Hortfocus February 2016

Hortfocus

February 2016 February Issue 2016 No.5

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

Young Grower of the Year – essential to an industry vision Horticulture needs young leaders – leaders to drive our industry into a future where $10 billion by 2020 is possible. Horticulture New Zealand’s 2015 Young Grower of the Year Hamish Gates, along with the 33 others who competed this year, will help make that vision a reality.

Young Grower of the Year is a series of competitions run by HortNZ and its partners to find the best young fruit or vegetable grower in the country. Competitions start in the regions and are run by local co-ordinators. Four fruit grower events are held in Central Otago, Bay of Plenty, Nelson and Hawke’s Bay and one

• NZ Young Vegetable Grower – 28 April, Riccarton Park Racecourse and Rydges Hotel, Christchurch.

• Central Otago Young Fruit Grower – 27 May, Otago Polytechnic, Horticulture Training Facility, Cromwell.

• Bay of Plenty Young Fruit Grower – 22 June, Mills Reef Winery, Tauranga.

• Nelson Young Fruit Grower – 1 July, Hoddy’s Orchard and the Headingly Centre, Nelson.

• Hawke’s Bay Young Fruit Grower – 8 and 9 July, A&P Showgrounds, Hastings.

vegetable grower event is held in Canterbury. Regional events are constantly evolving, with co-ordinators thinking creatively about

Now in its 10th year, the national final will be held for the first

how to foster best practice and leadership in our young growers.

time in Pukekohe at the Pukekohe Indian Association Hall on

Competitions are held from April to July and spectators are

20 July. Eight different modules are designed to test the five

welcome to support contestants while they battle it out for

regional finalists’ practical abilities, business acumen, innovation

the title of best fruit or vegetable grower in their region. The

and imagination. A panel discussion on leadership and a

five finalists from regional competitions move on to the Young

speech at the evening awards dinner will put into practice the

Grower of the Year final.

communication and presentation skills they develop at the Media and Presentation course included in their regional prize pack.

Farmlands Horticulture Hortfocus

1

Hortfocus Farmlands is a proud supporter of this series, showcasing the next generation of talented growers

HortNZ is committed to reaching its vision of $10 billion by 2020 and recognises the development of young leaders as integral to its success. The competition series relies on a strong family of sponsors and is a way for the horticulture industry to invest in the people that are vital to its competitive edge. Young Grower of the Year opens doors through industry connection, media exposure and the opportunity for participants to see the true extent of their capabilities. It is this confidence that encourages young growers to take the next step. What that step is varies from year to year and competitor to competitor.

Some have successfully established the Young Leader groups that are now operating in the different regions and several have commercialised the innovation proposal they submitted for their national final. For Hamish, Young Grower of the Year 2015 was a reminder that “the sky is not the limit” and that he can “go so much further – and so can anyone else”. This is the attitude the competition ignites and one that is fundamental to the continued success of New Zealand’s horticultural industry.

Kirsty de Jong Business Manager HortNZ, Young Grower of the Year Manager

2

Farmlands Horticulture Hortfocus

February 2016

Post-harvest care of deciduous crops Post-harvest inputs for perennial crops are important for the

High rate copper applications in winter may help prevent blast

following season’s crop. A healthy tree has increased cold

infection. However allow at least 21 days before grazing sheep,

hardiness going into winter and is better equipped for a strong

particularly if winter applications of Bordeaux mixture or copper

start in spring.

oxychloride are made. Extend this period in dry winters, to

Post-harvest irrigation of tree crops on very dry soils should

reduce copper residues in grass and allow greater growth to

continue, to maintain good leaf health until leaf senescence

further dilute the copper residues.

starts. Heavy irrigation is undesirable and may increase soil-

Post-harvest copper applications in olives reduce carryover of

borne diseases and hair root mortality.

peacock spot, cercospora and anthracnose.

Nutrition

If black spot is present in IFP apple blocks, a leaf senescent dilute urea application (5kg per 100L) is cheap and effective in

Inputs should be based on historical nutrient testing, crop

reducing carryover into spring. Applications made significantly

removal information, tree age, vigour, varietal responses, soil

prior to leaf senescence may result in serious bud damage

reserves and foliar applications made, particularly nitrogen.

and reduced flower development. As urea applications provide

Autumn root development is extensive and good nutrient levels

autumn nitrogen inputs, they should be taken into account if

winter-stored in roots, young wood and buds improve spring

additional nitrogen inputs are considered for any variety.

tree health and new tissue development.

