Hortfocus August 2015

Hortfocus

August 2015 Issue No.4

The latest on practices, people and products for a growing industry

Farmlands Horticulture continues to go from strength to strength

Horticulture within Farmlands Co-operative continues to

If you haven’t talked to a Technical Advisor about how they

expand at a rapid pace. Since I took the helm 4 years ago, we

can add value to your business then chances are you are

have doubled the size of the team and driven a greater level

missing out on a great opportunity. The Technical Advisors

of specialisation in the business. The team now consists of 38

are specialists in all things Horticulture and can advise on

Technical Advisors covering all horticultural regions. They are a

spray programmes to meet export market requirements, IPM,

passionate bunch who are experienced and well-trained in their

fertiliser, organic and biological production – just to name a few.

specialist areas.

We are a highly motivated team with access to all chemistries and exclusive access to industry leading products. Come and

The mandate of the Farmlands Horticulture team is clear

talk to us, a conversation will cost you nothing!

– provide our clients with the best advice to increase their orchard gate returns. This does not mean the team pushing products onto their clients, nor does it mean jamming spray sheds full of chemical. As clients come on-board with the Farmlands philosophy, I often hear them saying “why did I not do this years ago?” One answer as to why it takes clients some time to come across, is because of the relationship they have with their rep. The grower will often wait for the rep to change before they talk to us. The challenge I want to put to growers in this predicament is – how much is that relationship costing you? Too often we see relationships where our competitors are taking advantage of the client, be it through excessive chemical use, or through exorbitant margins. We have seen growers using chemicals that have known resistance but are still being pushed by the reps. Again I reiterate, how much is that relationship costing you?

Farmlands Co-operative Society Limited

Luke Hansen

National Horticulture Manager

Hortfocus Pollination of horticultural crops Understanding pollination is critical to successful crop

Nutrition, climate and agrichemical applications can influence

husbandry. Through understanding the basic principles of the

pollination. Crops that are lacking in nutrients may not

pollination programme, growers will have greater success in

produce strong flowers, e.g. in pipfruit, nitrogen and boron are

maximising yield and quality.

necessary for strong flowering. However, a cautionary approach is advised as excess nutrients can lead to toxicity.

Honey bees are most commonly the key to successful pollination and it is critical that they are provided with the best

While climatic factors can’t be directly controlled,

environment to work in.

understanding how they affect pollination allows adjustments to be made to pollination programmes. Longer periods of cooler

Orientation and placement of hives will ensure that the bees get

weather will reduce bee activity and may necessitate changes

out working at the start of the morning. In windy sites, sheltered

to the bee pollination programme. This could include using

placement is critical. In some harder to pollinate crops, it

additional hives, the application of foraging aids such as Bee

may be advantageous to group the hives together, as this will

Scent, or even adding another team of workers.

encourage competitive foraging behaviour.

Bumble bees, although traditionally used in indoor cropping If neighbouring crops are more attractive to bees, it is highly

operations, can also be used outdoors in conjunction with

likely that the bees will forgo your crop for the more attractive

honey bees.

neighbouring one. To counter this, it is sometimes necessary to place hives further within the boundaries of your crop.

It is important to note that bumble bees are not a replacement for honey bees in an outdoor crop but can increase the

It goes without saying that to maximise pollination, hives must

success of pollination. Despite its un-aerodynamic form,

be well populated, strong and healthy. Hives sourced through

the bumble bee is a valuable asset in a pollination plan.

a local apiarist should have been through a quality assurance

One advantage with bumble bees is their ability to forage at

programme, ensuring that they are healthy and fit for purpose.

significantly lower temperatures than honey bees.

Audited hives will give growers security of quality.

Although applying crop protection products is necessary during pollination, it is important to understand that certain agrichemicals may reduce pollination activity. Some fungicides may have a negative effect on pollen viability and certain types of surfactant may cause physical damage to the bee, resulting in death.

Bee safety is absolutely paramount, so it is critical to ensure that agrichemicals that are toxic to bees are not used. Take note of warnings on agrichemical labels, e.g. spray must not contact plants in flower if they are likely to be visited by bees.

For further information about pollination, please contact your Farmlands Technical Advisor.

