2011 griffin winter gazette

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Griffin Greenhouse Supplies Winter Gazette

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Page 1: 2011 Griffin Winter Gazette

I n d u s t r y I n f o r m a t i o n T o H e l p Y o u G r o w

W i n t e r 2 0 1 1 I s s u e

Page 2: 2011 Griffin Winter Gazette

NEWFrom GGSPro

Griffin Locations:

Cheshire, CT

Ball Ground, GA

Tewksbury, MA

Gray, ME

Bridgeton, NJ

Ewing, NJ

Auburn, NY Brookhaven, NY Schenectady, NY Morgantown, PA Knoxville, TN Richmond, VA

2

All articles and material featured in this Gazette cannot be duplicated without written permission. Copyright © 2011 by Griffin Greenhouse & Nursery Supplies.

Winter 2011 Issue

Toll Free Order Line: 1.800.659.4346

Griffin General Inquires: 1.800.888.0054

The place to get grower technical information."A must have for greenhouse and nursery operations!"

www.ggspro.com • 1.888.GGSPRO.1 • [email protected]

Order now and get the discounted price of $99.00 (a savings of 20%) To order contact Griffin Customer Service at 1.800.659.4346 or speak with your Griffin Sales Representative

The GGSPro Technical Reference GuideOver 70 pages of detailed technical information with charts and photos

Each section is designed to give subject identification with a picture along with control recommendations.

In addition, we have included our very popular Insect/Disease/Herb & new BCA reference charts right in the book!

These charts have Mode of Action, Active Ingredient, REI, Application Rates and Measurement Conversion Tables.

Want to take a closer look at the reference guide? View a sample on GGSPro.com/CFG.html

• Use it inside and outside - heavy duty pages• Great for IPM scouting• Excellent resource for all your employees!

Save the date for the 2011 Griffin Expo in your area.

MA Expo | August 17, 2011 Eastern States Expo Center 1305 Memorial Ave West Springfield, MA

TN Expo | September 28, 2011 Knoxville Expo Center 5441 Clinton Hwy. Knoxville, TN

PA Expo | September 14, 2011 Lancaster Host Resort 2300 Lincoln Highway East (Rt. 30) • Lancaster, PA

Page 3: 2011 Griffin Winter Gazette

Look for the 2011 Product Catalog

in the mail this February.

In it you will find a variety of new

products to help with your busi-

ness in the upcoming year.

If your catalog has not arrived

by mid-February, please contact

your sales representative or

our office.

2011 Product Catalog

The GGSPro Technical Reference Guide

Because of the sudden and extreme volatility of plastic prices we have delayed the production of our 2011 product catalog in an effort to include as up to date pricing as possible. The new catalog is currently being printed and will be mailed before the end of January.

The plastics resin market has been troublingly unstable with multiple price increases in the 4th quarter of 2010. All plastic product manufacturers have been notified by resin suppliers that increases will most likely continue into 2011. Suppliers cite increas-ing global demand for their resins accompanied by limited availability as the reason for the dramatic price increases.

We apologize for any inconvenience these external market factors may cause in the months ahead. Our customer service department will be available throughout the upcoming growing season to provide updated prices on plastic products.

Several of Griffin’s key vendor partners have the following comments and advice regarding market volatility.

Terry Robinson from Myers-Dillen/ITML told us that in his 26 years of working in our industry he has never seen price increases like these. Terry reported that in the past two months alone polypropylene resin prices have shot up by 27 percent. In his words this is unprecedented.

Rob Summers from Nursery Supplies stated that since 2009 resin prices have increased 35 percent on a year to year basis. Rob explained that Nursery Supplies’ round black containers contain no virgin resin, just reground material. However, he went on to say that the reprocessed resin market is in lock step with the virgin resin market. When virgin prices increase, reprocessed follow immediately. Rob also used the word un-precedented to describe current market conditions.

