Organophosphate Hazard Signs

On the first of July 2015 new regulations come into force as a result of the decisions arising from the EPA Reassessment of organophosphates and carbamates.  The most important of these with regard to cymbidium growers in New Zealand is the banning of wet spraying in-doors and compulsory signage on growing shed entrances when and immediately after these chemicals have been applied.

A draft sign has been designed by the EPA and is shown in a number of their extension leaflets on the new restrictions.  A sign is required for each shed entrance and they may only be displayed during spraying and for three days after the safe re-entry period has expired.  As a result, growers will need a number of signs but they will only be on display and exposed to the elements for relatively short periods.  As such, the signs do not need to be very durable in terms of ultra-violet ray protection. They need to be quite large as the writing has to be visible from at least ten metres.  They also need to be able to be written on with marker pen so that specific information relevant to each spray application can be included on the sign.  One relatively cheap way to make the signs is to print them on A3 card and laminate them.  To this end a master A4 sign has been made which can be photocopied onto A3.  For completeness a summary of the new regulations, as they affect in-door growers, has been prepared on two sheets of A4 which can be photocopied onto the reverse of the sign.  The following two links contain the relevant Word files.

Organophosphate Hazard Warning Sign

Organophosphate Notes

Hydrangea Box Lining

The following links show one way to fold newsprint paper to line a hydrangea box for export.
Hydrangea box lining text and stills
Hydrangea box lining video

Grabitonline Spray Pumps

I have found "Grabitonline" to be a reliable source of discounted spray pump equipment. The staff were courteous and well informed about their products and delivery was prompt. The URL is:
http://www.grabitonline.co.nz/

Varieties

http://cymbidiumsnz.blogspot.co.nz/p/varieties.html

Miscellaneous

http://cymbidiumsnz.blogspot.co.nz/p/blog-page.html

Gadgets

http://cymbidiumsnz.blogspot.co.nz/p/gadgets.html

Hazardous Chemicals

http://cymbidiumsnz.blogspot.co.nz/p/hazardous-chemicals.html

LBAM

http://cymbidiumsnz.blogspot.co.nz/p/lbam.html

Originals

http://cymbidiumsnz.blogspot.co.nz/p/originals.html

Breeding Cymbidiums
Breeding cymbidiums is a time consuming process and the selection of appropriate parent plants is essential if useful hybrids are to be developed.  The variations in off-spring is enormous even from the same pod so intensive selection is required.

The method for artificially pollinating cymbidiums is described well by Arthur Sale on the following link: http://www.ahjs.biz/Cymbidium.html

Registered cymbidium crosses are recorded on the Wildcatt database which includes details of the parent plants of each registered cross. These can be used a guide for future breeding. Refer www.wildcattdata.com/ similar information is available on http://www.orchidwiz.com

Stockholm Convention - POPs
The Stockholm Convention is a relatively recent international agreement aimed at identifying and limiting the use of or banning "persistent organic pollutants".  Wikipedia contains a summary of its objectives and achievements on the following link: www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stockholm_Convention_on_Persistent_Organic_Pollutants

As part of the "Hearing" on organophosphates and carbamates the prospect of chlorpryfos being included on  the list of POPs covered by the Stockholm Convention was raised by Dr. Merial Watts of the PANANZ (Pesticide Action Network).  A copy of her submission can be viewed on the following link (Section 2.2): http://www.epa.govt.nz/search-databases/HSNO%20Application%20Register%20Documents/A PP201045_HEARING%20102658%20PANANZ%20M%20Watts%20presentation.pdf

The EPA subsequently reported on the procedure and time frame for chemicals to be classified as POPs under the Stockholm Convention.  Their report can be viewed on the following link (pages 28 and 29): http://www.epa.govt.nz/search-databases/HSNO%20Application%20Register%20Documents/APP201045_HEARING%20EPA%20staff%20reply.pdf

Agricultural Chemical Industry Organisations

There are two agricultural chemical industry organisations in New Zealand.  The larger group is called AGCARM and draws its membership from throughout the industry.  The smaller group is called the Animal Remedy and Plant Protection Association (ARPPA) and is comprised largely of importing and distributing companies dealing with generic products.

A slightly historical review of the structure of the industry appears in Section 3.1 (Key stakeholders) of a report prepared by the Ministry of the Environment on Waste Product Stewardship (Ag-recovery).  This can be found on the following link: http://www.mfe.govt.nz/publications/waste/product-stewardship-agrecovery-may06/html/page3.html

The AGCARM website address is: www.agcarm.co.nz

The ARPPA website address is: www.arppa.co.nz

"New Zealand Standard" - Management of Agrichemicals
NZS 8409:2004

NZS 8409 is the official standard set for the use of agricultural chemicals in New Zealand.  The standard contains both mandatory requirements and advisory guidelines.

The Standard is available free of charge on the following link:
https://law.resource.org/pub/nz/ibr/nzs.8409.2004.pdf

An overview of the Standard can be viewed on: http://shop.standards.co.nz/scope/NZS8409-2004.scope.scope.pdf

ring her on (04) 470 5867. 

Growsafe - Certification for Agricultural Chemical Users

The following link is to the "about us" section of the Growsafe website.
Growsafe About Us

Agricultural Chemicals Manual - Novachem

The Novachem website is a subscriber only site ($nz 125/annum) which provides a comprehensive database of agrichemicals that are available for use in New Zealand. The information is also available in a printed manual which costs $nz 145 plus goods and services tax at 15%. Subscribers to the printed manual also receive a twelve month subscription to the website. The 2013 manual has 166 new products added since the 2012 edition, with 98 products discontinued.