Gaz Ingram

Organic and Biological Manager Farmlands Horticulture

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Farmlands Horticulture Hortfocus

August 2015

Get better results from glyphosate using WETCIT We always knew that WETCIT greatly enhanced the performance of glyphosate – but we never knew why or by how much.

This past year, the University of Illinois was given the job of answering both these questions. Dr. Dean Riechers and Dr. Anatoli Lygin from the Department of Crop Sciences conducted a series of experiments to investigate the effect of WETCIT on the performance of Roundup® PowerMAX (a leading brand of glyphosate in the US) for the control of fathen. For those that haven’t experienced WETCIT, it is a revolutionary wetting agent and penetrant that outclasses other adjuvants on the market.

Roundup PowerMAX with WETCIT showed superior distribution through the plant and in a shorter amount of time. In fact, the combinations with oil showed no benefit than using the Roundup PowerMAX by itself!

A key experiment conducted was to label the glyphosate molecule with a radioisotope, C14 (i.e. make it radioactive) and measure the level of radioactivity in the plant at given time intervals. This allows the researchers to see where the glyphosate has moved to and in what concentrations. The results were impressive to say the least.

• When WETCIT was added to the Roundup PowerMAX the chemical was absorbed into the leaf more than twice as fast than for Roundup PowerMAX alone (3 minutes vs. 7 minutes).

| Treatments: Wetting agents added to Roundup PowerMAX Key

MSO = methylated seed oil

MSO = methylated seed oil HSMO = high surfactant methylated seed oil Glyphosate = no wetting agent

• 15 minutes after application, the WETCIT plus Roundup PowerMAX combination had distributed entirely throughout the leaf and had begun to translocate into the petiole.

In comparison, Roundup PowerMAX alone was still yet to distribute throughout the leaf and no translocation had begun.

NIS = non-ionic surfactant COC = crop oil concentrate

The key messages from this research are: 1. Despite Roundup PowerMAX having a surfactant already present in the formulation, the performance of this product can be significantly by adding WETCIT. 2. With conclusive evidence showing translocation out of the leaf into surrounding tissues begins 15 minutes after application, growers can have comfort knowing the addition of WETCIT will get the glyphosate molecule into the plant, particularly when inclement weather is forecast.

3. Oils did not enhance the performance of the Roundup PowerMAX in this study.

• 12 hours after application, the WETCIT plus Roundup PowerMAX combination had completely moved through the plant including the roots. Roundup PowerMAX by itself was still localised in the leaf tissues.

The study looked at other wetting agents, including non-ionic surfactants and oils. In all comparisons, the combination of

NB: WETCIT was used at 300ml per 100L of water in this study.

The next stage in the research is to look at the speed the six herbicide treatments kill weeds in a field environment.

Article supplied by Oro-Agri.

Farmlands Horticulture Hortfocus

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Hortfocus A soil conditioner containing OROWET technology based on natural orange oil

Transformer – Outstanding new technology Farmlands is proud to bring yet another innovative and game

Improves infiltration rate of water into is a changing product to the New Zealand market.

Transformer

compact hydrophobic up to 6 into soil conditionerand that will improve the rate ofsoil water infiltration months treatment compact andafter hydrophobic soils for up to 6 months. Water is

absorbed by the soil immediately, rather than running off and it becomes better held for roots to absorb.

Reduces penetration inoils, compacted The technology in Transformer isresistance based on orange which bind soil – beneficial root growth to the layers hydrophobic particles in thefor soil but at the same time attract water molecules. The result is water gets pulled into and through the soil with each irrigation. More importantly, Transformer enables water to be drawn more effectively into the micro-pores, rather

Improves horizontal distribution ofit allows water than being lost through the profile.

At the same time, the

in drip irrigation, resulting intomore uniform macro-pores to do what they are designed do – hold air, so the wetting soilcan breathe. As a result, you will see: roots and soilof biology

TRANSFORMER DRIPPER APPLICATION

• Improved drainage on soils that are prone to waterlogging • Improved oxygen levels in the soil

root ofgrowth •Improves Increased availability nutrients

where limitations water logging orand compaction is •such Better as soil conditions for root growth beneficial organisms found • More efficient use of water A single treatment per season is generally all that is required. The key to success is ensuring it is washed into the root zone during

Promotes development application.