Mike Vallafskey from TO Plastics cited an upswing in the global economy causing North American resin manufacturers to export more material thereby creating a sup-ply shortage here at home. That formula of supply and demand always results in price increases.

Early Ordering WorksWhile volatility means ups and downs, most believe that the current market con-ditions will cause plastics prices to continue to move upward. Estimates for global demand and subsequent energy prices point to higher prices in the months and years ahead. All three vendors used the term “roller coaster ride” in describing cur-rent market conditions. History has shown that more often than not, those who take advantage of Early Order buy in Programs, will control their input cost and have product availability when needed.

Cost of Plastic Products Rising Rapidly

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Page 4: 2011 Griffin Winter Gazette

It’s about time. Finally. What took so long? I hope we never see one like that again!Found yourself uttering phrases like these recently? Economists tell us the recession ended, officially, months ago accord-ing to government established economic benchmarks. You could’ve fooled us with the news, right? High unemployment and slow housing aren’t allowing us to feel that a recovery has gained traction yet.

With those emotions expressed let’s take a closer look at days that many agree do seem to be getting brighter. As we climb out of the ditch and brush ourselves off, what opportunities lie ahead?

If you’re reading thisFirst of all, as we brush ourselves off let’s pause up there behind the neck and between the shoulders. A few pats on the back are deserved, congratulations. If you are reading this column it prob-ably means you have weathered the most severe storm any of us have had to navigate in many decades. Perhaps use of the past tense ‘weathered’ is premature…instead let’s say ‘weathering’ the most severe storm. Two years ago the title of one installment of this column was “The Herd is Thinning”. In it I discussed national statistics regarding how many growers comprise our industry and how the number is in decline. We talked about surviving as one of the fittest, Darwinism at its best. Two years since, there are indeed fewer of us operating greenhouses. Repeating…if you’re reading this, congratulations. But there is still a ton of work ahead.

A new day, a new opportunityA leaner population of growers resulting from recessionary eco-nomics is going to be meaner as well. Lean and mean will be good things for those of us still standing. In my profitability research during the past ten years crop shrinkage has shown itself as the single most influential factor eroding profit margin. Lean and mean can serve us well in battling this adversary. We can go round and round over whether pricing and commod-itization have had worse effects on margin. The numbers have proven to me that it’s all interrelated. As prices fall and commod-itization takes hold, production exceeds demand resulting in even lower prices, higher shrinkage, and accelerated commoditization. I remain steadfast in my opinion…our industry is still overproducing which is throwing supply and demand out of balance. What about the new day and opportunity? We’re starting to see consumer spending increase. As economic health steadily returns spending will continue to increase. More spending, more oppor-tunity. Will we be one of the industries they choose? Most experts say yes providing we redefine ourselves and improve our educa-tion effort. We’re being advised to do a better job of teaching

consumers how important plants are in their lives. Also topics from past columns…Marketing, Mar…ket…ing, MARKETING. A numbing illustration of how badly we’ve educated them is seen when average Americans point at our greenhouses, and believ-ing that all greenhouse gases must come from greenhouses, state that we are the problem. We sure have some work ahead, who’s up to the challenge?

Coming out the other sideIt’s time to reinvent ourselves, to come out the other side more than just leaner and meaner. We need fresh vision and new focus. Many still need to shed decades old blinders in order to see the landscape more clearly. I believe we have a great opportunity to reshape our industry for future generations of growers. The next generation of growers is coming on line and I’m proud of how excited they are to assume leadership. The flip side of this coin uncovers a natural, yet nev-ertheless troubling reality. Most are in agreement over the single most dominant demographic describing those in our herd who were not able to survive. It is an operation whose aging navigator wasn’t able or willing to change in order to adapt. Brothers and sisters have fallen but it’s time for us to adapt, look ahead, and move on.