Website:https://www.novachem.co.nz 
Email: agrichem@agrimedia.co.nz

Commercial Cymbidium Growers in New Zealand with Websites

The following is a list of some of the commercial cymbidium growers in New Zealand who have websites of their own:

Browning Orchids (flowers)
http://browningorchids.co.nz/

Florere Orchids (flowers)
http://florere.co.nz/

Joshua (flowers)
http://www.joshua.co.nz/

Kiwi Orchids (plants for sale)
http://www.kiwiorchids.co.nz/

Regency Orchids (flowers)
http://www.web-one.co.nz/html/regency.html

Slater Orchids (Taranaki) plants and flower arrangements
http://slatersorchids.co.nz/

Tuckers Orchid Nursery (plants for sale)
http://www.tuckersorchidnursery.co.nz/

Plant Communication Through the Growing Media

The following link is to an article on plant communication using fungi in the soil.  It refers to an experiment where it was demonstrated that a plant being attacked by aphids could communicate with other plants around through the soil so that they could prepare for a potential aphid infestation. The trial demonstrates yet another symbiotic relationship between plants.  The ability of plants to communicate in this way would however not be useful for commercial cymbidium growers where plants are grown in separate pots or bags and where indoor growing conditions limit the entry of insects (wasps) to counter the aphid attack.  In wanting to make full use of biological pest control mechanisms different production techniques may need to be investigated which might include a greater reliance on post-harvest treatment to ensure that product is pest free before export.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-22462855

Organophosphates and Children
The cut flower industry normally requires product that is virtually blemish free for successful marketing.  To achieve this growers often have to use physical barriers (mesh) and or chemicals to protect flowers from insect attack.  Whereas many food products are controlled by the imposition of regulations concerning both the maximum chemical residue allowable and the minimum interval between pesticide application and marketing, the same controls do not apply to cut flowers. Young children seem to be particularly vulnerable to low level exposure to some of the harsher agricultural chemicals.  This exposure can come from living in close proximity to areas where these chemicals are used, living in the same house as people who work in areas where agricultural chemicals are used and from the cut flowers themselves.

The following link contains a summary of the main findings of various research activities which have demonstrated a link between exposure to agricultural chemicals at an early age and the subsequent impact on learning abilities.
http://www.beyondpesticides.org/health/learningdevelopmental.php#deve

The following link is to a paper submitted in 1999 on the exposure to organophosphates of children who live in close proximity to agricultural activities and/or whose parents or other family members work in areas that have been treated with organophosphates.  The study also refers to the higher incidence of childhood cancer amongst children exposed to organophosphates.
http://www.environment.harvard.edu/docs/faculty_pubs/lu_evidence.pdf

The Horticentre Group (horticultural input supplier)
Horticentre has its head office in Auckland and has five branches in the north of the North Island and three in the north of the South Island. The South Island branches operate under the name TasmanCrop. It stocks a wide range of horticultural products and is the main supplier of cymbidium packaging materials particularly cartons and tetron.

The branches are situated in the following locations:

Horticentre Whangarei - 43 Porowini Avenue
Telephone 09-438-1045
Facsimile 09-430-8834

Horticentre Massey - 18 Cabernet Cresent, West Auckland
Telephone 09-832-1400
Facsimile 09-832-1699

Horticentre Drury - 10 Firth Street, South Auckland
Telephone 09-294-8453
Facsimile 09-294-7278

Horticentre Pukekohe - 221 Manukau Road
Telephone 09-238-4120
Facsimile 09-238-3789

Horticentre Tauranga - 135a Maleme Street
Telephone 07-541-0808
Facsimile 07-541-0810

TasmanCrop Richmond - 12 Poutama Street

Telephone 03-544-6668
Facsimile 03-544-1506

TasmanCrop Renwick - Unit 11, Tyrone Park
Telephone 03-572-5164
Facsimile 03-572-5165

TasmanCrop Motueka - 28 King Edward Street
Telephone 03-528-6215
Facsimile 03-528-0215

Website: http://www.horticentre.co.nz/

Primehort Distributors (horticultural input supplies)
Primehort Distributors is a horticultural and landscape input supply company based in Kaiwaka (Northland). It has an extensive product catalogue and website and specialises in supply by courier.

Contact Details:
Freephone: 0800 12 7746 (0800 12 PRIME)
Phone: 09 431 1000
Fax: 09 431 2164
e-mail: sales@primehort.co.nz
Website: www.primehort.co.nz

Plant Stress Detector

The following link is to a short article about a device for measuring changes in the chlorophyll content of leaves and thereby determining changes in the health status of the plant well before it becomes visible to the human eye.  The equipment uses multispectral imaging.
http://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/20020062122_2002101416.pdf

Chemical Message from Roots Restricting Growth in Potted Plants

The following link is to a paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the Society of Experimental Biology on recent experimental evidence which shows that signals are sent by the root system of potted plants to the leaves to limit the rate of growth as soon as the pot-side barrier is encountered.  The paper also observes that the majority of roots on potted plants are located near the outside of the pot.  This aspect is well understood by experienced cymbidium growers who realise that in order to develop a tight root ball the plants need to be started off in small pots and potted-on at regular intervals.  The experiment reported on used MRI techniques to track root development.  
http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/18612661

