The Plantsman New Hampshire Plant Growers Association December 1992 & January 1993

THE PLANTSMAN NEW HAMPSHIRE PLANT GROWERS ASSOCIATION DECEMBER 1992 & JANUARY 1993

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FROM THE BOARD Henry Huntington DECEMBER vention Center, Manchester, NH; December 29 CONNECTICUT for information: (603) 271-3552. 5 NURSERYMEN'S ASSOCIATION February 15-16 RHODE IS- FORUM ANNUAL MEETING; Aqua Turf LAND NURSERYMEN'S ASSO- Outing Club, South-ington, CT; CL\TION SHORT COURSE & for information: (203) 872-2095. TRADE SHOW; Doubletree Inn, NH NEWS JANUARY Goat Island, Newport,RI: for information: Ken Lagerquist at (508) n January 5-7 ERNA'S BEST 761-9260. TRADE SHOW; The Concord Re- ELSEWHERE February 15-17 PENNSYLVA- sort Hotel, Kiamesha Lake, NY; IN THE NEWS NIA NURSERYMEN & ALLIED for information: (205) 872-2095. INDUSTRIES CONFERENCE; 13 January 10-12 ATLANTIC Denise R. Calabrese at (717) 238- CANADA'S HORT EAST '93; 1673. FFA: BEYOND FARMING Halifax, Nova Scotia; for informa- Maria VanderWoude February 24 VERMONT tion: Debora Pollock Post at (902) PLANTSMEN'S ASSOCIATION 425-7810. 15 WINTER MEETING; Holiday Inn, January 11-12 MAINE LAND- Rutland, VT; for information: TRANSFERING THE BUSINESS SCAPE AND NURSERY ASSO- Scott Pfister at (802) 244-7048. TO YOUR CHILDREN CL\TION ANNUAL MEETING Michael Sciabarrasi & TRADE SHOW; Holiday Inn by MARCH the Bay, Portland, ME; for infor- March 6-14 BOSTON FLOWER 18 mation: Rich Churchill at (207) SHOW; Bayside Expo Center, Bos- 767-9646. ton, MA; for information: the MEMBER PROFILE Growing Things January 13 THE NEW HAMP- Massachusetts Horticultural Soci- SHIRE PLANT GROWERS' AS- ety at (617) 536-9280. 23 SOCL\TION WINTER MEETING; March 11-14 SEVENTH AN- Granite Street Bar and Gril Man- NUAL SEACOAST AREA BIOLOGICAL CONTROL chester, NH; for information: FLOWER &. LANDSCAPE SHOW; Dt. Patricia Vittum Chris Robarge at (603) 862-1074. Location to be announced; for information: Brenda Schure at January 13 THE NEW HAMP- (603) 25 SHIRE LANDSCAPE ASSOCIA- 436-0815. A CONVERSATION TION DINNER MEETING; March 15-17 NEW ENGLAND HoUy Daze Granite Street Bar and Grill, LANDSCAPE EXPOSITION, Cen- Manchester, NH; for information: ter of New Hampshire Holiday 28 Guy Hodgdon at (603)439-5189. Inn & Convention Center, Man- WORTH REPEATING chester, NH; for information: Guy January 17-19 EMPIRE STATE Farm Grown Christmas Gifts Holiday Hodgdon at (207) 439-5189. TREE CONFERENCE; Mrs. Clement HasJdn Inn, Sufern, NY; for information: APRIL New York State Arborists' Asso- April 2-3 UNFVERSITY OF ciation at (518) 783-1322. NEW HAMPSHIRE GREEN- The PlantsiDan is published in early January 21 NHPGA TWILIGHT HOUSE OPEN HOUSE; Plant February, April, June, August, October, MEETING; Pleasant View Gar- Biology and Thompson School and December with copy deadlines being dens, Pittsfield, NH; for informa- Greenhouses, Durham, NH; for the 5th of each prior month. While cam- tion: (603) 435-8361. information: George Estes at (603) era-ready ads are preferred, set-up assis- 862-3205. tance is available at a nominal fee. Free January 30-31 FTD DISTRICT classified advertising is offered as a MEETING; Manchester, NH; for April 29 NHPGA TWILIGHT member service. We will carry a short information: Ray Savage at (603) MEETING; 5:30 pm at Kathan message (no artwork or logos) for one 352-1155. Gardens, Newport, NH; for infor- or two issues of The Plantsman. FEBRUARY mation: Dennis Kathan at (603) AD SIZE 6x 863-1089. February 3-4 NEW ENGLAND AUGUST 3 3/8- w X 2 3/8"h $120 $30 GROWS '93; Hynes Convention 3 3/8" w X 4 7/8"h $160 $40 Center, Boston, MA; for informa- August 12 NEW ENGLAND 7" w X 2 3/8"h $160 $40 tion: Virginia Wood at (617) 964- NURSERYMAN'S ASSOCLVTION 7" w X 4 7/8"h $250 $50 7" w X 10 'h $400 $100 8209. SUMMER MEETING, for information: Virginia Wood at February 4-6 FARM & FOREST (617) For further information, please contact EXPOSITION, Center of New 431-1625. the editor Robert Parker at the UNH Hampshire Holiday Inn &. Con- Research Greenhouses, Durham, NH 03824, (603)862-2061, or PO Box 5, COVER ILLUSTRATION BY MARK CRISPI Newfields, NfH 03856, (603)778-8353. December 1992 & January 1993

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THE PLANTSMAN 2 FROM THE BOARD

Professional Plant Growers Association: Your Voice for the Horticultural Industry Henry Huntington

FOR AN ACTIVE MEMBER of Promotions Committee helps find other water issues. PPGA has the greenhouse industry, ques- better ways to market our prod- also been very active in the tions always arise on different ucts. This committee has made a fight regarding Quarantine 37. issues and aspects of our busi- significant financial commitment Q-37 deal with the importation ness. How can a better poinsettia to the Garden Council. The Gar- of potted plant material into the be grown? Where can help be den Council is a national market- U.S. PPGA has been strongly found for marketing products? ing association whose goal is to opposed to reducing these regu- How does a grower conform to promote the horticulture industry lations due to the possibility of all the new government regula- contributions through a voluntary importing foreign pests and dis- tions? PPGA provides the answers check-off program. The Marketing eases. to these questions and much Committee also develops videos The Annual Conference and more. such as The Flowering Plants Trade Show is an opportunity The Professional Plant Growers Video, which demonstrates to a for growers to meet other mem- Association is the national trade retailer how to display and care bers of the industry. The confer- association for the greenhouse infor flowering plants in a retail ence is packed full of seminars dustry. PPGA is made up of over setting. As a member of the Mar- and lectures on all subjects. 2,500 greenhouse and allied trades keting Committee, I am person- Each year the conference is held people from across the United ally working on a program to in a different city around the States, Canada, and around the develop a "Growers Shipping Kit." U.S. in order to give all growers world. Included in this kit is a label to an opportunity to attend. In 1991, I was elected by be printed on shipping cartons PPGA sponsors trips to differ- the membership to the Board of and instructions to guide buyers ent parts of the world. This year Directors for the association. on how to receive plant material. a tour is scheduled to Great The board consists of 18 elected The committee also contracts Britain. While in Great Britain, grower-member directors and 9-12 garden writers for articles to we will tour the countryside as appointed directors representing promote our products in national well as visit growing operations the allied trades. As a director, I gardening magazines. and retail garden centers. This have travelled around the country The Government Affairs Com- is a great opportunity to see to attend director meetings. The mittee keeps their eye on what what our European neighbors board meets to set policies for is going on in Washington and are doing. We also sponsor mini the association and to discuss at the state government level. technical tours to different parts and implement new and ongoing We work as a coalition with sev- of the U.S. programs. The directors meet eral associations, such as SAP and These are just a sampling of three times each year; in January, the Farm Bureau to lobby mem- the programs that PPGA pro- June, and at our annual confer- bers of Congress on the issues vides for our industry. PPGA ence in late September or that concern us as growers and promotes our products and helps October. business people. We are currently us learn how to grow those When the Board meets, we preparing a manual on how to products. PPGA needs your sup- review current programs and comply with the new worker port to continue offering all develop new programs to answer protection standards. These regu- these benefits. the questions asked by growers lations deal with the handling of For information on becoming and business owners. One of the all the hazardous materials we a member of PPGA, call me, goals of the Education and Re- use, re-entry intervals, and much Henry Huntington (603-435- search Committee is to give our more. This manual will attempt 8361) or call Kathy Kochendorfer members information for their to make these regulations easier at the PPGA office (517-694- growing questions. We have to interpret and follow. The 7700). books and videos available to Water Quality Action Manual Join the Professional Plant answer your "how to grow" ques- foi Greenhouse and Nursery Growers Association. It is an tions. We also correspond with Growers was also developed investment in your future and our state universities and colleges through a coalition with other in the future of our industry. to express our viewpoint on the associations. This manual focuses Henry Huntington is a co-owner directions of their programs. on all issues dealing with water and operator of Pleasant View The Market Development and quality, runoff, recycling, and Gardens, Pittsfield, NH. >* December 1992 & January 1993 3 BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

