B. C. L A N D S C A P E & N U R S E R Y A S S O C I A T I O N P U B L I C A T I O N • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 0
CanWest is on the move Building your operating budget What you need to know about pesticide bylaws
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Message from the President
A year in progress – 2010 It is here! 2010. It even sounds exciting, and is a very special year in the life of BC and Canada. It has been talked about and anticipated for a decade, and will stand out for decades to come! This is not just because of the Olympic events, but because of the heightened awareness and focus they, and other world events, bring about where and how we live; who we are, and what we are all about.
If you have a crystal ball – especially if it has proven to be accurate – I would love to borrow it. But without one, it is impossible to predict the impression we will leave with others, or the short and long term effects of this event, once the eyes of the world have seen and assessed us. The euphoria could last for months; or it could abruptly turn to concern over the debts incurred. People could just take a deep breath of relief and get on with their lives with renewed vigor and enthusiasm after the financial uncertainties of last year. I think our industry is most fortunate and well positioned for whatever comes. We are an industry that faces constant changes and forges on with optimism – no matter what. As in all years, there is
much to be accomplished, and as your voice, the BCLNA is moving forward with energy and your best interests at heart. That is the beauty of life. We can anticipate, plan, organize and be as ready as possible, but as my uncle who is 94 and two bits muses on how his life will end, his wise and ever accurate summation is “you never know”.
Ruth Olde, President, B.C. Landscape & Nursery Association
HortWest FEBRUARY 2010 MANAGING EDITOR Renata Triveri ADVERTISING Barb Nelson
Phone: (604) 574-7772 Fax: (604) 574-7773 HortWest is the newsletter of the B.C. Landscape & Nursery Association for the horticultural trade in Western Canada. For further information, contact us at: Suite 102, 5783 – 176A Street Surrey, B.C., Canada V3S 6S6 Telephone (604) 574-7772 Fax (604) 574-7773 HortWest is owned by the B.C. Landscape & Nursery Association, and is published 10 times a year. Views expressed inside do not necessarily reflect the attitudes of the Association but are those of the writer concerned. Material may not be reprinted from this magazine without the consent of the publisher. All advertising and editorial material are to be received one month in advance of mail out date. HortWest is mailed under Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement N. 0288608 This magazine is printed in Canada by Globe Printers.
On the cover: A watchful eye peers over a display of Erica at David Hunter Garden Center in Surrey. The company’s shop on Broadway in Vancouver, a 49-year old institution, closed at the end of 2009 when the landlord failed to extend its lease. The company is exploring options for a new location. Photo: Renata Triveri
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Board Synopsis
January 25, 2010 Education The Horticulture Basics Program, generously funded through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Agreement, is in full swing. A wide variety of educational sessions are offered to eligible entry-level candidates FREE of charge. Take advantage! Visit www.bclna. com/horticulturebasics.htm or call Ann Marie Walsh or Joy DeMelo at (604) 574-7772 for details. BCLNA is privileged to present budgetbuilding sessions in March; these mustattend workshops are offered via the Landscape Management Network at incredible savings if 50 seats are filled! Sign up now: contact Krista Manton at (604) 574-7772 or email kmanton@bclna.com. Retail Commodity Time is running out to
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book your inspections with Eve Tigwell, a world-renowned independent consultant from the UK. This program is so popular, you won’t want to miss your chance to increase your sales and raise industry standards. For more information, please contact Rebecca Wetselaar at CNLA: rebecca@canadanursery.com. Special events The annual BCLNA Fundraising Auction received more than $50,000 in contributions from members. BCLNA thanks each and every donor; your generosity allows the association to carry out a wide variety of activities through the Export Development and Inside BC Marketing portfolios. It also extends significant funds to various scholarships offered to the horticulture programs of accredited institutions.
The 2010 Annual General Meeting and Convention will be held on November 4 and 5 at the Westin Bear Mountain Resort in Victoria. Mark your calendar and plan to attend! Certification The Nursery Worker Skills pilot project was held on January 25. Five workers went through five stations of the exam to determine if employers can make use of the program. Cable Baker reported that the program has good potential to be offered nationally. Mike Byland indicated that it went well overall, but some internal policies differ so a fine balance exists between this training being both generic to all nurseries, but specific enough to advance the skills, is required. The board thanked Van Belle Nursery, which suspended operations for a full day in order to host this pilot project.
