Maximum Yield Australia January/February 2011

AUSTRALIA January-February 2011

FREE

2011 GARDENING TRENDS

www.maximumyield.com

WHAT’S HOT! MADDENING MILDEW GET RID OF IT!

2011

Indoor gardenING expo VANCOUVER BC, CANADA May 14-15

Denver

Colorado, USA March 31- April 3

SAN FRancisco California, USA July 16-17

long beach california, usa october 22-23

indoorgardeningexpo.com

CONTENTS

january / february 2011

FEATURES 18

16

What’s in for 2011

18

Maddening Mildew - Prevention and Control

26

GMO vs. Selective Breeding

34

Nutrient Defiency Symptoms

38

Grow Tents for the Constructionally Challenged

by Dr. Lynette Morgan

by Michael Bloch

by Andrew Taylor

by Gabriel Bronzstein

DEPARTMENTS

26

4

From the Editor

4

Letters to the Editor

6

MaximumYield.com

8

Simon Says

10

MAX Facts

12

Product Spotlight

32

You Tell Us - Lumatek

36

Talking Shop – Reptile & Grow Store

42

Max-Mart

44

Retail Directory

46

Coming up in March/April

46

Do You Know?

38 Maximum Yield | January/February 2011

3

FROM THE editor

jessica raymond

We’re kicking off 2011 with some timely, helpful and easyread articles including “GMO vs. Selective Breeding” from Australian’s own green living advocate Michael Bloch, a feature on a gardening nightmare—Maddening Mildew—along with top trends in modern gardening. Be sure to check out the new product section and latest product giveaways in our newest Win Big…Grow Big competition.

We are proud to feature Rockingham retailer Reptile and Grow store in this issue’s “Talking Shop.” The retail shops are a wealth of knowledge and can be your best friend when planning or developing an indoor garden. Check out our expanded Australia and New Zealand grow shop list at the back of this issue as well as online in our 2011 International Trade Directory.

letters to the editor Tried and True Deficiency Detectors

Can you guys publish a series on nutrient deficiencies and how to deal with them?

C. Green This issue of Maximum Yield Australia features Andrew Taylor detailing the nutrient deficiencies and their various symptoms and responses. Similar articles will be published in the future as well so stay tuned. You can also check out the following articles on maximumyield.com by searching our article archives: “Detecting and Dealing with Nutrient Deficiencies,” “Nutrients: Beyond Macros and Micros” and “Plant Nutrient Elements Part 1 and 2.”

Friendly Feedback

Max Yield,

Thank you for producing such an excellent magazine. The hydro industry is so full of hearsay that it is refreshing to read information from a scientific perspective. I love your material, but I have a comment regarding past topics.

LEDs are cool, but they are not for everyone. For growing something like lettuce they are great, but in my experience they simply are not powerful enough for the plants I grow in comparison to HIDs. Sure, you can put the light very close to the canopy, but the light intensity can diminish rapidly, leaving the rest of my plants in relative darkness. And cool temperatures + low light = powder mildew. Along with many of your readers, I do not have the space, money or time to spend on slower growth and lower yields.

Hydroponics can be a very expensive endeavour and investing in new technologies is a gamble that is not always worth taking. I recommend caution to all your readers regarding this topic.

Thank you again for producing a magazine that provides such cutting edge topics for debate.

Garden Kat 4

Maximum Yield | January/February 2011

The last couple of years have seen a great deal of new products on the market and it looks like 2011 will be no exception. We’re helping you stay connected to the industry with our bimonthly Maximum Yield, our monthly E-News delivered to thousands of inboxes monthly and our ever-expanding Facebook fan page (facebook.com/ maximumyield), offering a platform for you to share your thoughts and photos, and debate hot topics of the day. As always, I encourage you to share your Jessica Raymond, Editor thoughts with us by emailing editor@maximumyield.com editor@maximumyield.com The future looks great for the indoor gardening industry and we are proud to be helping you lead the way to growing more, growing bigger and growing green. Good luck in the garden and Happy New Year from the team at Maximum Yield.

Digital Dilemma

PDF

Is it possible to make the back issues of Maximum Yield available as PDFs, like the current issue, instead of only digital editions? I keep all the issues for reference and I read them when I am not near internet access. Sometimes, I don’t get to the website quick enough and I miss an issue.

Thanks, Mike Carmain

Back issues of Maximum Yield are available to download on http://issuu.com. You will need to sign up (http://issuu.com/signup) in order to download past issues. Thanks for reading.

Sticker Support

I love your magazines and have been reading them for years. I was wondering if you guys had any posters or stickers that you would be willing to send me. I would love to put them up and represent your magazine. I would really appreciate it. Great all around products; two thumbs up.

Thanks. Keep up the good work.

Wesley Whitmer A few Maximum Yield stickers are coming your way. You can also support Maximum Yield by linking to maximumyield. com on your website or blog. A variety of sizes and styles are available at http://maximumyield.com/my_link2.php.

Joining the Maximum Yield online community is easy. Choose between one of four innovative banners and buttons, copy the appropriate code and paste it into your website. It’s that simple.

Maximum Yield | January/February 2011

5

Coming up on the Web Events

Stay Connected We’re in our second year of publishing Maximum Yield’s monthly E-News, and it just keeps getting better. How do we know? Readership is up more than 60 per cent! If you’re not subscribed to MY’s E-News by now, what are you waiting for? Go to http://maximumyield.com/newsletter.php and get connected.

Speed Read Grow a greener garden, build a perfectly balanced soilless mix, stay educated on pesticides and discover the history of nutrient film technique (NFT).

Latest News The world has gone hydro from hydroponic wine and hydroponic fast food to hydroponic science and hydroponic vending machines. Check it out.

www.maximumyield.com www.facebook.com/MaximumYield www.indoorgardeningexpo.com

Tell us what you think at editor@maximumyield.com. We’d love to hear from you.

Tech. degree and a PhD in hydroponic greenhouse production from Massey University, New Zealand. Lynette is a partner with SUNTEC International Hydroponic Consultants and has authored five hydroponic technical books. Visit www.suntec.co.nz/ consultants.htm and www.suntec. co.nz/books.htm for more information.

Gabriel Bronsztein is president

and founder of Everest Garden Supply, a wholesale-only distribution company based in Northern California. Involved in the hydroponics industry for over 15 years, Gabriel focuses on market leadership through product innovation and superior customer service. He is a member of the Progressive GardeningTrade Association and The International Carnivorous Plant Society.

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Maximum Yield | January/February 2011

PRINTED IN AUSTRALIA Maximum Yield is published bi-monthly by Maximum Yield Publications Inc. 2339A Delinea Place, Nanaimo, BC V9T 5L9 Phone: 250.729.2677; Fax 250.729.2687 No part of this magazine may be reproduced without permission from the publisher.

The views expressed by columnists are a personal opinion and do not necessarily reflect those of Maximum Yield or the Editor.

Publication Agreement Number 40739092 PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER - Jim Jesson GENERAL MANAGER - Don Moores BUSINESS MANAGER - Linda Jesson EDITOR - Jessica Raymond jessica@maximumyield.com ADVERTISING SALES 250.729.2677 Linda Jesson - linda@maximumyield.com Lisa Lambersek - lisa@maximumyield.com Ilona Hawser - ilona@maximumyield.com Ashley Heppell - ashley@maximumyield.com Christina Indseth - christina@maximumyield.com PRODUCTION & DESIGN ads@ads.maximumyield.com Wes Cargill - wes@maximumyield.com Daniel Peters - daniel@maximumyield.com Nicole Tennison - nicole@maximumyield.com Mike Linden - mike@maximumyield.com Jennifer Duong - jennifer@maximumyield.com ACCOUNTING - Lee Anne Veres leeanne@maximumyield.com AUSTRALIAN DISTRIBUTION Dome Garden Supply Futchatec Growth Technology Holland Forge House N’ Garden Hydrogarden Hydraspher UK DISTRIBUTION Growth Technology Hydrogarden Northern Hydroponic Wholesale Nutriculture UK CANADIAN DISTRIBUTION Brite-Lite Group Biofloral Eddis Wholesale Greenstar Plant Products Inc. Hydrotek MegaWatt Quality Wholesale

Connect with Maximum Yield

Dr. Lynette Morgan holds a B. Hort.

G A R D E N I N G

VOLUME 8 – NUMBER 5 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011

If undeliverable please return to the address above.

It’s Expo Mania! All four 2011 expos planned on the North American Tour are selling out fast, which means you can expect nothing less than the best our industry has to offer in products and educational information at these high-profile events. Visit www.indoorgardeningexpo.com for dates and details.

contributors

I N D O O R

Andrew Taylor is the manager of

Flairform (www.flairform.com) – an Australian-based manufacturing company. As an analytical chemist with qualifications in plant function and nutrition, he has over 13 years experience in product research and development, and also writes extensively on hydroponic growing techniques.

USA DISTRIBUTION Aurora Innovations BWGS BWGS East BWGS West General Hydroponics Hydrofarm Hydro International National Garden Wholesale / Sunlight Supply R&M Supply Tradewinds

Michael Bloch is the owner and editor of GreenLivingTips.com, an online resource powered by renewable energy. The site offers a wide variety of earth friendly tips, green guides, advice and environment-related news to help consumers and businesses reduce costs, consumption and environmental impact.

Become a Maximum Yield contributor and have your articles read by 250,000 readers throughout USA, Canada, UK and Australia. Maximum Yield is the largest free-to-consumer indoor gardening magazine in the world. Every issue is available on maximumyield.com, which has thousands of unique visitors monthly.

Maximum Yield | January/February 2011

7

SIMON says

Simon, what’s up man? How goes it? My question is if I’m growing organic and really focusing on microbial life in the soil, is it ok to foliar feed with a nutrient blend that isn’t organic? Meaning, will those non-organic foliar applications hinder the life below? You might wonder why I would want to do that. I’ve been learning about ammonium sulfate and how it works as an herbicide, pesticide and fungicide. I’ve been using Humboldt Nutrients (specifically Ginormous), which is not organic, but it’s supposed to help boost blooms and help with mold issues because it contains ammonium sulfate. Your thoughts are appreciated.

Eric

Eric, If you want to produce a certified organic crop, foliar feeding with a non-organic nutrient is out of the question; but, it sounds like you are more concerned with its effect on a quality organic medium full of microbial life. As a rule, the application of chemicals to an organic medium is generally detrimental. However, in the case of a foliar application, excluding any large quantity of direct runoff from the leaves into the medium, its effects will be negligible. As nutrients are absorbed into the plant, they are generally converted into various organic acids and other substances.These by-products are then moved throughout the plant, including to the roots where some, such as carbohydrates and amino acids, are secreted into the rhizosphere. So without question some of the elements provided in your foliar spray will end up in your medium but for the most part I would think that they would be in a form that is beneficial to your microbiology.

The second part of your question relates directly to ammonium sulphate. (NH4)2SO4 is a chemical fertilizer with 21 per cent ammonium nitrogen and 24 per cent sulphur in sulphate form.The use of sulphur as a fungicide is well documented but it is generally in its elemental form. Sulphates aren’t fungicides and neither is ammonium sulphate. Ammonium sulphate can be helpful in some cases as an adjuvant for certain pesticides. An adjuvant is a substance that increases the efficacy of the pesticide while lowering the cost of use. In the case of ammonium sulphate it can assist the process by boosting a gene expression resisting pathogen attack.The mechanism that seems to be the cause of this

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Maximum Yield | January/February 2011

benefit is the acidification of the cytosolic pH within the plant cells themselves.