Often it is sprayed onto theof soilRhizobium then irrigated in or

nodules onapplied rootsin of legume through more commonly, the first irrigation crops of the season. improvement of soil conditions

For green keepers that battle with “dry spot” on fairways and greens, this will be a “must have” tool. For growers trying to wet up soils that have a heavy mulching of sawdust, bark or compost,

bio-degradable itEasily will similarly become a standard inclusion in the programme.

Avocado growers on heavy soils battling Phytophthora now have another tool for improving soil conditions. For cropping farmers, this product will not only enable more efficient water use but also

Cleans irrigation lines

lessen the extremes of water stress the crop endures between irrigations.

For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Advisor or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store.

Article supplied by Farmlands Horticulture.

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Farmlands Horticulture Hortfocus

TRANSFORMER MICROJET SPRAY APPLICATION

August 2015

Phytophthora management in avocados Phytophthora root rot is the most serious disease faced

Where more intensive control is required, injecting with

by avocado growers around the world. The causal agent,

phosphonate fungicides is the most commonly used control

Phytophthora cinnamomi, is widespread in soils throughout New

method. Phosphonate (and phosphite) are systemic within plants.

Zealand and other avocado growing countries. The pathogen infects and destroys the small feeder roots of the avocado tree,

Tree-Doc is the product designed for injection. For young trees,

reducing the tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients. This

Phosgard can be applied as a foliar spray.

results in general decline of the canopy, with leaves becoming

Applications should target the root flush events – either or both the

yellow, small and sparse and the eventual death of the tree.

late summer or spring flush events will ensure the phosphonate is taken down into the roots.

Current control strategies There are a number of cultural practices growers can use on their

How phosphonate works

orchard to minimise the effects of Phytophthora infection. Ensuring

Phosphorus acid in its raw state is a solid substance. When

that the orchard is well drained is probably the most important

combined with water, it forms a strong acid called phosphonic

factor, as Phytophthora thrives in poorly aerated and water logged

acid – both phosphonic acid and phosphorus acid exist in

soils. This can be achieved through installing subsurface drains,

equilibrium in this solution. This solution is generally too acidic to

ripping, or the use of products such as gypsum to help improve

use directly on or in plants, so potassium hydroxide is often added

soil structure. New products such as Transformer from Oro Agri

to reduce the acidity of the solution. This results in a solution of

will also aid in improving soil structure, where the aim is to have an

mono and di-potassium salts of phosphorus acid, the active

oxygen content of greater than 16 percent. Providing adequate

ingredient in the phosphorus acid based products commonly used

nutrition to the trees is also important, as healthy trees are able to

in avocados (e.g. Phosgard™ and Tree-Doc®).

better tolerate root rot. However, excessive use of fertilisers should be avoided, particularly those high in ammonia, as they

John Lees

can damage the fine feeder roots near the soil surface.

Field Manager Farmlands Horticulture

Healthy tree

Tree infected with Phytophthora

Healthy tree

Injecting an infected tree

Farmlands Horticulture Hortfocus

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Hortfocus Galuku coir products For 2 years now, Farmlands has been exclusively supplying

The delicate balance between moisture and drainage is an

Galuku brand coir products to its horticultural shareholders

ongoing challenge to the hydroponic industry, as air is required

throughout New Zealand. Farmlands shareholders have

by the roots of all plants for optimum health. To answer these

experienced tremendous success using Galuku coir substrate

challenges, Galuku has developed a coir substrate that provides

products, with improvements in plant health and production.

the perfect combination of porosity and water retention. Coir’s

Coir products are manufactured using the by-product husk and

unique, tube-like structure enables plants that are suspended in

chip from the coconut processing industry. The products are

a hydroponic solution to remain moist, while allowing air to easily

therefore natural, sustainable and have no environmental disposal

circulate to the roots. Galuku hydroponic products are therefore

problems. Galuku has been supplying its coir products around the

produced in a variety of grades, designed to tailor the appropriate

world for more than 20 years and currently supplies its products

air/water mix for each crop type.

throughout Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, China, USA, Canada, Mexico, South Africa and across Europe

Hydroponic products currently supplied through Farmlands

and the UK.

Horticulture include:

With their own ISO 9001 accredited factories in Sri Lanka, India

• EasyFil Planter Bags – designed for two plants per bag, e.g.

and Malaysia, Galuku controls the entire manufacturing process

capsicum, cucumbers, eggplant and chillies.

and offers a reliable supply chain, with competitive pricing.