OCTOBER 1. The Board met at Pleasant Garden" and speakers, menu (scrod or others were discussed. View in Pittsfield at 6:30. Richard, Roger, shish kebab), and the logistics of sharing The upcoming pesticide recertification Henry, Chris and Bob attended. the day with the Landscape Association meeting is organized and fliers have been Chris reported that even with deletion were discussed. At the end of it all, it mailed to all members. Henry will mod- of non-paying members from the list, looked like a genuinely interesting day erate in the morning; Bob Demers, in the membership has increased this year. It was taking shape. afternoon. was decided that next year, the cut-off In new business, Pat Fitzpatrick of Wen- The Granite State Flower Show organi- date for dues payment will be April first. zler Associates gave a presentation on zational meeting will be held at Demers All members who haven't paid by then how Wenzler would approach a new Garden Center on November 17. Three will be dropped. The list of these people NHPGA logo design. The cost would be Plant Grower members will need to at- will be divided among the board mem- $500. The idea of a new logo will be tend in order to make a quorum. bers, who will contact each person to brought up at the Winter Meeting and if There will be four Twilight Meetings in make sure non-payment wasn't just an members are in favor, we will go ahead. 1993—Pleasant View (Pittsfield) in Janu- oversight. Other designers will be sought as well. ary; Kathan Gardens (Newport) in April; Board members mentioned the large The possibility of a questionnaire at- Michaud Nurseries (Exeter) in June; and numbers of NE Greenhouse Conference tached to next year's membership form Carpenter's Olde English Greenhouse fbers they received. Most received three; was discussed. It seemed like a good way (Newmarket) in September. one received six. People also questioned to find out what was wanted and to help The 1993 Summer Show was discussed. whether the NHPGA should be paying focus the organization's direction. D.S. Cole (Loudon), Eliot Rose (Dover), a the postage on the mailing it was asked combination of Rolling Green and Garden to send to its members. NOVEMBER 5. The meeting began at of Eves (Greenland), and Olde English Not all aspects of the day-long program 7:05. It was held at Pleasant View; Bob, (Newmarket) were all suggested as pos- organized to earn pesticide applicator re- Chris, Andrea, Peter, Peter, Bruce, and sible sites. Bob said he'd check and see if certification credits are firm enough to Henry were there. any were interested. send out an official program, but good The main topic was the Winter Meet- The scholarship fund auction produced a speakers have been found and it'll be held ing. It was decided not to have a com- higher amount than usual this year and on November 12 at UNH Manchester. bined meeting with the landscapers. Each the two scholarships will he $750 each. Five credits will be offered—one per hour: organization had very specific require- The recipients will be chosen at the next two in the morning and three after lunch. ments for its own meeting that seemed meeting. There will be no charge for NHPGA difficult to reconcile with the require- It was decided to have a booth at the members and a $10 registration fee for ments of the other. However, each organi- ERNA Show in January. Chris volun- non-members. A flier will be sent out a zation will still be meeting at the Granite teered to represent the Plant Growers couple weeks before the event. Street Bar & Grill on January 13 (the there and the Board accepted his offer. Four twilight meetings are planned for Plant Growers in the morning until mid- It was also decided to attach a question- 1993. One flier will be sent early in the afternoon and the Landscapers in the naire to the membership renewal form year promoting all four. Other publicity evening) and anyone can register for and this year. Peter Corey will solicit sugges- will be in The Plantsman. attend either meeting. tions and get ideas to Chris as soon as The Winter Meeting was discussed at Prices, meal, speakers—these topics and possible. I* length. The theme is "Color in the

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New^ England Greenhouse the wound. Encarsia is not as Conference Update effective on the sweet potato Richard Emerson whitefly. WELCOME Cards containing 1000 parasit- This is just a short note com- ized eggs were hung in the green- Neiv Members menting on the success of this house. Three releases were made year's New England Greenhouse two weeks apart. Each release MADELINE DUHAMEL Conference. We attracted more cost $15.00. The time spent 231 Route 125, Apt. 6 businesses to our trade show than counting whiteflies on ten yellow Barrington, NH 03825 in previous years. We were also study cards was about one min- (603) 664-5749 able to expand our educational ute per card every two weeks. programs. Those of you who During a nine week period, THOMAS MINTER were able to attend saw that the whitefly was maintained at 115A Piscataqua Road many of these sessions were a manageable level, and actually Madbury, NH 03820 filled or overfilled. Anyone declined somewhat. No chemical (603) 749-3528 attending the marketing sessions insecticides were used. has to admit that these speakers Where a low population of VAN DE WETERING were dynamic. The sneak pre- whitefly is tolerable on green- GREENHOUSES, INC. views of new offerings for spring, house tomatoes, this is not the 140 Sound Ave., PC Box 819 as well as the update on West case with poinsettias. Encarsia Jamesport, NY 11947 Coast trends, should stimulate alone will not eliminate whitefly. (516) 722-8757 some great ideas for increasing In the future, effective control sales. may involve Encarsia in combina- WINDHILL FARM I will be presenting a more tion with other practices. RFD 3, Box 3681 in-depth report in the next issue. Pittsfield, 03263 David Seavey, Extension NH In the meantime, if you have any (603) 435-6381 Educator in Merrimack County, suggestions or comments, I'd like can he reached at 603-796-2151. to hear from you. Plans for the New Advertisers 1994 Conference are already Twilight Meeting— underway. EXC-CEL Stra^rbery Banke GREENHOUSE MFG. PC Box 1005 Richard Emerson, the NHPGA Greenwood, SC 29648 Representative on the NE Green- Although the turnout was small, house Conference Committee, the meeting on September ninth DEMERS GARDEN CENTER can he reached at 603-329-5525. was definitely a success. A tour 656 South Mammoth Road His address is Emerson Avenue led by Ann Duncan that was to Manchester, NH 03103 Greenhouses, 181 Emerson have lasted an hour lasted two- Avenue, Hampstead, NH 03841. and-a-half and explored the entire history of gardening in the sea- raised beds and gravel paths be- Whitefly BiO'Control coast region. hind the 1680 Sherburne House. Strawbery Banke is Update becoming Topics touched upon included (by David C. Seavey, in much more than a re-creation of Portsmouth's first professional Ornamentals Update, Fall, colonial Portsmouth. Because the 1992). gardener—a Johnny Cunningham Puddle Dock neighborhood was imported from Scotland in the For the second year, whitefly the first settled in the city the — 1790's (who later died in an alms populations were earliest house still standing monitored by dates house); the almost garish quaUty Ginny Hast, from the Extension Program 1690's—and changed as of some nineteenth century Associate, on tomatoes times changed, it's being restored in the gardens (the Victorians seemed Merrimack County greenhouse. to reflect the neighborhood's di- unable to get enough color), the The objective is to learn the ef- versity. Restorations will include herb garden as myth, the effect fectiveness of Encarsia a duplex of the fifties (the nine- formosa, of the colonial revival on today's a small parasitic wasp, in reduc- teen-fifties), a neighborhood store perceptions of colonial life, the ing populations of of the forties (yes, there will the greenhouse be a use of archeology in finding out whitefly. Information obtained Victory Garden), a Jewish immi- about earlier gardens—and more will be related to controlling this grant's home of the twenties, the down-to-earth things like smaller pest on poinsettia. Colonial Revival garden behind budgets, Japanese beetles and Encarsia adults lay eggs in the Henry Bailey Aldrich House, lousy soil. whitefly immatures; these turn the Goodwin mansion's Victorian The NHPGA thanks Ann for black as the garden (with a newly young Encarsia planted her hospitality. Although tours feeds. Adults also kill recreation of Mrs. immatures Goodwin's as fine as this happen rarely, by puncturing holes and feeding "beloved Tanglewood") and so Strawbery Banke is always a on the liquid that exudes forth. ..down to the earliest the from — place of horticultural interest. »•• December 1992 & January 1993 5 Cadpenie

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thePlantsman 6 — NEW HAMPSHIRE NEWS