Remember that microbiology in some cases can be used as a foliar fungicide. I can’t resist suggesting an organic option. An aerated compost tea can be tested and there are registered organic fungicides that are based on bacterial isolates. Perhaps you could look to these options to maintain the true organic nature of your system.This way, even as the runoff fell into your medium you would still be seeing additional organic benefits.

Good luck

Maximum Maximum Yield YieldAustralia | November/December Australia | September/October 2010

9

MAX

facts

hydroponic news, tips and trivia from around the world

Bahrain Goes Green With Hydroponics _____________________________________ Within Bahrain, a small island country in the Persian Gulf, radical plans have been unveiled that could result in all homes and other buildings having hydroponic gardens in the future.

The trial should lead to the implementation of the scheme across the country sometime this year. The eventual hope is to create green spaces within what is becoming an increasingly urban society.

The Public Utilities Committee chairman Sadiq Rahma is backing the project wholeheartedly as part of a re-election campaign. His opinion is that hydroponics is the ideal solution. So far the funding for the project has been secured and it is expected to be rolled out as part of the compulsory commercial building rooftop garden initiative. The development of this initiative in Bahrain shows once again how hydroponics is being used intelligently in various parts of the world as a convenient solution to gardening and food production.

(Source: http://hydroponicsguide.co.uk)

Eco Skyscrapers – Hydroponics of the Future ____________________________________ When most people think of skyscrapers they see tall rectangular buildings devoted to man’s commercial achievements. However, some people see a different future for skyscrapers, one that incorporates hydroponics.

Nowhere has this vision been more prevalent than in the Bangaroo Sky Village, imagined within the hustle and bustle of Sydney, Australia. The design hopes to put the preconceived notions of skyscrapers on their head, instead using stacked triangular shapes and also incorporating hydroponic gardens, shops, commercial areas and also plazas, interconnected with “sky-bridges”.

The buildings are set out in levels, with agricultural levels growing produce for the inhabitants, interspersed with commercial levels, residential areas and also communal quarters. A hydroponic system is fitted throughout the buildings to ensure that all of the agricultural areas receive sufficient amounts of water. Ultimately the design gives us a hint of where our cities could be headed, and also a clear idea of how important hydroponics will be in the future.

(Source: http://hydroponicsguide.co.uk)

New Easy Store Locator and Problem Solver Online at www.nutrifield.com.au ________________________________ Nutrifield’s all new store locator on www.nutrifield.com.au is up and running. It is now easier than ever to find a store near you with our easy-to-use maps in both Australia and the USA. If your local indoor gardening store currently stocks Nutrifield products and they are not listed, please let us know and we will add their location to our new store locator feature for some free publicity. Please visit www.nutrifield.com.au/store-locator to have a look.

In addition, a new page has been added to Nutrifield’s website. Nutrifield’s online Garden Problem Solver aims to educate, inform and entertain. Stop by and have a read, comment and share with your friends! Please visit www.nutrifield.com.au/garden-problem-solver today.

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Maximum Yield | January/February 2011

Meet the Metal Farmer_______________________________ How often do you encounter a farmer sporting cargos and a t-shirt, spraying neem fertilizer, all the while head banging to Iron Maiden? Take a trip to Pritham D’Souza’s farm in Kinya, Karnataka (India), and you are bound to encounter this very avatar of the ‘metal farmer.’ What makes this young agriculturist even more interesting is that he employs simplified hydroponics. For now, the hydroponics set-up is on a small scale but judging from the great feedback, expansion is in the pipeline Pritham is one hard-working farmer, who wakes up at 6 a.m. and goes to bed at 2 a.m. He also devotes much of his time to blogging and composing music.

Pritham acquired his father’s passion for farming, and shuttles between Bengaluru and Mangalore on work. “Hydroponics has existed for 80 years now. But most Indian agriculturists are sceptical of adopting it, since it’s too ‘Western’ for their tastes.”

(Source: www.deccanchronicle.com)

Five Urban Farming Ideas for Your Own Backyard _________________________ Thinking Outside the Pot Designers and craftsters have come up with some inspired ways to grow veggies in microgardens. Some work great and others are just the first step towards a clever idea.

Comic books roped together work especially great for microgreens. Take your veggies on the rode with a rolling garden suitcase. Plant in your purse and carry around your favourite herbs and veggies for a snack whenever, and wherever, you feel like it.

Reduce your food miles to zero by growing in your fridge.

Plant your veggies in old printer cartridges. With a little creativity and ingenuity, the options are endless.

(Source: http://planetgreen.discovery.com)

Five Urban Farming Ideas for Your Own Backyard Let’s take a look at some growing trends in urban farming.

Backyard gardens: Why settle for a boring lawn or shrubbery when you can walk a few steps to your backyard into an edible forest of fresh onions, chard, spinach, lettuce and squash? And don’t forget to share ideas and tools with your neighbours.

Worms: Vericomposting is becoming a popular trend for creating your own rich compost. Earthworms break down the soil, helping it breath and stay loose so plants’ roots can grow better.

Bees: Beekeeping has been gaining popularity in urban areas. Urbanites have turned keeping hives into a profit, selling fresh local honey to the community. Many beekeepers are simply gardeners who want bees to pollinate their flowers and vegetables.

Chickens: Chickens can be fed just about any old scrap from the kitchen table, and the more variety in their diet, the more nutritious the eggs they lay. Backyard Poultry magazine boasts upward of 80,000 current subscribers (up from 15,000 four years prior) and numerous chicken websites are gaining surprising traffic, such as backyardchickens.com and urbanchickens.org.

Aquaculture: Considering the sad state of our oceans and declining and poisoned fish populations, it makes sense to take a shot at farming your own fish.

(Source: http://ecosalon.com)

MY

Maximum Yield | January/February 2011

11

PRODUCT spotlight

Your guide to this month’s hottest items. Ask for them at your local indoor gardening store.

Instant Karma _______________________________________________ Cash Crop’s Instant Karma is a natural flower, brix, resin and yield stimulator. This is the pride and signature product of Cash Crop Co. Instant Karma consists of a special blend of natural mineral phosphate, potassium, manganese and boron. It is not the amount of the elements in Instant Karma that make it perform so well; it’s the quality of the ingredients. To be used from the fourth week of the flowering cycle until the last two weeks. For more information visit your favourite indoor gardening shop.

Biobizz Presents All-Mix ___________ All-Mix is a heavily pre-fertilized soil mixture designed to emulate rich outdoor soil.

It contains a full micro active ecosystem that has enough power to sustain lush plant growth for a couple of weeks with no extra fertilizer required. When using All-Mix for the first time, moisten and leave to stand for 36 hours so the active fertilizer Pre-Mix and the micro-organisms have a chance to start working. Keep the soil slightly warm at all times. Reducing the soil temperature slows down microbial activity, which makes it more difficult for the plant to grow. Let the soil dry out between each watering; as the medium dries out fresh air is brought in. Soil needs to breathe too. Visit your local indoor gardening shop for more information.

Biowave Industries Presents the New Green Revolution in Agriculture _______________ After five years of research, development and testing, Biowave is releasing its’ Farm and Hydroponics models to the public. These machines feature rotating cages that create harmonic subsonic waves, which greatly enhance plant growth and yield by an average of 20 per cent. Biowave works by locking on to a plant’s frequency, creating a resonant wave that dilates the stomata, which is its breathing mechanism. Laboratory, farm and hydroponic tests have all had the same results— higher yields. Biowave machines produces 60 per cent higher brix, which translates to a better tasting, more nutritious fruit or vegetable.

Biowave will soon be in use all over the world. Patents are currently pending in 160 countries.

For more information visit your favourite hydroponics retailer.

Award Winning and Eco-Friendly Root Pouch _________________ Root Pouch’s award winning technology takes discarded plastic water bottles that would otherwise clog our landfills and oceans, and turns them into plant pots. As well as being a more environmentally sound option, the plant pots are also more lightweight, encourage healthier root growth and are much less expensive than ordinary plastic pots.

As the plant matures, the patented geotextile fabric breaks down in three to four years, allowing the plant to take root in its natural environment. Root Pouch pots are available in everything from four litres to 2,728 litres, with or without handles. For more information visit an indoor gardening shop near you.

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Maximum Yield | January/February 2011

Kessil Introduces the H150 Red LED Grow Light Booster________________________ Kessil is proud to introduce the H150 Red, designed to supplement spectrums for traditional broadband sources.

The H150 Red is a booster for the flowering stage, increasing photon intensity and balancing the spectrum. Using the latest Dense Matrix LED™ platform, the H150 Red delivers focused, intense light for effective photosynthesis. Its compact form and low heat emission means it can be used in close conjunction with conventional grow light systems.

Extremely versatile, the H150 Red can be hung from the ceiling or positioned with a gooseneck arm to direct light where it’s needed. For more information visit an authorized Kessil retailer near you.

ProZyme From Humboldt Nutrients Now Available in Australia_________________ ProZyme is a premium concentrate, made up of over 80 beneficial enzymes—biological catalysts that increase the speed of naturally occurring chemical reactions. Enzymes can deliver biochemical processes in your plants up to 15 million times faster than if left un-catalyzed. Foremost experts in horticulture created ProZyme, a rich, dark biological that breaks down dead root mass, starches, carbohydrates and nutrients to make them readily available and useful to the plant. ProZyme stimulates the pre-digestion of these complex molecules, allowing the plant to absorb and immediately use the nutrients. Ask for ProZyme today at your local hydroponics shop.

Maximum Yield | January/February 2011

13

PRODUCT spotlight

Your guide to this month’s hottest items. Ask for them at your local indoor gardening store.

Natural Bloom and Grow From Humboldt Nutrients Now Available in Australia______ Humboldt Nutrients’ Natural Bloom and Grow is powerful and naturally derived, producing reliable crop-quality and quantity, harvest after harvest. Formulas use fresh, organic ingredients. Natural Grow is a premium blend of ocean fish, seaweed extract, cane molasses, yucca and quillaja saponaria. Natural Bloom is made from soft rock phosphate, kelp and yucca.

It induces a superb flowering response in all plants, encouraging multiple flowering sites, producing massive crops of flavourful fruits. Try authentic Natural Bloom and Natural Grow, and allow all your favourite plants to reach their full potential, organically. Ask for Natural Bloom and Grow at your favourite hydroponics shop.

Biobizz Starters Pack The new Starters Pack from Biobizz is the answer for growers with strong organic beliefs that care about the future and opt for quality. It is fully loaded with everything needed to initiate a growing adventure and contains all the best 100 per cent organic ingredients for rooting, growing and blooming. Bio-Grow activates the substrates’ bacterial flora due to its base of Dutch organic sugar beet extract.

Bio-Bloom contains a small amount of nitrogen and enough phosphorous and potassium to ensure exuberant flowering. TopMax dramatically increases the size and weight of floral clusters and facilitates the uptake of nutrients. RootJuice promotes vigorous root development.

