of Memphis Cam Too Camellia Nursery Carlton Plants, LLC Casa Flora, Inc. Cedar Valley Nurseries Cedarwood Nursery Cherokee Manufacturing Cherry Springs Nursery Classic Groundcovers, Inc. David’s Nursery Day Lily Nursery Dayton Bag & Burlap Decker’s Nursery Dickens Turf & Landscape Supply Don Yancy & Sons Nursery Dry Shave Mountain Nursery Dutchman Tree Spade Dykes & Son Nursery Eller Trees, LLC Evins Mill Nursery Ewing Irrigation Fall Creek Nursery Farm Credit Mid-America Faron Green Nursery Florida Pine Straw Flower City Nurseries Forest Nursery Co., Inc. Forrest Keeling Nursery Freedom Tree Farms, LLC General Equipment Co. Georgia Green Industry Assn.

Goldleaf Farms

TO O UR EXHIBITORS!

Great Lakes Fastening Green Thumb Nursery Greene Ridge Tree Farm, LLC Greenleaf Nursery Co., Inc. GreenStalk Griffin Greenhouse Supplies H & H Farm Machine Co., Inc. Hale & Hines Nursery Co. Hamner Tree Farms Hans Nelson & Sons Nursery Harrell’s Fertilizer, LLC Haston Farm Nursery Hawkersmith & Sons Nursery Heather Farms Nursery, Inc. Herd Farms Nursery Heritage Farms Hidden Valley Nursery, LLC Homeland Community Bank Hunter Trees, LLC ITB Co., Inc. J & R Garden, Stone and Rental Jimmy Boyd Nursery John Deere Landscapes Jones Nursery Company JSC Nursery Keith’s Nursery Kenneth Myers & Sons Nursery Kentucky Nursery & Landscape Assn.

Lee-Smith Isuzu Commercial Trucks Little River Nursery Co. Marlboro Bulb Company Medley’s Nursery Merritt Nursery, Inc. Mid Tenn Turf Middle Tennessee Nursery Assn.

Mid-South Nursery Mize Farm & Garden Monrovia Nursery Monty’s Turf & Ornamental Morton’s Horticultural Products

Musser Forests, Inc. Myers Industries Lawn & Garden N.Y.P. Corporation National Nursery Products, Inc. Nelson Plant Food New Market Agricultural Equip. Co. New Market Nursery Newby Tree Farms Nufarm Americas Nursery Supplies, Inc. Nursery Supply Co., LLC Oak Brook Farms, LLC Odom Nursery Company Pack Manufacturing Co. Panter & Sunderland Nursery Pickett’s Nursery Plant Source Nursery Plantation Tree Company Pleasant Cove Nursery, Inc. Posey & Son Nursery Power Equipment Company Prichard’s Nursery Equipment Putnals Premium Pine Straw RACO Industries Randall Walker Farms Richey Nursery Company, LLC Riverbend Nurseries, Inc. Riverbend Nursery, LLC Robinson Nursery Rocky Creek Nursery Rubley’s Nursery Rusty Mangrum Nursery Samara Farms Scenic Hills Nursery Scott Aerator Company, LLC Scott Materials Select Seedlings Shady Rest Nursery Silver Bait Simpson Nurseries Sleepy Hollow Nursery Southeastern Growers, Inc.

Southern Ag. Insecticides Southern Nursery Association Specialty Tag & Label, Inc. Spring Creek Nursery Spring Meadow Nursery Steve Myers & Son Nursery Stewart’s Nursery Sturgill Tree Farms Superior Trees, Inc. Surface Nursery, Inc. Swafford Nursery, Inc. Swan Mill Nursery Tennessee 811 Tenn. Dept. of Agriculture Marketing Tenn. Dept. of Agriculture/ Plant Certification Tennessee Nursery & Landscape Assn.

