Ask us About Diseases   Greenhouse Product News October 2007   By A.R. Chase

Diagnosing and Treating Coleus and Downy Mildew   Greenhouse Product News October 2007   By Mary Hausbeck
Both seed and vegetatively propagated coleus are susceptible to downy mildew, a tricky and elusive disease that is relatively new to the United States. For the latest research on warning signs and effective treatments from MSU, keep reading.

New Disease Attacking Coleus   Greenhouse Product News June 2006   By Margery Daughtrey, Brian Eshenaur and Gordon Holcomb
A new downy mildew that affects coleus is being reported in several North American locations for the first time.
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Surfing For Sources   Greenhouse Product News June 2006   By Rich Lister
If you are overwhelmed by the number of pest and disease resources on the Internet, we have identified a few key Web sites that will answer most of your questions
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Advanced Treatment of Alternaria   Greenhouse Product News July 2005   A.R. Chase
Always use pathogen-free plants when available. Early diagnosis of a problem is also critical, since choosing appropriate control measures depends upon an accurate diagnosis.
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Grower 101: A Greenhouse IPM plan   Greenhouse Product News July 2005   by Scott Ludwig
You can divide your IPM plans into three key parts: sanitation, pest monitoring program and pest managment.
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The Mealybug Scourge   Greenhouse Product News May 2005   By Jim Bethke, Oliver Siapno
Early detection of mealybugs is very important, and monitoring requires regular inspection of host plants for waxy white deposits and the presence of ants and or sooty mold.
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The Final Word: Spring Pest Checklist   Greenhouse Product News April 2005   By Roger C. Styer
My top four diseases to worry about are Botrytis, powdery mildew, downy mildew and Rhizoctonia…My top four insect problems are thrips, aphids, whiteflies and mites.

Truth Behind Resistance Management   Greenhouse Product News March 2005   By Ray Cloyd
Besides insects/mites and diseases, many weed species are tolerant to pre- and post-emergent herbicides.
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Sudden Oak Death: An editorial about the current situation, future prospects and treatment   GPNmag.com January-December 2004   Ann Chase
Noted industry pathologist Ann Chase gives some background about Sudden Oak Death (SOD) and some possibilities about what it could mean for floriculture.

Bio-Fungicides   Greenhouse Product News August 2003   Steve Nameth
Many beneficial fungi and bacteria have been isolated from the soil and tested in private and university-based laboratories as to their ability to control plant pathogens. Recently, some of the more promising of these beneficial fungi and bacteria have been further developed and marketed to ornamental plant growers as an alternative to traditional chemical-based fungicides.
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Top Ten Problems of Vegetative Annuals   Greenhouse Product News June 2003   Colleen Warfield, Brian Whipker, Christine Casey, Raymond Cloyd, James Gibson and Brian Krug
Below are the top ten problems of vegetative annuals we have observed during extension visits to growers and through plant samples submitted to the North Carolina State University Plant Disease and Insect Clinic. Recognizing potential problems and how to prevent or manage them will, hopefully, keep these problems off your top ten list.

Controlling Black Root Rot of Bedding Plants   Greenhouse Product News May 2003   Steve Nameth
Black root rot (BRR) is a common and destructive fungal disease that attacks a variety of greenhouse bedding and pot crops. Stressed plants are more susceptible to infection, making stress prevention key to controlling the disease.

News on the Grow   Greenhouse Product News March 2003   Catherine Evans, compiler
Ralstonia solanacearum biovar 3 race 2, one of the vascular, bacterial agents that causes southern bacterial wilt, was recently discovered in a limited number of geranium cuttings that were produced offshore, shipped to U.S. rooting stations and eventually rerouted throughout the Eastern, Southern and Midwestern United States. Because of its inclusion in the U.S. Agricultural Bioterrorism Protection Act of 2002 as "potentially posing a severe threat to plant health or plant products," this most recent disease importation caused a temporary quarantine of hundreds of greenhouses.
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The Sixth Annual State of the Industry Report   Greenhouse Product News December 2002   Catherine Evans
Year after year, the Annual GPN/Summit Plastics State of the Industry Report provides the most comprehensive data available about the past year in floriculture. And now ladies and gentlemen, The Sixth Annual State of the Industry Report.
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Control of Pansy Downy Mildew 2002   Greenhouse Product News December 2002   Ann Chase
During the fall-winter of 2002, we experienced a severe outbreak of pansy downy mildew across the United States. It was identified by Dr. G.W. Simone as Peronospora violae, the most common downy mildew pathogen on pansies. The opportunity to concentrate on this downy mildew has not been frequent in our facility so we spent much of our efforts on this disease. Several new fungicides were available for evaluation, and they were each tested over the course of the season. We also expanded the work to include eradication as well as prevention with currently available and experimental fungicides.
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Fusarium in Tulips   Greenhouse Product News December 2002   Bill Miller
In an earlier article in GPN ("Flower Bulb Transportation and Handling," August 2001), the relationships of Fusarium infection, ethylene production and forcing problems were introduced. In this article, we'll review some of the known information on Fusarium infection in tulip bulbs and describe some non-chemical remedies for its management.
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Fungicides on the Horizon   Greenhouse Product News November 2002   Ann Chase
One of the more interesting aspects of the new products is their diversity. They range from newer, better strobilurins (and their close relatives) to really old (from the 1960s) chemistry being tried in a new arena. Some of the products are already registered on turf, and we should see ornamental labels soon. For those that are not even registered in this country, the wait may be longer, although everyone is looking for reduced-risk products, and that significantly shortens the wait.
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Grower 101: Diagnosing Plant Diseases of Floricultural Crops   Greenhouse Product News November 2002   Robert Wick
The ability to make an accurate diagnosis on-site is dependent on a disease that has unique symptoms. Also, the grower needs to have previously identified the problem or have a good illustration or written description to make proper identification. There are a number of diseases that can be easily identified on-site, and there are many that can only be diagnosed in a university or private diagnostic lab.
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Diseases of Perennials   Greenhouse Product News August 2002   Steve Nameth
Disease control of perennials is very similar to that of herbaceous annuals. Number one is knowing what diseases are important and how to identify them. Before you plant anything, be sure that the material you are planting (seed, corm, rhizome, cutting, etc.) is free from diseases and insect pests. Purchasing propagation material from a reputable producer will help ensure high-quality starting material.

