Tag: invasive diseases

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5 Reasons Your Business Should Use Plant Sentry™

Women at a nursery planting, plant nursery, plant sentry logo, regulations

5 Reasons Your Business Should Use Plant Sentry™

So chances are that if you’re reading this blog, you probably have read our other blogs. Yet, despite all our writing we’re still looking to expand our reach and increase our clients. That’s why today we’re talking to you about the 5 Reasons That Your Business Should Use Plant Sentry™!

1.  We’re One-Of-A-Kind 

In the Garden Industry, there is truly no one else like us. We’re the ONLY us!! The benefit of Plant Sentry™ is that we uniquely and expertly identify pathways to ship plants from point A to point B while remaining fully compliant with Federal & State Regulations.

2.  Knowledge is power!

Unlike any other service in our industry, we have compiled a database full of regulatory information exclusive to our clients.  While businesses can often fall victim to pitfalls from a lack of knowledge, Plant Sentry™ can fill your business’ regulation “holes” and open up pathways for sales that may not have been there before. All because our information provides you with the full scope of effort for your needs.

 3.  We Understand The Industry

Perhaps the most important reason your business should work with Plant Sentry™™ is that we KNOW the industry! Listen, at the end of the day we know that while 2020 provided a great opportunity to many of the growers and sellers in our industry, we know that this wasn’t the case for everyone. The bottom line at the end of the day is the Bottom Line. We know that affordability is a big deal in our industry, that’s why we offer fair and competitive pricing for our services. Whether you’re looking for just a consultation or for help regulating year-round, we can help you! 

4.  We have over 30 years of experience under our belt!

Believe it or not, we have been in this industry for quite a while. Our Chief Compliance Officer has not only dedicated the time to gain the necessary experience to make Plant Sentry™ the best but also goes the extra mile by sitting on various invasive species councils. Expertise is fundamental in our business, so we persistently pursue the latest regulatory insights throughout the nation. When it comes to tracking regulations that may be coming down the pipeline, Plant Sentry™™ can see what’s coming and help you and your business prepare for any necessary changes.

5.  We’re really fun to work with!

You can talk to our clients, or simply take our word for it, but there isn’t another team out there quite us! While we may be small, we are most certainly mighty, and incredibly dedicated. We prioritize both the positive change that our business can create and help our friends in the industry. We know business isn’t always a walk in the park, but we do our best to keep things as fun, and professionally optimistic as possible while keeping you informed and up-to-date.

We know that invasive pests, invasive diseases, and invasive plants happen, but we also know that every problem has a solution. Here at Plant Sentry™, we know we can’t always solve the problem before it starts. But, we know that consistent, stringent solution-based efforts can make a significant difference in the efficiency of your business. That’s why we take the initiative from the start to target compliance efforts and protocols to decrease the damage and harm that these invasive species can have on your business and to your customers.

When considering your next steps in managing your regulatory compliance, reach out to us here at Plant Sentry™ and let us show you how our efforts can save you time and money!

Are you an AmericanHort member? Did you miss Cultivate ’21? Check out our educational session at AmericanHort’s Cultivate ’21 On Demand!

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Preventing the Spread of Invasive Species

Daisy and Plant Sentry Logo

Preventing the Spread of Invasive Species

Despite that most of us slowed down for the pandemic, invasive species didn’t skip a beat! In fact, some of them thrived this past year without human hands to keep them in control. With that in mind, as we re-enter the world, it is more important than ever to do our part in preventing the spread of invasive species.

Now we know that for some of you that may be asking a lot. But, for others, this may be just what you were made for! Whatever your pace there are many ways that you can help control and prevent the spread of invasives. 

This week Plant Sentry™ is going over three types of invasives we look out for and how to prevent their spread!

When it comes to invasive species there are three categories we like to focus on:

  • Invasive Plant Species

  • Invasive Pests

  • Invasive Diseases

    • Preventing each of these invasives from spreading may seem challenging, but we promise that it’s much easier than you think.

    Invasive Plant Species

    When considering new plant varieties for your garden, you may want to try something new. When doing so it is important to know your native species. 

    It can be tough to remember all of the natives for your area. Make a list before shopping at your local nursery! Doing so will make it much easier to identify the species you’ll want to steer clear of.

    When it comes to preventing the spread of invasive plants, it isn’t just what you buy that will make a difference. How you remove invasive plants is just as important!

    Many areas of the United States have volunteer organizations that focus on training and actively removing invasive species. Joining one of these organizations can help you learn how to properly remove invasives.

    These opportunities also give you the chance to engage in your community and learn something new. To find volunteer opportunities visit the USDA website: https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/take-action

    Invasive Pests

    The second kind of invasive that we like to focus on is invasive pests. These buggers keep the USDA APHIS team busy year-round and can cause quite the commotion when mismanaged. 

    Invasive pests tend to require a little more due diligence and focus when it comes to their removal efforts. To be sure you’re following best practices ask your local extension office and regulatory bodies about treatment methods and any removal suggestions. 

    Expert insight is the difference between rolling the rock up the hill or catching it on the downslope.

    Invasive Diseases

    Much like invasive pests, invasive diseases require a little more work and research before they can be removed. When looking to treat an invasive disease you will want to follow a similar practice to that of the invasive pests. 

    Check with your local extension office, local guidelines, and any regulatory agencies that are also fighting the invasive.

    Chances are there is a treatment protocol in place already and you’ll want to take the expert advice into account. If left untreated, an invasive disease can spread unnoticed wreaking havoc anywhere it can spread. 

