Winter 2012 Issue

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

Announcing the 2012 Griffin Product Catalog.

Look for it in the mail this January.

In it you will find a variety of new products to help with your business in the upcoming year.

If your catalog has not arrived by late January, please contact your sales representative or our office.

Upcoming Events

Cover PhotoRanunculus Mache Mix

2 Winter 2012 Issue

Cheshire, CTBall Ground, GATewksbury, MAGray, MEBridgeton, NJEwing, NJAuburn, NY Brookhaven, NY Schenectady, NY Morgantown, PA Knoxville, TN Richmond, VA

Griffin Locations

General Inquires 1.800.888.0054

Toll Free Order Line 1.800.659.4346

All articles and material featured in this Gazette cannot be duplicated without written permission. Copyright © 2012 by Griffin Greenhouse & Nursery Supplies.

NE GrowsFebruary 1-3, 2012 Boston, MA

Griffin MA Grower ExpoAugust 15, 2012 West Springfield, MA

Griffin PA Grower ExpoSeptember 12, 2012 Lancaster, PA

Griffin TN Grower ExpoSeptember 26, 2012 Knoxville, TN

Event Dates

Griffin Saturday HoursMA - PA -VA Branches Jan. 28 - May 19 • 8:00 am - 12:00 pm CT - NY - Ewing, NJ Branches Feb. 4 - May 19 • 8:00 am - 12:00 pm ME - Bridgeton, NJ Branches March 3 - May 19 • 8:00 am - 12:00 pm GA - TN Branches Closed

Technical Reference Guide - 2nd EditionOver 70 pages of detailed technical information with charts and photos.

Visit GGSPro.com or Call 888-GGSPRO-1

Item # Description Price

98-301 #1 - 1 year access to library $99.00

98-302 #2 - 1 year access to library & poster set 150.00

98-306 #6 - Entire DVD Library - no exclusions 399.00

Description DVD VODGarden Mum Production $39.95 $29.95Poinsettia Production 39.95 29.95Pre-Season Clean-up 39.95 29.95Insect Control 39.95 29.95Disease Management 39.95 29.95Plant Growth Regulators 39.95 29.95Recruitment & Retention Strategies 39.95 29.95Fall Crop Production 39.95 29.95Outdoor Production of Spring Crops 39.95 29.95Pesticide Application Technology 39.95 29.95Pricing & Profitability Strategies 39.95 29.95Crop Shrinkage – The Silent Assassin 39.95 29.95Integrated Bio Controls & Compatible Pesticides 59.95 39.95Controlling Insects in Retail Greenhouses 39.95 29.95Water Quality & Crop Nutrition 39.95 29.95Sanitation 39.95 29.95Weed Control 39.95 29.95

Item # Description Price

98-201 3 pc - 11 x 17 Insect & Disease Posters $29.95

98-202 3 pc - 18 x 24 Insect & Disease Posters 39.95

98-204 2 pc - 11 x 17 Herbicide & Weed Control Posters 29.95

98-205 2 pc - 18 x 24 Herbicide & Weed Control Posters 39.95

98-208 11 x 17 Fertilizer Posters 19.95

98-209 18 x 24 Fertilizer Posters 29.95

98-206 11 x 17 Combo Poster Set - Your choice of 2 sets 50.00

98-207 18 x 24 Combo Poster Set - Your choice of 2 sets 70.00

Technical Poster Sets

Special Product Packages

Shipping ChargesPackage # 2 - add $6.95 shipping chargePackage # 6 - add $10.95 shipping chargeDVDs, Ref. Guide & Poster Sets - add $6.95 shipping charge

DVDs & Videos on Demand

How to Purchase GGSPro ProductsHave a computer? Go to GGSPro.com and place your order securely.Have a computer but not tech savvy? You can call us and we’ll process your order.Don’t have a computer? Find out what products are available to you by giving us a call. Want to put it on your account? Speak with Griffin customer service or your sales representative.

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. The sections include Insects, Diseases, Weeds, BCAs and PGRs.

View a sample on GGSPro.com• Use it inside and outside - heavy duty pages.• Great for IPM scouting.• Excellent resource for all your employees!

Item # Price

98-401 $99.00 + s & h

GGSPro’s cutting edge products are designed to help growers be more profitable by improving quality and reducing shrinkage.

Tech Guide Second Edition with updated charts and recommendations.

E-Book Now also available for Kindle & iPad download - $59.00

New for 2012

• 3 Pack and 4 Pack of DVDs are available from $99.00 - $150.00. • Educator packages available for 10 - 30 students. Please call for details.