New Products- trol valves on the main pipe al- gram will be offered in Hillsbo- New Hampshire Made low up to four separate heating rough, Rockingham, Merrimack, zones within each house. and Strafford counties. TAK Equipment, Inc., the new "If an owner is looking for a The fifteen weeks of classes enterprise of Dave Murray, Mur- new benching system," Dave will be taught at UNH Manches- ray Farms, Penacook, is designing says, "and doesn't currently have ter from January 19 through and fabricating innovative prod- a hot water boiler, TAK pedestals April 27. There will be 45 hours ucts for the greenhouse and nurs- still make sense because you still of classroom instruction, support ery industry. get custom-built benching and if material, and optional hands-on The first product developed at you ever do change to hot water, training. Topics include basic bo- TAK (you may have seen it at all you have to do is hook up the tany, insect and disease control, the NHPGA Summer Meeting) pipes." flower and vegetable gardening, was a "Bulk Bag Handler" that Aluminum troughs for the and tree and shrub care. Upon can be used both indoors and out. benches are also being fabricated. completion of the program. Mas- It's on wheels; the boom will go All three products are current- ter Gardeners will be re-quired to through a 7'6" door, but it is five ly available. For further informa- give 30 hours of community ser- feet wide: it needed to be that tion, call Dave Murray at (603) vice, thus extending the informa- wide in order to straddle a 60- 753-6781. tion learned into the community. cubic foot bag, but in most green- The deadline for registration houses, that width is no problem. Master Gardener Class was November 30, but there will Dave claims he played devil's Offered be other programs. For further in- advocate—after hearing enough (from The Boston Globe, formation call the extension's people complain about the diffi- October 18, 1992). Merrimack office (603-225-5505) culty of handling bulk bugs and or write UNH Cooperative Exten- about not being able to get a fork The UNH Cooperative Extension sion, 327 Daniel Webster High- lift or trailer into the greenhouse, will offer a "grow how" Master way, Boscawen, NH 03033, he decided to design something Gardener Program for people in- Attention: Master Gardener that would do everything these terested in expanding their gar- Program. people claimed couldn't be done. dening knowledge. This pilot pro- continued on next page Four hooks on the boom are hooked onto the four straps on the bag. The boom lifts by means TIPS of a 12-volt hydraulic pump (on the same principle as a dump from the Qriffin Quru truck hoist) operated by a rechargeable battery. WHEN YOU'RE IN A RUSH- The second product being CHECK OUT THE SPECIAL! developed is the "TAK Bench," a heated bench that is designed to be able to lend itself to virtu- Go to any good restaurant or diner (if you can find one), and ally any configuration (with- you will find a daily special. The management plans it that house, peninsular, rolling, station- way. In order to market it as a special, they purchase the ary) or style (ebb-and-flo, trough components in the right quantities and at the best time in watering, expanded metal) wanted. Basically, TAK custom- order to maintain the lowest cost. All ingredients are builds according to the buyer's brought together for that brief time in which the special is specifications. Benches can be offered. This is so structured and fine-tuned that in order to designed with an 18" section that can be telescoped out to give turn a profit, they have to add the words, "No substitutions, more bench space during the busy please." season. Why does the management run a special? Because they Hot water heat is incorporated customers the very best for their into the design by incorporating want to give their money heating pipe into the bench sup- within a quick turnaround time. Whether it's stuffed peppers ports (Dave uses the term "pedes- or greenhouses, all the components are there when the cus- tals"). The pipe is connected to tomer wants them—ready to move out fast and reasonably a central below-ground heating pipe; enough heat is produced to priced. heat the entire house. Four con- December 1992 & January 1993 7 6

NEW HAMPSHIRE NEWS

Association, will be held on FFA—Fall Results tions evolved over these years re- March 15-17 at the Center of main: there's an Awards Breakfast New Hampshire Holiday Inn &. The FFA Fall Horticulture con- on Friday morning, at which, Convention Center in Manches- test was held on Saturday, Octo- among other things, the "Tree ter. This third edition includes ber 31, 1992, at the Thompson Farmer of the Year" is an- "trade show, educational lectures, School Greenhouses at UNH, nounced. Friday night is again hospitality areas, raffles, Pearson Durham. This annual event is family night. 4-H members will awards, pesticide recertification designed to give beginning horti- lead hands-on demonstrations in credits, and an expanded exhibit culture students contest experi- children can things which make viewing time." ence and generate interest in the like natural bird feeders (peanut subject. butter in pine cones) and fish And the annual UNH Greenhouse Alvirne, Pembroke, and prints. Open House, sponsored by the Manchester were present for the Saturday, people from the On Plant Biology Department and the competition which included a Cooperative Extension will lead Thompson School of Applied Sci- written test, nursery judging, hands-on demonstrations for ence, will be held April 2-3 at repotting of plants, woody plant adults. Topics include chain saw the Greenhouses on Mast Road in identification, and floriculture safety and house plant care. The Durham. The theme here is "Bi- plant I.D. Ben Nadeau, Wendy auction begins at 12:30 in the af- ology in Action,-" events are tra- Gendrin, and John Daily of ternoon. ditional: talks and exhibits on the Alvirne took first place with a The Awards Breakfast is $8.50, biology side; plant displays and close race between Pembroke and but the exhibition is free. So sales in the Thompson School. Manchester for second and third help celebrate ten years of come There will be plenty of experts respectively. showcasing Hampshire agri- New there to answer questions. Thanks go to Dana Sansom culture. and Rene Gingras of the Thomp- And looking ahead—the Interna- son School and Maria little over a month later, three A tional Lilac Society meets in Spo- VanderWoude, FFA Executive Sec- exhibitions other New Hampshire kane on May 13-15, 1993. This retary, for successfully organizing follow in quick succession: on is the furthest west it has ever this year's competition. March ll-14,the Seventh Annual met. But in 1994, it returns Seacoast Area Flower and Garden east—to the University of New Show Time, 1993 Show will return to last year's lo- Hampshire in Durham. It will cation, the Recreation Center at meet there June 9-11, 1994, dur- The Farm & Forest Exposition Pease Air Force Base in ing the time the late lilacs are in Celebrates its Tenth Anniversary Newington. theme will be The bloom. The program will include on February 4-6 at the Center of the Sea.' 'Gardens by "speeches, tours and demonstra- New Hampshire Holiday Inn and •¥ tions." For more information, Convention Center in Manches- Then the Third Annual Land- contact Owen Rogers at (603) ter. Its theme is 'Celebrating scape Exposition, sponsored by 862-3222. »*• Ten Years—Looking Back and the New Hampshire Landscape Reaching Forward.' The tradi-

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thePlantsman 10 —

ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS

New Introductions Projects may involve small (APHIS) is considering establish- Massachusetts research trials, educational activi- ing a quarantine on all pine po- {GrowerTalks, October 1992). ties, and demonstrations. One nursery stock, Christmas trees, tential use grant would of money logs, and related materials. NorEast Miniature Roses in Row- be to help growers experiment Pine Shoot Beetles, native to ley, MA, is introducing three new with innovative techniques. An- Europe and Asia, feed (not sur- varieties for 1993. "Child's Play" other would be to allow people prisingly) current season won the 1993 All-America Rose already in sustainable agriculture on Selection and the American Rose to help others adapt those tech- shoots of pine trees. AAN has Society Award of Excellence. Its niques to their own operations. raised concerns over the possi- white bloom has a delicate pink SARE is a federal program that bility of quarantine, mainly be- edge. Easy to grow and resistant receives funding through the US cause of the lack of any inspec- to disease, "Child's Play" is a ro- Department of Agriculture. Grant tion or treatment options. Fur- bust plant that blooms well into application forms are available thermore, scientists and regula- features the fall. "High Jinks" from the Sustainable Agriculture tors don't agree on the actual medium to dark pink blooms on Research and Education Program, threat the beetle poses. compact 16- to 20-inch tall Hills Building, University of Ver- Meanwhile, North Carolina plants. "Gone Fishin'" is a pure mont, Burlington, VT 05405-0082. has established a quarantine on orange miniature garden rose av- The application deadline is Janu- eraging 18 to 20 inches tall. ary 29, 1993. Monies will be all pine shipments from coun- awarded in March. For informa- ties where the pest has been Grant Monies Available tion, contact Sue Harper, program found. to Nursery Growers manager, at (802) 656-0478, Also, on October first, an- (University of Massachusetts other state—Minnesota—estab- System Notes, Extension Hon FTD Buys Maine Card lished a quarantine to prevent October 12, 1992). Company the entry and spread of the The Northeast Region of the Sus- [GrowerTalks, October, 1992) Japanese Beetle. Regulated ar- tainable Agriculture and Exten- ticles include plants with roots Florists' Transworld Delivery As- sion Program (SARE) will award (except bareroot plants); sociation will buy the Renais- up to $100,000 in mini-grants in plantcrowns, bulbs, corms, tu- sance Greeting Card Company, 1993 to growers who are shifting bers or rhizomes of agricultural sys- a Sanford, Maine, card publishing to sustainable ornamental plants (except when tems. This new program will pro- firm. Available to FTD member at attractive prices, the free of soil); grass sod; and soil, vide 'seed' money to growers to owners will humus, compost, and manure "implement, refine, and demon- greeting cards plus flowers one-stop, strate production techniques that provide consumers with (except commercially packaged). will reduce environmental and convenient shopping. Quarantine areas include all health risks, conserve natural re- states east of the Mississippi sources, and maintain grower Pests and Quarantines (with the exception of Florida, profitability." [AAN Update, October 12, 1992). Georgia, Mississippi and most The mini-grants will be award- of Wisconsin), as well as spe- a basis to As of mid-September, the Pine ed on competitive cific counties in Missouri, Ne- [rowers throughout the 12-state Shoot Beetle [Tomicus piniper- braska, Quebec, and Ontario. fthe six New England states, New da] has been found in 35 coun- If you plan to ship to Minne- York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, ties in Ohio, Indiana, Pennsyl- sota, you are advised to work Delaware, West Virginia, and the vania, New York, Illinois, and through your state plant regula- District of Columbia) region. It's Michigan. The US Department expected that twenty min-grants, tory officials. For more informa- of Agriculture Animal &. Plant ranging from $1,000 to $7,000, tion: Craig Regelbrugge at (202) Health Inspection Service will be funded. 789-2900. >»