Recent research indicates a significant increase in European

Autumn applied nitrogen, boron and zinc are beneficial if

canker resulting from high rate foliar urea applications during

levels are low or deficient. Autumn applications of magnesium,

leaf senescence. Applications are therefore best avoided if this

manganese and calcium aren’t plant stored and should

disease is an issue.

therefore be applied during the growing season.

Post-harvest protectant fungicide applications (captan or

Trace elements should not be applied to crops if levels are

copper sprays) assist in reducing black spot and European

adequate or unknown, as toxicity may result in serious damage

canker over wintering inoculum.

to plants and fruit.

Disease Management

Martin Taylor Technical Advisor, Farmlands Horticulture

Disease carryover can be minimised by reducing disease inoculum levels after harvest. High levels of over-wintering disease makes effective disease control more difficult in the following season.

The application of copper to stonefruit should commence at about 20 percent leaf fall to reduce the carryover of bacterial spot. One or two further applications should be made in rapid succession during the leaf fall period, as this disease enters through fresh leaf scars.

Avoid applying copper to stonefruit trees too early, as soft growth and foliage may suffer from copper burn, increasing disease susceptibility. Premature, induced defoliation of stonefruit trees may increase the incidence of bacterial spot (Xanthomonas pruni).

Farmlands Horticulture Hortfocus

3

Hortfocus Keeping our growing green Farmlands’ role in environmental stewardship Consumers are increasingly aware of environmental issues and

Farmlands is proudly supporting a number of products that are

their choice to purchase items produced in an environmentally

manufactured using ‘soft’ ingredients still have great efficacy out

friendly fashion is driving a global trend. Farmlands has also

in the field.

become increasingly aware of environmental issues and is therefore taking the opportunity to have a closer look at their product offerings.

There are many systems adopted to grow a given crop, ranging from organic certified products through to the full use of conventional agrichemicals. Many growers are operating somewhere between these two systems but an increasingly common thread is the desire to reduce the environmental footprint of growing systems.

Regular crop monitoring by Farmlands Horticulture Technical

HML32 is a fungicide showing great efficacy against powdery mildew in grapes and is produced from fatty acids and potassium bicarbonate. It is often used in preference to conventional chemistry options and just happens to be organically certified.

WETCIT is an advanced adjuvant available only through Farmlands and has been highly successful in improving the efficacy of a large range of pesticides. WETCIT is produced using renewable cold-pressed orange oil, rather than mineral oil bases of other adjuvants.

It is soft on the crop and on beneficial non-target insects.

Advisors is important when managing crops with consideration of environmental factors. The correct identification of target pests

A number of our suppliers are using recycled materials in the

allows the selection of the appropriate target-specific agrichemical,

manufacture of their products. Nordox is a commonly used

rather than broad-spectrum alternatives. This results in less

copper fungicide and bactericide supplied by Grochem. Nordox

disruption to non-target species and unnecessary overuse of

is manufactured in Europe using only high grade copper recycled

agrichemicals.

from copper wire, rather than non-renewable mined copper. The millions of ‘bread clips’ used to clip together viticulture bird netting

Beyond Farmlands just supplying products, we now also

are produced from recycled plastic.

consider the environmental aspects of where the product is sourced, how it is manufactured and what impact its use will

Other environmental initiatives include the use of Colour-It

have on the local environment.

biodegradable mulch film and the use of recyclable sling bags and pallets. Farmlands is proud to partner

All conventional, organic and plant nutrition products go through some form of manufacturing process. Increasingly our suppliers

with Agrecovery to assist with the disposal of your used agrichemical containers.

are sharing their environmental success stories with Farmlands, so it’s important that we share these with our shareholders.