BioHeaven is a highly concentrated plant energy booster, which contains biological stimulants like amino acids. Visit your local indoor gardening shop for more information.

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Maximum Yield | January/February 2011

New Urban Saddlebag From Root Pouch__ The Urban Saddlebag from Root Pouch, made from recycled water bottles, is perfect for hanging on railings, balconies, fences or gates. No hardware needed, just hang them on or over something.

Perfect for decorative gardens, vegetable gardens and herb gardens, whether you are looking for a splash of living colour or turning railings into living works of art. Root Pouch offers a complete line of earth friendly products, made of recycled materials that promote a healthy, quality environment for plants. For more information visit your favourite indoor/outdoor gardening shop.

Kessil Introduces the H150 Blue LED Grow Light Booster ________________________ Kessil is proud to introduce the H150 Blue aimed at enhancing vegetative growth without sacrificing yield. Working in conjunction with conventional or advanced LED lighting systems, this all blue light promotes stem growth and reduces internodal length for healthy and strong plants. Using the latest Dense Matrix LED™ platform, the H150 Blue delivers focused, intense light for effective photosynthesis. Its compact form and low heat emission means it can be used in close conjunction with conventional grow light systems. Extremely versatile, the H150 Blue can be hung from the ceiling or positioned with a gooseneck arm to direct light where it’s needed. For more information visit an authorized Kessil retailer near you.

Smarten Up With Smart Garden® Plant Starter by Nutrifield® _________________ Smart Garden Plant Starter® (previously X10 Boost) provides the essential nutrition for young plants during the cutting stage. It causes rapid root production to help seedlings and cuttings develop. Plant Starter stimulates the extension of a plant’s root system, ensuring reproductive success and increasing drought resistance. Plant Starter also provides protection from parasitic fungi and nematode infection by effectively increasing the amount of beneficial bacteria in your medium, therefore, restoring the bio-balance to your plant’s health. For more information about this product, please visit an indoor gardening shop near you.

Durable and Versatile – Grodan’s GroSmart™ Tray _______________________ Grodan’s new Gro-Smart™ Tray is the only dual-purpose tray on the market, and with all the exceptional details that went into the design of this tray, no doubt you’ll see that good things definitely do come to those who wait.

Apart from being made of 100 per cent recycled plastic, it’s heavy duty and double-sided for long-term use and easily sanitized inside a dishwasher. Designed for maximum versatility, the 78 cell side is perfect for Grodan Macroplugs™ and 1.5 inch A-OK™ starters, while the mesh side can accommodate Grodan Mini-Blocks™ or Gro-Blocks™. The no-sag Gro-Smart Tray fits neatly into standard 10 by 20 inch black flats, keeping your Grodan elevated from the bottom of the flat. Expect more. Demand Grodan. Visit your favourite indoor gardening shop for more information. MY

Maximum Yield | January/February 2011

15

What’s in for

Organics

2011 TOP TRENDS Organics Cloth Containers Nutrition

Organics are definitely a popular item for 2011 and hopefully beyond as well. Consumers are demanding high quality products that are not only good for our plants, our planet and our children, they actually work. Thankfully, manufacturers are filling the demand and they’re taking green to the next level by sourcing innovative materials, recycling and reusing. The focus this year is on organic and sustainable products that create organic and sustainable produce. Organics replenish the earth and they are highly concentrated, which means you can use less, the first step in the waste management hierarchy.

Interactive Websites

Companies are stepping up their game on the web. Some of the interactive features being utilized by companies in our industry include grower forums, blogs, videos and quick links to social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter,YouTube, MySpace and more. Gardening websites are more than just a spot to check out the latest products. Many of the best websites also offer comprehensive feeding schedules, grow tools and advice, easy store locators, fun downloads, product catalogues, helpful articles and support. Retail websites have also improved with monthly specials, top product picks and easy online shopping.

Cloth Containers Gardeners are loving the cloth containers now available in a variety of styles and sizes. Container gardening is a versatile option that allows you to move your garden to the location of your choice (greenhouse, grow room, sunny spot in the yard).

Many of the new cloth containers are reusable, made out of recycled materials or compostable/degradable. Cloth containers are great for year round planting; they’re lightweight and flexible,

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Maximum Yield | January/February 2011

which makes them easy to move around and perfect for a variety of plants. The materials used are breathable, which encourages healthy root growth. They prevent circling roots and release heat. Plus, they’re inexpensive.

Facebook Facebook is catching on in our industry. Many of the top companies, brands and even retailers are now sporting dedicated Facebook Pages, making it easy to find the information you want quickly. Connect with fellow growers from around the globe; share grow tips and stories; participate in contests and win your grow gear; and stay up-to-date on our industry’s news and happenings on Facebook.

Nutrition The market is saturated with nutrients: micros and macros, grow, flower and bloom, dry, liquid—the list is endless.

There are nutrients available if you want a complex nutritional program for your plants. There are nutrients available if you want to take the simple route. Growers can choose between one step, two steps or three steps.

Many of the available nutrients will excel in all soils, coco, and peat based soilless mixes, plus a variety of systems.

The amount of information now available (thanks to dedicated scientific research, ongoing experimentation and information sharing) means the quality of nutrient recipes continues to improve.

Reflectors Reflectors have long since been available in sizes big and small to fit any space. The change for 2011 is the innovative design elements being implemented. The latest reflectors are uncomplicated, shatter resistant, durable, air tight and come pre-wired. The most compact are ideal for teeny enclosed spaces and the giants in the industry are great for big spaces.MY

Maximum Yield | January/February 2011

17

Maddening

Mildew

prevention control and

by Dr. Lynette Morgan

The first sprinklings of mildew are often missed as they can form inside a dense plant canopy.

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Maximum Yield | January/February 2011

A sprinkling of powdery spores coating otherwise healthy plants is a sight that sends chills down growers’ spines.

Powdery mildew is a disease that should be relatively easy to control; however, mildew has become a real menace that reoccurs with surprising frequency. Powdery mildew is not a disease to be ignored; although it won’t rapidly outright kill plants, it can cause considerable damage, loss in yields and quality as well as unsightly plant appearances.

Researchers estimate that one per cent leaf coverage with mildew can result in a one per cent loss in production with crops such as peppers; a heavy infection can result in yield losses of 30 per cent or more. With ornamentals and houseplants, powdery mildew outbreaks can make entire crops unmarketable with damage such as leaf spotting and discolouration, bud distortion, defoliation, leaf rolling, stunted growth and twisted new stems. What is more troubling is that powdery mildew appears to be more difficult to eradicate from protected growing areas than ever before, despite the range of products on the market developed for control. However, this disease can be conquered if we understand enough about its development and how it spreads.

Once powdery mildew coats most of the leaf surface, the fungal pathogen takes a real toll on the plant, weakening growth and lowering yields.

An Extensive Family Powdery mildew has a common symptom—the development of fine, whitish, powdery deposits that form mostly on the upper leaf surface. These deposits look like a sprinkling of talc and the early stages are often missed by growers as they tend to first form inside leafy canopies. Despite this common symptom, powdery mildew is not one disease, but can be caused by a number of different genera of fungi. Some of the powdery mildew fungi species are specific to certain plants—for example, Sphaerotheca pannosa var. rosae is confined to roses— while others have a much wider host range. In greenhouses and grow rooms, the most common species of fungi that cause powdery mildew symptoms are Erisyphe, Leveillula, Microsphaera, Podosphaera, Odium and Sphaerotheca. It’s not usually possible to tell exactly which of these fungal pathogens are causing powdery mildew symptoms in different situations, although Leveillula—which occurs mostly on tomatoes and peppers and is sometimes called internal powdery mildew—may produce fungal spores on the lower leaf surfaces as well as the upper surfaces.

This poses another problem, as downy mildew, which is a separate, less common disease, also produces greyish-white powdery spores on the undersides of leaves. Mistaking downy mildew and Leveillula powdery mildew creates problems with control as different sprays need to be used for these two very different diseases. To get the diagnosis correct, both leaf surfaces should be checked carefully for the presence of powdery spores. If these are present on both the upper and lower leaf surfaces, then Leveillula powdery mildew is likely to be the cause; if greyish-white spores are only on the lower surface, then downy mildew is more likely. Neither Leveillula nor downy mildew Maximum Yield | January/February 2011

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Maddening Mildew

Peppers need good air flow up, under and around plants and are susceptible to Leveillula or internal powdery mildew.

should be confused with Botrytis or grey mould, which has brownish-grey spores and is also a common fungal pathogen in enclosed growing areas.

Apart from Leveillula or internal powdery mildew, most of the other powdery mildew species have a simple cycle of infection. The spores are often carried into the grow room on wind currents from infected plants. They are introduced to the growing area on infected seedlings or cuttings or develop from survival structures on plant debris.

Most infections come from airborne spores landing on leaf surfaces. The spores do not need an open wound or injured plant to infect their host; they happily germinate on dry leaves, penetrating the leaf tissue and sending food absorbing haustoria into the cells. The threadlike fungus (hyphae) grow over the leaf surface and eventually produce more spores, which trigger further infections. This infection process takes anywhere from three to seven days depending on conditions, but in as little as 72 hours from landing on a leaf surface, the fungi can send fresh spores into the air creating a high degree of infection over a wide area.

Leveillula powdery mildew is one fungal species that seems to be on the rise in greenhouses and has been occurring at higher rates in indoor gardens as well.

Leveillula typically infects tomatoes and peppers, although it has also been seen in cucumbers, eggplant, chilli, cotton, globe artichoke and many weeds. It may have a wider host range than initially thought. Leveillula powdery mildew is sometimes termed internal powdery mildew, as unlike other mildew species, it grows unseen within the leaf tissue for a latency period of up to three weeks. This species of 20

Maximum Yield |  January/February 2011

mildew can also destroy plants and is much more difficult to control than other types.

A Leveillula powdery The first faint signs of a recent mildew infection, such as is occurring on this mildew infection can wasabi plant, are often missed. occur with either low or high humidity and over a wide temperature range, so this may explain many unexpected mildew outbreaks in otherwise clean growing environments where mildew has not been a problem in the past and where humidity is always well controlled. Other symptoms are fluffy white patches of spores occurring on the upper and under sides of leaves, or in the case of peppers, on the lower leaf surface. The upper leaf surface may also have yellow patches that correspond to the spores underneath. Infected leaves may wither and drop off causing the plant to die.

Environmental Conditions and Control Conditions for development of powdery mildew vary depending on the species of fungi. Most of the common powdery mildew species prefer high humidity (greater than 90 per cent), while Leveillula infection on tomatoes and peppers can occur across a wide range of relatively humidity levels. Generally, moderate to warm temperatures favour infection (20 to 30°C). While many powdery mildew species favour high humidity, the greatest rate of infection can spread within a growing area when humidity levels climb at night, allowing the spores to germinate and infect leaves. Less humid daytime air allows the newly produced spores to dry and be released into the air to spread further. Control of humidity—particularly night time relative humidity levels that are more difficult to deal with—is seen as one of the best tools for prevention of powdery mildew. Increasing air movement up, under and through the canopy often gives a good degree of mildew control. Another option is to prevent overcrowding through selective pruning to let air flow through the crop.