Avoiding Top Problems of Poinsettias   Greenhouse Product News July 2002   Brian E. Whipker, Colleen Warfield, Raymond Cloyd, James L. Gibson and Todd J. Cavins
Poinsettias can, at times, be a problematic crop, but being aware of the more common nutritional, physiological and insect and disease-related problems encountered during production can help reduce the headaches. By watching for potential problems, understanding their causes and knowing the proper corrective actions to take, one can avoid most of these issues.
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Studying Phytophthora : Foes of Floral Crops   Greenhouse Product News June 2002   Margery Daughtrey
Phytophthora is one of the special group of plant pathogens termed “oomycetes” — Pythium and the downy mildews are close kin. Analysis of their DNA has indicated that these organisms are more closely related to algae than to fungi. This is the reason why Phytophthora, Pythium and downy mildews are successfully combated by unique fungicides, such as mefenoxam, metalaxyl and dimethomorph, that would not be effective against the true fungi.
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Fungicides for Leaf Spot Diseases of Ornamentals   Greenhouse Product News April 2002   Ann Chase
Fungal leaf spots are the most common and obvious diseases present during ornamental crop production. In most cases, they are easily noticed, and the temptation to guess specific causes is great. While certain characteristics may often be present with each type of leaf spot disease, there are no hard and fast rules about diagnosing by the “seat of your pants.” Most serious diagnosticians recognize the need to culture the pathogen before making a recommendation for the best treatment.

Don’t Expect Pythium Root Rot to Always Act the Same   Greenhouse Product News February 2002   Gary W. Moorman and Margery L. Daughtrey
Cornell University trials are teaching researchers more about this troublesome pathogen, how it interacts with the plants it infects and how it is becoming more difficult to control — and what they’ve learned may surprise you.
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Cost-Benefit of Ornamental Fungicides   Greenhouse Product News January 2002   A.R. Chase
For the ornamental producer, it is hard to stop and take the time to understand a problematic situation, but reflection is critical if you are going to make cost-effective decisions regarding fungicides. What questions should be answered before deciding to apply a fungicide for disease prevention or cure? Here are the most important ones.
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Ornamental Disease Control Products —2002 Update   Greenhouse Product News December 2001   A. R. Chase
Last year, for the first time, GPN published a table, summarizing efficacy results for fungicide and bactericide ornamental trials at Chase Research Gardens. This year, we decided to do the same thing as an annual update.
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GROWER 101: Disease Primer, Part III: Fusarium   Greenhouse Product News November 2001   Jim McLaughlin
An unstoppable force and dreaded opponent for any grower, Fusarium is difficult to spot and even more difficult to protect against. Fusarium can ruin a beginning grower’s love for floriculture. Not only is it hard to find the fungus, but it also strikes quickly and causes almost instant damage to your plants. The following helpful hints will arm the beginning grower with the tools he or she needs to identify Fusarium and stop its growth.
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Grower 101: Disease Primer, Part II; Root Rots   Greenhouse Product News October 2001   Jim McLaughlin
The most dangerous threat to roots and stems, root rots can be stopped with proper care and treatment. Here is an outline of what to look for and how to terminate and prevent these diseases.
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Strobilurn Fungicides Update   Greenhouse Product News September 2001   A.R.Chase
This "new" chemical class continues to gain usage among growers. Below are the latest developments in strobilurn research.
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Grower 101: Managing Resistance in the Greenhouse   Greenhouse Product News August 2001   Information on fungicide resistance is authored by Robert Wick
Managing pests and diseases in the greenhouse can be a challenge for even the most experienced grower. When resistance is thrown into the mix, new growers are often overwhelmed.
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Improving INSV diagnosis   Greenhouse Product News August 2001   By Stephen G.P. Nameth
If you’ve received a"false negative" while thrips or infected plant material spread INSV throughout your impatiens crop, The Ohio State University’s ongoing research to pinpoint virus movement and replication may help you.
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2001 Update on Powdery Mildew Control   Greenhouse Product News July 2001   By A. R. Chase
The beginnings of a crop disease outbreak can slip even the most scrutinizing eye – find out which fungicides make the grade for effective control of powdery mildew.
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The Fifth Annual State of the Industry Report: Part II   Greenhouse Product News June 2001   Bridget White
How did growers fare in 2000 and what are the trends in greenhouse production? The GPN/Summit Plastics Fifth Annual State of the Industry Report has the in-depth information no one else has.
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Pests & Diseases   Greenhouse Product News May 2001   M. L. Daughtrey, M. K. Hausbeck, J. Byrne and Larry Barnes
Using forecasts and alternatives to traditional fungicides can help in the constant battle against powdery mildew, Botrytis and downy mildew.

