Digger magazine

Written to make you a nursery industry expert.

Scientists ID possible cause for honeybee colony collapse

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For five years, scientists have puzzled over the origin of colony collapse disorder (CCD), which is believed responsible for a decline in the honeybee populations that many agricultural producers depend upon. Now it appears that a scientist at San Francisco State University may have discovered one possible culprit quite by accident. He uncovered an insect […]

Over-extended agents dwindle in numbers

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They’re called extension agents, but these days, maybe “over-extended” agents would be more appropriate. The Capital Press reports that extension agents who retire or take on different duties aren’t being replaced as often as they used to be. Meanwhile, some are being asked to take on double duty as both regional extension administrators and experiment […]

Box blight webinar set for Thursday at 8 a.m. PST

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Cylindrocladium buxicola, a fungal blight afflicting boxwood shrubs, recently has been detected in several East Coast states. Experts believe it came over from Europe on infected plant material. At 8 a.m. Pacific time on Thursday morning, Jan. 5, Kelly Ivors of North Carolina State University will hold a free webinar to address this disease threat. […]

Quarantines that outlive their utility

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Most agree that from time to time, plant quarantines are needed to protect against invasive species, pests and pathogens. But what happens when a quarantine is no longer needed, or it no longer conform to the best available practices? According to Dan Hilburn, plant division administrator at the Oregon Department of Agriculture, the answer, all […]

Anderson Die & Manufacturing names new president

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Rick Anderson (left) has been named the new president of Anderson Die & Manufacturing, the Portland-based maker of injection-molded nursery containers and band pots, effective Jan. 1, 2012. He takes over from his father, George Anderson (right), who founded the company in 1954 and will continue to serve as chairman. From the official announcement: Rick’s […]

Boxwood blight found in Eastern U.S. states

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Reports indicate that a new fungal blight of boxwood has been detected in the Eastern United States. Cylindrocladium buxicola was isolated recently and confirmed by USDA in North Carolina, Maryland and other locations. The disease can have severe effects on boxwood, causing rapid and severe defoliation. It was first detected in the U.K. and had […]

High court will hear challenge to Arizona SB 1070

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The U.S. Supreme Court announced on Monday that it will take up the issue of state-based immigration enforcement in 2012, setting up a major showdown over the future course of U.S. immigration policy. The justices will hear arguments, pro and con, over the constitutionality of Arizona Senate Bill 1070, but the case is likely to […]