Powdery mildew not only forms on the foliage, but also on stems, buds, flowers and fruit.

Sprays and Chemical Resistance There are many control products on the market for powdery mildew as well as a number of natural remedies that have varying degrees of success. Different control options may work better on one species of powdery mildew fungi than they do others, so it pays to trial a number of different sprays if the disease has become difficult to eradicate. The other concern with powdery mildew has been the increasing occurrence of spray resistance. Many of the fungicides available for control of powdery mildew can result in the pathogen building up resistance to the effects of the product. This can happen rapidly if the same fungicide compound is applied for more than a few applications over a short period. Disease resistance to fungicides (the same can occur with pesticides) has become a major industry problem and may also be a reason why control of powdery mildew with products that once were effective no longer seem to work as well.

To avoid powdery mildew resistance the same class of chemical fungicide should not be used more than twice in succession. Outbreaks are better controlled by using compounds (such as sulphur) to which fungal resistance won’t occur or by rotating different classes of control products over time. A build-up of fungicide resistant powdery mildew can become impossible to control with sprays and this can occur rapidly in any growing situation.

Control Options As with many diseases, genetic resistance is one of the best forms of powdery mildew prevention, however, few crops have a wide selection of resistant cultivars to choose from.

Powdery mildew can develop rapidly from a few isolated spots to complete plant coverage in a short period.

Maximum Yield | January/February 2011

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Maddening Mildew

Just like a sprinkling of talc, powdery mildew is quite distinctive and easy to recognize.

Many cucurbit plants such as cucumbers and melons have hybrid cultivars with a high degree of powdery mildew resistance and these should be selected wherever possible, as mildew is a very common and devastating disease on these crops. Some tomato cultivars have resistance to Odium species of mildew, but not to other forms. Certain ornamentals such as zinnia may also have resistant cultivars.

Having powdery mildew’s fungal hyphae and spores exposed on the leaf surface should, in theory, be easy to control with sprays provided there is good and thorough leaf coverage. There are a few natural remedies such as spraying the foliage with milk and other weakly alkaline compounds, which changes the pH of the leaf surface making it less desirable for the fungal spores to germinate. These have proven to have only a very short term and limited range of effect. However, sodium and potassium bicarbonate have been scientifically proven to be much more effective for powdery mildew control and prevention for a number of common mildew-causing fungi species. While mixing up one level teaspoon of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) with a squirt of good quality detergent (as a sticking and spreading agent) in one litre of water and spraying onto mildly infected plants does often work, potassium bicarbonate has proven to be even more effective without extra and unwanted sodium run off. Potassium bicarbonate is found in a number of fungicide products and is a completely safe spray to use in enclosed areas. Sodium and potassium bicarbonate do need to be used with care; overdosing plants with baking soda doesn’t kill mildew better, but will burn the foliage severely. The general recommendation of one teaspoon per litre should be followed.

Another highly effective compound is sulphur applied either as a protectant fungicide (micronized sulphur) or in a sulphur vaporizer. Sulphur works by a process of ‘selective toxicity’; that is the sulphur is more toxic to the 22

Maximum Yield | January/February 2011

disease than to the host. However, sulphur must be used with care; if applied when temperatures are too warm in the growing area it can cause considerable plant injury.

Other compounds that may have some effectiveness against powdery mildew are foliar sprays of silica, salicylic acid or chitosan, all of which may help provide either a barrier to infection to induce the plant’s natural defence response to attack by powdery mildew.

There are also some biological fungicides such as those using suppressive beneficial fungi like Bacillus subtilis, however, results with these can vary somewhat depending on the environmental conditions, which need to be optimal for the beneficials to grow and multiply before they can start suppressing the pathogen. Some growers have found that light sprays of horticultural oils or neem oil have assisted with powdery mildew control, but many research studies have found these are not that effective.

Of the chemical fungicides, many are still highly effective if used correctly and rotated so that disease resistance does not build up. The effectiveness of different fungicides can vary significantly with the particular powdery mildew fungi species and the crop, so if one product does not appear to be working, another should be tried. Eradication fungicides need to be used as soon as the first powdery signs are seen as early control is critical. It is also important to check the labels on products that are listed as controlling powdery mildew—many are only registered for use on ornamental crops

Cucumber crops benefit from being well spaced to allow maximum air flow and humidity, which assist with powdery mildew prevention.

“the greatest rate of infection can spread within a growing area when humidity levels climb at night.” and should not be applied to edibles. Others may have withholding periods that must be waited out before the plants can be harvested and consumed.

Successful control of powdery mildew involves more than just a quick-fix spray. For complete control, the environment, plant density, humidity levels, air movement, genetic resistance, natural, biological and chemical control compounds all have something to offer and often more than one approach will be needed to get the mildew monsters under control. MY The first signs of Oidium powdery mildew on tomato leaves.

Members of the cucurbit family such as melons and cucumbers are highly susceptible to powdery mildew unless resistant cultivars are used.

Maximum Yield | January/February 2011

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Maximum Yield |  January/February 2011

Maximum Yield | January/February 2011

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by Michael Bloch

We find out the difference between Genetically Modified (GM) crops and selective breeding, the dangers of GM crops and how they work against nature.

I decided to write this article after visiting a teacher’s resource site and came across a lesson plan aimed at children that alluded to transgenic or Genetically Modified Organism (GM) crops being better than the crops we have today that have resulted from thousands of years of traditional selective breeding techniques.

The lesson plan smacked of some of the old pesticide campaigns such as “DDT is good for me” and we all know how that turned out. DDT was originally hailed as a miracle pesticide and deemed safe but was banned in most circumstances across the USA by 1972. Over three decades later, traces of it can still be found in animals—even penguins in Antarctica.

I’ve been following the “for and against” GMO arguments for a few years now hoping to see enough evidence to dispel any misgivings; but exactly the opposite is happening.

Let’s take at look at selective breeding vs. GMO processes as this is an incredibly important topic in relation to the future of our food security, the wider environment and our freedom. In terms of urgency, it’s on par with the issue of climate change in my opinion.

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Maximum Yield | January/February 2011

Selective breeding Selective breeding is the process of developing a plant or animal based on selecting desirable characteristics of the parent. For example, saving seeds for replanting from plants within a crop that have shown to be particularly robust or breeding a white dog with a black patch over its eye via two parents that have the same trait.

Humanity has been tinkering with selective breeding for thousands of years. Often it’s been beneficial and has led to many of the food sources we have today. However, it can really only go so far—within species or closely related species.

Interbreeding between totally different species doesn’t and can’t happen with traditional selective breeding techniques— and it doesn’t happen in nature either. It never has as far as I know and there is a very good reason for it.

Species evolve in nature through natural selection (the survival of the fittest), or through mutation where an abnormal trait is introduced by mistake that proves to be beneficial to that plant or animal, and that mutation is passed on, becoming dominant.

Maximum Yield | January/February 2011

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GMO vs Selective Breeding

GMO GMO stands for genetically modified organism. When used in reference to food GMO is usually shorted to GM. This is where the genes from one species can be introduced into an entirely different species through human intervention.

For example, taking a gene from a jellyfish and inserting it into the zebrafish genome created the glofish—a fish that glows in the dark.

Another example is genes from a bacteria inserted into food crops so that the crop can create its own insecticide. These plants and animals are also known as transgenic.

Owning a species As these transgenic plants and animals have a different genome (genetic makeup), they are new species that have been patented.

They are the intellectual property of the company that created them and these companies exercise tight control over how they are used.

Biotech companies force farmers to sign contracts stating that the farmer will not save seed produced by the crop. What we are seeing is a handful of companies taking control over food crops, replacing them with species they own; even the seeds we buy for our backyard veggie gardens. It’s another good reason to consider buying heirloom and heritage seed lines.

Humanity has been tinkering with selective breeding for thousands of years. Often it’s been beneficial and has led to many of the food sources we have today.”

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Maximum Yield | January/February 2011

A crop-duster completes an aerial application of pesticide on a field.

Contamination It’s been shown that GM crops do escape and infect other crops (referred to as outcrossing). The ramifications of that are not only the reduction of crop biodiversity by the invasion of crops we still don’t fully understand, but it’s also related to the intellectual property issue mentioned above.

Here’s an example Farmer A grows a GM crop with seed provided by Company X. Farmer B grows a non GM crop.

Farmer A’s crop invades Farmer B’s crop through pollination; subsequent generations are infected with the GM genes.

Company X now effectively owns Farmer B’s crop.

There’s documented cases whereby companies producing GM crops have prosecuted people in Farmer B’s situation. WHO (World Health Organization) also mentions a case where traces of a maize type, which was only approved for feed use, appeared in maize products for human consumption.

GM crops, herbicides and pesticides The overuse of pesticides and herbicides has always resulted in the same situation—insects/weeds develop resistance or nontarget species (including humans) being negatively affected.

Some crops have also been genetically manipulated to resist certain herbicides. The company creates not only the crop, but the herbicide the crop is resistant to. The end result is farmers spraying even more herbicide knowing that it won’t kill the crops. The weeds become resistant and round and round we go.

Stronger/better poisons will need to be created and another crop will need to be developed to be immune to it. Meanwhile, what other damage has been done?

Lack of study The GM industry is huge and it’s very powerful; with many complicit partners in government.You’d be surprised how

Maximum Yield | January/February 2011

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GMO vs Selective Breeding

many high ranking politicians and bearers of office have either worked for major biotech and agribusiness companies before entering office or immediately upon leaving.

In some cases it’s a revolving door—work for the company, then work in the Department of Agriculture or the EPA, then back to the company. Due to this infiltration, the studies you’d think would be required to release these plants and animals onto the market for human consumption simply haven’t been done.

Interbreeding between totally different species doesn’t and can’t happen with traditional selective breeding techniques—and it doesn’t happen in nature either.”

The guinea pig In a nutshell; people are the GM experiment.You’re the guinea pigs of this brave new world of GM; and the sad thing is, nobody asked your permission.

The situation is bigger than us too. Other animals feed on the same crops that we do. What will be the long term effects on them? What will happen when creations such as the glofish invariably get into aquatic ecosystems? Nobody can say because nobody knows.

As for human health, a recent study published in the International Journal of Biological Sciences claims to have established a link between three GM maize varieties and negative effects on kidney and liver function in rats after just 90 days of feeding. In addition, some effects on heart, adrenal, spleen and blood cells were also frequently noted.

Is the future frankenfood?

GM crops are hailed by their proponents as the answer to the world’s food shortage.

It’s my opinion that this is at best naive and at worst a plain lie. If you’re looking for a more informed point of view, have a read of the Union of Concerned Scientists report, Failure To Yield. After 13 years of commercialization, the report concludes that these frankencrops have done little to increase overall crop yields. There is no food shortage problem, there is a food wastage and distribution problem. The world creates an abundance of food.

Allowing GM crops and animals 30

Maximum Yield | January/February 2011

to become the core of our food supply could end in disaster.

Transgenic crops are not in harmony with nature, they fly in the face of it. And what happens when our activities work against nature? Climate change is a classic example.

GMOs and your child’s education Ask your children what they are being taught about GMO at school. If the teacher’s lesson plan I viewed is indicative of what our children will be learning, I fear we are in deep trouble.

