Hudson Valley Horticulture
Cornell Cooperative Extension of the Hudson Valley
~~~Commercial Horticulture Electronic Newsletter~~~
Volume 7, Issue 3
March 22, 2007
Participating Counties: Dutchess * Orange * Putnam * Rockland * Sullivan * Ulster * Westchester *
Editor: Rosemarie S. Baglia
http://www.cce.cornell.edu

In this Issue:
· Funding Available for Community-Based Partnerships to Reduce Toxic Risks
· New Orleans Termites Dodge Katrina Bullet
· Northeast Small Farm & Rural Living Expo Seeks Exhibitors
·Attracting birds to your gardens? Avian influenza news
· Now Available: Integrated Pest Management Field Guide for Christmas Trees: Douglas Fir, True Firs, Spruce
· White Pine Weevil
· 2007 Pest Management Guidelines for Berry Crops Available
· Tobacco Mosaic Virus Helps Plants
· Cornell Cooperative Extension Calendar of Events
· Tri-County Nursery Landscape Association Events
· Other Horticulture Programs
· Pesticide Certification Training and Exams Spring 2007
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Funding Available for Community-Based Partnerships to Reduce Toxic Risks

The US Environmental Protection Agency will award about $2.7 million in cooperative agreements in two levels through the Community Action for a Renewed Environment (CARE) program. The 2006 CARE Cooperative Agreement Request for Proposals (RFP) is available on-line at www.grants.gov/search/search.do?oppId=12472&mode=VIEW

Level I cooperative agreements will help establish community-based partnerships and set priorities for reducing toxic risks in a community. EPA anticipates awarding eight to ten cooperative agreements under Level I, ranging from $75,000 to $100,000.

Level II cooperative agreements are for communities that already have a broad-based collaborative partnership, have identified risk reduction priorities and are ready to implement risk reduction strategies. EPA expects to award six to eight cooperative agreements, ranging from $150,000 to $300,000.

A range of community groups may apply for funding, including county and local governments, tribes, non-profit organizations and universities. Applications are due April 9, 2007.

The CARE program, which began in 2005, helps to build broad-based local partnerships for reducing risks from toxic pollutants that come from numerous sources. For additional information about CARE, projects awarded in 2005 and 2006, or how to apply for the cooperative agreements, visit EPA's Web site at www.epa.gov/care

For information about CARE Internet Seminars, please go to www.cluin.org/studio/seminar.cfm#upcoming and click on the registration link for the "CARE Request for Proposals Q&A".

Source: EPA Pesticide Program Updates from EPA's Office of Pesticide Programs, 02/20/07 www.epa.gov/pesticides

Submitted by Rick Harper, Cornell Cooperative Extension Westchester County

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New Orleans Termites Dodge Katrina Bullet

Tales of survival have been trickling out of New Orleans ever since Hurricane Katrina struck in August 2005. But few have focused on what might be considered the city's most tenacious residents its subterranean termites.

Agricultural Research Service (ARS) entomologists recently confirmed what many termite researchers and city officials were hoping against. Despite the high waters, winds and other havoc unleashed by Katrina over a year ago, the invasive Formosan subterranean termite is persisting in New Orleans.

Mary Cornelius, who works in New Orleans at the ARS Southern Regional Research Center (SRRC), has been tracking termite numbers in City Park a 1,300-acre green space in the heart of the city since 2002. Just after Katrina, the park was inundated with brackish water spilling out of nearby Lake Ponchartrain.

According to Cornelius, even the three weeks of flooding that left four-foot-high water marks on the park's bald cypress and live oak trees weren't enough to chase off the termites.

Cornelius' data shows that in October 2005, about a month after the storm, 82 percent of the termite traps she'd been monitoring were still active. The 125 traps she tracks are situated at the base of trees, a food source and focal point for colonies of termites, one of the only insects in the world capable of digesting woody cellulose.

SRRC entomologist Weste Osbrink also tracked post-Katrina termite activity. Compared to Cornelius, he reported a slightly lower survival rate among colonies, especially those associated with pine trees. The scientists announced their findings earlier this month at the annual meeting of the Entomological Society of America in Indianapolis, Ind.