Angiosperm Phylogeny Group (APG)

The following link gives information about the botanical group that is leading the way in the reclassification of plants based on DNA sequencing.

http://www.kew.org/news/apg-III-establishing-a-common-taxonomy.htm

The table in the following link shows where the Orchidaceae Family fits into the new classification (Order Asparagales).
http://theseedsite.co.uk/class4.html

There is a lot of on-going work in the re-classification of orchids.  The following link gives details of the current classifications.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taxonomy_of_the_Orchidaceae

Within this system cymbidiums fall into the following structure:
Order: Asparagales
Family: Orchidaceae
Sub-family: Epidendroideae (80% of orchid species)
Sub-family Higher: Epidendroideae
Tribe: Cymbidieae
Sub-tribe: Cyrtopodiinae
Alliance: Cymbidium
Genera: Cymbidium

Orchid Naming Conventions

The following link is to a paper which describes the conventions used for naming orchids.
https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=sites&srcid=ZGVmYXVsdGRvbWFpbnxkZWVwY3V0b3JjaGlkc3xneDoxZmI1NTcyOGFiM2ExNTgw&pli=1

Abamectin Temperature Debate

The following link is to a short document which covers two points of view expressed about the effectiveness of abamectin based sprays when applied at temperatures over 18 degrees celcius.

Abamectin Temperature Debate

van der Ende Report

The following link is to a report presented by Wim van der Ende, a Dutch consultant, in 2011to a NCGA field-day on crop management techniques for intensive commercial cymbidium production.

van der Ende Report

Bird Damage and Control

Birds can cause severe damage to cymbidium blooms.  Nectar feeders are the main problem as they climb on the stems and buds to feed from the nectaries at the base of the flowers.  The main form of protection against bird damage is bird proof sheds.  This is normally achieved through the use of shade cloth which has a fine enough mesh to also protect against larger insects.  Some sheds have roof vents which are difficult to bird proof due to the mechanical arms used to open and close the vents.  Sometimes a complete bird mesh ceiling is installed inside the shed to prevent birds getting access from the roof vent to the flower spikes.

Starlings and thrushes in sheds are not normally a problem as they do not feed on the spikes.  If they nest in the roof however, droppings can be deposited on flowers directly beneath the alighting areas.  Thrushes may often nest amongst the bulbs.  However if starlings and thrushes can find their way into and out of the shed then smaller birds probably can too.

Sometimes birds get trapped in a shed by flying in when a door is open.  They are not normally able to find their own way out and attempting to shoo them out the door can often result in other birds or insects entering the shed while the door is open.

White eyes are a particular problem and seem to find cymbidium orchids especially attractive.  They are however quite cheeky birds and it is often possible to get close enough to them to shoot them with a slug gun (air powered metal pellet).  For people with an unsteady hand or poor aim, bird shot in a .22 calibre rifle may be more effective.  The shot comes out like a dounut so the most effective killing area is not in the middle of the aim.  Peripheral damage from the rifle pellets is however often greater than from the slug gun especially if used near the walls or roof plastic.

Sparrows are also a problem and seem to have a strong aversion to firearms.  If there are only limited numbers they can often be caught by a rat trap placed on the ground near a resting area (often a corner of a shed).  Wheat is placed on the ground around and on the trap.  Traps should be checked regularly as often the birds will be trapped but not killed so need to be put down.  Also the traps need to be reset if more birds are to be caught.

We have found that bird scarers using recorded calls from birds of prey are much more effective at frightening staff and visitors than scaring small birds.

A bird repellant that can be applied with a thermal fogger is available commercially. http://www.fruitfed.co.nz/userfiles/files/2012%20Facts/Fruitfed%20Facts_Jan12.pdf

Some cymbidium growers in Northland are trialling this but to date no conclusive results are available.  It would only be suitable in situations where birds can find their way into and out of the growing shed (i.e. it will not be effective against birds which fly in through a temporarily opened door).

Fogger Technical Information

The following link is to technical material published by Pulsfog on the use of foggers for insect control.  It is aimed primarily at the use of foggers out-doors for insect control particularly mosquitos.  It does however contain useful information on droplet size etc. using various combinations of carriers.  The safety section is also useful in terms of providing basic information on safe ways to combine chemicals for application.

http://www.pulsfog.de/fileadmin/user_upload/pdfs/Mosquito%20Control%20and%20Vector%20Control%20cpl..pdf

The following link is to some research findings on spray drift in relation to the method of application.
http://www.cigrjournal.org/index.php/Ejounral/article/viewFile/1914/1507 

Astrofog

Care With the Use of Astrofog
Astrofog is a "carrier" marketed by Bob Anderson in New Plymouth (NZ).  The main benefit of using Astrofog over other carriers was claimed to be the much smaller particle size that can be achieved by using “neat” Astrofog (i.e. in combination with the chemical to be applied but without added water). The smaller particle size results in better coverage with a thinner film. It was also claimed that with the smaller particle size the electrical attraction between the plant material and the particles is increased thereby giving even coverage on both the upper and lower surfaces of the leaves, stems and blooms.