Galuku hydroponic products are used in greenhouse vegetable and flower crop production and by other plant producers who

• EasyFil Raspberry Bags – designed for six raspberry canes per bag.

are seeking a durable, cost effective substrate. These hydroponic products are sleeved in co-extruded, high density plastic

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• Big Berry Bag – a larger version of planter bags, designed

sleeves, with customised UV treatment for the intended crop and

predominantly for production of blueberries and blackberries

production cycle requirements.

under cover.

Farmlands Horticulture Hortfocus

August 2015

• Grow Bags – often referred to as “slabs”, these are designed with two to four plant holes, e.g. tomatoes, eggplant and cut flower production and eight holes for strawberry production.

While there are common industry design standards for some products, Galuku regularly custom manufactures for Farmlands shareholders. Drainage, planting and dripper holes are pre-cut during the manufacturing process to meet grower requirements.

Growers that have switched from using sawdust filled planter bags to Galuku Hydroponic products have observed an improvement in root and general plant health. In addition, they have discovered that using Galuku products has significantly reduced the labour cost of setting up houses for planting.

Farmlands also supplies 4.5kg naked coir blocks in varying grades to flower growers and manufacturers of potting media, e.g. for the production of seed raising mixes, potting mixes and hydroponic growing mediums.

For further information on Galuku coir products, please contact your local Farmlands Technical Advisor.

Mark Daniels Field Manager Farmlands Horticulture

Farmlands Horticulture Hortfocus

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Hortfocus Easier way to control nitrogen when growing sweet corn and potatoes Nitrogen is the most mobile soil nutrient and the one plants

A number of grower trials in sweet corn have been conducted

have the strongest response to. It’s also the nutrient the general

in Hawke’s Bay, with all the nitrogen applied at planting. DAP or

public comes down on regarding the environmental effects

12.10.10 was used as the starter fertiliser and with Smartfert-N

of applied fertiliser. With the drive to both improve farming

as the side dress. Smartfert-N was applied at 50 percent less of

profits and sustainability, growers need to use nitrogen wisely,

the normal side dress rate from nitrogen of urea, resulting in up

to generate greater marketable crop yields for the amount of

to 12 percent higher yield, with 30 percent less rejects of sweet

nutrient applied. This can only be achieved by adopting new

corn.

technologies and efficient management practices.

A trial on winter planted potatoes with 200kg of nitrogen For optimum plant growth, adequate nitrogen must be available

applied from Smartfert-N, compared with 200kg of nitrogen

during the growing cycle to meet the plant’s demands. In

applied with urea, showed the Smartfert-N treatment produced

a crop of potatoes and sweet corn, the plant’s demand for

a 17 percent increase in marketable yield over the urea.

nitrogen ramps up from 40 days after planting, before dropping away at around 90 days as the crop matures. Smartfert-N is a

In addition to the increased yield per kg of nitrogen applied,

44 percent nitrogen controlled release fertiliser, which releases

Smartfert-N provides operational efficiencies to farmers,

nutrients over the crop duration.

allowing them to apply all nitrogen at planting with the advantage that Smartfert-N can be mixed with other fertilisers

Smartfert-N has a special biopolymer coating, controlling

and applied at the time of crop planting. Smartfert-N’s control

the release of nitrogen over a 90-100 day period. Applying

release technology also reduces the environmental effects

Smartfert-N at the time of sowing potatoes or sweet corn

of applied nitrogen fertilisers, with less nutrient losses from

ensures nitrogen is released when the plant needs it the most.

leaching, volatilisation and denitrification compared to traditional nitrogen fertilisers.

Article supplied by Eko360 Limited, suppliers of Smartfert®.

Smartfert-N technology encapsulates the fertiliser prill with a thin biopolymer membrane that allows moisture to be absorbed. The moisture dissolves the fertiliser and the nutrients release through the membrane over time.

Dr Doug Edmeades, an independent soil scientist, has been contracted to advise on the science aspects of Smartfert-N. Under his guidance, AgResearch undertook both laboratory and glasshouse tests to validate Smartfert’s mode of nutrient release. This work was followed up with a number of field trials on pasture – the results of this show significant increases in production can be achieved per kg of nitrogen applied using Smartfert-N over standard urea. This research also confirms Smartfert-N releases nitrogen at a similar rate to the nitrogen demand of potatoes and sweet corn.