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Industry Bits
Richmond Farm School opens
Charest joins N.A.T.S. team
The Institute for Sustainable Horticulture, in cooperation with the Richmond Fruit Tree Sharing Project, the Richmond Food Security Society, and the City of Richmond, announced that the inaugural session of the Richmond Farm School is scheduled to commence this spring. The purpose of the Farm School is to prepare people from all walks of life to engage in human scale, urban-focused agriculture enterprises including production, processing, adding value, distribution, marketing and sales and build regional agri-food systems in, around and for municipalities. Through the program, students will have access to (at very reasonable rates) “incubator” farm land (up to one acre for three years) to begin their agricultural enterprises. All Farm School students will also participate in a minimum of 350 hours of practical crop production and postharvest experience under the direction and/ or supervision of Farm School staff and/ or Richmond Fruit Tree Sharing Program farm staff. For Information or to enrol, contact Kent Mullinix: (604) 612-1252 or kent.mullinix@kwantlen.ca.
N.A.T.S. Nursery Ltd. welcomed Suzanne Charest to the LiveRoof sales team of Michael, Rod, Andrea and Joe; Suzanne has already assisted with delivery and installation of a LiveRoof project in Vancouver. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science from the University of Ottawa and her Masters of Advanced Studies in Architecture from the University of British Columbia. Her passion for the West Coast and its unique ecosystems began ten years ago while working (and playing) in Haida Gwaii. She brings a unique mix of ecology and architecture to the position and is looking forward to furthering the connection between the built environment and local ecologies. You can contact her at suzanne@natsnursery.com.
LANDSCAPE HORTICULTURIST ON-THE-JOB TRAINING REFERENCE GUIDE 2009
Train your new workers quickly, safely and efficiently. Improve the productivity of your business Order a copy today
Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC) 202-1283 Algoma Rd, Ottawa, ON K1B 3W7 Tel: 1-866-430-7457 Fax: 613-745-0119 info@cahrc-ccrha.ca www.cahrc-ccrha.ca
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11/30/09 2:15:50 PM
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BCLNA OFFICE: 604-574-7772; 800-421-7963
events
Industry
and programs
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BCLNA News Bulletins
CanWest is moving February 17-21 PLANET Leadership Meeting/ Executive Forum Aria Resort & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada www.landscarenetwork.org 19-20 Victoria Home & Garden Show Save-on-Foods Memorial Arena www.chbavictoria.com
March 1-2 and 3-4 Building Your Operating Budget Session for landscape professionals Location TBA www.bclna.com 3 BCLNA Landscape Commodity Meeting Location TBA www.bclna.com 17-21 Canada Blooms Direct Energy Centre, Toronto www.canadablooms.com
April 7 BCLNA Executive Committee Meeting BCLNA Office, Surrey 10-17 California Spring Trials Various locations, schedules online: www.ngb.org 21 BC Skills Competition Tradex, Abbotsford www.skillscanada.bc.ca 22 PLANET Day of Service www.planetdayofservice.org
June 9 BCLNA Landscape Commodity Meeting East Richmond Nurseries www.bclna.com 22 BCLNA Golf Tournament Swan E-Set Golf Course, Vancouver www.bclna.com
Under the green roof at the Vancouver Convention Centre Show Dates: September 29 & 30, 2010 The 2010 CanWest Hort Show will be showcasing the best of horticulture under the green roof at the Vancouver Convention Centre (VCC). “This is such a great opportunity for CanWest,” says show chair, Michelle Pain. “A world class facility boasting a green design and featuring a six-acre living roof is a natural fit for our industry.” And show delegates who travel from throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond, will now have a chance to check out this award winning facility. Bill Hardy, logistics manager adds, “Exhibitors will love it! With access to 10-plus loading docks and a private road accommodating two-way traffic, we look forward to managing a very efficient move-in and move-out.” In light of the recent announcement that the sails are being replaced at CanWest’s traditional venue, VCC East, starting this spring, exhibiting in the west facility will ensure that the 2010 CanWest show is not disrupted in any way during the convention centre’s year-long renovation project. Other Highlights: The educational program will also take place under the green roof, and moving just down the street has allowed the CanWest team to negotiate a great price for hotel rooms at the brand new Fairmont Pacific Rim. This hotel is located directly across the street from VCC West and features a convenient connector to the trade show level. Thinking About Exhibiting? With its exciting new venue and floor plan, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to exhibit at CanWest 2010. Contact Barb Nelson now to select the best available space: (604) 574-7772 or bnelson@bclna.com.