A number of cymbidium growers in Northland have used Astrofog. The general impression is that control effect of the chemicals is much superior to other fogging methods particularly for the control of two-spotted mites. Some localised damage has however been observed to leaves and stems especially those in close proximity to where the fogger was placed. This damage has been attributed to the greater concentration of chemicals in the vicinity of the fogging tube due to the mixture not fogging completely or particles coagulating to form large droplets. Fogger tuning and proximity to plants may correct this.

While the improved effectiveness is of major importance it is also very clear that special care needs to be taken with the use of Astrofog to minimize crop loss through chemical burning. 

Bob Anderson can be contacted on 06-757-9853 or 027-313123 or by email pestfree1@xtra.co.nz

Controlled Release Fertiliser

Best Management Programme:
The following link is to an article released by the University of California on recommended methods for the use of controlled release fertilisers to maximise plant uptake and to minimise run-off.

Controlled Release Fertiliser - Best Management Programme - University of California

Application Rates:
The following link contains a table of application rates for Osmocote for cymbidium orchids.  The information was provided by Scotts (now Everiss) to a meeting of the Northland Cymbidium Growers Association.
Application Rates for Cymbidiums

Osmocote General Information:
The following link gives basic information about Osmocote including the estimated outdoor release rates for different climatic zones.
http://www.scottsasiapacific.com/pdfs/hort/Osmocote.pdf

Market Outlook 2009

The following notes were taken from a presentation made by Greg Keymer of Eastern and Global, to the NCGA AGM on the export market prospects for 2009 and the implications of the LBAM (Light Brown Apple Moth) regulations for phytosanitary measures in other markets.

Market Prospect Notes 2009 

Greenhouse Temperature Control

The following link contains information provided by Mike Harrison on the use of "paint" on the roof of his greenhouses for the control temperature during the summer months.

Greenhouse Temperature Control with "paint"

The following link provides technical information on a shade paint product supplied by FruitFed Supplies.
Fruitfed Supplies - Shade Paint Technical Brochure

Netafim Misting Equipment

The following attachments contain the Powerpoint Presentation and brochures provided by Netafim at a field-day organised by NCGA in February 2010, on "misting" as a method of controlling orchid shed temperatures during the summer months.

Netafim Powerpoint Presentation
Cooling for Greenhouses
Coolnet Brochure
Mist Guard Cooling Brochure
Multi-function Irrigation Controller
Coolnet pro superfine mister
Coolnet Pro superfine mister (2)
SpinNet Bridgeless Micro-sprinkler
SpinNet Bridgeless Mirco-sprinkler Shoulder Distributor
Pressure Compensated Drippers (for equal water application at all drippers)

The following link is to a glossary of terms compiled by Netafim relating to irrigation.  It does not include terms relating to specific items of irrigation equipment.
http://www.netafim.com.au/glossary#e

Netafim is an Israeli based company that was established over 40 years ago and is the world’s largest micro-irrigation company. It has offices in over 110 countries and supplies a range of equipment to many horticultural and agricultural projects around the world. Their product range includes: drippers and driplines, micro-sprinklers, Arkal filtration systems, solenoid and control valves, water meters, air valves and a complete range of irrigation and climate control systems. Netafim prides itself in supplying a technically advanced product range with the on-going technical support from local representatives to ensure the growers achieve the maximum potential from their equipment. In New Zealand they have a warehouse facility in Auckland that supports over 70 Dealers nationally. Their customer base in NZ covers: grapes, apples, kiwifruit, avocado, citrus, intensive greenhouse, nurseries, wastewater and many others.

The following link contains some basic information on the physics behind cooling greenhouses with water vapour.
http://faculty.caes.uga.edu/pthomas/hort4050.web/hort4050/lectures/12/lec12.pdf 


Notes on Misting:
In Northland (NZ) there is a trade-off between light and temperature levels in orchid houses during the summer months. Excessive shading can limit both plant growth and spike initiation/elongation while excessive heat causes plants to “shut-down” thereby reducing bulb and spike size. A number of options for achieving the optimum combination are available and include shed design, shading, ventilation, misting and roof watering. A number of growers have installed misting systems and this technology does, in some cases, offer a cost effective alternative to structural alterations (raising roofs and or increasing vent sizes). Misters have the advantage over conventional overhead sprinklers that, by generating small droplet sizes, heat can be extracted from the shed through vapourisation (water droplets being converted to water vapour by absorbing the latent heat of vapourisation and then being taken out of shed and replaced by “dry” air so that the process can be repeated). While it has been generally believed that the water from misting systems should not wet the plant material, research work and the experience of some growers indicates that this need not necessarily be a problem for cymbidiums (they are generally not in flower during the heat of the summer).

Misting systems require cleaner water and higher pressure systems than conventional in-pot and over-head watering systems. The Installation of a misting system may therefore require an up-grade of the basic water supply system in terms of increased availability, improved filtration and fittings that can cope with the increased water hammer arising from the repeated opening and closing of the misting solenoids.

Some growers have installed effective misting systems using mister/fans from Redpaths.  Another grower has found that by using a combination of shade paint and misters he has managed to limited his maximum shed temperature to 35 degrees campared to 45 degrees when only venting was used.

Chemical Control of LBAM eggs and larvae

The following link is to a paper published by the University of California on the use of chemicals to control LBAM with particular reference to the treatment of egg rafts and larvae. The study indicates that the addition of horticultural oils to spray chemicals tested did not increase the level of control but horticultural oils on their own did provide some control.