Time to fight the good fightThis isn’t going to be easy. Every industry, every consumer mar-ket, every manufacturer is talking exactly the same talk that we are. Opportunity. We’ve waited long enough. We deserve more business. But it won’t come to any of us if we think it’s owed to us. Remember the days when we considered ourselves recession proof? How’d that work this time? Anyone who holds his breath waiting for good old days to return will be dead before this col-umn ends. One concern I do have, however, keeps me awake nights. I’m worried that too many are going to revert to the same old, same old approach. If consumers are spending then just grow more four inch geraniums, six packs of annuals, and six inch pinched poinsettias. The more we produce, the lower our unit cost will go and the lower we can afford to set the price. Young growers among us, your battle cry. Show an industry the profitability that awaits in diversifying into edible crops, growing unusual species, interfacing with consumers in cyberspace and at local farmers’ markets, and teaching people how vital plants are in their lives. Lastly, and also discussed here over the years…all of us shoulder the responsibility to steward this fine industry from our generation to the next. It’s time to fight the good fight as we recover from a very challenging cycle.

As The Recession Ends, How Will You Respond?By Peter Konjoian

Grower to Grower

Griff in Gazette Winter 2011 Issue4

Page 5: 2011 Griffin Winter Gazette

Plant Corner Maximize profits...Fill benches & floors to the max!

By Nanette Marks

Falling short on plugs?

Every grower knows the disappointment of short ships, frozen plants, crop failures, plus the occasional forgotten order that never got rebooked. Griffin Plant Services is ready for your call. Griffin has reserved inventory of our most popular items in a variety of tray sizes grown specifically for us by Kube Pak. We currently have over 500 varieties of annuals available on 12 different ship weeks from February through May. We will have live inventory during the heat of the season, located on our website at GPSHort.com

Maximize profits... Fill benches & floors to the max!

• Reserved for Griffin Customers only• Not available through any other brokers or direct sales.• Most popular varieties and tray sizes • Available beginning February 21, 2011 through the week of May 9, 2011. • Inventory is updated throughout the day

For immediate orders, you can e-mail [email protected] any time before, during or after hours. Simply list your needs, or include an attachment of a scan or spreadsheet. If there is still time to sow, we will have your order custom grown. But if not, we will pull the trays from our inventory and ship at the required time. Order 1 or more trays for UPS shipping, or Grower Truck is available throughout most of our delivery areas. For vegetative material, we have over 50 additional vendors who provide us with availability for instant shipping.

If you need additional resources, feel free to call the Griffin Plant Department or your sales representative. You can call us toll free at 800-732-3509. We would be happy to assist you in your last minute needs.

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Page 6: 2011 Griffin Winter Gazette

Technical Tips

The wide selection of propagation specialists serving the greenhouse industry indicates that many growers are relying on others for some or all of their propagation needs. From seed grown plugs to rooted cuttings of all shapes and sizes the options are staggering. Why then are some growers taking a second look at doing some of their own propagation? It all boils down to control. Growers who wish to use biological control agents for insect and mite

control need to know what, if any, pesticides have been applied to incoming plugs and cuttings. The same argument could be made for certified organic growers. Growers utilizing traditional chemical pest control options still want to know what has been done to young plants so they can implement an effective program with sound rotation strat-egies. Cold weather shipping delays disrupt timing and can lead to inefficient use of energy and labor. In house propagation puts more control back in the hands of the grower. Research has shown that larger plug sizes can reduce crop space requirements and finish time. In house production allows you to select larger plug sizes to fit your program without getting hit with outrageous freight bills. Speaking of freight, seen enough of damaged incoming plant material? It is easy to see benefits associated with propagating plant material on location, yet it is not for everybody or every situation. Minimum quantities need to be researched before making a decision. Some plant material has restricted propagation requirements that may block access to unrooted cuttings all together. The facility requirements for propagation are more demanding that those for your typical bedding plant greenhouse. Consider the discussion that follows as part of the evaluation process. Whatever the final verdict, Griffin has what you need from equipment and structures to seeds, plugs, unrooted cut-tings, rooted cuttings and the experts needed to make it all come together.