• Raw materials purchased in advance helps to ensure product consistency and availability.
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• Multiple computers control the dosing equipment, increasing accuracy and speed. This makes it easier to offer competitively priced products. • Non-invasive mixing equipment protects the structure and consistency of the media.
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Landscape Clippings
Building your operating budget BCLNA is presenting an invaluable two-day session from the Landscape Management Network on building your operating budget. Register today for the March 1 and 2 or March 3 and 4 workshop, and leave with:
• A budget you can start using the very next day;
• Sales goals that will deliver profit; • Realistic spending targets for your labour, equipment, materials, subs, and overhead; • Profitable labour and equipment billing rates tailored for your company; • The ability to use a budget to make profit-driven decisions; • Knowledge of sales and job management
processes to improve productivity and efficiency; • An understanding of how inexpensive and profitable it is to develop trained, professional staff. For all the details, download the registration brochure at: www.bclna.com/10-03-02_Budget.pdf.
Save the date: PLANET Day of Service
Private and public sectors come together at Urban Forestry Symposium
Join thousands of others in the green industry on Earth Day, April 22, 2010 for the second annual PLANET Day of Service. Register or update your profile at planetdayofservice.org, and commit yourself to working on a hort-inspired charitable project on Earth Day. Others can locate your project online and join you on April 22 in this international horticultural show of comraderie and charity. By participating you can:
The Urban Forestry Symposium held in Surrey last year was a resounding success, hosting more than 100 representatives of both public and private sector urban arborists, and extending vital information to improve the know-how and profitability of professionals. Plans are underway to develop a spring program.
• Revitalize the places where people live, work, and play; • Demonstrate goodwill and environmental stewardship; • Be recognized for leadership in community service; • Foster teamwork among your comrades; • Show your commitment to a great cause. For all the details, visit www.planetdayofservice.org. Plan to participate, then remember to tell BCLNA all about it! We’ll feature your story in HortWest Magazine, and create a press announcement for allied publications.
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Rodney Stott, an Environmental Planner for the District of Maple Ridge, and Yolanda Leung, a Landscape Architect for the Township of Langley, described the Community Ecosystem Restoration Project underway with Ecosystem Restoration Associates (ERA) – a program designed to restore degraded riparian areas and improve park ecosystems through carbon offsets. Jeff Monty of Pacific Carbon Trust (www.pacificcarbontrust.ca) explained how to qualify for carbon credits and have trees planted at no cost. A second session (presented by Norm Hol of Arbotech Consulting, Shawn Gurney from the City of Abbotsford, and Trevor Cox of Diamond Head Consulting) addressed tree risk assessments. Panel discussions provided insight into winning municipal tree work contracts, and enlightened attendees on tree removal bylaws. “The Urban Forestry Symposium was a great investment. Nowhere else could we have received that amount of information, from that caliber of speakers, on topics that impact the work we do. The clarity provided on the complex and varying issue of tree bylaws was very beneficial. We are looking forward to implementing what we learned and are excited about some of the business opportunities that were discussed;” commented Jeff Foley of Para Space Landscaping. Norm Hol said, “I thought the program was well thought out and was a great fit for the balance of municipal and private sector folks.” Trevor Cox added, “I think these events go a long way in bringing the urban forest community together so that we are all providing, or getting, a better product in the end.” Don’t miss the next Urban Forestry symposium. To ensure you receive the details, contact Annika Ingram: aingram@bclna.com or (604) 574-7772. BCLNA extends thanks to all the speakers, as well as Greg Ward, Gail Szostek, and Erin Younger for their work in assembling this stellar program.
