Plant Health

New Test Available for Detecting TRV

Agdia has announced the commercialization of a rapid, PCR-alternative testing to detect tobacco rattle virus (TRV). Tobacco rattle virus, or tobravirus, affects 400 species of ornamentals, vegetable plants and weeds. Symptoms of TRV vary according... more »

Improving plant shelf life with fungicides

{Sponsored} Due to the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, many independent greenhouses and nurseries have had to adjust their daily business operations — including how to better prepare plants for shipping, unexpectedly long shelf life... more »

APHIS Declares Elimination of Ralstonia Incidents

On June 11, the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and its State partners announced they have successfully completed actions to eliminate Ralstonia solanacearum race 3 biovar 2 from U.S. greenhouses.... more »

New Downy Mildew Species Named in Honor of Cornell Researcher

The practice of honoring individuals by incorporating their names into biological nomenclature has a long history. There are species named after scientists like Charles Darwin (Geochelone nigra darwini) and figures in popular culture (Notiospathius johnlennoni).... more »

UF IFAS Online Training Program Adds New Videos

The University of Florida's IFAS Extension Greenhouse Training Online program is now offering video content on a new YouTube channel (tinyurl.com/UFGTO). New videos in English and Spanish walk viewers through the process of petiole sap testing... more »

BioWorks Hires New Biological Solutions Advisor

Erik Hansen has been named biological solutions advisor at BioWorks. Hansen will be responsible for increasing BioWorks' ability to deliver personalized solutions, programs and support to customers in the Western provinces of Canada and the... more »

FloraLife Cleaners Approved for Use Against Novel Coronavirus

FloraLife, a division of Smithers-Oasis Company and leader in postharvest care and handling, is offering its FloraLife D.C.C and FloraLife MicroBLOC disinfectants that meet EPA criteria for use against SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus. The antimicrobial... more »

Vestaron Bioinsecticide Now Labeled for Hemp

Vestaron Corp. has announced that its Spear-Lep bioinsecticide has received EPA approval for adding hemp to the label. Spear-Lep controls caterpillars, loopers, “worms” and other lepidopteran larvae with the safety and sustainability of biologicals, and... more »