Propagation TipsProperly preparing the propagation area lays the groundwork for success.

Sanitation remains the front line of defense for controlling diseases in propagation areas. The following steps are designed to provide a clean start:

1. Remove weeds2. Clean propagation areas either chemically with Strip-It or physically by washing, scrubbing or power washing.3. Start with new flats for rooting. It’s not worth the risk of reusing those that may be infested with difficult to kill pathogens such as Thielaviopsis.4. Disinfest surfaces including work benches, tools and floors with KleenGrow, Zerotol, Xeroton 3 or another approved disinfestant. 5. Control fungus gnats which spread pathogens and cause direct feeding damage to cuttings. For more details request a copy of GGSPro’s bulletin titled, “Fungus Gnat and Shorefly Control in Greenhouses”.

6. Start with clean propagation material. Purchase seeds and unrooted cuttings from GGSPro Hort’s reliable sources. If cuttings are produced from in house stock plants take steps to manage all aspects of production with the goal of producing vigorous insect and disease free cuttings.

Moisture Management is essential whether cuttings or seeds are being propagated. Optimize the mist system so that it produces small drop-lets of water. Large droplets may over-saturate rooting media, limit root development and favor infection by pathogens. Griffin sales consul-tants can help determine if you are using the best nozzles for the job. Some growers have reduced water requirements by covering cuttings and plug trays with coverings that allow air and light to pass through such as AgroFabric Pro 19. Misting can be reduced and stopped sooner with this approach. Peter Konjoian has demonstrated that foliar sprays of CapSil causes water droplets to spread out rather than bead up on cutting surfaces. This reduces water stress and speeds up root-ing. Any steps taken that reduce rooting time and/or the amount of mist needed reduces disease potential.

Temperature Regulation, especially of the propagation media, can spell the difference between success and failure. Bottom heat that is applied in combination with media temperature sensors saves energy and provides optimum germination and rooting performance. Griffin can provide systems as simple as rubberized heat mats with soil probes or as sophisticated as hot water delivery systems that are regulated by reliable computer controls. Seed catalogs and breeder websites list ideal germination media temperature requirements. Optimum root-ing temperatures for cutting material can typically be obtained from unrooted cutting suppliers and various internet resources. The GGSPro Technical team can help supply this type of information as well.

Light Intensity is an often overlooked component of seedling and cutting production. Much of the propagation for spring crops takes place during the darker winter months when light levels are typically well below ideal levels. Light is required for photosynthesis and carbo-hydrate accumulation so it stands to reason that low light levels inhibit the performance of cuttings and seedlings. Day length influences whether many seed and cutting produced plants remain vegetative or become reproductive. It is important to understand these plant responses and group plants with similar requirements together. Griffin’s construction department can assist growers with supplemental light to improve rooting times and plant performance as well as lighting to alter photoperiod.

Chemical disease control is sometimes required during propaga-tion because the same moist conditions that favor rooting and seed germination, also favor certain diseases. Rhizoctonia often causes damage under warm to hot temperatures. Likewise various species of Pythium can be troublesome, but also under cooler conditions. Botrytis generally likes cooler temperatures and can cause significant dam-age to cuttings as well as being a common cause of damping off. The GGSPro Technical team can provide guidance on using biological and traditional fungicides.

Propagation - Weighing the OptionsBy Rick Yates, GGSPro Technical Services Manager

Gri f f in Gazette Winter 2011 Issue6

Page 7: 2011 Griffin Winter Gazette

Timely TipsFrequently Asked

Questions

By Virginia Brubaker, Technical Support Specialist

Should I use a biofungicide in my disease management program?

Many growers are taking the time to evaluate whether or not they should incorporate a biofungicide into their disease management programs. The utilization of biofungicides provides a different mode of action which reduces the risk of developing resis-tance to traditional chemical based fungicides. These biofungicides are comprised of beneficial microorgan-

isms that contain naturally occurring bacteria or fungi that attack and control plant pathogens and the diseases they cause. Many biofungicides are approved for use on orna-mental as well as edible crops.

