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.

BARK - John Turner presentation (Hills Laboratories)

The following link is to the Power Point Presentation given at an NCGA Field-day on 5th. October 2010 by John Turner. John Turner is a consultant for Hills Laboratories.

Some of the important points raised by John Turner included:
- fresh bark often contains high levels of sap and turpentines which may be harmful to plants. "Composting" the bark through a treatment of nitrogen and lime will reduce these problems.
- bark chips which are produced by a rubbing process rather than a hammer mill will generally produce a "stronger" bark as it will have more long fibres
- the best bark for orchid growing will normally come from older trees and from the stump area of the tree

Bark Turner Link

NCGA (Northland Cymbidium Growers Association)
NCGA was formed in 2007 with the primary purpose of organising field-days for cymbidium growers in Northland. In 2012 responsibility for this was passed over to the national association, NZEGO which formed a sub-committee to carry on the work.  In addition to the field-days NCGA coordinated the collection of funds from Northland growers to pay for their share of the administrative work required by MAFBNZ and consultants to implement the LBAM (Light Brown Apple Moth) Compliance Programme in relation to continued market access to the USA.  The Association also undertook the national survey and prepared the report for submission to ERMA (now EPA) on Dichlorvos.

NZEGO (New Zealand Export Growers Orchid Association Inc.)
NZEGO is the national association for export cymbidium growers. It provides growers with current information on export prices and gives updates of news and events affecting cymbidium growers through its regular newsletters.  It also arranges field-days and workshops on topics of interest.  It is active in maintaining a positive dialogue with government departments, flower exporters and other flower grower associations on matters of mutual interest.  It arranges for the supply of critical inputs for cymbidium growers but is not a trading organisation as such.  It relies on volunteers for its complete operation and has a very modest annual membership fee. Website: www.nzego.com

BEST PRACTICE MANUAL

"The Best Practice Manual Cymbidium Orchids" is published by the New Zealand Export Growers Orchid Association Inc. and is a comprehensive manual covering the control of pests and diseases of cymbidium orchids.  It was first published in March 2009 and is bound in a loose leaf format.  It is planned that regular updates of technical information be provided as it comes to hand.  For price and availability information contact the New Zealand Export Growers Orchid Association Inc. (NZEGO) www.nzego.com