Reducing the Pollution Potential of Pesticides and Fertilizers in the Environmental Horticulture Industry: I. Greenhouse, Nursery, and Sod Production

Abstract

<jats:p>Pesticides have been the primary method of pest control for years, and growers depend on them to control insect and disease-causing pests effectively and economically. However, opportunities for reducing the potential pollution arising from the use of pesticides and fertilizers in environmental horticulture are excellent. Greenhouse, nursery, and sod producers are using many of the scouting and cultural practices recommended for reducing the outbreak potential and severity of disease and insect problems. Growers are receptive to alternatives to conventional pesticides, and many already use biorational insecticides. Future research should focus on increasing the effectiveness and availability of these alternatives. Optimizing growing conditions, and thereby plant health, reduces the susceptibility of plants to many disease and insect pest problems. Impediments to reducing the use of conventional pesticides and fertilizers in the environmental horticulture industry include 1) lack of easily implemented, reliable, and cost-effective alternative pest control methods; 2) inadequate funding for research to develop alternatives; 3) lack of sufficient educational or resource information for users on the availability of alternatives; 4) insufficient funding for educating users on implementing alternatives; 5) lack of economic or regulatory incentive for growers to implement alternatives; and 6) limited consumer acceptance of aesthetic damage to plants. Research and broadly defined educational efforts will help alleviate these impediments to reducing potential pollution by the environmental horticulture industry.</jats:p>

Calcium-activated Root Growth and Mineral Nutrient Accumulation of Lupinus havardii: Ecophysiological and Horticultural Significance

“…The increase in fertilizer nutrient recovery by Ca-treated plants is important for developing fertilizer management practices for L. havardii, especially in view of increasing environmental concerns over losses of applied greenhouse chemicals to ground and surface water supplies (Biernbaum, 1992;Latimer et al, 1996). Further work is necessary to study fertilizer N recovery patterns of L. havardii exposed to Ca irrigation solutions in greenhouse conditions, and to determine if irrigation inputs can be reduced with Catreated L. havardii, which again would be consistent with the natural tendencies and indigenous habitat of the species.…”

Biology and Management of Nostoc (Cyanobacteria) in Nurseries and Greenhouses

“…Nostoc-like cyanobacteria can enter nurseries and greenhouses via foot traffic, gardening tools, aerial transport, or irrigation systems that use water contaminated with algae. Once in a greenhouse, they can grow quickly and produce large biomass due to nutrients from fertilizers and irrigation, light, high humidity, and warm temperatures (Latimer et al 1996).…”

Biología y Manejo de Nostoc (Cyanobacteria) en Viveros e Invernaderos

“…Nostoc puede ingresar a viveros e invernaderos a través del tránsito peatonal, herramientas de jardinería, transporte aéreo o sistemas de irrigación que utilizan agua contaminada con algas. Una vez en un invernadero, pueden crecer rápidamente y producir gran cantidad de biomasa debido a los nutrientes de los fertilizantes y el riego, la luz, la humedad alta y las temperaturas cálidas (Latimer et al 1996).…”