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Farmlands Horticulture Hortfocus

Sweet corn growing with Smartfert-N

August 2015

Growing strong healthy crops Seasonal weather can severely impact plant growth Growing crops while faced with adverse winter and spring weather is never easy. This was clearly evidenced in the North Island last spring, with persistent cold conditions leading to poor crop establishment, slow growth, reduced yields and in many cases, crops requiring re-sowing. While New Zealand’s maritime climate typically offers reasonably good growing conditions, rapid changes in temperature, rainfall, wind, hail, frost and other environmental variables are a regular occurrence.

While many costs directly related to re-sowing or extra management may be quite obvious – typically, the larger costs of not having fodder available in the right quantity at the right time, or fruit and vegetable yields and quality being reduced or late to market, are often not closely calculated. There is no doubt that weather plays a major part in the success or otherwise of farming and horticulture operations.

Squash treated with Megafol plus Plantafol (left of the line) and an alternative foliar regime (right of the line).

Fortunately, our understanding of the effects of environmental stress is improving all the time. When the human body

despite adverse weather conditions. Care is taken to produce

experiences a change in environment for instance, a

products that have a strong science base, with clear evidence

complex system is put into action. An example is decreasing

of real plant impacts in commercial growing situations.

temperature – as the body experiences this change, signals occur at gene level, resulting in a number of pathways in the

Julie Fotheringhame, Farmlands Horticulture Technical Advisor

body being activated to reduce this cold stress on the body. We

for Manawatu, experienced good results with Megafol in a

see that at a whole body level, with shivering occurring, blood is

commercial pumpkin crop last season. “The crop was planted

brought nearer to the body’s core and so on.

late following the poor spring. The unseasonable dry weather that followed planting had the crop under some pretty serious

All plants, with the added disadvantage that they can’t move

stress. The decision was made to try to rescue the crop rather

themselves away from environmental stress, also have similar

than simply plough it in, so we applied two applications of

systems. With the mapping of the plant genome relatively

Megafol a week apart. We were impressed with the recovery, so

recently, we can now monitor and measure environmental and

followed later with a third application of Megafol. The result was

other impacts at a gene level within the plant. We know, for

a successful yield from what had been shaping as a disaster.”

instance, the various genes that play a part in plant response to cold stress and also often what pathways they activate.

Megafol is a natural product with no pre-harvest interval, allowing use on crops right up to harvest. It can also be applied

Likewise, we can now use various applied products to activate

with foliar NPK products such as Plantafol, for added effect. For

these pathways to prepare the plant for environmental stress, or

further information, talk to your Technical Advisor or the friendly

to encourage rapid recovery from stress. After application of the

staff at your local Farmlands store.

product, we are able to monitor plant reaction at a gene level then follow this through to measure the response at a whole-

Article supplied by Valagro.

plant level. Italian bio-stimulant producer Valagro has focused on producing products such as Megafol to help alleviate these environmental stress factors, encouraging strong plant growth

Farmlands Horticulture Hortfocus

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Hortfocus Henkel New Zealand Limited now sticks to Farmlands Henkel is a leader in packaging adhesives and is the world’s

least 40 percent, with at least equal and often improved pack

largest supplier of industrial adhesives. Henkel provides high

integrity.

quality, innovative brands and adhesive technologies to many industries including the packaged food and beverage sector.

The Henkel technical back up and service allow machine set-ups to be optimised through a combination of different

Food contact legislation demands that food, including its

nozzle sizes and pressure settings. One major beverage

packaging, must be safe for human consumption. Through

company that changed to the Henkel Supra 100 product

its in-house technical, analytical and product development

achieved total savings of more than $250,000 in just 15

infrastructure, Henkel provides an extensive portfolio of high

months. Many horticultural pack houses have made

performance adhesive solutions in conjunction with extensive

significant savings and improved efficiencies from using

food safety expertise.

Henkel Supra 100.

For these reasons, Farmlands has partnered with Henkel to assist in providing shareholders with high quality, functional packaging for their horticultural products.