But don’t take my word for it. The above really only scratches the surface of all the issues related to the GM crop and food industry. Research the topic, the “for and against” arguments. But whatever conclusion you arrive at about GM food; it remains that selective breeding is very different to the technology behind GMO. Our children deserve to know, because without that knowledge, they are more likely to accept GM food without questioning it, and I fear that is the plan. MY

Maximum Yield | January/February 2011

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YOU TELL US

Maximum Yield discusses the benefits of electronic HID ballasts and tailor-made lighting for Australian growers with Steve Gray, Lumatek’s European partner.

Maximum Yield (MY): What are the proven efficiency gains of electronic HID ballasts over magnetic ballasts as described on your website?

Steve Gray: It’s quite simple really: electronic ballasts produce more light for each watt of electricity (more lumens per watt).

Your electricity bill will be lower and your plants will get more light than compared to the old style magnetic ballasts. This is easily tested at home with a simple lumen meter that can be purchased from many hydroponics suppliers.

Magnetic ballasts are also affected strongly by local voltages. If the local voltage drops due to industrial usage at the time or just simply low national voltage, then the Lumatek can be up to 30 per cent brighter. It is particularly pronounced below the 125 volt mark, which many Australian customers would find at their plug socket during a heavy usage time of day for their local area.

Most growers do not know that during a normal day if they are using a magnetic ballast their light output lowers, and quite dramatically in many cases. This depends on factors the grower has no control over. This effect is seen in normal household lights as they “dip” when the kettle is turned on or some other such power hungry utility. It goes without saying that that’s a bad thing when you’re growing; your neighbour has a cup of coffee and your light gets dimmer.

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Maximum Yield | January/February 2011

MY: What specialty features do Lumatek Ballasts boast over other similar products?

Steve: Well, Lumatek has always led from the front and is constantly innovating. We were the first ballast customers developed faith in, as we were very early on the market with a strong, reliable product. We offer proven products and have done so for many years. Customers have tested our ballasts over and over again worldwide.

Our “dial-a-watt” or “dimmable ballast” as it is also known, is a key difference. Growers get two ballasts in one and the ever popular super lumen feature. We offer that in the 1,000 watt, 600 watt and 400 watt versions. For example our 600 watt dimmable ballast will run the 600 watt lamp, it will also boost it up using the super lumen feature. Our super lumen

feature has been loved for many years now because it pushes the output of the lamp even higher. For the first time, you can also take out the 600 watt lamp and put in a 400 watt lamp using that setting on the same ballast. You can then even super lumen boost the 400 watt lamp. Customers love the dial-a-watt/dimmable feature.

MY: What Lumatek products are you psyched about right now and why?

Steve: I think our range of high par lamps are making a big impact. They were designed in our research lab to work with our ballasts. They give guaranteed Lumatek reliability when used in combination. They also offer the highest performance in terms of output. They were designed to work together and should be entering the Australian market in the next two months.

MY: What products do you offer and what type of grower are they most suitable for?

Steve: We are a worldwide professional lighting company that offers a full range of ballasts to suit all needs in many wattages and voltages, we also offerlLamps and in some territories a range of reflectors that will soon be available worldwide. Our products are leading edge in terms of technology but we suit any grower that wants to improve their yields by getting more light to their crops.

MY: What steps are taken to tailor the Lumatek line of products to the specific needs and wishes of Australian growers?

Steve: We try to work closely with Holland Forge, our Australian partners. This is a great company known for bringing innovative products to their markets. We hope to develop more Lumatek specific products with them soon.

MY: Why did you decide to start offering Lumatek to your global customers? How has this helped to strengthen the company?

Steve: The popularity of Lumatek and our products swept the world very quickly. Our products have been available in most territories for almost five years now. The electronic ballast is a revolution in lighting. The world had been using the same magnetic product previously for more than 100 years. When a product replaces another due to an upgrade of technology word spreads very quickly and so does demand. We have always been strongest in our founding territory of the USA with our research and headquarters in California but we are the number one brand of electronic ballast in every territory worldwide. It strengthens us because we are able to innovate worldwide and bring new developments from lots of sources to keep ahead of new trends and technologies as they arise.

“The world had been using the same magnetic product previously for more than 100 years. When a product replaces another due to an upgrade of technology word spreads very quickly and so does demand.”

MY: What does Lumatek have planned for the future in the way of products and technologies?

Steve: We will continue to redesign and update our products to work with the latest technology. This will not be limited to lamps and reflectors as the electronic ballast is very different from the old fashioned magnetic ballast. This means many of the extra devices used in a grow room were designed for the magnetic ballast. In many cases we are looking to redesign them to suit the high performance of the electronic ballast.

Customers also expect Lumatek to bring the latest technologies to market when they are ready. We do a lot of research in areas such as plasma and other newer areas that show potential, but at the moment the electronic ballast remains the highest performance lighting the grower can use. We offer more lumens per watt than any other method of generating high intensity light. When this changes, it will be another Lumatek product that will replace it; to achieve that we have to continue our MY record of strong innovation.

Maximum Yield | January/February 2011

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NUTRIENT

by Andrew Taylor

Deficiency Symptoms

Monitor plants closely for symptoms of nutrient deficiency. These symptoms can provide a valuable forewarning of serious problems within the growing system.

Be aware that there are many factors that cause nutrient deficiency symptoms in a plant. The nutrient itself may not be the cause.

Deficiency symptoms are grouped into several categories:

axillary bud

midrib

petiole

vein

apex (or tip)

left margin

Fig 2 Simplified illustration of external leaf sturcture.

3.

Stunting of growth: As all essential nutrients are simultaneously required for healthy growth, this symptom can be attributed to a deficiency in any one or more of them.

Purple/red discoloration: This often occurs on stems or along leaf petioles, veins or margins. It occurs due to abnormal levels of anthocyanin that accumulates when plants are stressed. These symptoms can also be caused by physical stresses such as cold, drought and disease.

2.

4.

1.

Chlorosis and interveinal chlorosis: Chlorosis can result in the whole plant or leaf turning light green or yellow. It can also be more localized. For example, yellowing of the veins themselves or between the veins (interveinal chlorosis). Chlorosis occurs due to plants being deficient in elements required for photosynthesis or chlorophyll production.

purple petiole

interveinal chlorsis

chlorosis of veins

nectrotic spot

tip burn chlorosis of margin

Fig 1 Some common leaf abnormalities resulting from nutrient deficiencies.

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Maximum Yield | January/February 2011

Necrosis: Generally happens in the later stages of deficiency where the affected plant part becomes stressed to the point that it becomes brown and dies.

5.

Other: Further symptoms include: • poor quality (or few) buds, flowers or fruit • poor root development • distorted leaves (i.e. cupped or twisted)

Old or young growth A key indicator for identifying nutrient deficiency is whether the symptoms are occurring in older growth, younger growth or both. Mobile elements are able to move out of older leaves and into younger plant parts when a deficiency is present. Hence the symptoms usually

occur first in the older (usually lower) leaves. Mobile elements include N, P, K and Mg (chart one).

In contrast, immobile nutrients are not able to move quickly from one plant part to another. Therefore, deficiency symptoms are initially most obvious in younger growth (usually higher up the plant).

Immobile nutrients include Ca, S, Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn and B (chart one).

WHAT CAUSES DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS? The appearance of foliar deficiency symptoms often causes inexperienced growers to conclude that the nutrient solution is deficient in a particular element. However, if a ‘complete’ nutrient formulation is being used, check the following before settling on this conclusion: • insufficient EC or feed frequency • in recirculating hydroponic systems, the nutrient is discarded too infrequently • inappropriate nutrient pH (causes certain nutrient elements to become unavailable for uptake) • excessive humidity (hinders the distribution of nutrient throughout the plant) • signs of pests or diseases (their presence can produce symptoms that are similar in appearance to nutrient deficiency symptoms)

CHART 1

Diagnostic Flow-Chart For Common Nutrient Deficiency Symptons

Deficiency Symptoms Old Leaves Affected

Young Leaves Affected

- Terminal buds remain alive but chlorotic (ie. yellow) or wilted without necrotic (i.e. dead) spots

- Effects are mostly generalized over whole plant - Lower leaves dry up and die

- Terminal buds die. Distortion and necrosis (ie. dying of young leaves)

Effects mostly localized: - Mottling (ie. blotches) or cholosis - Lower leaves do not dry up but become mottled or chlorotic - Leaf margins cupped or tucked

Boron (B)

Calcium (Ca)

- Young leaves light green at bases, die back from base - Twisted leaves

- Young leaves hooked then die back at tips and margins

Phosphorus (P) - Dark green foliage; red/purple colours appear - Lower leaves yellow/drying to dark green - Stalks become short and slender

Nitrogen (N) - Light green foliage - Lower leaves yellow/drying/brown - Stalks become short and slender

Zinc (Zn)

Copper (Cu) - Young leaves wilted, without cholorosis - Weak stem tip

- Young leaves not wilted - Chlorosis

- Nercrotic spots (large and general) eventually involving veins - Thick leaves - Short stalks

Magnesium (Mg)

Manganese (Mn)

- Mottling or chlorosis with yellow around margins and interveinal chlorosis - Necrotic brown spots

No necrotic spots

- Small nercotic spots - Veins remain green

Potassium (K)

- Mottled or chlorotic dull grey-green leaves - Small necrotic spots between veins or near leaf tips and margins - Slender stalks

NOTES

Iron (Fe)

Sulfur (S)

Veins remain green

Veins become chlorotic

Deficiency symptoms observed under field conditions often appear different than ideal text book examples. Diagnosis is often difficult even to the most experienced eyes. Some elements produce similar symptoms and several deficiencies can occur at the same time. Symptoms can also be easily confused with those caused by pests, diseases, under watering and genetic abnormalities.

Early detection is important because deficiency symptoms are often more unique and easier to distinguish in the early stages. Yield loss can also be potentially avoided. Early detection also prompts the grower to check for other possible causes such as excessive humidity and poor EC and pH control. MY Maximum Yield  | January/February 2011

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TALKING SHOP

AT A GLANCE

Company: Reptile and Grow Store Owners: Ken and Karen Thompson Location and Phone: Unit 7/117-119 Dixon, Rockingham WA 08 9527 2245 Email: info@reptileandgrow.com Motto: “One stop shop for reptile and grow supplies.”

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Maximum Yield | January/February 2011

Ken and Karen Thompson served the perfect apprenticeship for running Rockingham, Western Australia’s only exclusive reptile and grow shop—they spent eight years first successfully operating Western Australia’s only exclusive reptile store.

“Because we already had a reptile shop, the hydroponics was just another string to the bow—and the products complement each other, as some of them actually cross over and are used in both areas,” explains Ken. The two already had a thriving retail business selling reptiles and accessories, but they decided to branch out into hydroponics because they saw the overlap in products and services between the two fields and they figured it would be a perfect fit.

So they moved into larger digs and opened their new shop, a reptile and hydroponics superstore.

“We had been in Rockingham selling reptiles and accessories for the last eight years and we finally opened the grow side of the business in a larger premises, also in Rockingham,” says Ken. “We have been in our new Dixon Road location since January—we spent the first six months getting our stock levels right and setting out the shop and now we’re just getting down to business.”