While a few theories exist to help explain the insects' remarkable staying power, Cornelius puts a lot of stock in a unique material the termites craft out of chewed wood and their saliva and feces. This all-natural sealant, referred to as "carton," helps waterproof the colonies' extensive network of underground nests and corridors.

Given the destructive termites' perseverance, researchers are encouraging homeowners and businesses to not abandon their pre-Katrina control efforts.

Written by Erin Peabody, USDA-ARS Staff Writer, December 2006. To read more, visit: http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2006/061226.htm. For more information about Termites, visit: http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2092.html.

Submitted by Rick Harper, Cornell Cooperative Extension Westchester County

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Northeast Small Farm & Rural Living Expo Seeks Exhibitors

The Northeast Small Farm and Rural Living Expo and Trade Show, comes back to the Hudson Valley on Saturday, Oct. 13th and Sunday, Oct 14th, from 9am to 4pm. Once again the Ulster County Fairgrounds will be host to the event. The Small Farm and Rural Living Expo, which rotates between New York, Pennsylvania and New Jersey, will attract thousands of people who are interested in learning more about farming and rural living.

The Expo planning committee is looking for vendors to exhibit at this years Expo. Space is available for agricultural agencies, commodity and breed associations, building and fence companies, feed and animal care companies, rural living product suppliers, small farm equipment manufacturers, and other businesses interested in reaching people interest in farming and rural living. For more information about booth sizes and fees, please contact Joe Walsh at (845) 292-6180, jjw11@cornell.edu or Larry Hulle at (845) 344-1234, lrh6@cornell.edu. Bookmark our website for updates on the Small Farm and Rural Living Expo at www.smallfarmexpo.org.

The Cornell Small Farms Program is proud to co-sponsor this years Expo. For more information on a variety of small farms topics, please visit www.smallfarms.cornell.edu.

Submitted by Rose Baglia Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County

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Attracting birds to your gardens? Avian influenza news

Two pieces of good news reported in World Poultry:

No avian flu in Canadian wild bird survey from 14 Feb 2007

Zero out of over 12,000 birds have tested positive for highly pathogenic strains of avian influenza, as shown by the results of Canada’s second annual Wild Bird Survey for Avian Influenza.

Samples were taken from birds across Canada and Iceland - live and dead, migratory and resident.

Various avian flu subtypes were evident in the survey, including H5 subtypes, however, only low pathogenic strains, which is not uncommon in wild birds.

Humans May be Immune to Bird Flu from 14 Feb 2007

Ever since an outbreak of bird flu in southeast Asia spread to neighboring regions in 2004, scientists have been concerned that the H5N1 strain of avian influenza could signal a new pandemic among humans.

Research on mice and humans found natural resistance to flu strains that people are typically exposed to could be translated into immunity against bird flu itself.

Researchers from the St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital say that due to the fact seasonal human flu (H1N1) and bird flu contain a closely related neuraminidase (N1), a disease spreading agent, many people immune to the former could have a similar resistance to the latter.

Researchers tested blood samples from 38 human volunteers and their ability to inactivate neuraminidase from the human N1 virus and two H5N1 viruses. Most of the samples were active against the protein from the human flu virus, with eight of nine inhibiting the protein from both H5N1 strains.

The conclusion was that many people may be naturally immune to the effects of avian influenza.

The US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has dubbed the research a tantalizing suggestion, but cautions that further work is needed to demonstrate there is actual protection in humans against avian flu.

