July 2020 - 8

HEADLINES/CALENDAR
AmericanHort and HRI Provide
Updates on Ralstonia
By Jill Calabro, Ph.D., Research & Science Director,
HRI and AmericanHort
Ralstonia solancearum race 3 biovar 2 (RSr3b2), a federal
quarantine pest, was recently confirmed in a single geranium
variety in a greenhouse in Michigan. This is the first
confirmed case in the U.S.
since 2004, after which it
was eradicated.
Diseased
geraniums planted in the
landscape can potentially
infect other plants, including
tomatoes, potatoes, peppers
and eggplant, and must be
destroyed.
Since the detection was
confirmed, AmericanHort
has collaborated with the
importer of the geranium
and with USDA-APHIS
toward the goal of a rapid, targeted and effective response
that minimizes unnecessary interruption. The Horticultural
Research Institute joined this effort and hosted an April 29
webinar on the basics of RSr3b2. All the speakers featured have
an extensive history with RSr3b2. The webinar can be accessed at
www.hriresearch.org.
Caitilyn Allen, department of plant pathology, University
of Wisconsin-Madison, provided an overview of RSr3b2,
such as how it spreads and prevention strategies. Allen and
her team focus much of their research on the interactions
of R.
solancearum and its many hosts, including plant
responses to infection. Some of this work was supported
by the Floriculture and Nursery Research Initiative, a program
administered by USDA-ARS to help support research beneficial
to environmental horticulture. HRI works closely with USDAARS
on prioritization of projects in the FNRI program.
Matt Royer,
associate
deputy
administrator
of
field
operations, plant protection and quarantine, USDA-APHIS,
outlined the current steps being taken by USDA-APHIS to
eradicate this latest RSr3b2 introduction. Royer led USDA
APHIS' responses back in 2003 and 2004 to eradicate RSr3b2
as well. Similar to now, RSr3b2 was found on imported
geranium in both 2003 and 2004.
Mike Klopmeyer, president of Ball FloraPlant, shared
insight into what happened during this latest incident from the
perspective of Ball FloraPlant, a geranium supplier. Klopmeyer
has been directly involved with RSr3b2 regulations, as well as
provided technical and phytosanitary support. He is also past
chairman of the AmericanHort Board.
More information regarding Ralstonia and other issues
affecting the green industry can be found on the HRI website
at www.hriresearch.org.
8 | LAWN & GARDEN RETAILER | JULY 2020
All-America Selections Announces
Landscape Design Challenge
Contestants
All-America Selections has announced the contestants in the
2020 Landscape Design Challenge. This year, 24 gardens will
be vying for the title of best of the best in their size category
based on average number of annual visitors. The 2020 theme is
" Make an Entrance. "
The Landscape Design Challenge was introduced in 2012 as
a way for the more than 180 AAS Display Gardens to compete
for the best themed design using AAS Winners, both past and
present. The 2020 competition has been adapted for this year
due to the many restrictions in place regarding opening dates,
times and number of events and visitors allowed.
Gardens have been planning and planting over the past
several months and certainly have gardens worthy of your
visit, as soon as they are able to open to the public. They have
submitted their intent to participate and encourage visitors
to stop by and see their designs. When visiting, please inquire
about the location of the AAS Garden.
For more information about the contest, contact Diane
Blazek, All-America Selections, at dblazek@aaswinners.com.
'Kilimandjaro Sunrise' Voted Plant
of the Decade
Concept Plants recently announced the selection of Viburnum
plicatum f. tomentosum 'Kilimandjaro Sunrise' as the People's
Choice winner for the RHS Chelsea Plant of the Decade.
Known for its multi-stemmed, upright, compact, slow
growing habit, 'Kilimandjaro Sunrise' sports pretty, blush-pink,
lacecap-like flowers, blooming abundantly in both spring and
summer. In fall, the leaves turn fiery autumn hues, providing
outstanding seasonal interest.
Bred by Jan Willem Wezelenburg of Jan Willem Wezelenburg
Nurseries, 'Kilimandjaro Sunrise' reaches six feet tall and two
feet wide, making it suitable as a flowering hedge, garden
border, or attractive specimen shrub in the garden. It's hardy in
USDA zones 5-8.
" We're thrilled to represent Viburnum plicatum 'Kilimandjaro
Sunrise' in North America, " says Peter Van Rijssen, partner
with Concept Plants. " With its fabulous white spring flowers
and summer blush blooms, followed by spectacular autumn
http://www.hriresearch.org http://www.hriresearch.org
July 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of July 2020