11” x 17” Poster set comes with packages; add $10.00 to listed price to upgrade to the 18” x 24” poster set.

3www.gr i f f ins.com

Grower to Grower

Recently a customer took time from his day to write a letter to Griffin. The mes-sage is a perfect example of what many of us strive to accomplish in our businesses. Rather than viewing our supply chain and customers as simply round or square pegs to fit into our operational puzzles, so much more potential for success exists when partnerships and collaborative

relationships are forged.

The customer is Pinelands Nursery based in Columbus, New Jersey. Its president, Dan Knezick, addressed his com-ments directly to Craig Hyslip, one of the owners of Griffin Greenhouse and Nursery Supplies. I will excerpt from Dan’s comments to develop my message.

“Dear Mr. Hyslip;I would personally like to thank you for the excellent service we at Pinelands Nursery receive from your staff. Over the years we have worked closely with Tim Ruberto and Jeff Antoniewicz. Both of these gentlemen are excellent representatives of Griffin Greenhouse Supply and have been instrumental in the development of our business. We also rely heavily on Rick Yates’ technical advice. I’d like to tell you about one specific instance in which Rick helped us solve a major problem.”

There are several points worth noting. First, how many of us take the time from our busy lives to sit down and write letters? Let’s not get caught up debating the merits and etiquette of snail mail vs e-mail; however, Dan sent this letter directly to Craig in an envelope via U.S. mail.

Marketing experts tell us that a customer must feel very com-pelled in today’s business climate to commit to such an effort. They also state that it takes a powerful experience to precipitate the effort and that the triggering event can be either a positive or negative one. That said, many consumers reserve this effort solely for experiences of the negative kind.

While it’s difficult to field the negative feedback we need to read and process it to improve our practices. Some say the negative feedback is more valuable than the positive. Still, receiving a letter such as Dan’s can reinforce company culture by confirming that extra effort makes a difference.

Through the challenging economic cycle we’re all sloshing through I’ve participated in many Griffin meetings from a perspective of technical support. Discussions have focused on Griffin sales representatives evolving into resources that are viewed as much more than order takers. During the same peri-od Griffin has created a vision of providing world class techni-cal support to its customers via its GGSPro team. Headed by Rick Yates, I consider GGSPro comparable to our most repu-table university extension services, nationwide.

Dan states that both Tim and Jeff have been instrumental in the development of Pinelands. That’s a pretty powerful statement. Reading between the lines it is clear that both have established themselves as much more than order takers. Dan and his staff have recognized the value of this partnership.

He continues by recounting a crop culture challenge that had been causing significant pain to the nursery. He turned to Rick for advice.

“Rick did some research and within a few days sug-gested we try… Not even a single seedling turned yellow… I attribute this accomplishment entirely to the recommendation we received from Rick.”

This column in past issues has allowed me to communicate the evolving vision being created at Griffin. A formula for success anchored in supplying hard goods and plants supplemented with top level technical support. Merely stating that a company is committed to customer service doesn’t say much in today’s business environment. The vision we are creating strives to achieve a level of partnership with customers in a collaborative atmosphere where working together results in greater success than working alone. Dan’s closing statement reaffirms our com-mitment to this vision.

“This level of service is why Griffin Greenhouse Supply is our vendor of choice.”

Partnership and Collaboration; A Successful Formula By Peter Konjoian

Griff in Gazette Winter 2012 Issue4

Griffin Orchids

We make exotic easy!

• Choose from 3 different suppliers • Miniatures, 4-5 inch, and Blue Diamond & Lavender Mist!• All arrive in bloom, ready for sale• Available year-round • Holiday pot covers available

Optimara Mini-Orchid selections in 2 inch as-sorted ceramic pots

Order refills when supply runs low!

Oncidium Paphiopedilum

Cattleya Dendrobium

Masdevallia

Miltonia

4 and 5 Inch Assortment Display CartGriffin Exclusive! Plainview Growers Phalaenopsis assortments come on reusable, rolling

wooden POP carts with signage and bench tape, all inclusive in price. Choose from 4 and 5 inch ceramic pots with assorted colors and/or Blue Diamond / Lavender Mist(5 in. only).

‘Griffin Blooming Orchids’ are assortments in 4 inch square pots and may include Cattleya, Dendrobium, Masdevallia, Miltonia, Oncidium, Paphiope-dilum, Phalaenopsis, Zygopetalum, and exotic intergenetic newly created “man made” hybrids from the Oncidium Family.

