eGRO Alerts
This page gives links to the latest eGRO alerts going back through the last four volumes. Earlier editions (reaching back to Volume 1 in 2013) are available by clicking here
14.25 - Identification and Control of Common Chickweed (Stellaria media) in Greenhouse Container Production
Chickweed and other fast-growing annuals can quickly colonize bare ground. They are often referred to as pioneer species or "weedy" plants and are one of the first steps in ecological succession.
Volume 14 (2025)
14.25 - Identification and Control of Common Chickweed (Stellaria media) in Greenhouse Container Production
Chickweed and other fast-growing annuals can quickly colonize bare ground. They are often referred to as pioneer species or "weedy" plants and are one of the first steps in ecological succession.
14.24 - Botrytis in mixed containers and cell-pack flats
14.23 - Wildlife Appeal In Ornamental Plant Choices
Landscapes benefit wildlife which may be a value-added opportunity for homeowners. Here, we discuss a 2023-2024 study addressing U.S. consumers' preferences for wildlife in their landscapes.
14.22 - Keep Your Cool: Maintenance Essentials for Fan-and-Pad Cooling
Higher light intensity and air temperatures can overheat greenhouses, creating an environment that is non-conducive for plant growth.
14.21 - Dragon Wing Begonia: INSV
Symptoms Impatiens necrotic spot virus (INSV) of leaf mottling and distortion were seen on a dragon wing begonia.
14.20 - Monitoring Magnesium: Late season considerations
Magnesium is a common nutrient deficiency that can occur later in the growing season if supplemental magnesium is not supplied.
14.19 - Eats Shoots and Leaves
Although are not often pests of flowers crops, some caterpillars keep re-appearing in production. Here are some we see most often in northeast US floriculture.
14.18 - Fuchsia Rust
14.16 - What wood cause this? Unexpected fertilizer injector problems
14.15 - Powdery Mildew is out and about. Scout for it
14.14 - Heliotropium: Inconspicuous INSV
Heliotropium (Heliotropium arborescens) plants with necrotic spots on the lower leaves and stems were observed. The leaf necrosis was non-descript, but the stem necrosis made us test for viruses, which to our surprise was positive for INSV.
14.13 - Something Wicked This Way Comes
Uninvited visitors who come to stay and make pests of themselves are nothing new apparently. Each year a new pest or three turns up in our eastern Long Island, NY Insect Diagnostic Lab.
14.12 - Beware of Boron Deficiencies in Young Plants
Growers are reporting distorted growth on calibrachoa, gerbera, petunia, and pansy young plants. Given the cold and cloudy weather that most of the country experienced this winter, calcium (Ca) and boron (B) deficiencies are the first suspects. Before jumping to conclusions, learn how to differentiate between Ca and B deficiencies.
14.11 - Rooted in Success: How Branding Elevates Plant Value
Brands can generate value among customers through communicating the value proposition. Here, we discuss the importance of brands, how they influence behavior, and opportunities in the ornamental plant industry.
14.10 - Stacking without Packing- Success with Prefilling Containers
Saving time by prefilling containers and trays with substrate can be a great way to get ahead in the spring, but there are a few tips to keep in mind to avoid problems.
14.09 - Shrimp Plant: Impatiens Necrotic Spot Virus (INSV)
Shrimp plant (Justicia brandegeeana) leaves with necrotic ringspots were observed. These are typical virus symptoms.
14.08 - Avoid Holding Rooted Cuttings and Plugs Too Long
Holding rooted cuttings and plugs too long in propagation trays can lead to plant stretch, uneven growth, premature flowering, nutritional disorders, and increased pest and disease risks
14.07 - Young Plant Nutrition Tips
Dialing plant nutrition begins well before transplant day, monitoring environmental factors including moisture and temperature, fertilizer type, and fertilizer rate.
14.06 - Strong Starts for Stunning Finishes: Best Practices for Floriculture Transplants
Successful floriculture production begins with a successful transplanting season and is the foundation for producing high-quality plants.
14.05 - Proper Installation and Maintenance of a Double-Poly Greenhouse Inflation Blower
Proper installation of double-poly inflation systems requires outdoor air to reduce condensation between layers while optimizing energy efficiency and crop production.
14.04 - Black root rot is still a problem
14.03 - Best Practices for Transplanting Plugs and Liners for Spring Production
Mastering the critical steps of handling and transplanting plugs and liners is essential for maximizing crop establishment, plant uniformity, and overall greenhouse production efficiency.
14.02 - NEW - Plant Growth Regulator Guide for Annuals
The 2025 version of the Plant Growth Regulator Guide for Annuals is now available.
14.01 - Rooting for Success: Best Practices in Unrooted Cutting Propagation
Short description: Mastering the critical steps of handling and sticking unrooted cuttings is essential for maximizing propagation success, crop uniformity, and overall production efficiency in greenhouse operations.
Volume 11 (2022)