And business is good, apparently.

“We’re just happy that our business is growing in a time where there are hard times in many industries,” confirms Karen. The couple seems to have found a niche combining their two interests and the public seems to agree that it’s a combination that makes sense, as sales are steady.

Although Ken and Karen had a bit of a leg up when it came

A combination hydroponics and reptiles shop makes perfect sense, as many of the necessary products overlap

to starting their new business because of their previous experience in a related area, they still had a learning process to go through—and it continues daily. Like so many retailers in the field of hydroponics, the couple has found that learning new things about indoor growing and staying on top of product developThe most essential thing Ken and ment and new trends in the industry Karen and their hard-working staff is the most important factor in the of two bring to the table in their growth of their business. new retail location is something “We’ve really had to learn quite a lot,” says Karen. “We listen to they’ve prided themselves on their whole careers, though—and our customers, we stock what they need and we are constantly that’s customer service. learning how to use new products.”

“Our company philosophy has always been to provide outThis willingness to keep learning is really important in both standing service and supply quality products at an affordable the areas the Thompsons are involved with, as the most imporprice,” agrees Ken. “You have to work hard, that’s for sure, and tant thing they can supply to customers who need help with it’s important to be honest, of course, but old-fashioned service indoor growing or reptile care is often their best advice. is really the most important thing we offer our customers.”

Another vital aspect of the hydroponics business Karen and On top of this kind of commitment to the needs of their cliKen have had to master is the matter of inventory—indoor entele, there is one thing that the Thompsons can offer that no growing requires a lot of prodother grow shop can provide— ucts, and staying on top of new “Being an exclusive reptile and grow store, there is always some- reptiles! There’s always something product developments and get- thing for the parents as well as the kids—whether they look at the interesting to look at when you reptiles or check out the grow products, nobody is ever bored.” ting the right stuff out on the head into the shop for growing shelves makes all the difference advice or a new light fixture, and in this competitive industry. The Thompsons pride themselves that’s just how Ken and Karen’s customers like it. on always being one step ahead when it comes to their custom“Being an exclusive reptile and grow store, there is always er’s product requirements. something for the parents as well as the kids—whether they “I think it’s more like what products don’t we stock,” laughs look at the reptiles or check out the grow products, nobody is Ken, “We are told almost daily that we are the best-stocked store ever bored,” chuckles Ken. in the area, so that’s always nice to hear!”

Ken and Karen Thompson seem to have found a winning forBut having the most amazing inventory in the world won’t help mula—reptiles and hydroponics—and they are confident that they you make sales without the appropriate marketing, and that’s know just what it takes to make a go of it in a tough economy. something the Thompsons put a lot of effort into as well.

“Customer service, awesome stock levels and competitive pric“That’s something we really had to think about when we es,” declares Karen. “Those are the strengths of the Reptile and moved into the new store and started selling grow products,” Grow Store, and that’s why we are known throughout Western says Karen. “Letting people know we were here, that we knew Australia as the “one-stop shop for reptile and grow supplies.” what to stock, that we were competitive. We realized we had to MY

start running local newspaper advertising campaigns to let people know we were their best choice when it came to hydroponics.”

Maximum Yield | January/February 2011

37

Grow Tents for the Construc ionally nally Challenged

by Gabriel Bronzstein

If building a garden space from scratch is not your idea of a good time, check out the various benefits and ease of set-up with indoor grow tents, which come in a variety of sizes and can be assembled by one person in a matter of minutes.

Why build a grow tent?

Really making it work

One of the biggest obstacles for indoor gardeners is designing and building or setting up the grow space. For the DIYchallenged, grow tents are an excellent alternative for those gardeners that don’t feel comfortable swinging a hammer or using a screw gun.

Indoor grow tents come in many sizes from 1.5 square feet to 10 square feet. They are extremely compact, and even the largest available size fits in a single box that most people could carry.

Grow tents are easy to set-up and can be assembled by one person in a matter of minutes.

Many grow tents are lined with a highly reflective material, usually a metalized film to maximize light efficiency. Initially, due to the limited sizes available, these tents were most attractive to beginner gardeners lacking experience setting up a grow room. With the recent addition of many new sizes, these tents have become much more attractive to a variety of gardeners with varying levels of experience. Even expert growers are finding grow tents to be convenient and effective for their needs. If you are considering the DIY route, consider this, you will spend more time at home renovations shop in line at the checkout counter than it would take to assemble a grow tent!

When you get home, laden with heavy lumber, sheet rock, screws, paint and primer, you’ve set yourself for more than a few days work.

While I think it’s a great idea to build a custom indoor garden if you are a homeowner, it’s not the most logical option for renters. Indoor grow tents can be taken down and put up in a new location so easily and quickly your plants won’t even notice they moved.

It is becoming increasingly popular for vegetable gardeners to start their plants indoors before moving them outside in late spring.This gives them a head start allowing them to start their plants earlier without fear of frost. Indoor grow tents are so versatile allowing temporary gardens to be made in just about any indoor space.The space returns to normal in a few weeks when plants are moved outdoors.

Today most indoor gardeners take cuttings or clone plants that have desirable characteristics.Too often these plants are shared among fellow gardeners. Inadvertently they are also sharing pests.

It is good practice to isolate or quarantine new plants in a separate garden to observe them for pests.This quarantined area can also be used to treat plants with pests before you introduce them into the main garden.This is a great idea that can save you from a serious pest infestation in your garden.

Often after building a grow room the grower realizes it would be nice to have a separate (second or even third) grow space. If not as a quarantine area, the additional space could be used to grow parent material for cuttings (mother plants). Or, it could be a vegetative room featuring a long day light cycle to help your plants grow large and healthy before transferring them into a bloom room with a short day cycle. Having two (or more) separate areas allows you to grow your plants under 18 hours of light until they have reached the desired bloom height.Then you can move them into your bloom room with 12 hours of light.This has a number of advantages. First, you can have a perpetual harvest by harvesting a few plants every week while having replacements ready to go in the garden. Another advantage is that by eliminating the veg time you can have more harvest cycles in a given period of time.

38

Maximum Yield | January/February 2011

Constructing a Grow Tent - Easy as 1...2...3

1

Begin to construct your grow tent by assembling the tent poles from the ground up. Start at one corner piece and install the top poles.

3

2

After unpacking the tent, unzip its main zipper as well as the top and bottom too. Drag the tent over the top of the frame, ensuring the vent port is on top. The floor of the tent can now be pulled under the frame and positioned properly.

Once the tent is properly positioned, install the roof supports. The tent can now be zipped and the viewing windows opened if desired. Happy growing!

MY

Maximum Yield  | January/February 2011

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MAX-MART

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Maximum Yield | January/February 2011

Maximum Yield | January/February 2011

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RETAIL

directory

AUSTRALIA ACT

South Pacific Hydroponics #2 - 84 - 86 Wollongong St., Fyshwick ACT 2609 South Pacific Hydroponics 70 Oatley Court , Belconnen ACT 2617

(02) 6239 2598 (02) 6251 0600

NEW SOUTH WALES ABC Aquaculture 54 Wahroonga Road, Kanwal NSW 2259 (61) 2 4393 3131 ASE Hydroponics Factory 10/45 Leighton Pl., Hornsby NSW 2077 (02) 9477 3710 Ballina Hydro 3 Ray O’Niell Crescent, Ballina NSW 2478 (02) 6686 7321 Brunswick Hydro & Aquarium Supplies 19 Booyun Street, Brunswick Heads NSW 2483 (02) 6685 1552 Criscete Hydroponics and Organics Unit 2/15 Kam Close, Morisset, NSW 2264 (02) 4973 5779 Dr. Van Der Bloom’s Hydroponics Supplies 5/5 Forge Drive, Coff’s Harbour, NSW 2450 (02) 6651 9992 Dubbo Hydro & Tobacconist 42c Victoria Street, Dubbo West NSW 2830 (02) 6885 1616 Ezi Grow Hydro 177 Mt Druit Road, Mt Druitt NSW 2770 (02) 9832 1610 Ezi Grow Hydro 1B/340 Windsor Street, Richmond NSW 2753 (02) 4588 5826 Ezi Grow Hydro 56 Fish Parade, Bathurst NSW 2795 (02) 9832 1610 Ezi Grow Hydro - Head Office 18 Part Street, Eglinton NSW 2795 (02) 6337 1485 Favgro Hydroponics Growers 107 Glenella Road, Batehaven NSW 2536 (02) 4472 7165 Felanza - Hydroponics 140 Princess Highway, Arncliffe, NSW 2205 (02) 9556 1494 General Hydroponics 7/14 Sunnyholt Road, Blacktown NSW 9676 (02) 9676 8682 Grow Australia Factory 1/5 Sefton Road, Thronleigh NSW 2120 (02) 9473 5000 Grow Your Own Unit 6/34 Alliance Ave, Morisset NSW 2264 (02) 4973 5179 Happy Grow Hydro 15/The Crescent Street, Penrith NSW 2750 (02) 4732 2870 Hobby Grow 6/46 Through Street South Grafton NSW 2460 (04) 2283 8069 Home Harvest 423 Princess Highway, Rockdale NSW 2216 (02) 9567 8841 Hyalite Moorebank 6/376 Newsbridge Road, Moorebank NSW 2170 (02) 9824 3400 Hyalite Villawood 2/21 Birmingham Avenue, Villawood NSW 2163 (02) 9723 7199 Hydro Masta 100 Station Road, Seven Hills, Sydney NSW 2147 (02) 8812 2845 Hydro Masta Pty Ltd 76 Beecroft Road, Epping NSW 2121 (02) 9869 3011 Hydro Net 2/14 Aific Street, Long Jetty NSW 2261 (02) 4334 6955 Hydro Place 1/68 Nelson Street, Wallsend NSW 2287 (02) 4965 6595 Hydro Shop and Reptile Supplies 2/390 The Esplanade, Warners Bay NSW 2282 (02) 4958 1489 Hydro Shop Pty Ltd Unit 1/5-7 Channel Road, Mayfield West NSW 2304 (02) 4960 0707 Hydro Supplies 57 Flinders Street, Darlinghurst NSW 2010 (02) 9326 0307 Hydro Wise B/385 The Entrance Road, Long Jetty NSW 2261 (02) 4333 5700 Hydroponics Grow All Year 14 Fitzmaurice Street, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650 (02) 6921 5911 Hygrow Horticulture (Greenlite) 252 Oxford Street, Bondi Junction NSW 2022 (02) 9369 3928 Indoor Sun Shop 745 Victoria Road, Top Ryde NSW 2112 (02) 9808 6511 Indoor Sun Shop Unit 2/109 Junction Road, Moorebank NSW 2170 (02) 9822 4700 International Fans PO Box 120, St. Mary’s NSW 2760 (02) 9833 7500 Kyper’s Tools and Hydroponics Stuart & Tincogan Sts, Mullumbimby NSW 2482 (02) 6684 4928 Lismore Hydro 1/106 Canway Street, Lismore NSW 2480 (02) 6621 3311

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Maximum Yield | January/February 2011