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OVER 400,000 mCH SCHOOL STUDENTS are describes all aspects, including financial, of their job preparing themselves for careers in the science, busi- or project. Winners at the state level receive $100 ness and technology of agriculture through participa- and a framed certificate, and are then eligible to com- tion in an organization known as the FFA. The FFA pete at the national level. is a national youth organization dedicated to develop- FFA'ers may also apply for recognition as a chap- ing leadership, cooperation, and citizenship for tomor- ter, state, or American "Star," for their achievement row's agriculturalists, and it is alive and well here in in volunteerism, for their efforts in using computers the Granite State. New Hampshire has 16 local FFA in agriculture, or for one of the National FFA Organi- chapters, and 637 members, in high schools across zations's numerous scholarships. The FFA can offer the state. its many contest and award programs because of the In order to become an FFA member, a student support of the agricultural community, both finan- must first be enrolled in an agricultural education cially and physically as agriculturists offer their ex- course. High schools offering ag ed do so in one or pertise as coaches and judges. more of the following areas: Production Agriculture/ This month, FFA members form across the state Animal Science, Agricultural Mechanics, Forest/Natu- travel to Kansas City, Missouri, for the 65th National ral Resources, or Horticulture. It is interesting to FFA Convention. Over 24,000 FFA members and note that all 16 schools boasting an FFA chapter also guests are expected to attend this, the world's largest offer course in horticulture! Typically, these programs student convention. Granite State FFA'ers from the cover topics in greenhouse management, landscaping, following towns will be competing in nine different floriculture, and general plant science, but may also national contests: Northwood, Alstead, Dover, Hud- include units such as pesticides and orchard science. son, and Exeter. In addition, Bruce Scamman of the Some students of horticulture are at first reluctant Exeter Chapter will be receiving his American FFA to join the FFA, believing that all FFA members are Degree and is a National Officer Candidate. Students "Future Farmers". At one time this was true, but as form several other NH towns will be participating in high school agriculture programs, have grown to en- the conventions as well. compass more than production ag, so has the FFA. In Even those students who never compete in a fact, FFA no longer stands for "Future Farmers of contest are bound to benefit from the FFA experi- America"—it is now know simply as "FFA". Founded ence. FFA is a vital component of agricultural educa- in 1928 as an organization for boys, the FFA is now tion, so that in a good program, all ag ed students 24.63% girls (27.63% in NH) and has chapters in all will learn and profit from FFA. For example, in order 50 states and several U.S. terrirories. to apply for an award in the FFA, a student must FFA provides young people with programs in have accurate records for hours worked, money public speaking and parliamentary procedure, skills earned and invested, equipment, tools, and supplies, contests, community leadership, personal achieve- school, community, and FFA activities, etc. Record ment, and other areas. For example, on October 31st, keeping skills, which should be taught as part of an the University of New Hampshire (Thompson School) ag course, are essential in FFA; conversely, FFA hosted the NH FFA's Fall Interscholastic Competi- awards are an incentive for students to learn and use tions. Students were invited to participate in seven the skills being taught in class. different contests, including horticulture. In this con- Many of NH's horticulture teachers own landscap- test, FFA'ers took a written test, judged nursery ing, greenhouse or other related businesses, or work stock, repotted plants using acceptable procedures, in the industry during the summer. As a result, they and identified woody and herbaceous plants. Re- are very attuned to what potential employers are cently, members also had the chance to test their looking for in their employees, and attempt to impart horticultural knowledge in a contest at the Roches- this knowledge and these skills to their students. ter Fair, and will have yet another opportunity at Employers in towns surrounding schools where ag ed/ UNH their spring at the Floriculture and Nursery/ FFA is offered are quick to call the school when it Landscape Contests. comes time for hiring; many employers prefer to hire FFA contests which develop leadership skills in- FFA members as it not only means less time spent clude the Job Interview Contest, where participants training, but they can also be sure the student has "apply" for a job; Extemporaneous Public Speaking, in explored the field of work and has a true interest in which students have 30 minutes to prepare a four to the area. six minute speech. Parliamentary Procedure, where Although a student may spend only a few years in teams compete to solve problems using parliamentary the FFA, experience proves that the knowledge and law; and the Ag Sales and/or Service contest which skills gained will last a lifetime. As the industry of tests skills in the service aspect of the ag industry. agriculture is faced with new challenges every day, so The FFA also offers "Proficiency Award" in 29 does the FFA prepare its members to meet these ob- areas, including Floriculture, Fruit and/or Vegetable stacles with the tools needed to win. Production, Nursery Operations, Specialty Crop Maria VanderWoude is Executive Secretary, Granite State Production, and Turf and Landscape Management. Association. FFA. She can be reached at (603) 783-9598. Members fill our a detailed application which fully December 1992 & January 1993 13 ,Y^vng You To ^^^' Q

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Michael Sciabarrasi Extension Specialist, Agricultural Business Management

PLANNING FOR THE TRANSFER of your firm's those involved must make a decision to continue assets is one of the most difficult, yet important, operating the business together and plan for transfer activities dealt with by a family business. As with of business property or to go their separate ways. any long term planning, you start by assessing the Assessing the present situation also involves tak- present situation, defining future objectives and ing an accurate and complete inventory of all real identifying the alternatives to achieve those objec- and personal property you own and the associated tives. Good communications among all family debts and liabilities. The inventory should include members and a clear understanding of everyone's an estimate of the fair market value of each prop- personal and family goals are critical for successful erty and identification as to how the property is continuation of business operations between genera- owned (i.e., sole ownership, joint tenancy, tenancy- tions. in common). Joint ownership may have a restrictive effect on your plans to transfer business property to ASSESSING THE PRESENT SITUATION a child. Since many family-run businesses are Initial assessment of possible business transfer re- closely held, it is important to note whether an as- quires deciding whether you and one or more of set is considered for business or personal use (or your children should try to run the business to- both) and which members of the family are listed gether. Don't assume your child can't "afford to as owners. Wills, trusts, and other estate planning pass-up" the opportunity. Instead, you should be ad- documents will need to be reviewed and probably dressing questions such as: revised once you have decided upon the means of • Are your son or daughter (and his or her spouse) transferring business ownership. willing to commit substantial time and effort to the business? DEFINING FUTURE OBJECTIVES • Are all family members able to work and Objectives should describe the overall intent and manage a business together? means of transferring business ownership. Shifts of • Is the business profitable enough to provide an personal property and management responsibilities adequate living for everyone involved? are usually the initial steps. The long-term goal • Is there potential for future business growth? should be to transfer interest in business real es- • Are your willing and able to transfer business tate. Targeted and acceptable income (wage) levels property and shift management responsibility to for you and participating children need to be identi- your child over a reasonable time period? fied. You should also identify the anticipated time required to accomplish the objectives. The amount Honest answers to these questions will give you of time will depend, in large part, on the relative and your children some indication of the possibility ages of participating family members and on the of running a successful business together. If the in- size of your business. Although many parents who dividuals involved are uncertain of the answers to own small businesses are able to transfer a major these questions, a testing stage may be necessary. portion of business property to their children prior The testing stage should last about 2 to 3 years; to retirement, complete transfer of all business it should not be indefinite. For this time period, property may not occur until both parents' estates you may simply enter into an agreement with your are settled. child to pay him or her a reasonable wage plus an As you establish objectives for transfer of the incentive (year-end bonus) for above-average perfor- family business, remember to consider the effects mance in a specific aspect of the business. In some on all family members. How will your decision im- family situations, the agreement may call for more pact spouse(s)? Do you need to address the needs of involvement by the child during the testing stage. children not involved in the business? Lastly, be Arrangements where the child provides some per- certain that your plans allow you and your spouse sonal property for business use, such as a pickup to maintain a secure financial position during re- truck and equipment, as well as labor, are common. tirement and upon the settlement of each other's If your child already has a separate ongoing business, sharing labor, machinery or facilities may be appropriate during the testing stage. Eventually, continued on next page