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New
BCLNA Members Final Approval The BCLNA welcomes the following new members as of the December 8 and January 25 board meetings: Construx Landscaping Ltd., Jeff Strandebo, Active Landscaper (Interim), North Vancouver Conway Landscapes Ltd., Keith Conway, Active Landscaper (Interim), Aldergrove Elemental Gardens, Dave Wodchis, Vancouver, Active Landscaper Erica Enterprises Ltd., Sheila Martin, Pitt Meadows, Active Grower Green Flora Greenhouses Ltd., Peter & Karen Voogt, Abbotsford, Active Grower (Interim) Wayne Maskall, City of Vancouver, Vancouver, Horticulturist (Individual) Tentative Approval The following companies will become BCLNA members at the next board meeting unless a member provides a valid reason for not accepting the application: Everlasting Landscape Ltd., Cory Ertmoud, Langley, Active Landscaper Weedbusters Ltd., Spencer Lauriente & Myles Koene, Surrey, Active Landscaper Leigh Nelsen, White Rock, Student
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CanWest is ‘Under the Green Roof’ at the Vancouver Convention Centre Reserve your booth space today. Call Barb Nelson 604.574.7772 or email bnelson@bclna.com 2/2/10 3:33:31 PM
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In Memoriam
Doris Murray 1913 - 2009 Doris E. Murray (Nana) passed away surrounded by her family in Vancouver on the evening of December 2, 2009 after a long, independent life filled with love, faith, and happiness. She was predeceased by her loving husband Everett J. Murray (E.J. Murray Nursery), who served as president of the 60-member BC Nursery Trades Association from 1969 to 1970. Doris was also predeceased by her only son Gregory J. Murray, and her brother and sister in law William and Betty Curtis. She is survived by her daughter-in-law Sharron Murray, grandson Daniel J. Murray (wife Alexandra), granddaughter Tracey A. Murray (husband Gabriel), and great grandsons, Anthony, Kenneth, Nicholas, and Carson. A celebration of life was held on December 8, 2009. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.
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Grower Updates
P. ramorum compensation extended Compensation for P. ramorum losses ended in December 2008, but as of December 19, 2009, legislation to extend P. ramorum compensation will be on the gazette, which means it will again be available for growers, landscapers and homeowners who suffer plant destruction and associated costs due to a positive P. ramorum find in their facilities or landscape. This compensation ends December 31, 2010, and all applications must be submitted by December 31, 2012. BCLNA provides this kind of advocacy to help members with issues that affect your bottom line!
A big “Thank You” to CNLA staff and board members who worked diligently on our behalf in Ottawa to move this along over the last 18 months, as well as to CFIA staff, including Shane Sela, John, MacDonald, Mike Wood, Rob Ormrod and others, who continue to work with our industry.
COPF finds illegal propagation Tens of thousands of New Guinea impatiens cuttings, which had been propagated without permission, were recently discovered by COPF in Canada. The Most-Effective Monitoring Program™, started by COPF in 2007, completes monitoring visits to growers within a specific time frame based on the shipping date and plant format. Several Canadian growers were fined for illegal propagation last year, including one Ontario grower who had 70,000 “extra” impatiens cuttings. The grower has since stopped the illegal propagation and has placed a significant cutting order with a breeding company for the season; the value of the order is higher than the cost to the breeder for two years of monitoring. “The goal of this program is to ensure a level playing field. We believe this is how
our industry will develop strong and equitable market prices. When you play the right way, it’s a win-win all around,” says COPF President, Philip Thompson. Greenhouse growers are reminded that many annuals are not allowed to be propagated without permission; even sticking tip cuttings may be illegal. The best way to keep informed on what you can and cannot propagate is to be a member of COPF® in Canada or Plant Watch® in the U.S., for as little as $25 per year. COPF, established in 1964, is a non-profit organization with a mission “To provide effective solutions in the management of propagation rights to growers and breeders for the benefit of the horticulture industry.” To find out more about the Most-Effective Monitoring Program™, go to www.copf.org, and click on “News”.