Lismore Hydroponics rear of 28 Casino St., South Lismore, NSW 2480 Northern Nursery Supplies Pty Ltd 14-16 Nance Road, Kempsey NSW 2440 Nowra Hydro 68 Bridge Road, Nowra NSW 2541 Nutriflo Hydroponic Systems 19/5 Daintree Place, Gosford West NSW 2250 Parkview Plants 250 Princess Highway, Nowra South NSW 2541 Port Pumps and Irrigation 20 Uralla Road, Pt Macquarie NSW 2444 Quik Grow 510a Great Western Hwy., Pendle Hill NSW 2145 Quick Grow 823 King Georges Road, S. Hurstville NSW 2221 Quik Grow Pty Ltd 490 Parramatta Road, Petersham NSW 2049 Simple Grow Hassall Street & Windem, Wetherill Pk NSW 2164 Tweed Coast Hydroponics 2/58 Machinery Dr., Tweeds Head South NSW 2486 Uncle Wal’s Gardenland 31 Crescent Avenue, Taree NSW 2430 Home Grown Aquaponics 13/8a-8b Hartley Drive, Thornton NSW 2322 Westside Lighting & Electrical (Ezi Range) PO Box 274, Mascot NSW 1400 Wollongong Hydroponic Center 318 Crown Street, Wollongong NSW 2500 NORTHERN TERRITORY Katherine Hydroponics Centre 17 Rundle Street, Katherine NT 0850 QUEENSLAND A Happy Medium Hydroponics Unit2/10 Central Court, Browns Plains QLD 4118 Allgrow Hydro 13 - 58 Bullock Head St., Sumner Park QLD 4074 Aquatic Oasis Unit 2/33 Smith Street, Capalaba QLD 4157 Billabong Hydroponics Lot 1, Billabong Court, Childers QLD 4660 D-Bay Hydroponics Shop 5/404 Deception Bay Road, Deception Bay QLD 4508 E.T. Grow Home Unit 1/4 Windmill Street, Southport QLD 4215 Eye Lighting Australia Pty Ltd PO Box 306, Carole Park QLD 4300 Green Power Hydroponics 2/80 Beerburrum Road, Caboolture QLD 4510 Grow Hydro 22 Mining Street, Bundamba QLD 4304 Hyalite Varsity 5/11 John Duncan Crt.,Varsity Lakes QLD 4227 Hydroponic Roots & Shoots Lot 3 Herberton Road, Atherton QLD 4883 Hydroponics & Garden Supplies 93 Cook St., Portsmith QLD 4870 Hydroponics Today PO Box 785, Stanthorpe QLD 4380 Indoor Solutions Unit 2 / 79 Oxford Tce., Taringa QLD 4068 J&K Hydroponics 10 Wacol Station Road, Wacol, Brisbane QLD, 4076 KY Garden 3/31 Argyle PDE, Darra Brisbane QLD 4076 Nerang Hydroponic Centre 27 Lawrence Drive, Nerang QLD 4211 North Queensland Hydro Supplies Shop 2B/20-22 Fleming St., Townsville QLD 4810 Northern Hydroponics 383 Mulgrave Road, Cairns QLD 4870 Pioneer Hydroponics 194 Doyles Road, Pleystowe QLD 4741 SA Hydroponics Shed 3, 1191 Anzac Avenue, Kallangar QLD 4503 Simply Hydroponics Gold Coast 42 Lawrence Drive, Nerang QLD 4211

(02) 6621 3311 (02) 6563 1599 (02) 4423 3224 (02) 4323 1599 (02) 4423 0599 (02) 6581 1272 (02) 9636 7023 (02) 9546 8642 (02) 9568 2900 (02) 9604 0469 (07) 5524 8588 (02) 6550 0221 (02) 4028 6388 1 800 661 475 (02) 4225 8773

(08) 8972 1730

(07) 3809 3322 (07) 3376 7222 (07) 3245 7777 (07) 4126 3551 (07) 3204 8324 (07) 5591 6501 (07) 3335 3556 (07) 5428 1133 (07) 3816 3206 (07) 5593 7385 (07) 4091 3217 (07) 4035 5422 (07) 4683 3133

(07) 3271 6210 (07) 3375 9098 (07) 5527 4155 (07) 4728 3957 (07) 4054 5884 (07) 4959 2016 (07) 3285 1355 (07) 5596 2250

Sunstate Hydroponics 1137 Ipswitch Road, Moorooka QLD 4105 Sunstate Hydroponics 67 Aerodrome Road, Maroochydore QLD 4558 The Hydroponic Warehouse Shop 3/73 PIckering Street, Enoggera QLD 4051 Tumbling Waters Hydroponics 2 Clarkes Track, Malanda QLD 4885 Walsh’s Seeds Garden Centre 881 Ruthven Street, Toowoomba QLD 4350 SOUTH AUSTRALIA Amazon Aquariums & Gardening Unit 5, 16 Research Road, Pooraka SA 5095 Ascot Park 753 Marion Road, Ascot Park SA 5043 Barry’s Hardware Saints & Main North Rd., Salisbury Plains SA 5109 Bolzon Home & Garden 103 Tolley Road, St Agnes SA 5097 Chocablock Discount Variety Store 15-17/1220 Grand Junction, Hope Valley SA 5090 Complete Hydroponics 1581 Main North Road Salisbury East SA 5109 Country Hydro 434 Saddleback Road, Whyalla SA 5600 D & W Dependable Hardware 45B Kettering Road, Elizabeth South SA 5112 Festive Hydro 2 Kreig Street, Evanston Park SA 5116 Fulham Gardener Nursery 597 Tapleys Hill Road, Fulham SA 5024 Futchatec Distribution 4 Symonds St. Royal Park, 5014 Glandore Hydroponics 644 - 646 South Road, Glandore SA 5037 Greener then Green 52 - 54 Cliff Avenue, Port Noarlunga South SA 51 Greenhouse Superstore Lonsdale 35 to 37 Aldenhoven Road SA 5160 Greenhouse Superstore Royal Park 4 Symonds St. Royal Park SA 5014 Ground-Up Service Nursery 3 Copinger Road, Pt. Pirie SA 5540 Harvest Time Hydroponics Shop 3/146-148, Findon Road, Findon SA 5023 Hindmarsh Hydroponics 39a Manton Street, Hindmarsh SA 5095 Highland Hydro 14/1042 Grand Junction Road, Holden Hill SA 5088 Hong Kong Hydro 13 Research Road, Pooraka SA 5095 Hydro Heaven Kane Motors-Hunt Road, Mount Barker SA 5251 Hydro Sales & Service 1 Salisbury Crescent, Colonel Light SA 5041 Hydro Technics 321 South Road, Croydon SA 5008 Hydro Warehouse 181 Seacombe Road, South Brighton SA 5048 Hydro World 40 Folland Avenue, Northfield SA 5085 Koko’s Hydro Warehouse Unit 2/2 McGowan Street, Pooraka SA 5095 Larg’s Bay Garden Supply 239 Victoria Road, Largs Bay SA 5016 Martins Road Hydro # 5- 353 Martins Road, Parafield Gardens SA 5107 Mitre 10 Drive In 152 Hanson Road, Mansfield Park SA 5012 New Age Hydroponics 135-137 Sir Donald Bradman Dr., Hilton SA 5033 Owen Agencies 17-19 Railway Terrace, Owen SA 5460 Professional Hydro 4/522 Grange Road, Fulham Gardens SA 5024 Professional Hydro Shop 5/645 Lower North East Road SA 5075 Professional Hydroponics 113 Maurice Road, Murray Bridge SA

(07) 3848 5288 (07) 5479 1011 (07) 3354 1588 (07) 4096 6443 (07) 4636 1077

(08) 8359 1800 (08) 8357 4700 (08) 8281 4066 (08) 8265 0665 (08) 8396 3133 (08) 8258 4022 (08) 8645 3105 (08) 8287 6399 (08) 8523 5100 (08) 8235 2004 (08) 8447-1122 (08) 8371 5777 (08) 8386 2596 (08) 8382 0100 (08) 8447 5899 (08) 8264 9455 (08) 8244 0222 (08) 8346 9461 (08) 8395 4455 (08) 8260 2000 (08) 8391 1880 (08) 8272 2000 (08) 8241 5022 (08) 8377 1200 (08) 8262 8323 (08) 8260 5463 (08) 8242 3788 (08) 8283 4011 (08) 8445 1813 (08) 8351 9100 (08) 8528 6008 (08) 8353 0133 (08) 8365 5172 (08) 8532 3441

RETAIL

directory

Soladome Aquaculture & Hydro 44 Chapel St., Norwood SA 5067 South Coast Hydroponics 6/25 Gulfview Road, Christies Beach SA 5165 State Hydroponics 174 Semaphore Road, Exeter SA 5019 Tea Tree Gully Hydro 32 Famechon Cresent, Modbury North SA 5092 Two Wells Hardware 86 Old Port Wakefield Road, Two Wells SA 5501 Urban Grow Solutions 1/111 Main Sth Rd, O’Halloran Hill, S.A 5189 West Garden Centre Peachey Road, Elizabeth West SA 5113 TASMANIA Advanced Hydroponics 26 Mulgrave Street, South Launceston Tas 7249 Ezy Grow 625 East Derwent Highway, Lindisfarne Tas 7015 Garden World 717 West Tamar Highway, Legana Tas 7277 Green Acres Hydroponics Unit 1 46-48 Bingalong Rd, Mornington, TAS 7018 Growers Choice 225 Main Road, Derwent Park Tas 7009 Hydroponics Systems 131 Main Rd, Moonah, TAS 7009 Hydroponic World 322 Bass Highway, Sulphur Creek Tas 7316 Organic Garden Supplies Tas 17 Don Road, Devonport Tas 7310 Tas Hydroponic Supplies 99 Lampton Avenue, Derwent Park Tas 7009 The Hydroponic Company 69 Charles Street, Moonah Tas 7009 The Hydroponics Company 289 Hobart Road, Kings Medow Tas 7428

(08) 8362 8042 (08) 8384 2380 (08) 8341 5991 (08) 8264 9455 (08) 8520 2287 (08) 8322 0040 (08) 8255 1355

(03) 6344 5588 (03) 6243 9490 (03) 6330 1177 (03) 6245 1066 (03) 6273 6088 (03) 6278 3457 (03) 6435 4411 (03) 6424 7815 (03) 6272 2202 (03) 6273 1411 (03) 6340 2222

VICTORIA

Albury Hydroponics 62 Thomas Mitchell Drive, Springvale Vic 3171 All Seasons Hydroponics 3 Springvale Road, Springvale Vic 3171 Banksia Greenhouse and Outdoor Garden 530 Burwood Highway, Wantirna Vic 3152 Barb’s Hydro and Nursery 15 Wallace Avenue, Interverloch Vic 3196 Bayside Hydroponics Factory 2/8 Rutherford Road, Seaford Vic 3196 Belgrave Hydroponics 1642 Burwood Highway, Belgrave Vic 3160 Brew ‘N’ Grow 4 - 479 Nepean Highway, Edithvale Vic 3199 Casey Hydro 12 The Arcade Street, Cranbourne Vic 3977 Casey Hydro 78 Spring Square, Hallam Vic 3803 Chronic Hydroponics 31 Anderson Street, Templestowe Vic 3106 Complete Garden Supplies 580 Ballarat Road, Sunshine Vic 3020 Discount Hydroponics 752 Waverley Road, Chadstone Vic 3148 Echuca Hydroponic Nursery & Supplies 23 Ogilvie Avenue, Echuca Vic 3564 Echuca Pump Shop 128 Ogilvie Avenue, Echuca Vic 3564 Excel Distributors Pty Ltd 2/41 Quinn Street, Preston Vic 3072 F.L.O.W. Plants and Environments 66B Chapel Street, Windsor Vic 3181 Gardensmart 810-834 Springvale Road, Keysborough Vic 3173 Global Hydroponics 10 Knight Avenue, Sunshine Vic 3020 Greenleaf Hydroponics 9a Church Street, Traralgon Vic 3844 Greenleaf Hydroponics Factory 7, Industrial Park Drive, Lilydale Vic 3140