Submitted by Rose Baglia Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County

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Now Available: Integrated Pest Management Field Guide for Christmas Trees: Douglas Fir, True Firs, Spruce

The Christmas Tree IPM Field Guide compiled by Stephanie Mallozzi of CCE Dutchess County contains a series of fact sheets (with color photos) on 17 arthropod pests, 9 diseases, 4 abiotic disorders, 2 vertebrate pests, a resource section, index of growing degree days calendar, a seasonal occurrence time-line, and monthly scouting guidelines for spruces, true firs and Douglas fir. The guide is 80 pages and contained in an 8 1/2" X 11" loose-leaf binder. The primary purpose of this publication is to have a user-friendly guide to help growers identify pest problems and learn IPM techniques to manage them. The guide is intended to be "in flux"...that is additions, deletions, corrections etc. can be added to keep the information current. This guide is also useful to landscapers who maintain these trees in landscape settings. The guide is available from CCE Dutchess County. Cost is $14.00 plus $5.00 postage. To order a copy please contact Stephanie Mallozzi at 845.677.8223 ext. 104 or email at sdm10@cornell.edu.

Written by Stephanie D. Mallozzi, Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County

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White Pine Weevil

The white pine weevil is an "early riser" in the spring. Favored hosts are Easter white and Scots pines (though other pines may also be attacked), spruces (especially Norway spruce), hemlock and Douglas fir (not a favored host). Adults are small brownish-black weevils about 1/4 inch long. Larvae are white with a curved body also about 1/4 inch long. In late March to April be on the look out for small round holes or pitch flow on terminal leaders where adults will feed and/or lay eggs. The characteristic "shepherd's crook" (wilted or dead leaders) will start to appear by mid-June. Wilted leaders will contain the larvae and later on in early to midsummer, the pupal chambers. Scraping away the outer layer of bark of the wilted leaders in late June to July will reveal white wood chip "cocoons". These are the pupation chambers made of shredded wood and bark in the leader. When wilted leaders are observed they can be pruned out. Be sure to prune below the infested leader. If pesticides are necessary they should be directed at controlling the adults before they lay eggs - 7-58GDD (late March/early April). For more information go to http://ppathw3.cals.cornell.edu/Trees/WPWeevil.html.

Written by Stephanie D. Mallozzi, Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County

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2007 Pest Management Guidelines for Berry Crops Available

The next title in this year's Cornell Guidelines series, the 2007 Pest Management Guidelines for Berry Crops, is available and ready for distribution from the Pesticide Management Education Program Educational Resources Distribution Center.

The 2007 Pest Management Guidelines for Berry Crops includes the most up-to-date information currently available for managing pests in berry crops. Berry crops covered by this Guideline include blueberries, brambles (raspberries and blackberries), strawberries, and ribes (currants and gooseberries). Highlighted revisions include updated pesticide applicator recordkeeping information, an expanded discussion on disease management in berry crops, and revised pesticide registration information. This Guideline has been designed as a practical reference for producers, pesticide dealers, and others involved in production of the berry crops listed above.

Ordering Information: Item Code: BC-07, List Price: $25.00 (shipping INCLUDED)

Customers may submit orders directly: Phone at (607) 255-7282; Fax at (607) 255-7311; E-mail at patorder@cornell.edu. Customers may also submit orders via our new on-line store at http://store.cce.cornell.edu/pmep.

Submitted by Rose Baglia, Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County

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Tobacco Mosaic Virus Helps Plants

Researchers at the University of Florida are using a genetically modified strain of tobacco mosaic virus to control insect pests in ornamental plants and food crops. The strain of TMV does not harm plants, but it carries in it a chemical that can kill susceptible insect pests within 72 hours. Because it is carried in a virus, the insecticide is not passed on through the seeds to future generations. More information can be found at http://news.ifas.ufl.edu/story.aspx?id=1184

Submitted by Anna Snider, Cornell Cooperative Extension Westchester County

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Cornell Cooperative Extension 2006-2007
Horticulture Programs for Professionals
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Cornell Cooperative Extension of the Hudson Valley provides educational programs that can help you improve your skills in horticulture, pest management and business management. Updated brochures with specific information about each program will be mailed to you beforehand only if you are on your county's Cooperative Extension mailing list. If you wish to be added to that list, have questions or need further information about these programs, contact your local Cooperative Extension office listed below. Pesticide Recertification Credits will be awarded at programs marked * pending NYS DEC approval. All dates subject to change.

