A B S T R A C TThe effects of seven fimgicides, seven herbicides and six insecticides on nitrogen fixation and nodulation by the dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv 'Bonus') were investigated. All pesticides examined were found innocuous to nitrogen fixation (acetylene reduction) except bentazone, a post-emergence herbicide. Bentazone at 3 x label rate (6.7 kg ha-') consistently depressed nitrogen fixation rates within 48 h after application. However, rates recovered and were comparable to those of control plants after 6 days. N o e&ts were observed on nodulation from any of the pesticides (3 x or label rate) applied.

Five woody species, black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), yaupon holly (Ilex vomitoria), black cherry (Prunus serotina), snailvine [Cocculus carolinus (formerly Menispermum carolinum or Epibaterium carolinum)], and southern waxmyrtle [Morella cerifera (formerly Myrica cerifera)], are all native to Oklahoma and nearby states. They all have varying levels of use in and importance to the United States nursery industry. Past natural habitats and where these plants have spread to date, either intentionally or naturally, are discussed here. These native plants have migrated to or have become increasingly dominant in regions of the continental United States because of prolific fruit loads dispersed by birds and mammals, anthropogenic disturbances, overgrazing pastures, and certain species’ tolerance of environmental extremes. Potential control measures include chemical applications, timely cultivation, heightened awareness of grazing practices, and prescribed burning.

Oklahoma Proven is a plant evaluation and marketing program developed by the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture at Oklahoma State University. An advisory committee comprised of representatives from state agencies, industry, and Oklahoma Botanical Garden and Arboretum Affiliate Gardens makes plant recommendations to an executive committee which in turn selects one tree, shrub, perennial, and annual for promotion each year. Trees and shrubs are selected 3 to 5 years ahead of promotion while perennials and annuals are selected 1 to 2 years in advance to give nurseries time to increase production. Marketing includes posters, billboards, pot stakes, and hang tags with the Oklahoma Proven logo and related extension service programming and news coverage. Consumers appreciate having help selecting plants and one retail nursery reported an 81% increase in sales of Oklahoma Proven plants. Funding for the program is provided by industry, Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station, Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service, and a grant from Oklahoma Department of Agriculture.

Height control for vegetable transplants has become challenging with the loss of the industry standard growth regulator, daminozide (Alar). One alternative to growth regulators—brushing—was conducted on two cultivars of Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. Five weeks of brushing twice daily resulted in height suppression for both tomato cultivars. Brushing treatments were performed successfully by use of a grower-designed apparatus constructed from readily available materials.

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