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