The Fifth Annual State of the Industry Report: Part I   Greenhouse Product News May 2001   Bridget White and Andrew Wagner
How did growers fare in 2000 and what are the trends in greenhouse production? The GPN/Summit Plastics Fifth Annual State of the Industry Report has the in-depth information no one else has.
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Disease Management   Greenhouse Product News April 2001   Hannah Mathers
Although the use of recirculated water has brought on increased incidence of both Phytophthora and Pythium, disinfectants can help you combat the onslaught.

Disease Management   Greenhouse Product News March 2001   A. R. Chase
Depending on the disease present and the chemical used, mixing a wetting agent into your fungicide treatment is not always necessary. The trick is knowing what to use and when.
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Cut Flowers   Greenhouse Product News March 2001   Brent K. Harbaugh and Robert J. McGovern
With fusarium incidence on the rise, lisianthus growers may want to start fighting infection before symptoms even occur. Starting with naturally resistant cultivars would be the first step in a truly integrated disease management program.
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Storing Peonies – Disease Free   Greenhouse Product News January 2001   By Karen L.B. Gast, Ph.D.
To maximize market opportunity that is limited by seasonal harvesting, peony growers often place cut flowers in cold storage for as long as four weeks. During this time, disease, especially Botrytis, can become a serious problem, sometimes ruining entire crops.
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2001 Product Efficacy Update: Disease Control On Ornamentals   Greenhouse Product News December 2000   By A. R. Chase
Controlling disease on ornamentals has come a long way since copper was first used in the mid-1700s. Growers now have an arsenal that includes both old and new products to protect their crops from disease.
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Disease Control   Greenhouse Product News November 2000   A. R. Chase
As the severity and casualties of downy mildew increase each year, growers are put to the test to uncover the best methods for prevention.

Disease Control   Greenhouse Product News October 2000   Hannah M. Mathers
To keep diseases at bay, growers need to instill effective control methods that incorporate sanitation, fungicide use and even some T.L.C.

Disease Management   Greenhouse Product News September 2000   Stephen Nameth
An enormous variation in symptoms makes virus diseases in the greenhouse almost impossible to identify. Five testing methods offer different approaches to help growers detect and diagnose viruses before they spread.

Diagnosing Common Pansy Problems   Greenhouse Product News July 2000
This compendium of information on pansy culture is a joint effort among North Carolina State University, Clemson University and University of Georgia researchers with support from the Fred C. Gloeckner Foundation.

Combating Powdery Mildew: A Progress Report for the Year 2000   Greenhouse Product News May 2000   A. R. Chase
New weapons, both conventional and biological, in the war against powdery mildew will provide needed help in controlling this quiet menace in specialty crops, perennials and woody ornamentals.

The Fourth Annual State of the Industry Report   Greenhouse Product News May 2000   GPN Staff
How did growers fare in 1999, and what are the trends in commercial greenhouse production?

The Effects of Bacterial Diseases on Greenhouse Floral Crops   Greenhouse Product News April 2000   Margery Daughtrey
The telltale symptoms of bacterial diseases may or may not be similar to those of fungal diseases; in either case, accurate identification is the basis for immediate response and for refining ongoing disease control management.

Rhizoctonia Diseases on Ornamentals   Greenhouse Product News March 2000   A. R. Chase
Capable of causing diseases on foliage as well as on roots and stems, Rhizoctonia spp., are among the most diverse of the fungal pathogens; proper identification is necessary for best control.

Disease Control: Bringing in the New, Bringing Back the Old in the New Millennium   Greenhouse Product News January 2000   A. R. Chase
Copper, the active ingredient in the first factory-made fungicide, continues to merit recognition as an effective broad-spectrum component of ornamental disease-control programs.

Preventing and Controlling Botrytis Blight on Greenhouse Ornamental Plants   Greenhouse Product News October 1998   A.R. Chase
Fungicides should be considered a component of a good IPM and scouting program for this disease, which has a track record of developing fungicide resistance.
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The New Biologicals for Disease Control in Greenhouses and Nurseries   Greenhouse Product News August 1998   David Pieczarka
Early response from growers is favorable toward newly introduced disease-suppressive planting mixes, mycorrhizal fungi and biofungicides.