Plague of lice attacks California vineyards

Article Abstract:

California's major growing wine states Napa and Sonoma are under attack by a louse called phylloxera. Two-thirds of vineyards will have to be replanted in the 90s at a cost of over $1 billion; about $15,000 an acre not inclusive of production loss to allow for vine maturing. The valleys produced $3 billion worth of wine in 1991. Phalloxera nearly wiped out the whole of Europe's vineyards in the late 1880s. A new type of phylloxera, Biotype B is responsible for Californa's crop devastation. It sucks the sap out of the roots making the vines wither. One female produces 200 offspring. Treatment is expensive.

California, Viticulture, Diseases and pests, Phylloxera

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Philips seeks spark for new success

Article Abstract:

Philips Chmn Jan Timmer restructured the company in 1990 but profits fell again in 1992. Professional products, lighting and Polygram are successful. The deficient consumer electronics business is intended to be market-led but the compact disc interactive seems more technology-led. The digital compact cassette (DCC) to be launched in October 1992 and high definition television are hoped to succeed. The DCC provides music of the same quality as compact discs but its players also play ordinary cassettes. All the big music companies will produce DCC software.

Management, Product development, Finance, Product information, Product introduction, Consumer electronics industry, High-definition television, High definition television, Philips Gloeilampenfabrieken N.V., CD-interactive, Timmer, Jan D., Audiocassettes

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3,000 jobs face axe in $5bn BP-Mobil deal

Article Abstract:

Mobil and BP have announced plans to merge their fuels and lubricants operations in 43 countries. This will create an operation with sales of more than $2 billion, and will lead to the loss of up to 3,000 jobs. The merged unit will represent a challenge to Exxon and Shell. Experts believe that there could be further consolidation within the downstream oil industry.

Mergers, acquisitions and divestments, Petroleum industry, Gasoline industry, Mobil Corp., MOB, British Petroleum Company p.l.c

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