Tenn. State University Research Center Tennessee Turfgrass Association Tennessee Valley Nursery, Inc. Tennessee Valley Tractor & Equipment Thomas Nursery Thompson Machinery Tippah County Growers, Inc. Trademark Printing Tree Equipment Design, Inc. Tri Green Equipment, LLC Triple B Nursery Trivett’s Nursery Tuff Equipment Company Tupper Tree Farm Turner & Sons Nursery Underwood True Value Hardware & Nursery Supply Walker Nursery Company Walnut Hill Farms Warren County Nursery, Inc. Wilcher’s Nursery, LLC Windy Gap Tree Farm, Inc. Witty Creek Nursery Wood Nursery

tennessee greentimes Winter 2014

11

Recent Event

12

tennessee greentimes Winter 2014

In the Landscape

8

Common Reasons Why Herbicides Fail

By Greg Breeden, Weed Science Extension Specialist, and Greg Armel, Ph.D., Horticulture Weed Science, The University of Tennessee

The

frustration can be unsettling. “Why won’t this weed die?

I sprayed it with a herbicide, but for the life of me, I cannot figure out why it’s still here.” We hear this very common story from many professionals trying to control tough weeds in landscape beds, lawns, athletic fields and golf courses. Many times, just a small change in your approach to controlling the weed is all that is needed, but sometimes the problem can be a bit more complex. Whatever the weed-control challenge, it is likely that someone else has shared this same experience.

Herbicides can be exceptionally effective tools to control problem weeds, particularly when the correct herbicide is chosen for the weeds present. Sometimes, though, herbicides just do not perform as planned. When this happens, there are often clear reasons for this reduction in weed control. Some of the most common reasons for these herbicide failures are outlined here.

14

tennessee greentimes Winter 2014

1.

Did you properly identify the weeds and select the appropriate herbicide product?

Were the target weeds identified properly?

If multiple weed species were present, did the herbicide product that you selected mention all of these weeds in the “Weeds Controlled” section on the label? When controlling weeds with herbicides, it is crucial to understand that different weed species will often respond differently to a variety of herbicide products.

For example, 2,4-D is a highly effective herbicide for selective control of dandelion in home lawns. However, if you have both white clover and dandelion in your lawn, do not expect the 2,4-D alone to also control the white clover, even though both are broadleaf weeds. This is why herbicide manufacturers often combine multiple active ingredients into a single product, so that a multitude of weeds can be controlled by just one product.

Therefore, make sure that you properly

identify all of your weeds, and then choose the right product for the entire job. If you need any help with this, contact your local Extension agent.

2.

Was the herbicide application rate correct?

Different weed species may require not only different types of herbicide products, but also different rates of an individual herbicide product for control. Therefore, choosing the correct application rate to control a specific weed problem is imperative for optimal control.

There are generally two types of herbicide applications: broadcast applications

and spot applications. Broadcast herbicide applications are made when a certain amount (pounds, quarts, pints or ounces) of an herbicide product is applied evenly over a specific amount of land, usually represented as per acre or per thousand square feet (1,000 ft2).

Spot herbicide applications are often expressed as a percentage of the formulated herbicide per volume of the total spray mixture. In general, spot application mixtures are often made up of 1% to 25% solutions of an herbicide product dissolved in a carrier, usually water or a water-plussurfactant mixture. These spot-treatment mixtures are applied to several small

“spots” in a location where a target weed is found. The application usually involves spraying the foliage of the target weed until it is thoroughly wet.

Unfortunately, getting the directions for a broadcast or spot application confused can lead to too much or not enough of the herbicide’s active ingredient in the spray solution, which in turn can lead to either subpar weed control or potential injury to non-target plants in the general vicinity. Therefore, always use the appropriate labeled rate for whatever application method you desire.

If you have different kinds of weeds in your field that need different rates of

the herbicide product of choice for control, always choose a rate that is adequate for control of all of the problem weeds. Do not use a lower-than-labeled rate to try to save money, and do not use more than the labeled rate by, assuming that more is always better. The labeled rate must be applied for adequate control of all desired weeds, while minimizing the risk of unnecessary injury to non-target plants.

3.

Was the sprayer calibrated properly?

We are routinely asked, “How much herbicide should I put in my sprayer?” Our first response is, “What is your application

tennessee greentimes Winter 2014

15

In the Landscape

volume?” The sprayer application volume is the amount of herbicide plus carrier solution that will be applied through the sprayer over a specific area of land (usually represented in gallons/acre or GPA, generally representative of broadcast applications), or it can be represented as the amount of herbicide plus carrier solution that is discharged from the sprayer in a specific amount of time (usually represented in gallons per minute or GPM, generally representative of spot treatment applications).