Richard Desmarteau (left) and Gunther Blasig served as judge and technical assistant at last month’s Nursery Worker Skills pilot “Certification” test. Five volunteer candidates worked through test stations while employers observed in order to determine if the program could be translated into a full certification or a training system for nurseries. Surveys were very positive, and comments will go to BCLNA and CNLA boards to further the program. We thank VanBelle Nursery for hosting the program, the organizers who pulled this event together, and the volunteer candidates who tested the program.
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On Cosmetic Pesticides
BCLNA’s position on the banning of cosmetic pesticide use in British Columbia In February 2009, BCLNA’s Board of Directors moved to support the ban of cosmetic use of pesticides in the urban landscape, according to the guidelines of PlantHealthBC and the IPM model. In light of current dialogue regarding a provincewide ban, this statement intends to clarify BCLNA’s position with regard to cosmetic pesticide use, the definition of “cosmetic” to which BCLNA subscribes, the basic principle of IPM, and the alignment of this position with BCLNA’s mandate as the voice for the BC landscape horticulture industry. Definitions Cosmetic pesticides, as interpreted by the BCLNA, are defined as any pest control products used to improve appearance or aesthetics of a landscape. Cosmetic pesticide application does not include those products used to control pests or weeds that have significant detrimental effects on human health, the health of an ecosystem, the overall well-being of a constructed landscape, or on agricultural or environmental horticultural crops. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a knowledge-based pest management approach requiring an understanding of the landscape ecosystem including, most notably, the relationships and interactions of organisms, especially pests and their natural enemies. It is a flexible, adaptive approach that seeks not to eliminate pests, but to manage their populations in environmentally sound ways, economically, and at acceptable levels in landscapes and public use lands. IPM uses the full range of pest management tools and tactics including cultural, physical, mechanical, biological, behavioral and chemical. Pesticides are used only as appropriate, sparingly and as a last resort. Management of pests is the goal, not control. PlantHealthBC is a pilot project designed to encourage widespread responsible pest management in British Columbia by holding
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lawn care, arboriculture and landscape maintenance companies, golf courses and parks accountable to a high standard of practices for weed, disease and insect control and by facilitating industry access to IPM/ Plant Health training. PlantHealthBC aims to create and implement a program which is open and transparent, self-sustaining and built on strong partnerships with key stakeholder groups. PlantHealthBC also aims to provide the public with a simple, reliable method for identifying companies and organizations that use responsible pest management practices. BCLNA’s position on Cosmetic
Pesticide Bans BCLNA supports the ban of cosmetic use of pesticides in the urban landscape, according to the guidelines of PlantHealthBC and the IPM model. Congruency with BCLNA’s Mission Key to BCLNA’s mission is the progressive engagement of relevant issues, to the benefit of the environmental horticulture industry. • The banning of cosmetic pesticide use has a wide-reaching effect on landscape practitioners. It signals new social and industry knowledge of the harmful effects of pesticide misuse. It also signals a recreation of the way horticulture professionals will do business in an increasingly environmentally aware world. • By supporting cosmetic pesticide bans, and endorsing pest management accreditation via PlantHealthBC, BCLNA is taking a progressive stance that will assist accredited companies in gaining the knowledge and skills required to reduce and/or eliminate pesticide use in their day-to-day operations. • Much like the way BCLNA members mobilized to mitigate the spread of P. ramorum through nurseries, landscapes, and our broader ecosystem, a pre-emptive program to voluntarily
reduce the use of pesticides is required. • By assuring industry expertise and input contributes to pesticide bylaws and legislation, BCLNA can assure control measures – delivered by only the most qualified and knowledgeable of applicators – remain available to safeguard human health, delicate ecosystems, urban forests, agricultural and horticultural crops from the detrimental ecologic and economic effects caused by infestations of pests, including invasive alien species. Congruency with BCLNA objectives BCLNA’s objectives are: • The promotion of high standards of horticulture practices throughout the Province of British Columbia. • The provision of skilled services to the public by members of the Association. • The promotion of the relevance of horticulture in fostering the healthy stewardship and beautification of urban and rural environments. • The furtherance of the interests of members of the Association; and • To do all such things as are incidental or conducive to the attainment of the above principles. It is the position of BCLNA that supporting not simply cosmetic pesticide bans, but also subscribing to the guidelines and principals established by PlantHealthBC and IPM, ensures that BCLNA members remain leaders in advancing a skilled workforce that meets and exceeds standards of care, environmental stewardship, and the long-term industry sustainability. Participation with the broader community Just as BCLNA asserts the expertise of its member professionals, the association also relies heavily on the expertise offered by affiliates, industry allies, governments at all >> Cont’d on page 13
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On Cosmetic Pesticides
About municipal pesticide by-laws Mario Lanthier, CropHealth Advising & Research, Kelowna BC Municipalities have the legal authority to implement by-laws restricting the use of pesticides in specific situations. But that authority is limited by other federal and provincial legislations. Most commonly, a municipal by-law will target pesticide use for lawns and ornamental plants on residential properties. These by-laws can include exemptions for specific situations; for example, a pesticide
application to manage a severe pest infestation after confirmation by a certified professional or accredited company may be exempt.