5 Inch Blue Diamond Phalaenopsis Assorted Phalaenopsis

‘Griffin Blooming Orchids’

Plant Corner

Lavender Mist

5www.gr i f f ins.com

The greenhouse industry is fortunate to have a good selection of microbial and traditional fungicides labeled for root zone diseases. However, even the best fungi-cides do not stand a chance if steps are not taken to improve and protect root health. Root rots caused by Pythium and Phytophthora and Thielaviopsis are said to be opportunistic pathogens. They can

be present in a crop but not caus-ing any trouble until a plant stress occurs. That stress signals these organisms to shift into high gear and start to cause infections. There are several steps growers can take to reduce plant stress and subse-quently the chances of root rot infections. These same steps will serve to increase the performance of fungicides. Nutrition plays a significant role in root health. Excess fertilizer can encourage increased losses to root rots in a couple of ways. The excess nitrogen is like “throwing fuel on the fire” and higher than ideal soluble salts levels can cause injuries on root surfaces. Those injured areas provide entry points for pathogens. GGSPro helps growers develop fertilizer programs that achieve optimal plant growth without applying more than the plants can safely use. In general, we are finding less fertilizer is needed than is com-monly recommended throughout the industry. Maintaining the proper soil pH range can inhibit root rot pathogens. Thielaviopsis is less aggressive at lower soil pH, below 5.8. Fortunately many of the crops troubled most by Thielaviopsis such as calibrachoa, pansy, petunia and flowering vinca prefer a lower soil pH for optimum iron uptake. Fusarium is inhibited by a soil pH above 6.0, good news for cyclamen growers. Avoid high levels of ammonium based nitrogen in the growing media. Temperature can be difficult to maintain at optimum levels in the root zone but it is well worth the effort to try and get a grip on it. Unless bottom heat or tempered water is utilized the soil temperature averages several degrees cooler than the air tem-perature. Most irrigation water is applied at temperatures well below recommended levels during the colder months of the year and the soil temperature can take a long time to rebound. Water evaporating out of the pots causes additional cooling of the soil to take place. Crops that are grown with the soil colder than recom-mended levels create substantial stress that can in turn encourage root diseases. In the Fall Gazette an article titled, “Don’t touch that Dial”, helped growers think through the total energy

implications of growing different crops at cooler temperatures. The potential for increasing shrinkage from root disease needs to be factored into that decision making process. Water can be a blessing or a curse to the crops we grow. Let the soil dry down too far and we risk concentrating fertilizer salts and causing root injury. Excess moisture can cause a low oxygen situ-ation in the root zone that encourages rot rots. Properly designed drip, boom and sub-irrigation systems make it easier to maintain ideal soil moisture while saving labor versus hand watering and overhead sprinklers. Match up the water and air holding capac-ity of soilless mixes to the crops being produced. Wetting agents such as Aqua-Gro 2000L can be injected at very low rates on a constant basis to insure uniform moisture-holding capacity of the mixes. Re-circulated water poses unique challenges as it can serve as a vehicle to disseminate infectious spores and infected root fragments. This important topic is beyond the scope of this arti-cle. Griffin is an active sponsor of the Water Education Alliance for Horticulture. The Alliance web site is an excellent resource for investigating irrigation water treatment options. http://wateredu-cationalliance.org/default.asp There are some more overt threats to the health of root systems that can be managed by growers. Re-using plastic flats and containers is a risk that needs to be managed carefully. Research indicates that a two step process is required to achieve a satisfac-tory level of sanitation and keep last year’s root rot problem from carrying over. The first, and most often overlooked step, is to achieve a thorough cleaning by removing all organic matter from the used plastic. Strip-it is the product preferred by GGSPro for this purpose. Even the best sanitizing agent will fail if the organic matter is not removed first. Properly cleaned flats and containers are ready to be treated with sanitizing agents such as Greenshield, Kleengrow, X3 and Zerotol. To achieve optimum disinfesting all of these products should be dipped or applied in such a way that the treated surfaces will remain wet for at least 10 minutes. Fungus gnat larvae and adults and shorefly adults have been shown to transport certain root rot pathogens in their travels. Eliminating standing water will discourage shoreflies from reproducing in greenhouses. Biological control agents and traditional pesticides are available to combat these pests. The GGSPro Technical Guide con-tains detailed information about both approaches to control. Taken together, these steps will give your fungicides a much better chance to successfully protect the root systems of vulnerable crops and bolster the bottom line by reducing shrinkage.