Many times, we have found that the sprayer application volume is unknown to the person asking the question. If you do not know the application volume, you cannot determine the appropriate amount of herbicide to add to the sprayer tank, especially for broadcast applications. So, application equipment should be routinely calibrated to establish your application volume and to ensure that it is functioning properly.

Unfortunately, calibration can often be overlooked when things get busy, but if your sprayer volume is unknown or different than you expect, then the herbicide will be applied at the wrong rate. Therefore, it is extremely important to learn how to properly calibrate your sprayer, and check it at least once a season or every time a part on your sprayer is replaced or changed. Your local Extension office will have publications that can assist you further with sprayer calibration.

4.

Was the proper adjuvant used?

Many herbicides recommend an adju-

16

tennessee greentimes Winter 2014

vant to be added to the spray mixture.

You may be wondering, “What is an adjuvant, and why do I have to add one more thing to the spray mix?” Adding an adjuvant to your spray solution will help increase the absorption of the herbicide into the plant. Adjuvants do this by changing the way the herbicide adheres to the leaf surface. This helps the herbicide get through the waxy leaf surface of many target weeds.

Typical adjuvants are crop oil or nonionic surfactants. Certain herbicide products already contain their own internal adjuvant system. However, if the addition of an adjuvant is recommended for a specific herbicide product, remember that the product will not provide optimal control without one.

5.

What about rainfall or irrigation?

Was there any rainfall or irrigation after the herbicide application? To work properly, preemergence herbicides need approximately 1/2" of rainfall or overhead irrigation within one week after application. On the other hand, any rainfall or irrigation soon after a postemergence herbicide application can cause decreased control because the herbicide may be washed off the leaf surface. Be sure to pay attention to irrigation timings or to anticipate rainfall around the time you plan to make a postemergence herbicide application. Some postemergence herbicides only require one hour of drying time, while others may require six hours

or more of drying time before it is safe to run irrigation or encounter rainfall.

6.

Were the weeds under stress?

When weeds are under stress, especially drought stress, you will likely observe decreases in control. During times of stress, plants are just trying to survive — they are not actively growing or normally absorbing most herbicides. While it is not always possible to have perfect conditions, expect to get less control when conditions are not favorable for plant growth.

One potential way to improve herbicide performance under stress conditions is to increase adjuvant rates or switch to moreaggressive adjuvant blends. While this may not improve weed control under all stress conditions, it is likely to improve absorption of herbicides in target weeds. As with any herbicide application, always consult both the herbicide and adjuvant product labels to make sure that you use appropriate rates for these specific situations.

7.

What was the weed’s stage of growth at time of application?

In most cases, weeds are best controlled before they emerge or when they are young and actively growing. This is especially true when controlling annual weeds (weeds that complete their life in one growing season and reproduce by seed), like crabgrass or henbit.

One question we often hear is, “How can I control these winter annual broadleaves, like henbit, when they are blooming in the spring?” Henbit and its close relative, purple deadnettle, are the purplish/ pink-blooming mint family weeds you may see in yards in the spring. At this stage, henbit and other winter annual weeds are very difficult to control, and more than likely, it is too late to prevent the production of viable seed. These winter annual weed species would have been best controlled by a preemergence herbicide in the late summer or early fall or with a postemergence herbicide following their emergence in mid- to late fall.

However, perennial weed species (weeds that survive the winter and regrow or continue to grow from the same root system for more than one year), like multiflora rose or dandelion, are best controlled with postemergence applications of a systemic herbicide just prior to or at flowering. Systemic herbicides translocate through the plant and do not just cause contact leaf burn. Therefore, you would not want to attempt to control a perennial weed with a preemergence herbicide because most preemergence herbicides will not provide suitable long-term control of these perennial weeds.

The bottom-line: Any attempt to control weeds at the wrong growth stage can lead to undesirable results. Take time to determine the best growth stage for making herbicide applications, so that you get optimal control of your problem weeds.

Always make sure your herbicide product of choice fits with the stage of growth of the weeds you are trying to control.

8.

Did you read the entire label?

Although labels can be difficult to read, reading the label is the most important thing you can do before applying any herbicide product. In fact, many of the problems outlined above can be prevented by a thorough review of the label BEFORE you apply the product. Reading the label will ultimately increase your chances that each herbicide application you make will adequately control your target weed of interest.