December 1992 & January 1993 15 IDENTIFYING THE ALTERNATIVES partnership profits. As the partnership purchases as- You and a son or daughter want to run the business sets, the junior partner's equity in the business together. How do you shift assets and management grows. As the child's interest in business property responsibilities to your child while your protecting increases, his or her share of partnership profits and your own financial security? Different options exist business equity grows. After the partnership is well for a business which is adequate in size to support established, consideration needs to be given to the two or more families versus a business which can transfer of real estate and business control. This support only a single family. may be accomplished by offering the junior partner If the business cannot support two or more fami- an option to buy the property or through some lies, several alternatives can be followed. First, the combination of gift-giving and sales. Provisions parents may help the child should be made for this dis- start a separate business. The solution of the partnership child may work in a joint ar- TIPS when the senior partner rangement with the parents (parents) retires. The par- FROM TINA SAWTELLE until he or she has sufficient ents' estate plans should management experience and also insure that the child's Price is the leading factor in choosing equity (in the form of ma- interests are protected. Christmas trees, but there are other rea- chinery, equipment, etc.) to The corporation pro- sons retailers lose Christmas tree sales. start their own business. Sec- vides long-term business • is not available close to trees. ond, the child may remain in Parking continuity; however, corpo- • Trees are hard to see and get at. a "holding pattern" until the rate management procedures • There is no assistance in selection and parents retire at which time are more formal and record- loading of trees. he or she takes over the keeping requirements are • Prices are not clear on each tree. business. To provide suffi- greater compared to a part- • Type of tree wanted is unavailable. cient income during this nership. Interest in a corpo- time,the child may need to Turn a tent or other area into a "Winter ration is represented by lease additional facilities and Wonderland" scene. Promote this to fami- shares of stocks. Business enter into a joint arrange- lies as a draw. Write a press release to lo- ownership is easily trans- ment with the parent, or cal papers. ferred through the sale, gift work for another business. or inheritance of stock Have Christmas carols in your tree display When the parents retire, shares. Business control area. Creating the Christmas mood will the child commonly acquires technically resides with enhance your Christmas sales. Offer hot ownership of the personal those who own more than cider or hot chocolate while customers are property and leases the busi- 50% of the stock. When browsing. ness real estate. A third op- forming a corporation, give tion would be to expand Provide a delivery service for Christmas careful consideration to business size to meet the trees for a fee. which property to place in income needs of all families. the corporation. Should real Tina Sawtelle, principal of Sawtelle Mar Before taking this route, the estate corpo- keting Associates, consults with agricul- be part of the desire of all parties to run tural ration or simply rented by a business together must be retail businesses on marketing and mer- the business? In addition, well tested and the parents chandising. For more information, call you'll need to carefully con- must be certain not to her at (603) 659-8106- >» sider the type of corporation jeopardize their financial formed and the various position. stock options. If the business can When you begin the adequately provide for two or more families and ev- process of transferring business ownership, remem- eryone gets along well, a major concern will be the ber to not only involve all family members con- means of shifting the business assets and manage- cerned, but also get advise from many different ment role to the child such that he or she will planning professionals. In addition to discussing the have sufficient equity and skills to control the busi- options with a knowledgeable attorney, review your ness when the parents retire or in the event of an objectives and plans with your accountant, insur- untimely death. The general partnership and corpo- ance representative, trust officer and others. Every ration are two forms of business organizations often family situation is different. Be wary of any person used to aid in business transfers. who offers a single solution, In a general partnership agreement, the profits are usually shared according to each partner's rela- Michael Sciabarrasi is Extension Specialist, tive contributions of labor, management and capital. Agricultural Business Management, in the During the initial stages of the family partnership, Department of Resource Economics and the business may rent or lease the real property and Development, UNH Cooperative Extension. some machinery from the parents, allowing the jun- University of New Hampshire, Durham. ior partner (child) an equal significant or share of He can be reached at (603) 862-3234. ^

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SUSAN HUTCHINS-GREENE er. She keeps the temperature at about 60. As the weather gets grew up in Northwood. "I always warmer, she simply leaves the remember my grandmother's gar- doors open being on top of a den," she recalls. "My parents — hill gives plenty of circulation. had a vegetable garden and I can She keeps two 55-gallon remember weeding it and snap- plastic barrels filled with water ping beans and hating it, but my in the house, and uses the room- grandmother grew flowers and I temperature water (with a water- just loved being there." ing can) for the seedlings. Her grandmother died thirteen ("I know it sounds time-consum- years ago at the age of 84, but ing, but if something's not going some of the plants she grew right, you can see it before it be- single pink hollyhocks; bearded comes a major problem.") Later, iris with pale yellow standards after she transplants the seedlings and deep purple falls—grow in into 6" Belden Jumbos (she uses her granddaughter's gardens. And this larger pot so she won't have other plants evoke the memory. to transplant twice), she does use The gardens are on a cleared a hose. This year she's planning Deerfield hilltop at the end of a to install a chapin watering sys- mile-long dirt road. Susan and tem on some of the benches. Michael Greene have lived here She foliar feeds fish emulsion now for ten years. (mostly in the greenhouses) and Susan has always grown plants liquid seaweed (in the orchards here (she sold some and gave and gardens) from a back pack most to friends), but in the last sprayer. three years, she's worked to build GROWING When the greenhouse is her interests into a more busi- overflowing mid-March she ness-like endeavor. The result is — — begins filling the second, a 14x36 Growing Things, a retail opera- THINGS hoop house that gets good late- tion selling annuals, a variety of afternoon sun. When needed, she shade plants, hard-to-find perenni- Organic, Evolving, uses a portable kerosene heater. als, and herbs. She can't use this with vegetables The material is highly person- (the fumes kill them), but finds it al. Susan looks for hardy plants, Professional doesn't bother perennials at all. but with something that interests The plants are put outside in her—a distinctive texture, a par- working with local people and an area protected by the two ticularly aromatic scent, long- purchases a lot of what she buys greenhouses and the house. The lasting blooms. She prefers sub- from Fedco Seeds, co-op seed Greene's present house was origi- tler, less insistent flowers. She packers located in Waterville, nally intended to be a garage. grows mallows her favorite has Maine. All seed comes from frames of what were in- a white flower with a touch of organically grown plants. The tended to be doors are floor-to- pink inside it. She remembers it ceiling windows that look south in her grandmother's garden. She THE SEASON BEGINS in early kitchen five acres grows Dame's Rocket [Hesperis February when she starts the first from the onto cleared plan was to matronalis] and the blue and seeds in the house. She uses of land. Their connect a house to the northwest peach varieties of Jacob's Ladder Fafard mixes (they are approved Footings [Polemonium caeruleum)...and for organic gardening); the seeds side of this structure. were already poured when an anemones hers are "white, early, sprout quickly and—maybe be- adjacent piece of land was bought and invasive." cause the house is heated with by a lumber company. Nothing But not everything is subtle— wood—she has no problem with has happened yet, but Susan and she likes delphmiums and grows dampening off. Susan attributes Michael realized that someday 300 or so each year. Her favorites the high germination rate (there's their view of wooded hills might are 'Summer Sky' and 'Black no bottom heat) to the addition be a view of clear-cutting and de- Night' (a dark florescent purple). of fish emulsion to the growing velopments, so they moved their Susan grows organically: she media. When she starts putting house site to below the hilltop, belongs to the Natural Organic flats on the bed (late February), to where the original farmhouse Farmers' Association (NOFA) and her husband suggests that maybe stood. (They're now in the pro- has recently became a Certified it's time to open up a green- cess of building.) But the time Organic Grower in the State of house. New Hampshiie. She has two houses. The larger spent wasn't a complete loss: because of the large areas of con- She collects some of the seed is a 17x40 double-poly heated crete and gravel (and ledge)—and herself. She believes itrongly in with a propane sag Modine heat- THE PlANTSMAN 18 a—

the protection of the structures are one anyway. Why not be offi- state-certified organic growers in around it, the whole hilltop heats cial?" So she did it. New Hampshire—up from 42 the up quickly in spring. This allows It's not complicated, but it previous year. And the people at plants to be brought outside fairly does take some time. The nine- the Bureau of Markets expect the early and the greenhouses to be page 'Organic Certification Pro- number to grow.) refilled with new material. She gram Producer Application' asks When the soil in the gardens chooses hardier types—coral bells, for detailed information about a series of beds below the crest foxgloves—but by mid-April, things like field layout, mixed of the hill—was analyzed as part they're out for good. organic/conventional production, of her certification process, it She opens around May first; soil-building programs, fertilizers, was found to be one of the most she closes in July. She does most seed treatments, and pest control. fertile tested. Susan has no expla- of the work herself and after Soil tests must be taken in nation (she remembers the soil three months of dawn-to-dusk the different crop areas—one in being mostly clay—and gardening days, is glad for a break and is a garden area, for example, and around tree stumps, before they only open by appointment after another for an orchard. had the money to remove them), that. The applicant reads and agrees but says that during the first two Another sales outlet is Valley to abide by the 22-page 'New years here, she and Michael Artisans, a 32-member craft co-op Hampshire Code of Administra- would go to the beach and load in Epsom. She sells both plants tive Rules.' And signs and has their pickup with seaweed, then and plant products there. The notarized an affidavit attesting to bring it back and rototill it into products include homemade the truth of what he's said. And the beds. She still mulches relishes, jams, and jellies. (The there's a $35.00 fee. heavily in the fall, using maple Greenes have a variety of fruit There is an initial inspection leaves ("they're sweeter"). And trees and a large vegetable gar- in the spring, and then—if she rotates crops and plants win- den.) She makes sachet bags approved—an follow-up visit ter rye in paths and empty plots. filled with dried lavender and during the growing season. The soil is very good. herbal moth repellents—small Certification is for one year. The only insect control was bags of lavender and dried Next year, the entire process will done when she bought a package camphor southernwood. And be repeated. The advantage of of praying mantis cocoons and potpourri. And dried bouquets.... being certified by the state is that another of ladybugs and released you are 'officially' organic. You them. She still sees a lot of lady- SHE PUT OFF becoming a certi- can follow the state's rules and bugs around. Praying mantis are fied organic grower for three say you're organic, but consumers harder to spot (although we did years —she hates paperwork. want assurance that what you're see one in a greenhouse). Finally her husband said, "You saying is true. (There are sixty She does spray—she uses the organic insecticide BT [Bacillus thuringiensis] against caterpillars on spruce trees. (The Greenes have a small Christmas tree plantation.)