Manufactured inputs are a necessary part of all operations but it’s up to all of us to reduce our environmental impact. The

Acadian seaweed products are manufactured using sustainably harvested seaweed from Nova Scotia. The sustainable rotational harvest plan is developed in conjunction with federal and provincial

success of this is important to the New Zealand brand and the clean/green light in which our horticultural products are perceived by the world’s consumers.

scientists and the company conducts ongoing research and monitoring of seaweed populations.

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

Gaz Ingram Organic and Biological Manager, Farmlands Horticulture

4

Farmlands Horticulture Hortfocus

February 2016

Post-harvest ‘clean up’ in grapes The main driver of grapevine powdery mildew (Erysiphe necator) is the quantity of inoculum carried over from the past season.

The aim of a post-harvest ‘clean up’ is to stop the production of cleistothecia, so that the infection can’t over-winter. Good disease control can prevent cleistothecia production. However it is generally produced in the late summer to early autumn period, post veraison, when powdery mildew preventative practices historically have ceased.

7 days post 3.5% Lime Sulphur

Excel Oil, Lime Sulphur and HML32 + Nordox, eradicate the mycelium network on the leaf surface and kill the developing cleistothecia. They will not kill the matured cleistothecia, so eradication before they mature is essential for the management of inoculum. This improves the long-term control of powdery mildew.

An autumn eradicant fungicide followed by a pre-flowering eradicant can be critical in the effectiveness of a season-long preventative fungicide programme. “Action taken to eradicate Developing cleistothecia

cleistothecia can reduce significantly the incidence and severity of powdery mildew,” – Gadoury et al.

The initiation of cleistothecia sees the asexual sporulation stop in powdery mildew colonies. Once initiated, cleistothecia

Bridget Wilton Technical Advisor, Farmlands Horticulture

start out white, turn yellow, brown then finally black and once there is necrosis of the anchoring hyphae they are considered mature. Erysiphe necator cleistothecia can contain up to 36 ascospores. Once detached, the fruiting bodies are dispersed by rain splash onto bark, trunk, leaf litter and soil. Ascospore survival is consistently higher in exfoliating bark.

References: Blaich, R.; Heintz, C. and Wind, R. 1989. Studies on conidial germination and initial growth of the grapevine powdery mildew Uncinula necator on artificial substrates. Appl. Microbiol. Biotechnol. 30:415-421.

Gadoury, D.M. and Pearson, R.C. 1990. Ascocarp dehiscence and ascospores discharge in Uncinula necator. Phytopathology 80:393-401 Gadoury, D.M.; Pearson, R.C.; Riegel, D.G.; Seem, R.C; Becker, C.M. and Pscheidt, J.W. 1994 Reduction of powdery mildew and other diseases by over the trellis applications of lime sulphur to dormant grapevine. Plant Disease 78:83-87.

Gadoury, D.M.; Wakefield, L.M.; Cadle-Davidson, L.; Dry, I.B. and Seem, R.C. 2012. Effects of Prior Vegatative Growth, Inoculum Density, Light, and Mating of Conidiation of Erysiphe necator. Phytopathology 102 65-72.

Pre-spray

Farmlands Horticulture Hortfocus

5

Hortfocus From Vine to Vintage with Farmlands Horticulture The new Farmlands winery input range, catalogue and technical workshops offer our shareholders even more.

The real winners in a market when you add competition are the buyers. But when that competition comes from a co-operative, the shareholders not only shed cost, they also gain technical support.

It is this mantra that has seen Farmlands gain unparalleled momentum over the past couple of years.

Last year, Farmlands entered the winery market through the offering of winery production supplies. For the first vintage, we

and production facility in Melbourne and we have been working

concentrated on getting our model correct – offering a selection of

with them to develop new and improved enzyme formulations for

core winery supplies that were competitively priced, of impeccable

Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir, to meet the specific requirements

quality, with the appropriate documentation and delivered on time.

here in New Zealand.