Henkel and the horticulture industry Packaging materials used in the New Zealand horticulture industry are generally regarded as good quality. It therefore follows that high quality hot melt adhesives should be used to achieve a high standard of finished packaging.

Until recently, when Henkel introduced their range of metallocene based polyolefin hot melt adhesives, horticultural

A further advantage of the Technomelt Supra product is that

packing rooms were using EVA based hot melts. Erecting

it actually cleans tanks and hoses. After an initial settling in

machines and application equipment were consequently

period when inline filters require regular checking, the hot melt

required to assist in overcoming the deficiencies of these

unit then becomes virtually maintenance free. Some blocked

cheaper hot melt adhesives.

nozzles may be experienced initially, as the system drags

The industry standard had, by default, been to use at least

through some of the previous charring. However, this can be

20 thousandth-inch nozzles on the hot melt application

minimised by checking the inline filters regularly.

equipment. This allowed compensation for charring, nozzle build-up and minimised nozzle blockages and/or poor adhesive

Henkel representatives are available nationwide to audit and

delivery. Downtime was therefore reduced by minimising

optimise adhesive applications and therefore guarantee the

stoppages. Over time, the hot melt equipment deteriorated and

best value adhesive solutions. In addition, they can provide

required regular servicing and replacement of parts. High repair

actual New Zealand case histories and customer testimonials.

and maintenance costs were accepted practice with the use of these old technology adhesives.

For further information about how your packaging quality and costs can be optimised by using Henkel adhesives, please

However, it is now well proven that the Technomelt Supra range (a new technology hot melt) with its superior flow characteristics offers substantial benefits and savings to the industry. Supra 100 dramatically reduces pack house odours and allows smaller and more efficient hot melt nozzle sizes to be used. sixteen thousandth-inch nozzles running at lower pressures give immediate adhesive volume savings of at

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Farmlands Horticulture Hortfocus

contact your local Farmlands Horticulture Technical Advisor.

Daniel Hill

Farmlands Horticulture Whakatu

Hortfocus Want more information?

August 2014 Should you require further information on any articles in this newsletter, or any other matter relating to horticulture, please contact us.

Or call one of our Technical Advisors direct: Northland Maria Fathollahi 027 754 9492 John Lees 027 612 1562 Jeanette Johnstone 027 563 6367 Helensville Haley Heathwaite 027 704 9263 Pukekohe Steven Dass 027 457 2742 Erik Thomas 027 836 5387 Simon Morley-John 027 836 6190 Bay of Plenty Andrew McIntosh 027 555 4575 Dean Gower 027 495 4661 Mark Loeffen 027 705 6215 Dwayne Farrington 027 660 1120 Katrina Targett 02 7517 5962 Dan McKenney 027 836 1985 John Bird 027 801 2490 Waikato Brett Turner 027 660 1165 Hawke’s Bay James Cropper 0274 428 948 Rob Hengst 027 501 4848 Martin Taylor 027 298 8800 Jeff Kevern 027 442 8945 Blake Herbison 027 284 4147 Bridget Evans 027 511 8096 Chris Herries 027 443 3910 Evan Walsh 027 201 3481 Shelley Bath 027 807 8000 Arnie Haydon 027 230 9696 Gareth Ingram 027 511 8097

Manawatu/Wanganui/Horowhenua Julie Fotheringhame 027 388 8001 Wairarapa Sam Black 027 227 2052 Gisborne Joe Lenaghan 027 555 6080 Hamish Harris 027 807 1598 New Plymouth John Gordon 06 755 1427 Marlborough Mike Eaton 021 555 010 Johnny McMillan 027 788 9995 Daniel McDonald 027 902 7040 Nelson Luke Hawthorne 021 526 050 Frazer Clarke 027 200 0025 Pattrick Bissett 027 474 2195 Christchurch Clayton Cook 027 482 0006 Malcolm Duncan 027 434 1261 Mark Daniels 027 431 1292 Central Otago Kenny Paulin 027 555 8895 Grant McKay 027 534 8629 Hamish Hay 027 445 1527 Waipara Martin Murchison 027 593 0059 Organic and Biological Unit Manager Gareth Ingram 027 511 8097

Farmlands Horticulture Store Locations

Farmlands Store Farmlands Horticulture

Farmlands Co-operative Society Limited

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Farmlands Horticulture Hortfocus