Bacteria based products such as Cease, Companion and the Premier Biofungicide mixes utilize different strains of Bacillus subtilis. The primary mode of action of these products is the production of antibiotic like compounds that inhibit several pathogens. To a lesser extent they employ exclusion by producing a barrier around the roots preventing the pathogens in, therefore competing with the pathogens for food. Bacillus subtilis products generally specify that reapplications are needed at 14-28 day inter-vals to maintain control. Actinovate SP and Actino-iron are bacteria based Streptomyces lydicus. These products work by exclusion, parasitism (feeding on the pathogen) and antibiotic production.

Rootshield is an example of a fungal based biofungicide. The active ingredient Trichoderma harzianum grows on the roots “shielding” them against root damaging fungi. For these products to be successful they need to be applied to the soil before disease is present. Providing protection dur-ing this crucial stage of plant development gives way to a stronger root system.

The advantages of using biofungicides include improved worker safety and shorter re-entry intervals as compared

Healthy root system

to most traditional fungicides. They are compatible with many fertilizers, insecticides and fungicides and produce little to no phytotoxicity. Biofungicides are used by many organic growers with some being OMRI listed. The disad-vantages are that these products do have a shelf life and because of their mode of action they need to be applied as a preventative before pathogens have a chance to get established.

More information on Biofungicides can be located in section 2 of the GGSPro Technical Reference Guide. Don't have a guide? See the ad on page two of the gazette to see how to order one.

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Page 8: 2011 Griffin Winter Gazette

Environmental awareness gained momentum in the 1960s, particularly with respect to air and water quality. Concerns regarding environmental pollution led to the formation of the U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1970. Over the course of the next three decades, many envi-ronmental regulations were put into place for purposes of health and safety and better stewardship of our environ-ment and natural resources. For example, in 1972, the Federal Environmental Pesticide Control Act provided for the regulation of use, registration and national monitoring of pesticide residues. This Act resulted in the cancellation of numerous pesticide registrations, particularly for older prod-ucts with more toxic profiles. More recently, the enactment of the Food Quality and Protection Act (FQPA) in 1996 has led to further refinement of the nation’s pesticide and food safety laws, resulting in changes to the pesticide registration process. Stricter safety standards and tolerances targeting infants and children, including a reassessment of many existing pesticide tolerances, continue to provide more safeguards for the development and registration of new products and the renewal of existing registrations. Today, Rachel Carson’s book entitled “Silent Spring” is old news (46 year old news). While many in our society still think that all pesticides are dangerous, they actually don’t know the rest of the story.

Since the publication of Carson’s book, advances in science and technology have led to the development of many new classes of chemistries. Many of the new products we use today are derived from naturally occur-ring compounds. Examples of this include fungicides such as Heritage® (derived from a strobilurin fungus), and Medallion® (derived from Pseudomonas sp). Other exam-ples include insecticides containing Azadiractin (derived from the Neem tree) and Spinosad, a fermentation prod-uct of an actinomycete soil bacterium.

A focus on Integrated Pest Management has helped cre-ate awareness for growers to use options other than pesti-cides or to use pesticides only as a last resort. We now have many new microbiological control agents (nematodes, bacteria and fungi) and a better understanding of macro biotic control agents (mites, wasps, midges and bugs). The developments over the last 50 years have helped to incorporate biological agents as part of an effective and acceptable control strategy.

Beneficial Control Agents and PesticidesA misconception that should be dispelled is that growers should avoid using insecticides when using BCAs (Beneficial Control Agents) to produce a crop. Many newer pesticides may be used in conjunction with certain BCAs to increase growers’ control options. Plant systemic insecticides, such as Avid® miticide/insecticide and Flagship® insecticide can be incorporated in a BCA strategy provided proper timing and application are followed so as not to affect the BCA population. Pest-specific products which paralyze the aphid or whitefly mouthparts, such as Endeavor® insecti-cide, should not harm the key predatory mites or insects.