Final Thoughts If the items discussed above are addressed, many of the common issues associated with unsatisfactory herbicide performance can be avoided. Always remember that the label is the law. Pesticide use is governed by state and federal regulations, so be sure to read the entire label and follow all label directions. If you still have questions or concerns, contact your local Extension agent for help. With proper handling and use, herbicides are safe and effective tools for rapidly controlling many weeds. C

In the Nursery

Systems-Based Pest Management for Nursery Production An Overview of

Want to know the most inexpensive way to control pests? Prevent them!!

Diana R. Cochran, Ph.D., Amy Fulcher, Ph.D., Frank A. Hale, Ph.D., and Alan S. Windham, Ph.D., The University of Tennessee

S

ystems-based pest management is just that — preventing pests at each step in the production system.

By using a systems-based approach to pest management, growers can reduce the spread of pests, better understand the source of pests, safeguard their nursery from accepting infested liners from suppliers and ensure that only pest-free plants are shipped to their customers. Systems-based pest management also equips a nursery to track plant and pest movement if a regulated pest is detected within the nursery.

Financial risk from pests Pests (insects, mites, diseases and weeds) can pose a risk during nursery production by reducing plant growth or plant quality. Reduced growth or quality can reduce nursery profits by lengthening production cycles, reducing the number of marketable plants or reducing sale prices. Pests can also cause plant death or halt sales altogether if they are regulated pests.

Discovery of a regulated pest such as Phytophthora ramorum, the organism that causes sudden oak death and a foliar blight of many ornamental plants, can lead to quarantines, forced plant destruction and a subsequent loss of significant revenue.

Nursery growers who adopt a systems-based approach to pest management reduce the risks associated with the movement of pests through the production cycle and improve their ability to respond to and recover from detection of pests, especially those that are regulated.

What is systems-based pest management?

Systems-based pest management starts with tracing the production path and identifying high-risk or vulnerable points during the production chain when pests could be introduced or easily spread throughout the nursery. These high-risk points are called critical control points and are the most effective places to prevent, control, contain, reduce or eliminate risk due to pests. Common critical control points include receiving areas, container storage areas, irrigation water, cull piles, etc.

18

tennessee greentimes Winter 2014

Once these critical control points are identified, a set of practices is put into place that collectively provides overlapping and cumulative pest prevention as well as early detection and control. For example, the following images illustrate good and bad examples of critical control point maintenance (Figure 1).

Adopting a systems-based pest management approach If you are uncomfortable adopting an entirely new approach to pest management at one time, try adopting one or two key practices each year over a four- to five-year period until the entire production chain has transitioned to systems-based pest management. For example, begin sanitizing used containers in year 1, monitor pest population levels on susceptible plants in year 2, etc. At the end of the four- to five-year period, your nursery will start receiving the benefits of cumulative practices and strategies by having a fully implemented systems-based pest management program.

This article features brief examples of methods to reduce risk due to pests within the identified critical control points.

For more detailed information on adopting systemsbased pest management in the nursery, see “Systems-based Approach to Pest Management: A Quick Reference Guide,” available in English and Spanish, at http://plantsciences.utk. edu/fulcher_systems_pstmgtwkshp.htm. Bilingual printed copies will be made available at educational programs.

Examples of reducing risk at critical control points Receiving and shipping Inspecting incoming liners is a great first line of defense.

It gives the nursery producer an early advantage by excluding infected or infested plant material from the main production area. It’s important to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms that indicate a pest problem. If you

a.

b.

Figure 1. Desirable and undesirable management of some of the common critical control points in a nursery. a. Containers are stacked off of the ground, and a gravel barrier prevents soil from contacting containers.

c.

d.

b. Soil, potentially harboring root rot and other pathogens, is in contact with containers. c. Substrate storage area is not well drained.

e.

f.

d. Substrate storage area is well drained and has dedicated equipment to minimize the chance for soil contamination. e. Container pad is well drained and free from standing water. f. Container pad is poorly drained. Containers stand in puddled water that can harbor root rot pathogens.

need to sharpen your diagnostic skills, be sure to attend educational seminars, workshops and field days offered by your UT Extension office. If you need assistance identifying suspect pests or diseases, contact your local UT Extension office and/or Tennessee Department of Agriculture plant inspector.

