Sun Gro’er Blog

Sphagnum Peat and Root Diseases

Diseases are becoming increasingly important in the production of ornamental crops due to restrictions on not only the use of chemicals but also the movement of diseased plants across borders. Growers are always seeking safer practices for controlling plant diseases. In this context, I present information to help growers better understand biological properties of peat and thus reduce the potential of root diseases. –Shiv Reddy
Read More in The Sun Gro’er Issue 6/2 (2011)
Leer más en The Sun Gro’er Issue 6/2 (2011) Spanish/Español

Biocontrol Products for Growing Media

Biological fungicides are a group of biocontrol products that have been used in the greenhouse industry for years. They have been increasing in use and popularity, not only because of their observed effectiveness in preventing disease, but also due to their less restrictive application and REI requirements. There is also a perceived desirable impact on the environment, or ‘greenness’ factor. This article investigates some of the more promising biocontrol products that relate to growing media.
–Rick Vetanovetz and Mark Thomas
Read More in The Sun Gro’er Issue 6/2 (2011)
Leer más en The Sun Gro’er Issue 6/2 (2011) Spanish/Español

Pine Tree Substrate — A Good Idea?

The use of pine trees (white wood, WoodGro®, PTS) or ground up pine tree parts (WTS) in soilless growing media has received some attention in the industry in the last five years, not because of the pine bark but because of the wood and other parts of the tree. Already, there have been two ways, or methods, of harnessing pine trees as a growing medium ingredient, each with differing names.
–Ron Walden et al.
Read More in The Sun Gro’er Issue 6/2 (2011)
Leer más en The Sun Gro’er Issue 6/2 (2011) Spanish/Español