We have set new challenges for the 2016 season following

Suber Oak International was established by an obsessive French

the launch of our new Winery Product Guide. The guide was

baker who settled in Australia 25 years ago and turned his skills to

launched in November last year and was supported with a series

toasting oak, to achieve the same level of complexity in wine but

of workshops held from Auckland to Central Otago. These

without the cost of $1,400 per barrel.

workshops covered winery sanitation, enzyme management in

Easy Clean Chemicals is now run by second generation ‘mad

fermentation and winery waste management.

scientist’ Sean Parsons, who while doing his apprenticeship in

The range of products fulfils all winery requirements, including

the laboratory, risked life and limb to develop a new generation

bulk winery additives, winery sanitisation, enzymes, fermentation

cleaner that simply breaks down into water and oxygen. If you

aids, winery waste additives, organic winemaking additives and

have a cleaning question, Sean has an answer and anyone that

oak adjuncts.

attended our first Winery Hygiene Workshop in Marlborough last year will know that! Farmlands has also formed valuable

E.E. Muir and Sons was established in Australia in 1927 and in 2007 they started supplying winery consumables to their viticulture

distribution relationships with Castle Chemicals, Enartis, Indac and RX Plastics.

clients. They now service nearly 60 percent of the Australian industry. They are HACCP accredited and have their products

This year Farmlands will be at the forefront, continuing to offer

regularly tested by the AWRI (Australia Wine and Research

technical support in the form of specialised workshops. If you

Institute). They have worked for many years with a select group

missed out on the November 2015 round, talk to your local

of suppliers – Enzyme Solutions, Suber Oak and Easy Clean

Farmlands Technical Advisor and make sure you get on our

Chemicals. Farmlands has now partnered with E.E. Muir and Sons

invitation list for the next workshop.

to bring these same product ranges exclusively to New Zealand for our shareholders. Enzyme Solutions have their own laboratory

6

Farmlands Horticulture Hortfocus

Mike Eaton Technical Advisor, Farmlands Horticulture

February 2016

Be more selective IPM principles encourage the growth of a healthy crop with the least possible disruption to the agricultural ecosystem.

By encouraging natural pest control mechanisms, the dependence of chemical controls can be reduced.

For an effective IPM programme, consideration should be given to all available pest control techniques. By using the appropriate control methods, pest populations can be managed and kept below economic thresholds, as well as reducing risks to human health and the environment. Fundamentally, production output is still the primary consideration. After all, if we can’t produce a crop profitably then we’re out of business! Therefore an IPM programme should always pose the least risk while maximising benefits and reducing costs.

Allowing a pest population to survive at a reasonable threshold reduces selection pressure and therefore reduces the rate at which a pest develops resistance. Similarly, the repeated use of a single class of insecticide will create pest populations that are resistant to that insecticide class, whereas alternating amongst classes helps prevent this.

Sparta contains a unique active ingredient called Spinetoram, derived from a naturally occurring active ingredient that poses minimal risk to key beneficial insects. Sparta’s unique chemistry belongs to the chemical class 5A, which has no Chemical insecticide control techniques definitely have a fit in an IPM programme but should always be used in a manner that is least disruptive to biological control. Application of insecticides should be determined by periodic monitoring

known resistance and is ideally suited in rotation with other IPM compatible chemistries. Sparta provides powerful, cost effective control of key insect pests and is well suited to IPM programmes.

of pest populations and based on when a pest population

Nick Koch

reaches a level (the economic threshold) that requires

DOW AgroSciences New Zealand

treatment, to prevent the population from causing damage that results in economic losses.

Be more selective. When choosing an insecticide for an IPM programme, you need to consider the selectivity of the product – it must offer high levels of pest control whilst minimising the impact on beneficial insects. Highly selective insecticides such as Sparta™ insecticide have revolutionised IPM programmes around the world by offering cost effective, highly targeted control, without the risks associated with organophosphates and other toxic chemicals.

Wiping out an entire pest population is often impossible and the attempt can be expensive and unsafe.

Farmlands Horticulture Hortfocus

7

Hortfocus Apiculture industry a hive of activity Things are certainly buzzing in the Apiculture industry in

per season, in an average year! Good years have seen this

New Zealand. Hive numbers, beekeepers (both hobby and

number exceeding 50kg and from a commercial standpoint,

commercial) and everything related to beekeeping is on the

this could result in some additional income from your land.

rise and this is a good thing – given the significant role the

Grab a copy of the Practical Beekeeping in New Zealand

humble honey bee plays, in not only our agriculture but day

book from your local Farmlands store. This book is a fantastic

to day lives alike.

starting point in getting up and running with bees and will

Farmlands is backing this growth by supporting the industry with stock for beekeepers in selected stores throughout the country. So why not get involved with a hive or several of your own. A single beehive can result in a delicious 30kg of honey

8

Farmlands Horticulture Hortfocus

give you all the information you need to get started. Another good place to start is with your local beekeeping club. Visit the National Beekeepers Association website, www.nba.org.nz, to find a beekeeping club near you.

