On May 2, 2017, USDA-APHIS was informed that an orange petunia variety was potentially genetically engineered and had been imported and moved interstate without required authorization by APHIS. This led to testing of numerous petunia varieties, which confirmed this particular variety and several others are genetically engineered, and meet the regulatory definition of a regulated article under APHIS regulations. APHIS continues to work with the industry to ensure unauthorized GE petunias are not distributed in the United States.

AmericanHort’s key role interfacing with the USDA on the recall of genetically modified petunias has helped the horticulture industry rapidly address the problem. Senior Vice President Craig Regelbrugge talks about recent updates, the impact on the industry, and where it goes from here.

The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has allocated millions in funding to research plant pests such as boxwood blight, downy mildew, and phytophthora.

‘Big Pink,’ a chance discovery by USDA researchers, features large, brightly colored blooms and will soon be available to nurseries in South Florida.

The funding from the 2014 Farm Bill will be used to cover projects such as plant certification, clean stock for high-value crops, and invasive insects and diseases.

Through the Natural Resources Conservation Service, $4 million is being invested in 2016 to help producers and conservation partners in the Midwest and southern Great Plains plant milkweed and nectar-rich plants along field borders, in buffers along waterways or around wetlands, and other suitable locations.