Botrytis was a problem for many growers during the last weeks. Weather and overgrown plants too close each other due to lack of space were part of the problem. Impatiens necrotic spot virus (INSV) was also noted here and there. Nothing major, in part because growers are more aware of the problem and know how to recognize it. Thrips were also frequently seen. Growers had to constantly battle to keep this pest under control. A dwarf sunflower sample was seen with a possible bacterial disease that exhibited chlorotic spotting of the leaves and eventual interveinal browning.
Columbus retail florist sales were up approx. 10% for Mother's Day. Garden center sales were just acceptable. There had been only two good days of planting weather in this area and a frost on May 13 and 14. Impatiens flats were selling for $9.99 other plant flats at $6.99 in Columbus. In Detroit flats were sold from$ 7.99 to $9.99. In this area, Mother's Day was a real flop at garden centers. In Cleveland, flats were sold from $ 5.99 to $11.99. There was a fair amount of damaged product on display almost everywhere. Fund raiser projects seemed to fair well this season. There was a freeze in Cleveland on May 13-14 which injured perennial material. A small amount of flats were still left in Meigs Co. and growers were anxiously awaiting payment.