By Rick Yates, GGSPro Technical Services Manager

Technical Tips Making the Most of Root Rot Fungicides

Pythium, Easter Lily

Fungus Gnat Larvae

Griff in Gazette Winter 2012 Issue6

Many of us have finally gained the upper hand on the technology gifts we received for Christmas. The laptop now communicates with the new printer, the Bluetooth hands-free earpiece is finally emitting appropriate sounds and the smartphone no longer makes us feel, well, stupid. Encouraged by these victories it is time to expand our horizons. Fertilizer injectors are workhorses waiting to be tamed. If ppm and injection ratios make you a little queasy, this article is for you.

Injection ratios vs ppm. It is a common misconception to think that the 1:100 or 1:200 markings on the outside of the fertilizer injector refer to how many parts per million of fertil-izer the machine is set to deliver. These numbers are actually injection ratios. Think of it this way, at a 1:100 ratio, 1 gallon of fertilizer concentrate will be injected into every one hundred gallons of water that comes out of the hose. The ppm of the fertilizer solution produced depends on the injection ratio and the amount of fertilizer added to each gallon of concentrate. For example, 200 ppm of 20-10-20 can be achieved by setting the injection ratio to 1:100 and then adding 13.5 oz of fertilizer for every gallon of concentrate. For a mobile Dosatron with a 12-gallon tank the calculations look like this: 13.5 (ozs) x 12 (gals) = 162 ozs, or 10 pounds of 20-10-20 to equal 200 ppm. For a 15% nitrogen fertilizer such as 15-0-15 or 15-5-15, 18 ozs of fertilizer is required for each gallon of concentrate at a 1:100 injection ratio to yield 200 ppm. Head spinning? Would a chart help? Contact your Griffin sales representative or GGSPro for an easy to understand fertilizer poster that accommodates all common fertilizer analysis and injection ratios.

Changing ppm without turning your hands blueCalculating for 200 ppm wasn’t so bad, but your Calibrachoa baskets require more fertilizer than that. Mixing another batch of concentrate is an option, but if the injector is adjustable that is not necessary. Dosatrons for example have externally adjustable ratio markings expressed as a percent: 0.2, 0.4, thru 2.0. Think of 1.0 percent as a 1:100 injection ratio and the starting point of your 200 ppm fertilizer solution from the example above. By adjusting the injector to 1.2 percent you increase the ppm to 240ppm (200 x 1.2), 1.4 yields 280 ppm etc. Increasing the ppm of fertilizer was easy, but what if you want to feed less than 200 ppm? Adjusting the percent to 0.6 lowers the ppm to 120 (200 x 0.6). From one concentrate solution the ppm of fertilizer can be adjusted from 40 to 400, a wide enough spread to easily accommodate most crops.

Injecting chemigation approved pesticidesCertain pesticides have chemigation labels that allow them to be applied through injectors if the requirements spelled out on the label are met. By way of example, consider a product label that says you are to inject a pesticide at a rate of 8 ozs per 100 gallons. Earlier it was stated that at an injection ratio of 1:100 (1%) is the equivalent of taking 1 gallon of concentrate and injecting it into 100 gallons of water out the end of the hose. 8 ozs per 100 gallons of final dilution requires 8 ozs of pesticide be mixed into 1 gallon of water to be injected at a 1:100 ratio. Read and follow all pesticide label directions including the chemigation section.

Technical Tips

By Rick Yates, GGSPro Technical Services Manager

Fertilizer Injectors- Cracking the Code

Foliar spray with contact and systemic activity against many foliar and stem diseases including Alternaria, Botrytis, Cercospora, Myrothecium, aerial Rhizoctonia and Septoria and. Labeled for use on ornamentals in the greenhouse, landscapes and nurseries. Foliar spray rate: 1/4 - 3/4 tsp per gal or 2-6 oz per100 gal. Not registered in all states. MOA - 9/12. REI 12