February 2016

Farmlands Horticulture Hortfocus

9

Hortfocus Farmlands Horticulture’s new product guides This season, Farmlands Horticulture is releasing three

To complement the Post Harvest Guide, Farmlands Horticulture

sector-specific horticulture product guides. Each guide

will be providing shareholders with ongoing technical support,

provides an overview of the product offerings available to

to ensure the guide becomes the perfect snapshot for all your

Farmlands shareholders.

harvest requirements.

The Farmlands Winery Product Guide was launched in November

The Farmlands Horticulture Nursery and Protected Cropping

last year. The details around this guide and the associated grower

Product Guide is being released in February. The guide includes

technical workshops are covered in the previous article (page 4).

fertilisers (including fertigation, slow release and controlled release

Don’t forget to contact your local Farmlands Horticulture Technical

options), protected cropping acids and green house supplies and

Advisor if you want to be included in future technical workshops.

nursery products including herbicides, matting and protective

In December last year, Farmlands Horticulture released the Post Harvest Guide. The Post Harvest Guide is designed to introduce new inputs available to shareholders, while profiling the respected traditional product lines. With the input of some of the most

cloths. Farmlands Horticulture has built capability in their protected crop and nursery team over the past year. This product guide will be a useful tool to aid Farmlands Horticulture in their expansion into this specialist sector.

prominent suppliers in the industry, the Farmlands Horticulture

Please contact your local Farmlands Horticulture Technical Advisor

Post Harvest Guide aims to provide shareholders with an

if you would like a copy of this new guide.

understanding of how Farmlands can maximise their productivity.

These guides are one more way Farmlands will remain at

Everything that shareholders require for the harvest period is

the forefront of New Zealand horticulture, through both

included in this easy to understand, categorised guide. The range

service and supplies.

of products fulfils all the packhouse needs of shareholders, from sanitisation to waxing, packaging and everything in between.

Winery Product Guide

Post Harvest Guide

Nursery and Protected Cropping Product Guide

Farmlands Co-operative Society Limited FAR_03961

Farmlands Co-operative Society Limited FAR_03521

10

Farmlands Horticulture Hortfocus

Farmlands Co-operative Society Limited FAR_04180

February 2016

Want more information?

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

National Horticulture Manager Luke Hansen 027 558 2266

Wairarapa Sam Black 027 227 2052

Northland John Lees 027 612 1562 Jeanette Johnstone 027 563 6367

Gisborne Joe Lenaghan 027 555 6080 Hamish Harris 027 807 1598

Pukekohe Steven Dass 027 457 2742 Erik Thomas 027 836 5387 Simon Morley-John 027 836 6190

New Plymouth John Gordon 06 755 1427

Bay of Plenty Andrew McIntosh 027 555 4575 Dean Gower 027 495 4661 Mark Loeffen 027 705 6215 Dwayne Farrington 027 660 1120 Gary Geurts 027 534 7026 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 Wilton 027 511 8096 Evan Walsh 027 201 3481 Shelley Bath 027 807 8000 Arnie Haydon 027 230 9696 Manawatu/Wanganui/Horowhenua Julie Fotheringhame 027 388 8001

Marlborough Mike Eaton 021 555 010 Johnny McMillan 027 788 9995 Daniel McDonald 027 902 7040 Lachy Hynd 027 555 4410 Nelson Luke Hawthorne 021 526 050 Frazer Clarke 027 200 0025 Pattrick Bissett 027 474 2195 Alena Griffith 027 809 8924 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 Organic and Biological Manager Gaz Ingram 027 511 8097 Technical Manager Chris Herries 027 443 3910

Farmlands Horticulture Store Locations

Farmlands Store Farmlands Horticulture

Farmlands Co-operative Society Limited

Farmlands Horticulture Hortfocus