Citation® insecticide, an effective insect growth regulator for fungus gnat control, will not adversely affect the ben-eficial nematodes that can be a first line of defense in the propagation house.

Integrated Pest Management concepts should be fol-lowed when using BCAs. This includes establishment and knowledge of pest thresholds, monitoring (use of sticky cards), and review of records. Cultural practices such as managing moisture levels and proper nutrition can assure good plant health and tolerance to pest outbreaks. Incorporating the use of trap plants, and treating them or rogueing them from the greenhouse could also be a com-ponent of effective IPM.

Another strategy to consider, for example, is using phero-mones to lure certain pests to areas where they can be more easily controlled. Thripline AMS, a thrips pheromone system, can help bring western flower thrips out from under the plant canopy so they can more effectively be treated with a knock down insecticide. Crop spacing is also critical in using beneficial predator mites, as mites will crawl from plant to plant. Even tissue testing can play a role in pest tolerance ( i.e. micronutrient levels and their relationship to cell structure and stress tolerance).

IPM + BCA = ICMThese concepts fit collectively in the management of plant crops. That said, when we use BCAs, we need to remember that we are also managing a crop of beneficial insects. We need to be aware of their life cycles, tolerances and sensitivities. Therefore it is appropriate, when using BCAs to refer to the entire process as INTEGRATED CROP MANAGEMENT (ICM). IPM is the old vernacular. ICM is more encompassing.

In planning a ICM strategy, knowledge of the life cycle of the targeted pest, and when their activity begins is para-mount. Knowing which BCA is most effective for the tar-geted pest and the BCA’s life cycle is also critical. Knowing how insecticidal initial treatments or rescue treatments, if needed, will affect the BCA population, is very important as well.

Knowledge of how various insecticides work, how they eliminate the pest, and their persistence on the foliage and in the soil, will help you determine their proper fit and timing. And most importantly, this will increase your success and decrease your costs of ICM. The Griffin Greenhouse & Nursery Supplies technical team (GGSPro) has obtained and updated information to the compatibility of BCAs and Pesticides. You can request this by contacting the GGSPro Technical Department at 1 800-888-0054 extension 89129. Ask for the BCA & Pesticide Compatibility Guide.

©2010 Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc., 410 Swing Road, Greensboro, NC 27409. Important: Always read and follow label directions before buy-ing and using these products. The label contains important conditions of sale, including limitations of liability and remedy. Avid®, Bonzi®, Citation®, Endeavor®, Flagship®, Heritage ®, Medallion®, and the Syngenta logo are trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company.

Integrating Beneficial Control Agents and Chemical Controls in Plant Production.By Michael Oleykowski, Syngenta Crop Protection, LLC

I nnova to rs in ICM

Griff in Gazette Winter 2011 Issue8

Page 9: 2011 Griffin Winter Gazette

Conrad Fafard Inc.’s newly designed retail bags are beginning to bloom in independent garden centers (IGCs), the result of a national effort to revitalize its Fafard brand.

“Our retail packaging is our key marketing face to the consumer,” said Chris Sexton, Retail Market manager, Fafard. “The new bags are dramatic, distinctive and definitely differentiate us from our competitors.” Though the packaging has changed, contents inside the bag have not. “Gardeners can still count on the same tried-and-true ingredients and impressive results,” Sexton said.

The new packaging and corresponding point-of-purchase materials illustrate Fafard’s fresh brand position, The Science Behind the Art™. Drawing on its strong science background and reputation among professional growers for consistent high-quality mixes, the company is wooing gardeners to grow a masterpiece by letting them know its potting mixes are “trusted by professional growers.” Sexton said the new brand positioning and renewed retail strategy inspired the renais-sance of Fafard premium retail soils, which are sold exclusively in IGCs.