Garden Center Employee Training
Date TBA
Contact: Dianne Olsen (845) 278-6738 or Marianna Quartararo (845) 292-6180 x112

*Christmas Tree Twilight Meeting
July, 2007 – TBA
Contact: Stephanie Mallozzi (845) 677-8223 x104 or Teresa Rusinek (845) 340-3990
This is a hands on, in-the-field program focusing on professional Christmas tree production issues.

Tri-County Nursery/Landscape Association In Conjunction With Cornell Cooperative Extension Present 2007 Calendar of Events

March 26 (Snow Date March 27)
Ornamentals Pest Update- M&D Mower Day
Rose Baglia (845) 344-1234, Jim Presutti (845) 567-1611

April 12
Landscaping for Stormwater Management- CCE Orange
Rose Baglia (845) 344-1234

April 27
Arbor Day – Proper Tree Planting- Orange County Arboretum
Jim Presutti (845) 567-1611

July 10
Summer BBQ with Hardscape Industry Representatives
Jan Jansen (845) 651-4106

September 11
Golf Outing At Winding Hills
Jim Presutti (845) 567-1611

October 13 & 14
Small Farm and Rural Living EXPO- Ulster Fairgrounds
Rose Baglia (845) 344-1234

November 13 -15
Green Industry Show- Rochester
Jan Jansen (845) 651-4106

December 1
Holiday Party
Kevin Shuback (845) 651-4074, Jan Jansen (845) 651-4106


All Dates Subject to Change

* = Pesticide Recertification Credits pending DEC approval

If you’re not already a member, please consider joining the Tri-County Nurseryman/Landscape Association, Region 7 of the New York State Nursery/Landscape Association. It's a great way to network, learn and meet other people within our industry.
For more information contact: Kevin Shuback (845) 651-4074.

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Other Professional Horticulture Programs of Interest

NYS ReLeaf Conference
July 19-21, 2007, Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, NY
For more information contact: Mary Kramarchyk at 518-402-9412 or email at mckramar@gw.dec.state.ny.us.

Join fellow urban and community foresters, municipal officials, community organizations, arborists, and affiliated industry professionals for a conference that offers workshops and tours on urban and community forestry issues.

Certified Landscape Technician Training
Contact: New York State Turf and Landscape Association, (914) 961-2535, www.nystla.com

An optional national testing program to recognize proficiency of qualified landscape professionals.

Certified Nursery Landscape Professional Training Program
Dutchess, Putnam & Westchester: Scott Olivieri (914) 682-4224
Orange, Rockland & Ulster: Mark Masseo (845) 658-9148

By passing this exam you can earn the title Certified Nursery Professional (CNLP). Contact your New York State Nursery and Landscape Association representative, listed above, for more details.

Pesticide Certification Exam Schedule
Spring 2007 – Region 3

COUNTY TRAINING EXAMS
9:30 AM – 1:00 PM CORE: 9:30 AM - CATEGORY: 11:00 AM

Rockland (845-429-7085) April 4, 2007

Westchester/Putnam (845-278-6738) March 20, 2007 April 12, 2007

Orange (845-344-1234) April 10, 2007 May 8, 2007

Sullivan (845-292-6180) April 20, 2007 May 18, 2007

Dutchess (845-677-8223) April 26, 2007 May 24, 2007

Ulster (845-340-3990) None Scheduled None Scheduled


Seating may be limited. Reservations are required by all counties. Contact the Cornell Cooperative Extension office where you wish to attend to sign up.

The DEC charges $50 for the exam fee (If you are attending the pre-exam training session, please bring a check or money order for the $50 exam with you that day). Upon passing the exam, the certification fee is $225 for your first category (except $100 for cat. 3A or 3B only). This certification will be valid for a 3 year period (only 1 year for cat. 3A or 3B only). If adding a category, a letter of experience or 12 recertification credits are needed to be allowed into the test: also certification fee to be determined at the time of the exam dependent on expiration date of current license.

For more information contact the New York State Department of Environment Conservation, Division of Solid and Hazardous Materials, Region 3, 21 South Putt Corners Road, New Paltz, New York 121561-1696; by phone 845-256-3097, fax 845-255-3414, or visit their website at www.dec.state.ny.us.