LBAM Insecticide Treatment

Woodyatt Notes

The following link is to the notes provided by Nick Woodyatt to accompany his presentation on cymbidium growing presented to a NCGA field-day in 2010.  At that time Nick was employed by Pacific Growers.  The presentation focus's on the reduced use of conventional chemicals and the greater use of natural products to promote improved disease resistance and a better growing environment.

Woodyatt Notes

The notes include reference to:

plant classification (asparagales), roots and velamen, Retrosal, vitamin B, over use of chemicals, natural methods, environmental conditions, good horticultural practise, sporekill (Bio Clean), Oxine, stabilised chlorine dioxide, clean water, natural fungi as protectants, trichoderma, bacillus, mycorrhiza, Superzyme, Mycormax,

New Zealand Orchid Societies

Wellington Orchid Society website:
http://wocnz.webs.com/apps/links/

Manawatu Orchid Society website:
http://www.manawatuorchid.org.nz/home.html

Orchid Council of New Zealand website:
http://orchidcouncil.co.nz/

Phil's Orchid World

The following link is to a New Zealand site with seasonal information on how to grow cymbidium orchids.  It is aimed primarily at the hobby grower but much of the information provided is also relevant to commercial production.

http://homepages.ihug.co.nz/~tomnz/culture/cultureframe.html

Orchid Societies in the UK

The following link provides a list of orchid societies in the United Kingdom.
 http://orchid-talk.co.uk/societies/

The link to the British Orchid Council is:
http://www.british-orchid-council.info/

Orchid Societies in Australia

The following link provides a list of orchid societies in Australia.
http://www.orchidsaustralia.com/societies_SA.htm

Photos of Common Cymbidium Ailments

The following link is to a Parramatta Orchid Society website.  It contains photos of a number of disease problems encountered by orchid growers with extensive coverage of virus symptoms.

http://www.parramattaorchidsociety.org/Major%20Fungal%20and%20Virus%20Diseases%20%20Orchids%20PDOS.pdf 

Botrytis Control - Management Suggestions

The attached link is to a document prepared by a research scientist, Mike Dance, on practical methods to control botrytis in green house situations.  The article was provided to a field-day held by NCGA by HortiCentre.

Botrytis Control - Mike Dance 

Botrytis Control Systems - some field examples

The attached file contains some notes prepared for a field-day held on botrytis control in indoor cymbidiums.

Botrytis Control Methods field-day report

Food Miles and Carbon Footprint

The following link contains some notes prepared in 2008 on the issue of food miles and its implication for cymbidium exports from New Zealand. At that time it was clear that the methodology for calculating carbon footprints was still being formulated especially in respect of transport costs.  New Zealand cymbidiums, especially on long-haul fights, where aeroplanes have to take their full fuel capacity, flowers are often accorded cargo space as they are lighter per unit volume than many other freight items.  To a certain extent therefore it can be argued that they occupy space which would be left empty if other light cargo was not available.  The introduction of a flat carbon charge on flights entering the EU ignores this scenario.  The amount of space requiring "light cargo" is dependant on both the aircraft type and the length of the flight.  Older 747 aircraft with modern (heavy) in-flight entertainment systems have a higher freight capacity requiring "light cargo" than the more modern 777 aircraft which have a higher loading capacity.
 Food Miles & Carbon Footprint

MCP Post Harvest Treatment

The following link is to a publication by Heyes and Johnston concerning the use of MCP for extending the vase life of cymbidums.  The study relates specifically to the loss of pollen caps.  It should be noted that not all varieties deteriorate more quickly when their pollen caps are removed and some exporters say that they do not receive complaints from customers about reduced vase life arising from missing pollen caps. In this context however it should be borne in mind that cymbidium orchids with missing pollen caps may have a longer vase life than many other types of cut flowers.
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B0VFCtzL2xZOa1JIME13MXhxYzA


An alternative link is:
http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/01140671.1998.9514070

MCP is available in sachet form for the in-box treatment of flowers.  The following link is to a technical sheet on this topic:
Ethyl Block technical sheet

The following link is to a technical paper on 1-MCP.  It covers a range of potted plants and makes reference to the Heyes and Johnston paper on the treatment of cut cymbidiums.  It alludes to the need for repeated treatments with MCP and the importance of chilling in combination with the 1-MCP for minimising the effects of ethylene.
http://ucce.ucdavis.edu/files/datastore/234-882.pdf

The following related link on cooling of cut flowers contains a Fact Sheet produced by Horticulture and Food Research Institute NZ in 1998.  The recommended storage temperature for hybrid cymbidiums is 10 to 13 degrees celcius.
http://www.hortnet.co.nz/publications/hortfacts/hf305004.htm

Refer also to this link for the in-box treatment of flowers with chlorine dioxide for the treatment and control of botrytis.
http://www.floracultureinternational.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=333&Itemid=7&ed=38

Improved Productivity Options

The following link is to a short discussion paper on some options for improving productivity in the cymbidium industry through the use of product handling equipment.
Improved Productivity - Product Handling Equipment

ORCHID ASSOCIATIONS

The following link gives an extensive list of orchid societies around the world.  These societies are largely those involved with orchid collections rather than commercial cut flowers.

www.orchidmall.com/society.htm

VAPOUR MATE


The attached word file is a technical data sheet issued by BOC Gases on the use of "Vapormate".
The attached "Power Point" file is the text of a talk given by BOC staff to NCGA growers on options for on-site fumigation of cymbidiums using pesticides supplied in cylinders.