Water management Too much or too little water or ill-timed applications can compromise plant health and predispose plants to disease, mite or insect problems. Pathogen-infested water can come into contact with plants as puddled water on the ground or directly through irrigation applications. Knowing how to manage water and irrigating properly are important components to a systems-based pest management approach.

Site maintenance Non-crop areas require maintenance, too. Weeds can serve as host plants for insects, mites and pathogens. Keeping drainage ditches, roadways and storage areas free of weeds will help prevent weed seed from infiltrating production areas.

Weeds that are allowed to go to seed around substrate storage piles can find their way into production areas by hitching a ride with newly potted plants.

Recordkeeping Keeping thorough records of plant movement will allow plants to be easily traced, should a problem develop. Include the date of arrival, each inhabited location within the nursery, scouting dates, any pest problems encountered while scouting, control measures, the results of control measures and the final destination (customer) of each lot of plants.

Summary Following a systems-based approach to pest management can lead to many benefits for nursery owners and managers. By taking a systematic, holistic approach, nurseries can enjoy the peace of mind and economic benefits of excluding some pests and early detection and eradication of other pests. In instances when pests have spread within the nursery, traceability through recordkeeping can limit forced destruction of plants when a regulated pest is found. For more information on transitioning to systems-based pest management, contact your county UT Extension agent or area or statewide nursery Extension specialist.

Acknowledgements The authors thank Jennifer Parke, who graciously shared her knowledge of systems-based pest management, the Southern Risk Management Education Center, and UTIA. C

tennessee greentimes Winter 2014

19

Business Matters

New Releases Developed

for Green-Industry Professionals

By Bill Klingeman, Ph.D., and Amy Fulcher, Ph.D., The University of Tennessee

S

everal new book and video releases have recently become available and may be of particular interest to Tennessee GreenTimes readers and TNLA members.

Systems-Based Pest Management: Irrigation Practices http://www.youtube.com/watch?v= X4LlfYJIjvs Systems-Based Pest Management: Propagation Practices http://www.youtube.com/watch?v= gLvl6rcvGaw Systems-based Pest Management: Shipping and Receiving http://www.youtube.com/watch?v= LovKvW-CKbY

The University of Tennessee recently published Systems-Based Approach to Pest Management: A Quick Reference Guide in English and in Spanish. Electronic copies are available at http://plantsciences. utk.edu/fulcher_systems_pstmgtwkshp. htm. A limited number of free, print copies will be made available at select events.

The University of Tennessee also recently launched a series of five free YouTube videos highlighting SystemsBased Pest Management for Nursery Crop Production. These include short video segments on strategies for mitigating pest problems while pruning, potting, irrigation and propagation and during shipping and receiving: Systems-Based Pest Management: Pruning Practices http://www.youtube.com/watch?v= CHrRPh3IqIk Systems-Based Pest Management: Potting Practices http://www.youtube.com/watch?v= s7f5OqBodfk

20

tennessee greentimes Winter 2014

Both the systems-based pest management manual and video series were sponsored by the Southern Risk Management Education Center and in collaboration with TSU, TDA and green-industry partners.

The Southern Nursery IPM Working Group has released their second free IPM Book for Southeastern Nursery Growers.

IPM for Shrubs in Southeastern US Nursery Production: Volume 1 is available free from iTunes as an iBook. Individual chapters on Abelia, Camellia, Shrub Roses, Blueberry, Viburnum and Weed Management in Shrub Production can be downloaded at: http://www.clemson.edu/ extension/horticulture/nursery/ipm/ ipm_shrub_book.html.

The USDA Forest Service has released the Christmas Tree Pest Manual, 3rd edition, which features pests of the North Central and Northeastern U.S. Printed copies can be obtained by sending your mailing address to Doreen Deutch at ddeutsch@ fs.fed.us or by calling 615-649-5244. It is available for download on the web, at http://www.na.fs.fed.us, listed among “Publications.”