IN THE GARDENS, as in the greenhouses, the ordinary and the m. unusual grow side by side. Short shade plants grow in the shadow of taller sun-lovers (Gold-edged Thyme under Lavender); there's a block of everlastings—she whole- sales to a garden center; Garlic Chives grows next to her grandmother's Blue Star [Amsonia tabeinaemontana). Common Col- umbine is alongside Globe Cen- taurea, alongside Plume-poppy [Macleaya cordata)...... surprises keep appearing— fall-blooming white clematis is working its way over a wall. ("I like fall-blooming plants; I hope to propagate cuttings for sale next year.") Most of her advertising is word-of-mouthand some of her best the field trips of '.?,:Y'f »;3sv--'?^-'^' '"r,'#,;-f^ ^;»»•^.^ ?fiy:,..f^r ,? ^r^-lr,r-:,^ comes from 1992 & January 1993 19 ——

local school children. They get to do the basics they milk the cow ("she's very patient") and feed the chickens; they pot up plants and get to take one ^/^PJ-^!!^"Our goal, quality home. But advertising is not the main point: Susan genuinely feels it's important that people become attuned to the land and its processes when they're Our strength, our employees" young. SUSAN & MICHAEL'S goal when they moved here ten years ago was "to build a lifestyle that incorporated a healthy way of life and an integrated home- FOR A GREENHOUSE VEFJhllTLV stead." "And we've accomplished it, "Susan says. She and Michael live in a house heated by wood and VIFFERENT CONTACT: the sun; they raise most of their own food. Michael is an architect whose most personal work utilizes and evolves from—the land it's built upon. Susan needed to find a profession that fit into this way of life. Growing Things is part of her answer. But ELLIS B.SPRAGUE Susan has consciously played down the commercial, making sure it doesn't interfere with other things she values—the quietness here, her privacy, her en- joyment of physical work, and what she calls "the MAINE funkiness" of the place—a sort of natural sponta- OV.Om, neity in the way things are done—or not done. Various field guides describe blackberry brambles {Rubus alleghanensis] as "a problem for the special- TEL: 207-866-4747 ist;" as "rambling," "ascending," "erect." "I love FAX: 207-866-4747 their wildness," Susan says; "the way they change with the seasons, but still stay part of the landscape." She has chosen the blackberry bramble as her logo. It seems an appropriate choice. B.P.

Growing Things is at 53 Babb Road, Deerfield. NH *. HPRnOIS 03037. The phone is 603-463-7930. NORTHERN NURSERIES

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U.S. Route 5, White River Junction, VT 05001 16 Pinkham Road West, Barrington, Nh 03825

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1 (800) 326-HART FAST, COURTEOUS SERVICE Loated at junction of routes 22 & 114 Gotham, Maine 04038 C. Hart Seed Co. The Chas. Phone (207) 839-4262 or 839-6364 RO. BOX 9169 Fax 207-839-2290 WETHERSFIELD, CT 061 29-01 69 We specialize in growing specimen plant materials.

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21 Hardy Northern-Grown Planting Stock

A Partial Listing BARE-ROOT STOCK PLUG STOCK Minimum oroer S100 and 100 of one size and variety. Minimum order a trays a of same variety) 100- 250- 2-6 8 TRAYS SPECIES ACE SIZE 249 ACE SIZE TRAYS & UP 9-15" 1.30 American ArtMrvKae i-J 5-5- .57 .57 5-0 6-9" .54 5-5" 2-4 12-14" ISO P+J 9-15" 1.40 a-2 6-12" 120 2-0 5<" .24 9-15" kMtem White Pine 2-2 120 5-10" .57 9-15" ^0 .40 5-10" .57 5-8" MuflhoPlne 2-5 ISO Sertilan spruce P 5-10" .57 5-0 5<" .54 Tnese conairter grvwn seeaiirtgs come In travs of «7 ovlMi each ana are snippea Pine 2-2 9-15" 110 Red eicner in 3 or 4 tray owes Therefore we reguest that you oraer an even numoer of 5-0 9-15" .56 trays mere Is a container deposit ofSiSSper tray Mhlch Is refunaaoie upon return Mack Hills spruce 2-2 6-12* 1.20 of the containers In gooa conaioon, witrun SO aays. at the expense oftnep 5-0 6-12" .40 Colorado Blue spruce 2-2 9-15" 1.50 2-0 6-9" .24 2-2 12-18" 116 Norway spruce 2-0 6-12" .24 ESTERN 2-2 12-18" 116 NURSERIES, White spruce y^ 12-I8" .40 INE M 6-9" .24 ^8^ ONE EVERGREEN DRIVE • RO. BOX 250 FRYEBURC, MAINE 04037 Deep-rooted quality since 1923. 1-800-447-4745 • FAX 1-207-935-2043 BIOLOGICAL CONTROL OF INSECTS IN ORNAMENTALS

Dr. Patricia]. Vittum

IN RECENT YEARS greenhouse and nursery manag- smallest larvae are most susceptible, but fungus ers have been encouraged to use fewer pesticides gnats tend to occur in a range of sizes at any given and to use them less frequently. As a result many time. So the first application should control the managers have begun to look into the possibility of small larvae that are present, but it will not affect using non-traditional pest control approaches. One the larger stages. When these individuals complete such approach involves using biological control their development and lay eggs to start a new gen- agents to control insects. Biological control agents eration, the follow-up applications will control the are living organisms or products of living organisms new young larvae. which kill or interfere with the metabolism of tar- Ornamentals and nursery managers should be get insects. These agents may be parasites or preda- aware that there are a couple other strains of BT tors, bacteria, viruses, fungi, nematodes, or insect which might be of interest. In particular the "san hormones. diego" strain appears to be quite effective against Predators and parasites are handled very differ- leaf feeding beetles, such as the Colorado potato ently than traditional insecticides, and will be dis- beetle. While there are not a lot of potato beetles cussed in a separate article. However, bacteria, on our omamental plantings, there are beetles like nematodes, and insect growth regulators are all ap- elm leaf beetles which are also quite susceptible. plied to crops through standard hydraulic sprayers. There are a couple relatively new formulations of There are several bacteria which cause diseases the san diego strain which are available commer- in insects. Perhaps the most familiar such bacte- cially, including One™ and M-Trak™. rium is Bacillus thuiingiensis, or BT, which has A second approach to biological control is the been available commercially for several years. The use of entomopathogenic nematodes. bacterium produces a toxin inside the insect which "Entomopathogenic" simply means causing disease interferes with the digestive system and ultimately in insects. Entomopathogenic nematodes penetrate paralyzes that system. A target insect may not die target insects, usually through the mouth or immediately but normally it stops feeding shortly through holes in the side of the body through after becoming infected. which the insect breathes. Once the nematode gets There are several "strains" of BT, and each strain inside the insect, it releases some bacteria which it is particularly effective against certain kinds of in- carries naturally. These bacteria begin to break sects. The "kurstaki" strain is effective against down the internal tissues of the target insect. The most caterpillars, including cutworms in the green- nematodes then feed on all the decaying material, house and gypsy moths outdoors. There are several reproduce, collect some of the bacteria, and move formulations of BT kurstaki, including Dipel™, out of the insect cadaver to find new hosts. Thuricide™, Steward™, and Javelin™. The labels These nematodes are not capable of attacking vary with regard to crops listed, but all of these plants. Although they are very small (nearly micro- materials are sprayable formulations and can be ap- scopic), they are mobile so they can make their way phed with standard equipment. through the soil in search of another victim. They The secret to success when using the kurstaki are very susceptible to desiccation, however, so the strain is to apply the material when the caterpillars soil must be reasonably moist at the time of appli- are in the smallest stages. With gypsy moths, this cation, and in most cases the nematodes should ei- will be a week or two after peak egg hatch, while ther be applied as a drench or be watered in very with greenhouse caterpillars, only regular monitor- thoroughly immediately after application. ing of the crops will tell you when caterpillars are Not surprisingly, entomopathogenic nematodes becoming active. Larger caterpillars (from their come in different shapes and sizes. The one which middle stages up) are generally much less suscep- is currently available commercially is Steineinema tible to the bacterium. caipocapsae, sold as Exhibit™, BioSafe™, Another strain of BT which should be of interest Orthoganic™, and other names. The nematodes are to greenhouse managers is the "israeliensis" strain, packaged in a gel-like material in a plastic con- which is effective against fungus gnat larvae and tainer. When a plant manager wants to use the some other dipterous (fly-like) insects. This strain is nematodes, he adds water and an "activating agent" currently marketed commercially as Gnatrol™. Field (really a material which breaks up the gel) and experience has indicated that the material should be shakes the container thoroughly. He then dilutes applied to the soil every five to seven days for at the mixture in his regular sprayer and applies the least three applications. This is because again the nematodes directly through the sprayer. These