(03) 9540 8000 (03) 9540 8000 (03) 9801 8070 (03) 5674 2584 (03) 9775 0495 (03) 9754 3712 (03) 9783 3006 (03) 5996 3697 (03) 9796 3776 (03) 9646 8133 (03) 9311 9776 (03) 9568 1860 (03) 5480 2036 (03) 5480 7080 (03) 9495 0083 (03) 9510 6832 (03) 9769 1411 (03) 9356 9400 (03) 5176 0898 (03) 9739 7311

GreenLite - Ringwood 291 Maroondah Highway, Ringwood Vic 3134 Grow 4 XS Rear 24 Simms Road, Greensborough Vic 3088 Holland Forge Pty Ltd. 5 Hi-tech Place, Rowville Vic 3178 Hydroware 59a Lara Way, Campbellfield, Vic, 3061 Hyalite Airport West Unit 4/504-506 Fullarton Road, Airport West 3042 Hyalite Bayswater 4/19 Jersey Road, Bayswater Vic 3153 Hyalite Global 10 Knight Avenue, Sunshine North Vic 3020 Hyalite Westend 3 Third Avenue, Sunshine Vic 3020 Indoor Garden Company 29 Glasgow Street, Collingwood Vic 3066 Impact Distribution PO Box 2188, Salisbury Downs 5108 JB Lighting 492 - 500 Neerim Road, Murrumbeena Vic 3163 Just Hydroponics Deer Park Unit 11 29-39 Westwood Drive, Deer Park, VIC 3023 Just Hydroponics Geelong Unit 7 36-38 Saunders street, North Geelong, VIC 3215 Latrove Valley Home Brew Supplies PO Box 802, Morwell Vic 3804 Living Jungle 345 Sommerville Road, Footscray West Vic 3012 Melton Hydroponic Supplies 18/10 Norton Drive, Melton Vic 3194 Midtown Hydroponics Factory 1, 821B Howitt St., Wendouree Vic 3355 One Stop Sprinklers 1 Burwood Highway, Wantirna Vic 3152 Pam’s Home Brew & Hydroponics 61 McArthur Street, Sale Vic 3850 Palms & Plants 175 Salisbury Highway, Salisbury S.A. 5108 Shepparton Hydroponics 87A Archer Street, Shepparton Vic 3630 Simply Hydroponics 5/ 411-413 Old Geelong Rd., Hoppers Cros. 3029 Simply Hydroponics 8, 59-61 Miller St., Epping 3076 Sunlite Hydroponics 1/104 Shannon Avenue, Geelong West Vic 3281 Sunray Hydro 157 Tenth Street, Mildura Vic 3500 Supply Net International P/L PO Box 171, Highbury Vic 5089 The Hydroponic Connection 397 Dorset Road, Boronia Vic 3155 Waterworks Hydroponics Unit 1, 5 Brand Drive, Thomastown Vic 3074 WESTERN AUSTRALIA Accent Hydroponics Unit 2/141 Russell Street, Morley WA 6062 Aqua Post Unit 2B 7 Yampi Way, Willetton WA 6155 Aquaponics Lot 12 Warton Road, Canning Vale WA 6155 Creative Hydroponics 1/95 Dixon Road, Rockingham WA 6168 Great Southern Hydroponics Shop 1, 21 Hennessy Road, Bunbury WA 6230 Greenfingers World of Hydroponics Albany Hwy & Kelvin Rd.,Maddington WA 6109 Greenfingers World of Hydroponics Unit C 14-16 Elliot Street, Midvale WA 6056 Greenlite Hydroponics 4/91 Wanneroo Road, Tuart Hill WA 6060 Growsmart Hydroponics 47768 South Coast Highway, Albany WA 6330 Hydro Nation 41A Rockingham Road, Hamilton Hill WA 6163 Hydroponic Solutions 1/1928 Beach Road, Malaga WA 6090

(03) 9870 8566 (03) 9435 6425 (03) 9764 1372 (03) 9357 8805 (03) 9331 5452 (03) 9720 1946 (03) 9356 9400 (03) 9311 3510 (03) 9416 1699 (08) 8250-1515 (03) 9569 4399 (03) 8390 0861 (03) 5278 6478 (03) 5133 9140 (03) 9314 0055 (03) 9746 9256 (03) 5339 1300 (03) 9800 2177 (03) 5143 1143 (08) 8285 7575 (03) 5831 6433 (03) 9360 9344 (03) 9408 4677 (03) 5222 6730 (03) 5023 6422 (88) 264-3600 (03) 9761 0662 (03) 9465 1455

(08) 9375 9355 (08) 9354 2888 1800 640 222 (08) 9528 1310 (08) 9721 8322 (08) 9452 0546 (08) 9274 8388 (08) 9345 5321 (08) 9841 3220 (08) 9336 7368 (08) 9248 1901

Hydroponic Warehouse Unit 7/627 Wanneroo Road, Wanneroo WA 6065 Hydroponica 317 Guildford Road, Maylands WA 6051 Isabella’s Hydroponics 66 Jambanis Road, Wanneroo WA 6065 Johnson’s Nursery Garden Centre 30 Blencowe Road, Geralton WA 6530 Neerabup Organic & Hydroponic Supplies Unit 1, 21 Warman St. Neerabup WA 6031 One Stop Hydroponics 947 Beaufort Street, Inglewood WA 6052 Perth Hydroponic Centre Shop 4, 171-175 Abernathy Road, Belmont WA 6104 Reptile and Grow Store Unit 7 - 117-119 Dixon Road, Rockingham WA 6168 Southwest Hydroponics Lot 29, Pinjarra Road, Mandurah WA 6210 The Grow Room 1/1451 Albany Highway, Cannington WA 6107 Bloem PO Box 1816, Subiaco WA 6008 The Watershed Water Systems 150 Russell Street, Morley WA 6062 The Watershed Water Systems 2874 Albany Highway, Kelmscott WA 6111 The Watershed Water Systems 1/146 Great Eastern Highway, Midland WA 6210 Water Garden Warehouse 14 Drake Street, Osborne Park WA 6017

(08) 9206 0188 (08) 9371 5757 (08) 9306 3028 (08) 9921 6016 (08) 9404 7155 (08) 9471 7000 (08) 9478 1211 (08) 9527 2245 (08) 9534 8544 (08) 9356 7044 (08) 9217 4400 (08) 9473 1473 (08) 9495 1495 (08) 9274 3232 (08) 9443 7993

NEW ZEALAND

Easy Grow New Lynn 3018 Gt North Rd New Lynn, Auckland Easy Grow Manukau 15/69 Wiri Station Road, Manukau, Auckland Guru Gardener 14 Molesworth St., New Plymouth Otaki Hydroponics 1083 S.H. 1 South Otaki House of Hydro 221 Waiwhetu Rd., Lower Hutt Wellington Pet and Garden 10 Fitzgerald Ave., Christchurch Grow and Brew 14a Flexman Place, Silverdale Auckland Green Day Hydroponics Cnr of Maunganui Rd & Tawa St., Mt Maunganui Switched on Gardener Number 189 (Lower) Dent Street, Whangarei Switched on Gardener Unit 159 Central Park Drive, Henderson Switched on Gardener Unit 1/60 Ti Rakau Drive, Pakuranga Switched on Gardener Number 1c Sunshine Ave, Hamilton Switched on Gardener Number 513 Heretaunga Street West, Hastings Switched on Gardener Number 62 Kaiwharawhara Road, Wellington Switched on Gardener Unit 7/67 View Road, Glenfield Switched on Gardener Number 1 Rata Street, New Lynn Switched on Gardener Number 57 Cavendish Drive, Manukau Switched on Gardener Number 427 Cameron Road, Tauranga Switched on Gardener Number 1060 Fergusson Drive, Upper Hutt Switched on Gardener Number 3 Pascoe Street, Nelson Switched on Gardener Number 9 Buckley Road, Linwood Switched on Gardener Number 143 Tuam Street, Christchurch CBD Switched on Gardener Number 313 King Edward Street, Dunedin

09 827 0883 09 263 7560 06 758 6661 06 364 2206

03 377 2507 09 426 2095 07 575 4090 (09)438 0223 (09) 837 1210 (09) 576 0296 (07) 850 8351 (06) 876 7885 (04) 472 5265 (09) 443 0106 (09) 826 4444 (09) 263 4336 (07) 579 9840 (04) 526 3913 (03) 546 4769 (03) 381 0937 (03) 374 5682 (03) 456 1980

Maximum Yield | January/February 2011

45

COMING UP IN

March-April 2011

The Modernized Gericke System This article revisits an old idea made new again, the Gericke System, which incorporates two phases in one system—a solid media or substrate based seed bed.

DO YOU

know?

1

Powdery mildew is not one disease, but can be caused by a number of different genera of fungi.

2

Drip irrigation is the most universally used commercial hydroponic method for the large-scale production of tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers.

The Ins and Outs of HVAC

Ventilation is an essential component of any grow room and will ultimately influence the quality of the end product and your set-up’s efficiency. The question up for debate in this article related to ventilation is, should you run a sealed room?

3

In chemistry the term organic means the material contains carbon. In the organic foods world the term organic refers to foods produced without pesticides, synthetic substances, sewage products and other restrictions.

Gardening Challenges and Solutions

pH. Discover the most common causes and combat yellowing leaves with easy solutions.

Plus: your letters, new contests with sweet new prizes to

be won, lighting, organics, tips and tricks and so much more.

4

The appearance of foliar deficiency symptoms often causes inexperienced growers to conclude that the nutrient solution is deficient in a particular element.

However, if a ‘complete’ nutrient formulation is being used, the nutrient solution is not necessarily the problem.

www.maximumyield.com Maximum Yield Australia March/April will be available March 1 for FREE at selected indoor gardening retail stores across Australia. Subscriptions are available by contacting editor@maximumyield.com or visiting maximumyield.com/subscriptions.php

46

Maximum Yield | January/February 2011

5

Anise has a pleasant taste similar to fennel or liquorice and is part of the parsley family.

6

Plants that have had genes from a bacteria inserted into them so that the crop can create its own insecticide are known as transgenic, simply having DNA from another material.

7

Leveillula powdery mildew is sometimes termed internal powdery mildew because it grows unseen within the leaf tissue.

Maximum Yield | January/February 2011

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Maximum Yield Australia | November/December | January/February 2011 2010