The retail line features Fafard’s five core potting mixes — Complete Potting Mix, Complete Container Mix, Complete Planting Mix, Professional Potting Mix and Organic Potting. It also includes its popular specialty plant mixes — Seed Starter Potting Mix, African Violet Potting Mix, Cactus & Succulent Potting Mix and Orchid Potting Mix — and soil amendments — Horticultural Perlite, Premium Topsoil and Premium Compost.

The company conducted a variety of research during the packaging redesign, from online consumer bulletin boards to face-to-face focus groups to IGC test pilots to individual consumer interviews. Besides the fresh look, it simplified the package copy so consumers could better understand the bag contents, the product benefits, how the product should be used and how much soil they’ll need.

Fafard potting mixes sprout new look New packaging designed to increase stopping power

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Page 10: 2011 Griffin Winter Gazette

One grower describes his recipe for success with beneficial nematodes.

Roger McGaughey wants to rewrite the growing cookbook, and this time the key ingredient is beneficial, insect-patho-genic nematodes.

McGaughey is a grower with Michael’s Greenhouses. His job is to produce strong, healthy plants to meet market demands. Now his production methods include biological control agents (BCAs), with the goal of eliminating chemical pesticide use.

The major ingredient of his management program is Nemasys® insect-pathogenic nematodes. These beneficial Steinernema feltiae nematodes are microscopic round-worms that attack and kill specific insect pests.

“After seeing success in the first year that I used Nemasys,” Roger explained, “I decided to incorporate this method more entirely into my management program.”

Roger quickly learned that Nemasys controls western flower thrips, and with the addition of another biological product it also helps with control of fungus gnats.

Roger applies Nemasys at least once a week to all crops, and his operation is almost entirely free of thrips and fungus gnats, two of the most problematic pests in the industry.

“I know this product works because I have missed spraying a house before and almost immediately saw infestations return,” Roger said. “I applied Nemasys and about four days later had clean plants again. If you want to beat the pest problem, you have to be diligent in your applications.”

Roger worked with his plant suppliers to get them on board with using nematodes in their control programs. He noticed that the young plant material that he purchased was clean-

er and free of pests, which eliminated the need for him to pre-treat plants before installing in his operation.

In addition to enjoying the successful results of Nemasys, Roger feels one of the greatest benefits is the safety of applications.

“Chemical pesticides typically have restrictions and can be complicated to apply,” comments Roger. “There is nothing simpler than applying nematodes. I even spray them onto plants in shorts and a t-shirt with employees and customers around.”

Customers of Michael’s Greenhouses appreciate the suc-cess of Nemasys, too, Roger says, noting that they see repeat business with continued sales, and sales are up this year.

“It’s nice to hear comments from customers about my plants being clean and looking nice,” says Roger. “The bottom line is this product works.

“We are rewriting the growing cookbook with nematodes,” Roger continues. “Hopefully more industry professionals real-ize the benefits of a natural, biological solution.”

McGaughey earned his Bachelor’s degree in Horticultural Science at Reading University, England, in 1970. He has 38 years of experience in the greenhouse industry.

Becker Underwood is the global leader in research and development of beneficial nematode strains for a variety of uses. The company is dedicated to learning more about the characteristics and biology of entomopathogenic nematodes.

A Key Ingredient in the Grower’s Cookbook

Griff in Gazette Winter 2011 Issue10

Page 11: 2011 Griffin Winter Gazette

A.

G.

F.

G.

C.

Introducing New Decorative Planters & Hanging Baskets

A.

B.

D.

E.

B.