Active Ingredient: Cyprodinil and Fludioxonil

Item Number: 71-2685

Outside LiquidItem # Description Diameter Height Volume Qty/cs Price/csRiverstone49-YVP12000 12" River Stone Planter (Gray / Green) 12" 8.5" 2.75 gal. 50 $98.2549-YVB12000 12" River Stone Bowl (Gray / Green) 12" 5" 1.675 gal. 50 125.5951-YVH12000 12" River Stone HB (Gray / Green) 12" 7" 2.5 gal. 50 130.39Canyon Tall Planter49-YMT14000 14" Canyon Tall Planter (Slate) 14" 16" 8.5 gal. 25 142.38Ebb Tide Large Bowls49-YEL15000 15" Ebb Tide Large Bowl (Gold / Metallic Gold) 15" 6" 2.5 gal. 50 134.2949-YEL15001 15" Ebb Tide Large Bowl (Cobalt / Gray) 15" 6" 2.5 gal. 50 134.29Veneto51-YRH12000BW 12.00 Veneto HB (Black /White) 11 4⁄5" 6 7⁄10" 1.6 gal. 50 103.6851-YRH12000B 12.00 Veneto HB (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. 50 144.79Woodrush51-YWH12000BB 12.00 Woodrush HB (Black / Bronze) 11 4⁄5" 6 7⁄10" 1.6 gal. 50 103.6851-YWH12000BC 12.00 Woodrush HB (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. 50 157.38Piazza49-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. 50 220.33Mobius49-YCP12000BO 12.00 Mobius Oval Planter (Black /Olive) 11 4⁄5" 6" 1.0 gal. 100 183.0249-YCP12000TW 12.00 Mobius Oval Planter (Terracotta / White) 11 4⁄5" 6" 1.0 gal. 100 183.02Phoenician49-YTP12000TW 12.00 Phoenician Planter (Terracotta / White) 11 4⁄5" 6 7⁄10" 1.75 gal. 50 99.22

NEW line of decorative planters from Myers Lawn & Garden Group!

Woodrush Planter - Bronze

Woodrush Planter - Copper Exclusive to Griffin

Woodrush Hanging Basket Hanger Included. Copper pictured left - Exclusive to Griffin.Bronze pictured right.

Veneto Hanging Basket Hanger Included. Shown in Black White.

Veneto Planter Black White Exclusive to Griffin

Phoenician Planter

Mobius Planter

Piazza Square Exclusive to Griffin

Piazza Tall

Veneto Planter Black Taupe

Canyon Tall Planter

River Stone Hanging Basket (Hanger Included)

Ebb Tide Bowl Gold

Ebb Tide Bowl Cobalt

River Stone Bowl

River Stone Planter

Outside LiquidItem # Description Diameter Height Volume Qty/cs Price/csRiverstone49-YVP12000 12" River Stone Planter (Gray / Green) 12" 8.5" 2.75 gal. 50 $98.2549-YVB12000 12" River Stone Bowl (Gray / Green) 12" 5" 1.675 gal. 50 125.5951-YVH12000 12" River Stone HB (Gray / Green) 12" 7" 2.5 gal. 50 130.39Canyon Tall Planter49-YMT14000 14" Canyon Tall Planter (Slate) 14" 16" 8.5 gal. 25 142.38Ebb Tide Large Bowls49-YEL15000 15" Ebb Tide Large Bowl (Gold / Metallic Gold) 15" 6" 2.5 gal. 50 134.2949-YEL15001 15" Ebb Tide Large Bowl (Cobalt / Gray) 15" 6" 2.5 gal. 50 134.29Veneto51-YRH12000BW 12.00 Veneto HB (Black /White) 11 4⁄5" 6 7⁄10" 1.6 gal. 50 103.6851-YRH12000B 12.00 Veneto HB (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. 50 144.79Woodrush51-YWH12000BB 12.00 Woodrush HB (Black / Bronze) 11 4⁄5" 6 7⁄10" 1.6 gal. 50 103.6851-YWH12000BC 12.00 Woodrush HB (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. 50 157.38Piazza49-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. 50 220.33Mobius49-YCP12000BO 12.00 Mobius Oval Planter (Black /Olive) 11 4⁄5" 6" 1.0 gal. 100 183.0249-YCP12000TW 12.00 Mobius Oval Planter (Terracotta / White) 11 4⁄5" 6" 1.0 gal. 100 183.02Phoenician49-YTP12000TW 12.00 Phoenician Planter (Terracotta / White) 11 4⁄5" 6 7⁄10" 1.75 gal. 50 99.22

9www.gr i f f ins.com

Being able to control the greenhouse environment to encourage optimum plant growth while main-taining proper humidity challenges even the most experienced grower. Many greenhouse diseases are directly related to relative

humidity. When the sun goes down and the greenhouse temperature falls, condensation can develop and provide the perfect condition for disease spores to develop. Botrytis is one of the most common greenhouse diseases and symptoms can vary in appearance depending where it penetrates into a leaf, flower, or stem tissue.