• Weeds growing in shrub beds and flower plantings, • Aphids found on trees, • Leaf spot diseases on shrubs.
What can be restricted by a by-law Municipalities can restrict the “nonessential” use of pesticides. The most common non-essential uses are: • Weeds growing in a lawn,
What cannot be restricted by a by-law Municipalities do not have the authority to restrict or make a determination about the pesticide-related questions noted below.
QUESTION
JUSTIFICATION
Is the pesticide safe or not safe?
Determined under authority of Health Canada
Can the pesticide be sold?
Determined under authority of BC Ministry of Environment
Can the pesticide be used in agriculture?
An “essential” use according to the Supreme Court of Canada
Can the pesticide be used to control rodents or in swimming pools?
Two “essential uses” for the protection of human health
Can the pesticide be used on commercial and industrial sites?
Municipalities do not have authority under the provincial Community Charter Act
Can the pesticide be used in forestry or on Crown land?
Municipalities do not have the authority under the provincial Community Charter Act
Can the pesticide be used to control noxious weeds?
Noxious weed control is mandatory under the provincial Weed Control Act
Can the pesticide be used to control regional pests?
Regional pest control is mandatory under Regional District by-laws
What is optional in a pesticide by-law A city council can decide to add exemptions into a by-law for situations where a pesticide application would be allowed.
EXEMPTION
JUSTIFICATION
FREQUENCY
Specific pesticide products
The by-law includes a list of “allowed pesticides”or defers to the provincial “excluded” list
Found in all by-laws
Roads and sidewalks
For the protection of hard landscapes from roots of perennial weeds
Found in some by-laws
Severe pest infestations
This process allows a specialist to recommend a pesticide application
Found in most by-laws
City lands
For the maintenance of professional sports fields
Found in some by-laws
Golf courses
Operators make extensive use of IPM practices
Found in some by-laws
Fruit trees and vegetable gardens
For the protection of commercial agriculture found within city limits
Common in Okanagan Valley
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Exemptions for severe pest infestations A severe pest infestation could be a newly found regulated pest (for exemple Emerald Ash Borer), or a pest threatening to kill a tree (pine beetles), or a pest creating a major nuisance (a severe aphid outbreak on a maple tree over a parking lot).