Vapormate - technical data sheet
Vapormate Powerpoint Presentation

COLLECTIVE WISDOM (factors affecting cymbidium growth)


The attached text file and four supporting jpg files contain a summary of the conclusions made by a group of Northland cymbidium growers on important fundamental issues which affect the productive performance of cymbidiums. The discussions were initiated by a talk given to Northland cymbidium growers by the Dutch cymbidium consultant Wim van der Ende. The notes were compiled and edited by Julie Donald.


Collective Wisdom - Main Text
Figure 1 : Effect of Temperature
Figure 2: Temperature and Plant Metabolism
Figure 3: Control of pH
Figure 4: Availability of Nutrients & pH

FLAT PACK WATER TANK - ABOVE GROUND


"Kliptank" is a water tank system that can be delivered as a flat-pack and assembled on site with storage capacities of up to 1,500,000 litres. It uses largely plastic components and is an alternative to above ground wooden tanks with plastic liners. Contact:www.kliptank.com (Tauranga)

SILVER

Mid season white with red labellum.
Bartolme Ferrello Silver.
Brittle labellum. Needs to be left to open fully to obtain full white colour. Shows some tendency to blush in full sun.

The name is taken from one of the rabbits in "Watership Down" (Adams). [extract Wikipedia "Hazel's rabbits. Silver, with silver fur. The main fighter besides Bigwig, and also a member of the Sandleford Owsla. He is also the nephew of the Threarah, Sandleford's Chief Rabbit. In the movie when they were crossing a river to escape a dog he helped Bigwig push a board across the river with Fiver and Pipkin on board because they were too tired to swim. ......"]
See also "Hyzenthlay"

POLLEN CAP MITE

Pollen cap mite (Tyrophagus neiswanderi) is a mite which may contribute to the deterioration of pollen in cymbidium orchids rendering them unsuitable for sale. It normally lives in the growing media but may migrate up the cymbidium spikes and reside under the pollen cap. Varieties with loose fitting pollen caps are more susceptible to attack. Control methods include chemical sprays, predator mites and the selection of varieties that are not prone to attack. Overhead watering also tends to reduce the challenge but may give rise to other serious flower quality problems (botrytis and stem rot).

 Follow the link to "Effects of Pesticides on Cymbidium Orchid Pollen-cap Mite and its Predator Hypoaspis sp." by Workman & Martin - NZ Plant Protection 55:380-384 (2002)

http://www.nzpps.org/journal/55/nzpp_553800.pdf

POLLEN-CAP MITE PREDATOR

Hyper-Mite (Hypoaspis sp.) is a soil dwelling predatory mite which can be used to control pollen-cap mite (Tyrophagus neiswanderi). Predator mites are susceptible to many chemical sprays and therefore their effective use relies upon an integrated approach with chemical control methods for other pests. Hyper-Mite cannot be relied upon to stay in the growing media and may crawl up the leaves and spikes.  Post harvest treatment may therefore be required if spikes are to be exported to markets with zero insect tolerance.

In NZ Hyper-Mite is available from Bioforce, New Zealand. For additional information go to: http://www.bioforce.net.nz/products/hypoaspis_aculeifer.html

A report on "Effect of Pesticides on Cymbidium Orchid Pollen-cap Mite and its PredatorHyopaspis sp." by Workman & Martin can be found through the following link:

http://www.nzpps.org/journal/55/nzpp_553800.pdf

Information on the life cycle of Hypoaspis can be found in: The "Good Bug Book" 2nd Ed. ISBN 0 9580589 0 3

HITO
Horticultural Industry Training Organisation (HITO) was established to provide training opportunities for the New Zealand horticultural sector. In 2014 it was merged with a number of similar organisations which were providing training to other parts of the primary production (agriculture etc.) sector.  The combined organisation is known as the Primary ITO. Training opportunities include certificate training in floriculture and related topics but not specific training in cymbidium production.  Certificate training is focussed on production issues with topics relating to business management being covered by a diploma course www.primaryito.ac.nz/qualifications/diploma-agribusiness-management.  The link to the Primary ITO website is: www.primaryito.ac.nz. 

HYZENTHLAY


Mid season pink standard.
Bartolme Ferrello Hyzenthlay.
Needs full light and for all flowers to be open for about five days for full delicate pink colour to show - partially and recently opened blooms have a brown tinge.
Brittle petals and sepals and may discard pollen caps with rough handling. For ease of packing and to improve general presentation blooms should be directed towards the front during tying.
The name is taken from one of the rabbits in "Watership Down" (Adams). [extract Wikipedia "Hazel's rabbits. Ten Efrafan does that leave their birthplace, only eight of which survive. Most notable among the does are: Hyzenthlay ("Shine-dew-fur," Fur shining like dew), who is the leader of the rebellious does in Efrafa and has some of the abilities of a seer. ......"]
See also "Silver"

HORTFERTplus

Hortfertplus specialise in the supply of fertiliser and other related products to the horticulture sector. They offer proprietary brands, in-house mixes, customised mixes and technical support.
Freephone:0800-273-748
Telephone: 09-410-2368
Facsimile: 09-410-1367
E-mail: mark@hortfert.co.nz
Postal Address: PO Box 31-023, Milford, Auckland 0741

Refer to "Solufeed" for details of their in-house fertigation mixes.