    Preventing Invasives

    When it comes to invasive species management the best practice is to prevent them as much as possible. This is the only 100% guaranteed way that an invasive species can be prevented.

    While it is easier said than done, there are many ways that you can help stop the spread of invasives.

    1. Don’t move firewood. Buy your firewood locally and close to your camping locations. Many pest larvae are burrowed in contaminated wood that is then spread to different environments when moved. Prevent the spread and buy what’s there, we assure you we’re saving you in the long run. 
    1. Clean your equipment! Whether it’s a boat, your shoes, your pants, your camping equipment, what have you. Clean all items that may have picked up seeds, pests, or spores before entering or leaving an area where the spread may have taken place. 
    1. When in doubt, turn it down! If you’re not sure about whether it is diseased, contains a pest, or is invasive, leave it be and move onto your next option. While it may not always be preventable or noticeable at the time, invasive species have traits that they are known for and can help guide you as to whether or not it may be one.

    If you’d like to learn more about invasive species and ones that may affect your area be sure to stop by the USDA’s list of invasive species to learn more: https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/subject/lists

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    Buyer Beware… Sudden Oak Continues to Spread

    Buyer Beware… Sudden Oak Continues to Spread

    Sudden Oak Death continues to rear its ugly head across the United States. This disease, which affects around 100 host plants, is devastating to both nurseries as well as landscape plants.

    In the latest report, confirmed in Ohio, regulatory officials projected that there could be as many as 1,600 infected plants that were distributed to box stores in the state.

    18 States Received Infected Host Plants

    So far, the USDA/Aphis has estimated that plants that originated from the Pacific Northwest have been distributed to eighteen states. Not all states have reported infection, but many are expending resources to keep a vigilant eye out for infected plants. 

    The state of Minnesota just recently issued an advisory, explaining that Phytophthora ramorum is responsible for killing thirty to forty-five million oak trees in coastal forests. Although it has not yet discovered infection, the state is asking consumers that have purchased Rhododendrons to inspect their plants vigilantly for this disease.

    A clear symptom is large brown blotches on leaves and stems, causing them to shrivel and turn brownish-black. MDA plant pathologist Michelle Grabowski says this disease could still significantly impact Minnesota’s vast oak forests if escaped from an infected Rhododendron. 

    In Ohio’s case, Walmart and Rural King stores have volunteered a recall to retrieve sold plants to minimize any potential spread or impact. They are asking participants to watch for symptoms and dispose of Lilac and Rhododendron plants purchased between March and May this spring. 

    Plants can be disposed of via burning or double bagging and disposing in a landfill. Additionally, nurseries in quarantined states are supposed to abide by 34 Best Management Practices to prevent the spread of this disease, otherwise problems may arise.

    It’s Time For A Systems Approach To Avoid Ecological Trauma

    A high sense of vigilance is required when shipping any plant out of a quarantined area for pests or diseases. It is terrible that this disease made its way through the growing and shipping chain without being noticed. 

    It is apparent that steps were missed. This mess is now affecting almost half of the United States. Evidently, knowing what to look for in the event of a breach could have prevented the sale of infected plants this spring.

    Now, there is a strong need for growers to embrace the Systems Approach for Nursery Certification. 

    How Does Plant Sentry™ Work?

    The Systems Approach for Nursery Certification focuses on the best growing practices from start to final shipment, including treatment protocols.

    Plant Sentry™ is a tested compliance tool that blocks the shipment of plant materials in and out of quarantined or restricted areas. 

    Plant Sentry™ verifies that growers are compliant with current regulations, and it is highly vigilant of treatment protocols. 

    The compliance tool works for both shippers and purchasers of plant material. 

    The one-two punch of these systems approaches is proven to give both consumers and growers utmost confidence that healthy plants are being shipped. 

    Plant Sentry™ works with growers day in and out to win the battle against awful pests, disease, and invasive species.  

    Now is the time. Contact us today to learn more about getting started.

    References:

    Ohio Department of Agriculture

    Minnesota Department of Agriculture

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    February Is Idaho Potato Month

    February Is Idaho Potato Month

    You could really make the case that this should be a national celebration. After all, potatoes have been a staple in America since 1719, after being introduced in the 1690s.

    Now extremely popular, this crop has certainly made its mark. There were approximately 1.05 million acres of potatoes harvested in 2017 at a value of $3.7 billion dollars.

    About 60% of those harvested potatoes become French fries, potato chips, dehydrated goods, and other potato products. Imagine if ten, even twenty, percent of your French fries disappeared. I am sure you would not be happy.

    Potatoes have serious pest and disease problems. Keeping crops clean is critical for retaining high harvest percentages so that producers can deliver to your table.

    Plant Sentry™ is upholding its promise to prevent the accidental shipment of regulated plants that could put your potatoes in harm’s way. There are many vegetable shipment regulations put into place for very good reason.

    Some vegetables are regulated for Colorado Potato Beetle and Potato rot diseases. Potato plants cannot be shipped interstate or intrastate unless they go through a rigorous certification process. Certifying that plant material is clean and free from injurious pests and diseases is very important to potato growers. In fact, a massive amount of research is completed every year to keep potatoes ahead of these severe pests and diseases.

    The next time you go to purchase a plant online, make sure that you are using a reputable vendor. These vendors use systems that put the potato farmer first, allowing for a healthy supply of the valued commodity (potatoes) to satisfy your needs.