Houseplants can produce volatile organic compounds, study says
Previous research has demonstrated that common houseplants can remove indoor air pollution, classified as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). But new research shows that some houseplants can actually produce VOCs, contributing to indoor air pollution. Scientists at the University of Georgia published a paper on the subject in the journal HortScience. Researchers fed four types of houseplants filtered air and measured what gases become present in enclosed glass containers. The peace lily produced the most VOCs: 23. The areca palm produced 16, the weeping fig 13 and the snake plant 12. Researchers concluded that some VOCs were released by microorganisms in the soil. But many came from pesticides applied to the plants where they were grown, and 11 were produced by plastic pots.
Late blight won’t overwinter in Northeast, experts say
Late blight (Phytophthora infestans) has caused big headaches for vegetable gardeners in New England. But retailers can share some good news with customers: Late blight won’t overwinter in the area, except in infected potato tubers according to UConn Home and Garden Education Center. A report on the Web site Floriculture Greenhouse Update noted that the pathogen survives in living tissue and will be killed by freezing temperatures. Therefore, your customers don’t need to be concerned about their soil harboring late blight and creating a source of infection for next year. If your customers grew potatoes that were infected with late blight, they should destroy or bury infected tubers two feet deep.
Super Floral Show changes its name, format
Diversified Business Communications has changed the name of The Super Floral Show to reflect the expanded and broadened focus of the exposition. The new show, International Floriculture Expo, aims to serve all segments of floriculture. The 2010 Expo will be June 23-25 at the Miami Beach Convention Center in Florida.
What's Online?
A conversation on store branding
How can garden retailers effectively maintain a store brand-image? Listen to a conversation on this topic with industry consultant Sid Raisch.
What’s hot for 2010?
Want to get up to speed on the latest products to stock on your shelves? Browse the“Featured Product” section conveniently located on our home page. Access product specs and company contact information from one central location.
Inspired displays
Looking for something to get your creative juices flowing? Check out our photo collection of retail displays and add some images of your own! Click “Community” and “Retail Displays” to access this image library.
Who's News?
New positions
Walt Weir to sales rep, New England regional manager; Aris Horticultural Services, Barberton, Ohio.
Patty LeCompte to territory manager for Texas, Deep Fork Tree Farm, Arcadia, Okla.
Natalee Schoettler to nursery team, Target Specialty Products, Santa Fe Springs, Calif.
Honors
David Austin’s rose ‘Graham Thomas’ is the World’s Favorite Rose, according to the World Federation of Rose Societies. Rosa ‘Graham Thomas’ becomes only the 14th rose in 33 years to win the triennial accolade.
Michigan Department of Agriculture awarded Walters Gardens, Zeeland, Mich., 2008 Michigan Agriculture Exporter of the Year.
Plumstone, Grand Rapids, Mich., received the 2009 Innovation of the Year award from the Small Business Association of Michigan.
J. Frank Schmidt III, President and CEO of J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co., Boring, Ore, has been named grower of the year by NMPRO Magazine.
Deaths
John Constantine Sr., 83, owner of Constantine’s Garden Center, Richfield, Ohio, died August 17.
Calendar
October 2009
1-3, America in Bloom Symposium & Awards Program, Hershey, Pa.; americainbloom.org
2-3, Middle Tennessee Nursery Association Trade Show, McMinnville, Tenn.; mtna.com
7, Proven Winners Roadshow, Cromwell, Conn.; pwcertified.com
13, Proven Winners Roadshow, Denver, Colo.; pwcertified.com
15, Proven Winners Roadshow, San Francisco, Calif.; pwcertified.com
20, Proven Winners Roadshow, Ottowa, Ontario, Canada; pwcertified.com
20-21, Landscape Ontario Garden & Floral Expo, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; gardenexpo.ca
22, Proven Winners Roadshow, Louisville, Ky.; pwcertified.com
27, Proven Winners Roadshow, Grand Rapids, Mich.; pwcertified.com
29, Proven Winners Roadshow, Greenville, S.C.; pwcertified.com
November 2009
16-19, Garden Centers of America Holiday Tour, Cleveland, Ohio; gardencentersofamerica.org
Explore the October 2009 Issue
Check out more from this issue and find your next story to read.