FARMSAFE

FarmSafeTM was born as an ACC and Federated Farmers initiative designed to drive down New Zealand's alarming rural injury and fatality statistics. FarmSafe, managed by a Consortium of education partners, enjoys wide industry support and operates independently from ACC. FarmSafe programmes are designed to reduce agriculture and horticulture accidents by providing quality training, assessment and services, with the vision of working towards a safe and prosperous rural community.

By attending a relevant training workshop cut flower growers are eligible to apply for an ACC Workplace Safety Discount of 10% of their "work component of the ACC levy" for horticultural employers and self-employed who can show sound health and safety practices.
FarmSafe website: www.farmsafe.co.nz
For details of ACC Workplace Safety Discount scheme call: 0800-222-776 or log on to www.acc.co.nz/wsd
To register for a FarmSafe workshop call: 0800-545-747
Northland Coordinator for FarmSafe: Ollie Bigelow, 0800-787-658 or 09-433-8020

Electrical Back-up for Inflatable Roofs

The storms in recent years have caused considerable damage to poly-houses particularly during power cuts when blowers for inflating the roofs are not working. Some growers have used portable generators to overcome the problem. Howe's in Maungakaramea have an inverter system which provides stand-by power from a bank of batteries. Mike Harrison has been working with Bryce Bindon to develop a similar system for his sheds. It is now fully operational and the following text is Bryce's description of the system.

STAND-BY SYSTEM FOR ROOF BLOWERS

Items required:
Inverter
Battery and terminals
Battery charger
240v relay and sparkie (electrician)


The fans draw 60watts each

INVERTER-If for example you have 10x blowers =600 watts, the inverter required would need to at least double this figure, because upon start-up it draws a lot more. An added bonus is if you go 2x larger or more it will also run irrigation timers and solenoid valves-n.b. it will NOT run pumps because of excessive current draw would blow it up.

For more information contact Bryce Bindon at Bindons Limited 09-438-7319 www.bindons.co.nz 

In Box Botrytis Control (Chlorine dioxide)

Follow this link for information on chlorine dioxide impregnated paper as a method for controlling the development of botrytis during transport:

http://www.floraculture.eu/?p=4190

GLOSSARY of TERMS

A glossary of some general orchid terms can be found on the following link.  The list is not specific to cymbidiums and is not comprehensive for cymbidiums.
http://www.taisucoamerica.com/orchid-information/glossary-of-orchid-terms/

Alvin Clip

Multipurpose plastic hook used for hooking strings to the overhead wires or for attaching the string to the base of the spike.


Aphid

 Insect which can cause damage to cymbidium flowers, particularly pinks, in the form of blotching. Aphids may also spread virus from one plant to another.

Auction

Generally refers to New Zealand cymbidiums sold in Japan where the price to the grower is not specified before sale.  This is also referred to as "consignment" sale.  Many of the cymbidiums marketed in this way are sold prior to auction but not prior to shipping.

Banded Lip

Used to describe where the lip of the labellum has a solid band of colour (normally red or pink) as opposed to dots. Refer also spotted lip, busy lip and pure colour lip.

Bark

Growing media for cymbidiums made from pine bark - comes in various grades depending on particle size and the degree of processing (screening). Is sometimes supplied mixed with dolomite or lime to reduce the acidity. Nitrogen fertiliser is sometimes added to fresh bark to promote aging. The quality of bark varies greatly depending on the age of the tree and the degree of screening to remove fines, cambium and wood chips.

Bent Stem

Bends in the spike's stems are cause by spikes being tied too late. Badly bent stems are unsuitable for commercial sale and mildly bent stems are difficult to pack and are downgraded to AA or "Extra" grade.

Bird Damage

The main damage caused by birds is scratch marks on the back of the sepals which occurs when the birds are feeding on the "sugar" released by the nectaries at the base of the flower. Some birds can also damage open cymbidium flowers by pecking off the pollen cap.

Busy Lip

Used to describe the lip of the labellum when there are many dots. (refer also spotted lip, banded lip and pure colour lip).

Column (gynostemium)
Central part of orchid flower situated above the labellum.  It contains both the male and female reproductive parts.  The following link contains a more detailed description.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Column_(botany)

Controlled Release Fertiliser
Controlled release fertiliser has the nutrients contained inside a prill with a permeable membrane coating.  The soil temperature and thickness of the coating determines how quickly the nutrients will be released. Nutrient release rates are specified for a soil temperature of 20 degrees centigrade. Controlled release fertilisers applied in autumn  therefore have a longer release period than the equivalent fertiliser applied in the spring.  Some common brands of controlled release fertiliser are Osmocote, Plantacote and Nutricote.

Intermediate Cymbidium
Intermediate cymbidiums are sized between minis and standards.  For export purposes they are normally classified as minis.

Labellum
Modified petal in the middle of the flower (cymbidium flowers have three sepals and three petals the third one of which is modified to form the labellum). "Orchid flowers are unusual because they are bilaterally symmetrical, in contrast to the radially symmetrical flowers of most other lilioid monocotyledons." (source: http://www.kew.org/science/orchids/research.html )

Pure Colour Lip
Used to describe the lip of the labellum that does not have red or pink markings. Refer also banded lip,spotted lip and busy lip.

Slow Release Fertiliser
Slow release fertiliser is fertiliser made from less soluble salts so that it takes longer than regular fertiliser to become available to the plant. refer also "controlled release fertiliser"

Spotted Lip
Used to describe the lip of the labellum that has spots rather than a solid band. Refer also banded lip, busy lip and pure colour lip.

