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/
Saturday 10 August 2013
Sunday 23 June 2013
Monday 27 May 2013
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
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
Friday 17 May 2013
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
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
Tuesday 14 May 2013
"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.
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
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
Saturday 11 May 2013
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/
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/
Friday 10 May 2013
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
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
Thursday 9 May 2013
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 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
Wednesday 8 May 2013
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/
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
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
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
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