PROCESS FOR SEVERE PEST PROBLEMS
JUSTIFICATION
FREQUENCY
Municipal spray permit
Issued by City Hall on a case-by-case basis
Common in Eastern Canada
PlantHealthBC accreditation
An industry program based on use of IPM and independent annual audits
Many municipalities in British Columbia
Certified pesticide applicator
A provincial government program based on safe use of pesticides
A few municipalities in British Columbia
ISA certified arborist
An industry program (International Society of Arboriculture) with world-wide recognition
Provincial legislation in Ontario
Supreme Court of Canada Decision In 2001, the Supreme Court of Canada upheld a by-law from Town of Hudson, Québec. The by-law prohibited the use of cosmetic pesticides on public property. Lawn care companies contested it. The Supreme Court dismissed the appeal. In its judgement, the Supreme Court said in part: “Based on the distinction between essential and non-essential uses of pesticides, it is reasonable to conclude that the Town by-law’s purpose is to minimize the use of allegedly harmful pesticides
in order to promote the health of its inhabitants”. The word “essential” is not clearly defined, but is contrasted to non-essential, “… where the use of pesticides is not purely an aesthetic pursuit (e.g. for the production of crops)”. The Supreme Court did not discuss whether pesticides are “safe” or “not safe”. Rather, it made an analogy to cigarettes, approved for sale by the Federal Government, but for which municipalities can implement further restriction. The Court also mentioned the international law “precautionary principle”
“Where there are threats of serious or irreversible damage, lack of full scientific certainty should not be used as a reason for postponing measures to prevent environmental degradation.” Since 2001, over 150 municipalities across Canada have approved a pesticide by-law, including 22 in British Columbia. In December 2009, the B.C. Ministry of Environment initiated a public consultation on possible province-wide legislation. The consultation document can be viewed on the Ministry website. For more information on the consultation, see page 15.
Cosmetic pesticide position cont’d from page 11 levels, environmental groups, First Nations, educators, researchers, and other stakeholders, while helping members meet the needs and expectations of the public. Through extensive consultation with all these groups, BCLNA has cooperatively established PlantHealthBC and placed it in the administrative hands of an independent third-party: the Institute for Sustainable Horticulture. In doing so, BCLNA is better able to maintain its role as a trustworthy association within the broader community. Sending a message In supporting cosmetic pesticide bans,
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BCLNA sends a message that our members
are active and conscientious stewards of the environment and the environmental horticulture industry. Members can put this message into action by: • Obtaining PlantHealthBC pest management accreditation. • Getting educated on what IPM is, working to dispel pervasive myths surrounding IPM, and in turn educating your customers, clients, colleagues, and community. • Advocating that pesticides should only be used by qualified and knowledgeable professionals, as a last resort,
in combating pests and invasive alien species that threaten human health, delicate ecosystems, urban forests, and agricultural and horticulture crops. • Pursuing knowledge and training on the preventative measures, monitoring, and control methods required when practicing horticulture without the use of pesticides. • Understanding that restrictions and protocols that may seem unwieldy at first can become valuable and marketable steps in assuring the sustainability of your business in an increasingly environmentally-aware society.
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BCMAL Report
Pesticide registration David Woodske, Industry Specialist BCMAL Several new pesticides were registered for ornamental use during the past year. Approval was granted very recently for some of the pesticides; therefore, product may not yet be available through local suppliers. Always follow an IPM regimen, and refer to the label for application information. Fungicides (active ingredient, resistance management group) Acrobat® 50 WP (dimethomorph, Group 40) Locally systemic fungicide with preventive activity. Must be applied prior to disease symptoms to be effective. Label expanded to include suppression of Phytophthora ramorum on susceptible hosts in nursery and landscape. Acrobat® inhibits the formation of cell walls in susceptible micro-organisms. Dutch Trig® (spores of Verticillium albo-atrum) New bio-control vaccine that prevents Dutch elm disease of American elms. Works by inducing the tree’s natural immune system to fend off fungal infection. Must be injected into the tree following spring bud break. Dutch Trig® provides protection for one year; it has no curative properties. Previcur N® (propamocarb hydrochloride, Group U) Systemic fungicide with preventive activity. Now registered to control root rot caused by Pythium and Phytophtora on some outdoor and greenhouse-grown ornamentals. Pristine™ WG (boscalid and pyraclostrobin, Groups 7 and 11) Contains two active ingredients that have different modes of action: inhibits spore germination, and mycelial growth and sporulation on the surface of the leaf. Registered to control apple scab on crabapple trees. Optimum control achieved when applied in a regularly scheduled preventive spray program. Rhapsody® ASO (Bacillus subtilis) Derived from a naturally occurring soil bacterium.