December 1992 & jAhnjARY 1993 23 nematodes are pretty tough and can survive the insecticides. Current laboratory studies are looking pressures encountered in normal hydraulic sprayers. at combining neem with a "synergist - a chemical (Note that they do NOT survive the very high pres- which is not insect-active by itself, but makes sures - 2,000 psi which are being used in some turf neem much more active when mixed together. applications!) However, some of these combinations are very phy- The nematodes have looked quite promising totoxic, and so are not appropriate for use in any against black vine weevils in nursery settings, par- market, particularly the ornamentals market. ticularly in the Pacific Northwest. Other researchers Meanwhile some companies are working on de- have looked at their effectiveness against fungus veloping fungi which attack insects. Some of these gnats, but these trials have been inconclusive. In fungi have been released commercially in past some cases they appeared to work very well, while years. For example, Veiticillium lecanii was devel- in other cases they have been much less effective. oped for use against aphids and whiteflies, particu- There appears to be some evidence that potting larly in Europe, and was marketed in the United mixes or field conditions which contain relatively States briefly as Vertilec™. The main drawback was high amounts of pine bark may interfere with the that the fungus was only effective when relative effectiveness of the nematodes. In any case the humidity remained quite high, and under these con- application procedure would be similar to that for ditions Botrytis and similar fungal diseases tended BT (i.e., three applications at five to seven day to thrive. intervals). Current research is centered on fungi which are a One other kind of biological control which de- little less sensitive to humidity. Commercial re- serves mentioning is the use of insect growth regu- leases are still a few years away, but some of the lators. Insects go through a series of molts as they fungi show considerable potential for controlling mature from eggs to adults. Each molt is governed pest insects. by a series of hormones. One of these hormones is The use of biological control agents is increasing in a "juvenile hormone". As long as this juvenile hor- many crop settings. In some cases these agents are mone is present, the insect will not molt to the a bit trickier to use than traditional insecticides, adult stage. In many insects this hormone is quite because storage or handling of the biological agents specific. Scientists have identified the chemical might be a bit more complicated or because timing structure of this hormone for some insects. As it of application has to be more precise. However, sev- turns out, if the hormone is then produced in the eral such agents are showing considerable potential laboratory and sprayed on plants, the insect believes to control pest populations and reduce the overall that the hormone is present in its own system and pesticide load. will not molt to the adult stage. As a result it will Greenhouse and nursery managers should experi- not mate and lay eggs to start another generation. ment with some of these agents and become famil- Some of these juvenile hormones have been de- iar with the best way to use them. If they are used veloped commercially. Enstar™ is a mimic of a ju- properly (applied at proper intervals and directed venile hormone which affects the development of against the right stage of insect), they can become whiteflies and some closely related insects. The valuable partners in an insect management program. beauty of this approach is that Enstar™ is specific to whiteflies and will not harm any beneficial in- Dr. Patrician J. Vittum is a memhei of the sects (such as parasites or predators) which might Depaitment of Entomology, University of be in the greenhouse. Equally importantly, materials Massachusetts, Amherst. Her address is Fernald like Enstar™ are much less toxic to the applicator Hall, Amherst, MA 01003. The phone numbers at and to employees who might have to work in a the Department of Entomology are (413) 545-2283 treated area shortly after application than are most and 545-2004. >* traditional insecticides. Another kind of insect growth regulator interferes with the molting process by blocking the production of necessary proteins and other products needed during the process. Azadirachtin is an ex- tract from the neem tree, which grows primarily in India. This material interferes with the molting process of several kinds of insects, including whiteflies and leafminers. Neem also appears to have some Garden Center "anti-feedant" characteristics to it. In other words, it makes treated plants unattractive to some insects. TEL 625-8298 / fax 622-4073 Neem is available commercially as Margosan- Greenhouses Nursery Craft & Christmas Shop OIM and as BioNeem™, and is labelled for use on a 656 So. Mammonth Rd. (Rte.28A) variety of crops against several kinds of insects. Manchester, NH 03103 While it will affect more kinds of insects than will IGRs like Enstar™, it is still much less toxic to hu- We wish all of you a prosperous 1993 mans and other vertebrates than most traditional THE PlANTSMAN 24 A CONVERSATION WITH MR. KRIS KRINGLE, KRINGLE ENTERPRISES, INC.

Holly Daze

THE APPROACHING HOLDDAY season brings become an environmental asset. This compost op- with it an unparalleled shopping frenzy the likes eration dovetails nicely with our efforts to research of which is never seen any other time of year. To alternative energy sources. We've been able to cap- gain a better perspective on this phenomenon and ture the methane and heat from our compost opera- to fully appreciate the marketing opportunities pre- tion and reindeer stables to heat over 70% of our sented, I've asked Mr. Kris Kringle of Kringle Enter- corporate headquarters. I'm very proud of the fact prises, Inc. to share with us some of his thoughts that our monitoring stations show no degradation of and observations. the polar ice caps near our North Pole headquarters.

Q. MR. KRINGLE, WOULD YOU PLEASE DE- Q. HOW DO YOU STAY CURRENT ON THE SCRIBE YOUR BUSINESS FOR US? LATEST TRENDS IN THE HOLIDAY GIFT A. Basically, Kringle Enterprises is a giveaway TRADE? business. It's a huge loss leader marketing enter- A. I'm glad you asked this question. It seems so prise supported by manufacturers worldwide. It's simple, yet I've talked with distributors who con- great publicity and visibility for them and I handle sider this a nasty topic unfit for human conversa- the entire distribution network, saving them all the tion. My answer is to travel, attend meetings, read logistical headaches common during the holiday trade journals and visit your competitors' busi- crunch. Furthermore, the marketing is targeted at nesses. As you know, I travel worldwide in Decem-

kids, a segment of the market which has billions ber. Other times of year, I like to head south and of discretionary dollars. We reach them when combine business and pleasure by attending shows they're young and stay with them throughout their such as the Holiday Gift Show and the Fancy Food formative years. Show in New York City. New products and ideas are continually being introduced to the consuming Q. MR. KRINGLE, WHAT CHANGES HAVE YOU public and those who don't keep up will likely drop SEEN IN THE WAY YOU DO BUSINESS NOW out. We try to see change as exciting, not some- VERSUS 20-30 YEARS AGO? thing that interferes with our day-to-day A. The holiday season has become BIG business. existence.These shows also allow Mrs. Kringle and I remember when my business concept for the holi- myself a much needed break from the rigors of days started in Europe with just some simple gift comanaging our large family-run business and we ideas: apples, nuts—that sort of thing. Now it's a both enjoy the excitement of the big city. Besides multibillion dollar worldwide enterprise employing which, we're able to deduct our trip as a business thousands of people. While I no longer maintain the expense. direct approach in all facets of the operation, I must understand the ramifications of a global economy Q. ANY FINAL THOUGHTS FOR OUR READING and how it will affect my business. These floating AUDIENCE? currency rates alone can kill me! A. Well, I think it's important to be very clear as to your purpose in running any business. The con- Q. WHAT ARE SOME MAJOR CHALLENGES FOR cept should be well stated and fully understood by BUSINESSES IN THE 1990'S? the entire work force. Refining your business as the A. Government regulations are beginning to play a years progress will be necessary. I've worked hard larger role. In my holiday business, there's workers to develop name recognition worldwide and I think compensation, worker protection laws, OSHA regs I've been pretty successful. My manufacturers know due to seasonal elf housing, groundwater protection that their products will receive maximum attention and a myriad of others to consider. I believe in be- due to my marketing techniques and that means ing proactive, not reactive, in meeting these regula- real sales for them in the future. And speaking of tory and environmental concerns. For example, we the work force, I would be remiss if I didn't men- compost all our reindeer manure, food wastes, old tion my fine associates. I must say that motivated, wrapping paper, soiled corrugated cardboard from happy workers are my best asset. Take care of shipping containers and any other compostable or- them, inspire confidence and trust, and they'll be ganics we might generate. We've named it Kris' the cornerstone for any successful business. Kompost and it's been a popular side business for us the past 5 years. What might have been a nitrate Holly Daze is Extension Specialist, International leaching problem from animal manures has instead Marketing Trends, UNH Cooperative Extension. *

December 1992 &. January 1993 25 HARRY STOLLER & CO., Inc. 109-113 Essex St., Haverhill, Mass. 01830, (508) 373-6838, (800) 322-0332 We cater to the small and medium size nursery in any quantity desired:

