Wilsonville, Ore. — Pests and pathogens are a threat to plant production no matter which processes are used, but some processes are much better and more efficient than others.
The Oregon Association of Nurseries (OAN) has published the “Safe Procurement and Production Manual,” a 96-page guide to producing healthy nursery stock by using a systems approach.
The full-color book is available in a convenient, lay-flat printed version, as well as a PDF download. Copies were distributed at the recent Farwest Show in Portland, Ore., which is the second-largest wholesale nursery trade show in the United States. The book was well received by growers in attendance.
“As you go through the chapters of this book, the systems approach is laid out in a step-by-step process,” said Jerry Simnitt, OAN President and owner of Simnitt Nursery. “Any nursery following these steps will reduce their risk of infestation or damage due to pests and pathogens. This will help us maintain access to national and international markets.”
This easy-to-follow book helps growers evaluate their own nursery operations and improve their production processes. It contains best practices that are proven to be effective at reducing risks from plant pests and pathogens. Different chapters of the book address the various components of plant production, from propagation to final shipment.
“The manual provides the latest pest and pathogen research and phytosanitary strategies,” OAN Executive Director Jeff Stone said. “It is intended to assist growers in developing a set of practices that emphasize prevention.”
The book was written by expert plant pathologists and industry leaders, all based in the Pacific Northwest. It continues the region’s proactive leadership role in dealing with plant pest and disease issues.
Contributing authors include Oregon State University plant pathologists John Griesbach and Jennifer Parke, Washington State University plant pathologist Gary Chastagner, and USDA Agricultural Research Service scientist Niklaus Grunwald.
To download the PDF version of the “Safe Procurement and Production Manual,” log on to http://www.oan.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=861.
Printed versions are available free, while supplies last, by calling the OAN at 503-682-5089 or 1-800-342-6401, or visit the OAN office at 29751 S.W. Town Center Loop West, Wilsonville, OR 97070.
The project was funded by the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (grant number OAN-ODA-2751-GR), through the Oregon Department of Agriculture.
About the Oregon Association of Nurseries:
The Oregon Association of Nurseries, based in Wilsonville, represents more than 1,200 wholesale growers, retailers, landscapers and suppliers. Oregon's ornamental horticulture industry is the state's largest agricultural commodity, with annual sales of more than $670 million. For information visit our website at www.oan.org or call 503-682-5089.
Source: Oregon Association of Nurseries
