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,