Cornell Cooperative Extension County Commercial Horticulture Educators

Dutchess: Stephanie Mallozzi, sdm10@cornell.edu, 845-677-8223 x 104
Orange: Rosemarie Baglia, rsb22@cornell.edu, 845-344-1234
Putnam: Dianne Olsen, dko3@cornell.edu, 845-278-6738
Rockland: Caryn Singer (for Paul Trader), cs356@cornell.edu, 845-429-7085 x 117
Ulster: Teresa Rusinek, tr28@cornell.edu, 845-340-3990
Westchester: Rick Harper, rwh26@cornell.edu, 914-946-3005
Sullivan: Marianna Quartararo, mdq2@cornell.edu, 845-292-6180 x 112

Pesticide Certification

If you apply pesticides, including weed-killers, weed and feed products, insecticides, fungicides, or tick control products to customer's properties for hire, you or someone in your company must be a New York State Certified Pesticide Applicator through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and have your business registered. There are now three levels of commercial certification: applicator, technician, and apprentice.

For Commercial Applicators
To be eligible to take the exams to become certified, you must meet one of the following requirements:
· 3 out of the past 5 years of verifiable experience as an apprentice working in the category applicant is seeking certification in; or
· 3 out of the past 5 years as a certified private applicator in a corresponding private category; or
· Certification in another State with which New York has reciprocity; or
· if seeking certification in the Sales Category - At least 3 years experience in the sale of pesticides, or can demonstrate, through applicable training certifications or education degrees, that one possesses appropriate technical background.
Certified Pesticide Technician
· be at least 17 years of age.
· 2 years of verifiable experience as an apprentice; or
· completion of a 30-hr. training course, approved by the Department or a baccalaureate or associate degree from an accredited college or university in the area seeking certification. These are offered at the following:
Westchester Community College: (914) 785-6830
Dutchess Community College: (845) 431-8904
Colorado Correspondence Course: (800) 525-4950

For technicians, once certified, desiring full applicator status the following documentation is required: a letter indicating 2 yrs. of experience or 1 yr. of experience plus 12 recertification credits. Experience and recertification credits must be category or sub-category specific.

Pesticide Apprentice
· Must be at least 16 years of age.
· Must receive 40 hours of pesticide use experience under supervision of a certified applicator and a minimum of 8 hours of instruction on topics outlined in Section 325.18 of Part 325 Rules & Regulations relating to the application of pesticides, before being able to apply general use pesticides under the off-site direct supervision of a certified applicator.
· Documentation of the above must be maintained by the certified applicator, and include: name & address of apprentice; date(s) of instruction or observation; content of training and certification category; instructor's name and certification identification number; and an evaluation of the competency of the apprentice.
For Private Applicators:
· Must be at least 17 years old.
· Have at least one year of full-time experience within the last three years in the use of pesticides in the category in which certification is requested – OR
· Has completed a 30-hr. training course, or has received an associate's or higher level college degree in the area of which certification is requested.
For further information on eligibility rules and regulations, and fees, contact the NYSDEC Region 3 Pesticide Staff at (845) 256-3097.

Eligible candidates for certification must attend a training session, and pass two examinations, administered by the NYSDEC and held in conjunction with Cornell Cooperative Extension. Once you determine you are eligible for certification, contact your county's Cornell Cooperative Extension office for information on registering for the training class and exams. Contact your local CCE educator to find out training and exam dates for your county in the Hudson Valley.

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Mention of trade names and commercial products is for educational purposes; no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by Cornell Cooperative Extension or Cornell University is implied.

Pesticide recommendations are for informational purposes only and manufacturers' recommendations change. Read the manufacturers' instructions carefully before use. Cornell Cooperative Extension and Cornell University assume no responsibility for the use of any pesticide or chemicals.

Some of the links provided are not maintained by Cornell Cooperative Extension and Cornell University. Cornell Cooperative Extension and Cornell University are not responsible for information on these websites. They are included for information purposes only and no endorsement by Cornell Cooperative Extension or Cornell University is implied.

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