1. New heavy grade domestic burlap sqs. 5. Wire baskets untreated & no-rot-treated 6. Flat-folded burlap basket liners

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27 WORTH REPEATING

Farm Grown Christmas Gifts Mrs. Clement Haskin

WE GROW our Christmas presents chose the largest, whitest eggs in jams and jellies enjoy a treat of right here on the farm. The garden, the lay, and stamped on each a some unusual flavor. My quince the cornfield, the orchard, the Christmas seal before packing in a honey, for instance and sunshine woods each contribute something holly paper carton. To a favorite preserves are neighoorhood favorites toward our; Christmas giving. We little niece who lives in Chicago so I usually give a jar of one or the even call on Rhoda, our best Jersey we sent a large box of even-sized other of these. cow, and the purebred leghorn hens. ears of popcorn. One of the ears I Christmas at our house without a It was just three years ago that dressed like a doll in red and green few chewy popcorn balls just isn't we first tried this "home-grown" paper using shucks for the arms Christmas. We make the balls the giving plan. That year the drought and a bit of cob for the head. This old-fashioned way stirring the corn got most of the corn and the early corn doll was fastened to the lid of into molasses candy or taffy. When frost took the lest. There wasn't a the holly-covered box. no more com can be added to the cent for extra spending. When mixture it is set aside a few minutes Christmas came we had to give just GIFTS FROM CORN HUSKS to get cool enough to handle before what we had, or nothing at all. We Corn shucks are another farm prod- forming into balls. Before the balls wrapped up everything loose, chick- uct I turn into gifts. I braid them are quite cool they are rolled in ens, canned fruit, bulbs, flower seed, into baskets, bags, sets of table doi- freshly-popped corn. pumpkins, feathers, nuts and apples. lies and rugs. Field corn gives the A great deal of fun is had by wrap- Such a collection! But it turned out best colored and strongest shucks. ping little gifts in waxed paper and to be the merriest Christmas we Sweet corn is paler and not nearly placing them in the center of the ever had. so durable. Any age shuck is all balls. Last year we inserted a loop of A box of finest Winesap apples we right to use with the exception of silver thread through some of the packed for a sister in town. Each the green ones. I tear off the outer balls so that they could be slipped apple was wrapped in pale green tis- coarse-grained leaves and use only over the branches to help decorate sue paper and wore a Christmas the soft-textured creamy ones in- our tree. seal. An apple Santa Claus was the side. They are finer fibered &. more For a young cousin who is fond of final touch. A bright red apple pliable and take the dye better, too. collecting pretty stones my little son formed his well filled coat. The After sorting out a quantity of has been saving every small pebble head, a ball of tightly wrapped cot- these inner leaves, I cut off all the he could find that was unusual in ton, was fastenea on with a tooth- thick stubby ends with scissors. shape or coloring. He has a great pick. The legs and arms were also The shuck leaves without the collection now, more than 100, with toothpicks cotton wrapped. The hard part measure from five to nine a special box made to send them in. white fur belt and beard were strips inches. The braids may be of any The container is a cigar box covered of cotton held with paste. The fea- width. Wide braids are best for rugs with a plastic foundation made of tures were embroidered with and baskets as they work up quick- 11/2 cups of whiting, 1 gill of clear, colored thread ly while narrow braids are effective fine, liquid glue, 3 teaspoons of lin- UNIQUE CHRISTMAS APPLES for table mats, bags and hats. Corn seed oil and 3 tsps. of varnish. These shucks take dye beautifully, but materials came from the hardware Last year we found a better way to no shade can equal store and cost but a few cents. send greetings with apples. In the dye their own The natural sunburn-yellow. ingredients were mixed in a bowl. summer when the Jonathans were Did you ever burn pine cones on First the whiting was put in, then still green we tried this stunt. Out the open grate? They give a color- the liquids were added in the order of wrapping paper we cut letters to ful dancing flame and a pungent named and stirred slowly to a velvet spell the words "Merry Christmas," piny odor. For our first "home- smoothness. With my spatula, son forming the letters just big enough grown" Christmas the children spread this over the box like frosting for the two words to fit around an gathered several gunny sacks full of on a cake. Then he took his pretti- apple. These cut out letters were cones which sent to friends for est stones &. stuck them into the carried to the orchard, and with we their fire on Christmas Eve. From plaster, completely covering it in a rubber cement we fastened a greet- I letters to mosaic effect, fitting the stones to- ing on more than two dozen apples plain green cloth cut spell a Christmas greeting and ap- gether. hanging on what we call our "Mer- pliqued them to the sacks. In the Two years ago my son contributed ry Christmas" tree. As the sun col- center of each bag of cones we a gift that pleased my city brother. ors the fruit the protected part un- packed a small pine log on which In the pasture he found two almost der the letters remains a soft green husband carved the words twin-sized stones which sparkled At apple pickmg time, the letters my with a thousand flecks of silica. were removed, and there was the "Your Yuletide Log." I jellies These were sent to serve as book Christmas greeting, plain to read. When make jams and one jar is always set aside for the ends for his uncle's desk. Several Merry Christmas apples are Christmas shelf. By the holidays I I save duck and chicken feathers packed on the top layer of each gift usually have ten or fifteen choice and occasionally give awav enough box. "How is it done?" Curious glasses. With green sealing wax I for a pair of good-sized pillows. Wo- friends wrote immediately to in- write a Merry Christmas across men, whether they live in town or quire. But we kept our secret. It each paraffin cover and pack the the country, appreciate such a gift. was such fun to near their crazy jars in small corrugated paper con- guesses and we want to repeat the Selectons lepiinted from The idea next year. tainers. Even my neighbors who have National Farm Journal, December That same year I gave a dozen their cellars filled with home-made 1932, Volume LVI. Number 12. »» eggs to each of two town friends. I THE PlANTSMAN 28 The Mitsubishi Fuso 4WDFG. Built to work where others can't.

There's always been a need for a need for a four- wheel drive, cab- over light-duty truck that can con- oflF- quer sand, snovi' , steep hills, and road conditions. A real truck. The 127 HP, 11,600 lb 7GVW, iutercooled, turbochargeddiesel, MTTSUBISHI FUSO 4WD FG, is exactly that truck. A cab-forward design with excep- ttoual froat andside visibility lets the driver see over, and around, snowplows. Up, and down, hilly terrain. And threatening conditions that conventional designs hide. Wheelbase options help maintain the original design integrity that's often sacrificed by unnecessary adaptions, A durable, reliable chassis, frame, and suspension system not only makes the ride smooth. But also protects the truck, the load, and your investment. And, accepts a variety ofbody andbox options.

It is a truck that has survived over 5.000 miles of threatening conditions in the Australian outback to finish the 1988 Wynn's Safari Rally Race when 50% of the entrants didn't. MITSUBISHI FUSO 4WD FG wiU work on those jobs that destroy ordinary, conventional trucks.

v'v4'- LIBERTY INTERNATIONAL 1400 South Willow Street ^ Manchester, NH 03103 Parts: 669-8524 INTERNATIONAL NH WATS: 1.800.562.3814 AMITSUBISHI FUSO 1992 ASSOCIATION OFFICERS January Events President

Bob Demers, Jr. Demers Nursery &. Garden Center NEW HAMPSHIRE PLANT GROWERS' ASSOCIATION 656 South Mammoth Road Manchester, NH 03103 ANNUAL WINTER MEETING 625-8298 Wednesday, January 13, 1993, Granite Grill, Secietatry / Tieasuiei Street Bar & Manchester, New Hampshire Christopher Robarge UNH/TSAS Registration begins at 9:00 (Coffee and Danish provided). Our annual busi- Horticultural Facilities Manager ness meeting and election of officers will follow at 9:30. Durham, NH 03824 This year's theme is Color in the Garden. For those members who 862-1074 raise or sell garden material—annuals, perennials, bedding plants (this probably includes most of us) or use it in design work, here is a chance Directors — to look at new introductions and new ways of using some of the old. Andrea Capron Speakers include Mike Murgiano, Sluis &. Groot Seed Company, who will Box 232 speak on Color in the Landscape) Peter van Berkum, van Berkum Nurs- Center Ossipee, NH 03814 ery, speaking on Color in Perennials-, and Richard Zoerb, Fred C. 539-6030 Gloekner &. Company, who will give a slide tour of some of the innova- Peter Corey tions at the Ameriflora Exhibition in Columbus, Ohio.

RFD 1, Box 678 Breaking up all this color with some black-and-white facts on market- Whitefield, NH 03598 ing and finance will be Tina Sawtelle, Sawtelle Marketing Associates, 837-9113 speaking on Designing a Logo that Works for You, and Bill Martin, South- Bruce Holmes ern New England Farm Credit, whose talk is entitled Traffic Signals of a Financial Statement: Fifteen-Minute Growers' Analysis. PO Box 75 A (12-1:30) offers salad and a choice of grilled breast, Center Tuftonboro, NH 03816 Lunch chicken 569-2127 baked scrod, or shish kebab. Dessert is carrot cake. The meal is offered only to those who preregister. Preregistration is Henry Huntington $20; walk-in, $15. So it's sensible to socialize with fellow members and Pleasant View Gardens come for lunch. A flier with more information and directions on how to RFD #3, PO Box 3701 get there will be in the mail shortly. (You may have already received it.) Pittsfield, NH 03263 For even more information, call Chris Robarge at (603) 862-1074. 435-8361 Peter van Berkum 4 James Road TWILIGHT MEETING: PLEASANT VIEW GARDENS Deerfield, NH 03037 Thursday, January 21, 5:30-7:30 463-7663 Roger Warren The First Twilight Meeting of 1993 will be held at Pleasant View Gardens Box 318 in Pittsfield on January 21. The meeting will begin around 5:30. Meriden, NH 03770 The Huntingtons—Jon, Jeff, and Henry—will host the meeting and give 469-3226 (H); 448-61 10 (W) a tour of their brand new 25,000-square foot Nexus gutter-connected Richard Zoerb house. The house is environmentally computer-controlled and the inno- vations include trench drains in the concrete floor leading to a drainage Gloeckner &. Company, Inc. 72 Hawkstead Hollow ditch. (Eventually a pond will be built to catch run-off.) Nashua, NH 03063 The house will have been in operation barely a month, so it will be a production house. 886-8665 good opportunity to see the beginnings of a major new For information, call Henry at (603) 435-8361.

NH PLANT GROWERS ASSOCIATION NON-PROFIT THE PLANTSMAN EDITOR ORGANIZATION UNH RESEARCH GREENHOUSES US POSTAGE PAID DURHAM, NH 03824 PERMIT NO. 43