The Humidity Chamber technique is a useful tool to help determine if the symptoms dis-played are, in fact, the pathogen Botrytis. The objective is to create the ideal conditions to promote sporulation within 24 hours. Plastic containers with lids or plastic baggies can be used. Place a moistened paper towel in the container. Then position the plant material displaying symptoms in the container but not in direct contact with the wet paper towel. A bottle cap or small plastic lid can be used for this purpose. Place the container in a warm environment out of direct sunlight. If Botrytis is present, the characteristic gray, fuzzy sporu-lation will develop. The ideal environment for Botrytis development is 75 – 82o F and 80% humidity but this can vary slightly. Four to eight hours of leaf wetness allows the spores to germinate directly on healthy plant tissues. Botrytis can also make penetration through wounds or natural openings.

Botrytis can lead to the formation of Sclerotia: black, hard, irregular shaped structure within plant tissue. They can remain viable in plant debris at temperature ranges from 39-131o F. Sclerotia are the primary means of sur-vival for this pathogen and when conditions become favorable they provide a source of inoculum for reinfection to occur. This is why

the prompt removal of infected plant material from the greenhouse helps to reduce disease pressure.

To assist you in managing Botrytis, there are many efficient portable instruments that indi-cate relative humidity, air temperature, dew point/leaf wetness in your production area. Cultural controls begin by supplying adequate air circulation to reduce the relative humid-ity. Allow as much space between plants as is feasible for better air flow. HAF fans have proven to be quite valuable in mixing the air and reducing the relative humidity in the plant canopy. Don’t be tempted to open vents on rainy days. If it is raining or foggy outside, keep the greenhouse closed up and supply some heat. The timing of irrigation is also important. If drip irrigation is not available, limit overhead watering to the morning to allow the leaves to dry during the day.

Even with the best cultural controls, fungicides are often still needed. Dr. Gary Moorman from the Pennsylvania State University has discovered Botrytis from a PA greenhouse sample that is resistant to Decree. It is not yet known how widespread resistance is but it reinforces the need to be rotating fungicides by mode of action. Botrytis rotations for spring 2012 include the following fungicides: Chipco 26019, Daconil, Decree, Medallion, Mozart (TR aerosol), Palladium, Pageant, Spectro and Veranda O. OMRI listed products for organic growers include Actinovate SP, Cease/Milstop tank mix and OxiDate. It is always recom-mended to trial pesticides on small quantities of plants to evaluate for phytotoxicity before making large scale applications. Please note, the products listed may not be registered for use in all states. Consult the “Insecticide and Fungicide Options for 2012” bulletin for a comprehensive list including rates and use patterns. This bulletin is free of charge to Griffin customers. Read and follow the entire pesticide label. Products other than those men-tioned may be safe and effective.

By Joanne Lutz, GGSPro Technical Specialist

Botrytis and Control Options for Year 2012

Timely Tips

Humidity Trays

Botrytis spores on Gerbera Daisy

Sclerotia within Petunia Stem

Botrytis on Nemesia

Gri f f in Gazette Winter 2012 Issue10

Griffin Construction Department

Give us a call, we’ll take it from there!

Just Some of Our Many Projects 800.888.0054

Schoharie Valley Farm - Schoharie, NY

27' x 96'New England

Greenhouse Reconstruction

Cocke County Board of Ed. - Newport, TN

Greenhouse Reconstruction

Cocke County Board of Ed. - Newport, TN

Before After

Bonnie’s Greenhouse - Andover, MA Drumlin Farm - Lincoln, MA Bigelow Nursery Inc - Northboro, MA

Conley 9' x 12’Hobby House

24' x 48' Nexus Aluminum Frame Reglaze

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

Features:• Standard OSHA safety guards on intake and

exhaust• Polyester powder coated guards for corrosion

resistance • Versatile wall and ceiling mount pivots 180

degrees and fan can turn 360 degrees • Motors are totally enclosed, maintenance

free, high efficiency with sealed ball bearing and UL/ULC

• Variable speed operation • 1/10 HP• Well balanced and strong blade design for

years of trouble free service • Easy to clean • Complete with 9’ cord • Some assembly required

HAF Basket Series Fan

Save 15% on HAF Basket Series Fan

Item Number: 23-5040

15% off this HAF Fan when you order by March 31, 2012 . To place an order or for more information on this fan call Griffin at: 800.659.4346