Finally, the University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) has released Publication 3540: Container Nursery Production and Business Management Manual. This 345page paperback, which currently costs $32 plus shipping, covers many aspects of commercial nursery production of landscape plant materials that are broadly applicable across the U.S. The guide’s 20 chapters are filled with color images and content explaining considerations and best practices arranged within Facilities, Equipment, and Infrastructure, Crop Production and Management, Pest Management, and Business and Labor Management categories. To learn more about this new release, visit: http://anrcatalog.ucdavis. edu/Details.aspx?itemNo=3540. C

Calendar of Events

January 5–9

Green & Growin’ Show (NC Nursery & Landscape Assn.)

Sheraton Four Seasons Hotel and Greensboro Coliseum Greensboro, NC Contact: 919-816-9119 www.ncnla.com

January 14–16

Mid-America Nursery Trade Show (MANTS) Baltimore Convention Center Baltimore, MD Contact: 800-431-0066 www.mants.com

January 7–9

CENTS (Ohio Nursery & Landscape Assn.)

Greater Columbus Conv. Center Columbus, OH Contact: 800-825-5062 www.centshow.org

January 20–22 KY Landscape Industries Winter Education & Expo Louisville, KY Contact: 502-320-3733 Email: mail.knla@gmail.com

January 21–23

WINTERgreen 2015 (Georgia Green Industry Assn.)

Gwinnett Center Duluth, GA Email: info@ggia.org www.ggla.org

February 3–5

AmericanHort Next Level (formerly ANLA and OFA) Hyatt Pier 66 Fort Lauderdale, FL www.yournextlevel.org

February 4–6

SC Horticulture Industry Trade Show & Seminars (SC Nursery and Landscape Assn.)

Myrtle Beach Convention Center Myrtle Beach, SC Contact: (803) 743-4284 www.scnla.com

February 25–27

iLandscape (the Illinois and Wisconsin Landscape Show) Schaumburg Convention Center Schaumburg, IL Contact: (630) 472-2851 www.ilandscapeshow.com

June 23

TN Green Industry Field Day Univ. of Tennessee Gardens Knoxville, TN

September 17–18

Tennessee Green Industry Expo To be held in conjunction with The Middle Tennessee Nursery Association (MTNA) Music City Center Nashville, TN Contact: 931-473-3951 Fax: 931-473-5833 Email: mail@tnla.com www.tngie.com

Index of Advertisers Braun Horticulture........................................................................................9 www.braungroup.com

Boshancee Nursery, Inc.............................................................................21 www.boshanceensy.com

Boyd & Boyd Nursery..................................................................................8 www.boydandboydnursery.com

Cam Too Camellia Nursery, Inc.................................................................9 www.camtoocamellia.com

Center Hill Nursery.....................................................................................22 www.centerhillnurseries.com

D & D Agri......................................................................................................8 Dayton Bag & Burlap Co..............................................Inside Front Cover www.daybag.com

Ewing Irrigation...........................................................................................13 www.ewing1.com

Fairview Evergreen Nurseries.....................................................................5 www.fairviewevergreen.com

Hidden Valley Nursery................................................................................22 www.hiddenvalleynursery.com

John Deere Landscapes..............................................................................7 www.johndeerelandscapes.com

John Holmlund Nursery.............................................................................22 www.jhnsy.com

Lee Smith.......................................................................................................3 www.lee-smith.com

Low Falls Wholesale Nursery...................................................................21 www.lowfallsnursery.com

McHutchison Horticultural........................................................................16 www.mchutchison.com

Mid Tenn Turf, Inc.................................................................................7, 22 www.midtennturf.com

Motz & Son Nursery.....................................................................................9 OHP................................................................................................................22 www.ohp.com

Richey Nursery Company, LLC.................................................................17 www.richeynursery.com

Smith Seed Services..................................................................................22 www.smithseed.com

Surface Nursery Inc.....................................................................................9 www.surfacenursery.com

Swafford Nursery....................................................................... Back Cover www.swaffordnursery.com

Tennessee 811 / Tennessee One Call....................................................17 www.tnonecall.com

Thomas Nursery..........................................................................................22 www.thomasnurserytrees.com

Tree Equipment Design, Inc.......................................................................7 www.treeequip.com

Wellmaster Carts........................................................... Inside Back Cover www.wellmaster.ca

tennessee greentimes Winter 2014

21

Digital Marketplace Scan the QR code: Download your favorite QR reader to your phone and scan the code to learn more about these companies.

22

tennessee greentimes Winter 2014