Diameter Diameter LiquidItem # Description Color Outside Inside Height Volume US Qty/CS Price/cs(A) Veneto 51-YRH12000BW 12.00 Veneto Hanging Basket Black /White 11 4⁄5" - 6 7⁄10" 1.6 gal. 50 $103.6851-YRH12000B 12.00 Veneto Hanging Basket Black / Taupe 11 4⁄5" - 6 7⁄10" 1.6 gal. 50 103.6849-YRH13000BW 13.00 Veneto Planter Black /White 13" - 10 1⁄5" 3.5 gal. 50 157.3849-YRH13000B 13.00 Veneto Planter Black / Taupe 13" - 10 1⁄5" 3.5 gal. 50 157.38(B) Woodrush51-YWH12000BB 12.00 Woodrush Hanging Basket Black / Bronze 11 4⁄5" - 6 7⁄10" 1.6 gal. 50 103.6851-YWH12000BC 12.00 Woodrush Hanging Basket Black / Copper 11 4⁄5" - 6 7⁄10" 1.6 gal. 50 103.6849-YWP13000BB 13.00 Woodrush Planter Black / Bronze 13" - 10 1⁄5" 3.5 gal. 50 157.3849-YWP13000BC 13.00 Woodrush Planter Black / Copper 13" - 10 1⁄5" 3.5 gal. 50 157.38(C) Piazza49-YSP12000BW 12.00 Piazza Square Planter Black / White 11 4⁄5" - 7 3⁄25" 2.7 gal. 50 168.4949-YST12000BW 12.00 Piazza Square Tall Planter Black / White 11 4⁄5" - 12" 4.7 gal. 50 220.33(D) Mobius49-YCP12000BO 12.00 Mobius Oval Planter Black /Olive - - 11 4⁄5" 1.0 gal. 100 175.9849-YCP12000TW 12.00 Mobius Oval Planter Terracotta / White - - 11 4⁄5" 1.0 gal. 100 175.98(E) Phoenecian49-YTP12000TW 12.00 Phoenecian Planter Terracotta / White - - 11 4⁄5" 1.75 gal. 50 95.35

Item # Description ColorDiameterOutside

Diameter Inside Height

Liquid Volume U.S. Qty/CS Price/cs

(F) Mojave Planters 49-M13504 13.50 Mojave Planter Black 13 1⁄2" - 10 1⁄8" 3.22 gal. 12 $29.1249-M16004 16.00 Mojave Planter Black 16" - 12" 5.28 gal. 6 25.03(G) Terra Roma Planters49-TR1500SQ4 15.00 Terra Roma Square Planter Black 15" - 13" 6.96 gal. 12 60.06

49-TR15504 15.50 Terra Roma Urn Black 15 1⁄2" - 12 1⁄4" 5.98 gal. 12 52.05

Additional Savings

Purchase Save$750.00 10%1500.00 15%2500.00 20%

11www.gr i f f ins.com

Page 12: 2011 Griffin Winter Gazette

P.O. Box 36, Tewksbury, MA 01876-0036

Super Saver

Special savings if you order your shade cloth now!

Don't wait till summer...

Save 10% Special Savings on early orders in by April 1, 2011. (Discount applies to all brands) To place an order or for more information on shade cloth call Griffin at:

800.659.4346

Provides shade in greenhouses and nurseries to flowers, vegetables and trees. Our quality knitted greenhouse shade cloth provides crop protection for UV and heat sen-sitive plants. The material is lightweight and has dramatically more strength. The tough lockstitch knitted construction resists rips, tears and fraying. Suitable to spread above greenhouse tops. Variety of widths available for custom cut lengths for quick delivery to you. We will custom cut to the length you need.

Item # Description81-810050 26 ft wide 50% knitted78-3025 10 ft wide 40% knitted78-3030 10 ft wide 60% knitted

Greenhouse Knitted Shade Cloth (Black) 40%, 50% & 60% Shade

Custom Shade Cloth Woven Polypropylene (Black) 30%, 47%, 55%,63%, 73%, 80%, 95% Shade Shade cloth can be custom ordered to your specifications! Wide range of shade per-centages available depending on your need. Grommets can be added to any order. Please note that custom shade orders are non-refundable. Allow 4 weeks for delivery. F.O.B. factory on all orders.*$25 service charge on orders under $75.