Raymond Cloyd, Univ. of Ill. entomologist, said the pest is likely in Illinois for good. Cold snap threatens spring growth. Expect cold damage throughout a large portion of the country after last week's late freeze. Portions of IL, IN, OH, KY, WV, NC and TN suddenly faced temperatures in the 20s, well after leaves had emerged or even become fully developed. Dole Fresh Flowers Inc. Flowers will be shipped by Federal Express in insulated containers.
Wet weather brings on botrytis.
Growers in the East are facing botrytis problems as a result of wet, cloudy weather. Alan Michael, multi-county extension agent for ornamental hort. Penn St. plant pathologist Gary Moorman said the most important method of inhibiting botrytis activity is to heat and ventilate greenhouses to prevent high humidity. Extra venting early in the day when moisture has condensed and before the sunlight has warmed the air may be adequate.