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Pulse electric field technology may be a viable pest control alternative to methyl bromide

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Pulse electric field (PEF) employs bursts of high-voltage electricity to inactive microorganisms. Primarily used in the food industry, some researchers have reported promising results in nematode and plant disease control (Riga et al. 2020). We are collaborating with Lisi Global to adapt an existing technology for a new use in the ornamental nursery industry.

Don’t get burned by charcoal rot

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Soilborne fungus can afflict hebes and a wide range of other host plants Hebes (pronounced heebees) are an interesting group of evergreen shrubs, mainly from New Zealand, although there are also a few from South America and French Polynesia. Botanically, they are now placed in the genus Veronica, but many will know them by their […]

Call it ‘herbal distancing’

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Research shows that spacing out boxwood shrubs in production prevents the spread of infectious spores By Mana Ohkura, Lloyd Nackley, Carolyn Scagel and Jerry E. Weiland It’s been a year and a half since the COVID-19 pandemic started. We have been hearing how social distancing prevents the spread of the virus and we see signs […]

Scouting for boxwood blight

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These tips make it easier to spot and mitigate this highly infectious disease By Jerry E. Weiland and Jay W. Pscheidt The 2019 growing season was a big year for boxwood blight in Oregon. The disease, caused by the pathogen Calonectria (Cylindrocladium) pseudonaviculata, has caused substantial damage to boxwood shrubs in U.S. nurseries and gardens […]

Heroes and villains

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Research identifies harmful and beneficial microbes in nursery soil Four years ago, we received funding from the Floriculture and Nursery Research Initiative to study the interaction of soil-borne pathogens and environment on nursery plant health and disease control (Digger, July 2015). Since then, we have made significant progress in identifying the beneficial and pathogenic microbes […]