News

Some boxwood varieties show tolerance to blight
A recent report from the North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension showed considerable variability in the susceptibility of boxwoods (Buxus spp.) to boxwood blight (Cylindrocladium pseudonaviculatum). The researchers evaluated 24 varieties and found B. sempervirens ‘Suffruticosa’ to be the most susceptible. Unfortunately, ‘Suffruticosa’ (common boxwood or English boxwood) is the mostly commonly planted boxwood variety in the United States. However, the authors did find nine varieties that, they determined, were “moderately tolerant” to “tolerant” with the most tolerant being B. microphylla var. japonica ‘Green Beauty’.

Boxwood Blight is a recently introduced plant pathogen in North America, first confirmed in October 2011. The disease can cause significant leaf drop and stem lesions creating bare and brown patches. It has been discovered in ten states (Connecticut, Ohio, Oregon, Massachusetts, Maryland, North Carolina, New York, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania and Virginia.) and three Canadian provinces (British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec).

News Notes

WSSA joins advocates for pesticide education
The Weed Science Society of America has joined more than 30 organizations from the scientific community, government, education and industry in a commitment to launch a National Stakeholder Team for Pesticide Safety Education Program Funding. The U.S. Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP) is the nation’s primary program for pesticide applicator education.

The group hopes to establish a permanent source of federal funding for PSEP in every state and territory; determine the potential for additional support through state and territory pesticide product registration fees, enforcement fines and more; explore ways for stakeholders to provide unrestricted gifts, grants and endowments to support PSEP; and promote awareness of PSEP and the importance of program funding.

The team’s first meeting was slated for Oct. 31.

Fungus attacks European ash trees
A deadly fungus has decimated Denmark’s ash trees and may lead to import restrictions. The tree disease Chalara fraxinea has already killed around 90 percent of Denmark’s ash population and was found in an U.K. nursery in February.

Infected trees have since been found at a handful of locations in the U.K. and are being destroyed as they are found. A ban on imports could be initiated this fall.

Randolph’s Greenhouses closes
Randolph’s Greenhouses in Jackson, Tenn., is closing its retail business, but owner Rita Randolph has plans to start a mail-order plant business.

Randolph’s new mail order business, Rita’s Rare Plants, will feature her collection of non-patented plants, hard-to-find hydrangeas, blooming shrubs, vines and perennials.

HGTV adds grower partners
The HGTV HOME Plant Collection announces three new grower partners for its ‘Smart & Stylish’ Shrub line: Imperial Nurseries, Northern Christmas Trees & Nursery and Van Essen Nursery. These well-established growers located in Connecticut, Wisconsin and Oregon were chosen based on their “excellent nationwide distribution network and their ability to grow under diverse zonal conditions,” according to HGTV.

“We recognize the HGTV brand as established with a proven track record,” said Ken McVicker, sales manager at Van Essen.

The ‘Smart & Stylish’ Shrub line currently features 14 exclusive ornamental shrubs from Ball Ornamentals. Plants will be available spring 2013 in select independent garden centers nationwide.

Want to know more?
Go to www.hgtvhomeplants.com/site/index.php/plants/smart-stylish-shrubs