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Broad-spectrum biofungicide that has multiple modes of action. Label expanded to include prevention of Phytophthora, Pythium and Rhizoctonia on greenhouse and outdoor-grown ornamentals, and of black spot on greenhouse and outdoor-grown roses. Subdue MAXX® (metalaxyl-m, Group 4) Systemic fungicide with protective and curative activity. Label expanded to include suppression of Phytophthora ramorum on ornamentals deemed to be hosts of this pathogen by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Can be applied to greenhouse, container, and field-grown ornamentals (including conifers) in nurseries and landscapes. Apply as a foliar spray to run-off for field-grown ornamentals, and as a drench for containerized ornamentals. Herbicides BroadStar™ and SureGuard™ (flumioxazin, Group 14) Selective pre-emergence herbicides that provide extended residual control of grassy and broadleaf weeds. BroadStar™ is registered for over-the-top application to container-grown ornamentals. Apply only to dry foliage and irrigate with 1-2 cm of water immediately after application to activate. BroadStar™ has been observed to cause leaf spotting on some plants and the label includes a list of species that are known to be susceptible to injury. SureGuard™ is registered for use on established field-grown ornamental deciduous and coniferous trees, and to manage weeds in non-crop areas. May be applied over-the-top of conifers either prior to spring bud swell or after sufficiently hardened off in the fall. Only apply to the soil or base of deciduous trees; avoid direct spray onto plant surfaces, flowers, foliage, and green bark. These herbicides kill plants by interfering with the biosynthesis of chlorophyll. They are tightly
bound to soil and are reported to not inhibit or limit root growth under normal growing conditions. Goal™ 2XL (oxyfuorfen, Group 14) Registered to provide pre-emergence control of grassy and broadleaf weeds in established, field-grown conifers. Kills plants by disrupting chlorophyll biosynthesis and must contact the foliage to cause an effect. Strongly adsorbed to soil particles and forms a persistent barrier on the soil surface. Insecticides Acelepryn™ (chlorantraniliprole, Group 28) New chemical class; controls insect pests through a new mode-of-action. It is registered to control viburnum leaf beetle. Acelepryn™ causes rapid cessation of feeding, lethargy, and muscle paralysis, ultimately leading to insect death. Active against egg and larval stages. Locally systemic and resistant to photo-degradation, and has long-lasting activity. BotaniGard® (Beauveria bassiana) Reduced-risk biopesticide. It contains live spores of a naturally occurring fungus that can parasitize certain soft-bodied insects. Registered to control aphids, thrips, and whiteflies on greenhouse ornamentals. Orthene® 75% Soluble Powder (acephate, Group 1B) Has contact and systemic activity. Label recently expanded to include use as a tree injection to treat deciduous and coniferous trees in landscapes and nurseries to control sap sucking and leaf feeding insects. Not registered for use on trees used to produce fruits, nuts, or syrup for consumption. Do not apply more than one application per tree within a 24-month period.
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BCMAL Report
MoE consults on cosmetic pesticide ban During the Throne Speech of August 2009, Premier Campbell indicated that the Government of BC would be engaging in public consultation on the use of cosmetic pesticides. In late December, the Ministry of the Environment launched this consultation process via an online survey. Over the past four years, BCLNA has been working hard to assist municipal partners and landscape professionals through a groundbreaking process that addresses today’s wisdom and sensitivity to the environment. The PlantHealthBC accreditation system ensures landscape professionals achieve a high level of IPM knowledge and skill to manage pests using sustainable, conscientious methods. The project has been generously funded by Investment Agriculture Foundation. BCLNA’s position statement supporting a
ban on the cosmetic use of pesticides (see page 11)is in keeping with the principles of IPM and PlantHealthBC’s mandate, and this position has been made known to the Minister of the Environment. Together with the board and commodities, BCLNA will be developing an official response to the Ministry of Environment’s Cosmetic Pesticide Use survey. However, it is essential that the Ministry of Environment receives your own perspectives as horticulturists and as concerned citizens. Make your opinions known by February 15. Complete the survey on behalf of yourself or your company, by going to:
Photos: IStockphoto
http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/epd/ipmp/regs/ cosmetic-pesticides/consultation.htm If you have any comments or questions about the consultation process, or PlantHealthBC, please feel free to contact Renata Triveri at rtriveri@telus.net.
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