Standard Cymbidium

Standard Cymbidium varieties bred from the original hybrids with large flowers on upright inflorescences. Approximate size ## to ## mm diameter. Note this is not an international classification.  In South Australia for instance standard cymbidiums are further split into two groups, large and small and the intermediate category is retained.

Vernalisation

The promotion of flowering by exposure of plants to cold, non-freezing temperatures. (The process by which some plants identify the winter period.)

BACK BULB

Dormant pseudobulb that has lost all of its leaves. The back bulb can be made to sprout a new growth by separating it from the surrounding backbulbs by breaking (or cutting) the rhizome.  See also "Brown Bulb" and "Green Bulb".

SHORT DAYS

Botanical term which applies when the number of daylight hours are less than the number of hours of darkness within a 24 hour period. refer also "long-days"

PRIMORDIUM

Immature part of a plant destined to develop into a certain tissue or organ.

PSEUDOBULB

Swollen, bulb-like stem, often in cymbidiums known as a “bulb”.  In cymbidiums they grow above ground which generally give the plants an untidy appearance at ground level.

PHOTOSYNTHESIS

The process by which plants use sun-light to convert carbon dioxide from the air into carbohydrates.

LONG DAYS

Used to describe those days where the number of daylight hours is greater than the number of hours of darkness within a 24 hour period. Some plants use this as a signal to determine the change of seasons and thereby to determine their time of flowering. (Long-day plants)

MINIATURE VARIETY

Cymbidium varieties bred from “standard varieties” crossed with the small flowered oriental species with a resultant small flower (diameter ## to ## mm) normally referred to as "minis". Miniature refers to the size of the flower not the length of the flower head. Some miniature varieties have very long flower heads.

SPIKE

Horticultural term for the inflorescence of a cymbidium orchid, which includes its stem bearing usually many individual flowers.

DE-VERNALISATION

The reversal of vernalization caused by unseaonally high temperatures.

CARBOHYDRATES

Complex molecules composed primarily of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. Two common forms found in plants are sugars and starches.

AXIL
Upper angle formed by a leaf with a stem.

FLORIBASE

Floribase is a database of national (New Zealand) flower growers. It has been established by the New Zealand Flower Growers Association (NZFGA) with financial assistance from the Sustainable Farming Fund. The main purpose of the database is to provide a list of grower contacts for Government Departments that are introducing regulations which may directly affect flower growers. Initially these are expected to relate to biosecurity issues and the Emissions Tradng Scheme. It is also anticipated that the database will generate summary data that will be useful to the floraculture industry in presenting submissions to Government and for developing market strategies.

Individual data is protected but summary data is available to contributing growers.

It is hoped that the data will be kept current at relatively low cost by individual growers updating their data on-line annually or when their situation changes.

The floribase url is: www.floribase.com

ACEPHATE REASSESSMENT EPA
The following link is to the January 2011 EPA report on acephate and methamidophos. http://www.epa.govt.nz/Publications/ERMA200399-Application-Form.pdf

No submissions were made by the cymbidium industry on acephate (Orthene). The preliminary findings of the EPA report were that Orthene be withdrawn from the market as it was considered that the 80 metre clear zone that would be required around greenhouses and the 9 to 130 day re-entry periods would be untenable for commercial horticulture.

DIAZINON EPA ASSESSMENT
The New Zealand Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is undertaking a systematic review of organophosphates and carbamates used within New Zealand.

The following link is to the report prepared by NZEGO in response to the New Zealand Environmental Protection Authority reassessment of the organophosphate Diazinon. The report was submitted in July 2011.

Diazinon Report EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)

A copy of the original report dated June 2011, by the EPA, can be found on the EPA website through the following link. http://www.epa.govt.nz/search-databases/HSNO%20Application%20Register%20Documents/ERMA200398_Application%20-%20ERMA200398.pdf

WEB BASED MARKETING LOCAL MARKET CYMBIDIUMS

The following link contains a short paper prepared for NCGA on the potential for developing the local market for export quality cymbidiums through the use of internet marketing.

Web Based Local Marketing Cymbidiums - Survey and Discussion

Dichlorvos (Nuvos) Report

The following three links contain the final report submitted to ERMA (now EPA) by the Northland Cymbidium Growers' Association on the use of dichlorvos (Nuvos) in the New Zealand export cymbidium industry. The report was submitted in January 2009.

Frontice - Dichlorvos Report
Preface - Dichlorvos Report
Main Body: Dichlorvos Report

The ERMA (now EPA) report can be found on the following link on the EPA website. http://www.epa.govt.nz/search-databases/HSNO%20Application%20Register%20Documents/HRC08004_Dichlorvos%20application%20form%20(2010.11.24).pdf

The following link to the EPA website contains a copy of the letter dated February 2011 which was submitted to the EPA by NCGA/NZEGO in response to the findings of the dichlorvos reassessment. http://www.epa.govt.nz/search-databases/HSNO%20Application%20Register%20Documents/HRC08004_Submission%20-%20Northland%20Cymbidium%20Growers%20Association%20Inc.%20102374.pdf

The EPA(NZ) subsequently decided to undertake a comprehensive review of organophosphates and carbamates which included dichlorvos.  Information on this review is included in the "Hazardous Chemicals" section of this blog.