Practical Hydroponics & Greenhouses

PRACTICAL

HYDRO PONICS & GREENHOUSES The Commercial Growers’ Magazine

2017

MAY

ISSUE 179

www.hydroponics.com.au

BLUEBERRY BOOM: global demand climbing STACKING UP THE BENEFITS

FROM WHEAT TO VEGETABLES

Growing commercially in shipping containers

WA’s Wheatbelt turns green

ROOFTOP AGRICULTURE IN LATIN AMERICA CATFISH AND TOMATOES Hydroponics’ growing momentum

German aquaponics initiative

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From The Editor

Consumers choose health

W

elcome to this issue of Practical Hydroponics & Greenhouses.

Natural medicine has long held that blueberries provide health benefits. Native to North America, they are rich in proanthocyanidin, and believed to help in the fight against cancer and obesity as well as promoting glowing skin. Blueberries are one of the most nutrient-dense foods in the world, containing vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese and a broad range of antioxidants. On the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) score – a lab test that attempts to quantify the total antioxidant capacity of a food – blueberries rate 9,621, making them one of the highest antioxidant foods available.

In a recent study by the University of Exeter in the UK, it was found that drinking concentrated blueberry juice improves brain function in older people while there was also evidence suggesting improvement in working memory.

Over the past decade, blueberry consumption and production have risen worldwide, as growing numbers of consumers become aware of the fruit’s beneficial properties. In the US, per capita use of blueberries has nearly tripled since 2006. In recent years, farmers have expanded production to help meet this demand. As a result, net domestic production has doubled and imports increased by almost four times.

Currently, Americans consume about 80 per cent of world production, reaching an average of 1kg of blueberries per person per year. In the autumn and winter months, southern hemisphere countries such as Chile are in their growing season and supply the United States with a significant share of its blueberry imports. In 2016, net domestic production fell slightly, while imports increased.

By the end of this year, it is expected that global consumption of the fruit will reach 680 thousand tons. Demand for Australian blueberries is also on the rise with one leading Australian grower supplying fresh blueberries year round.

Given this rosy outlook for the blueberry market, producers across the world, as well as traders, are increasingly interested in this fruit. In addition to increasing health consciousness on the part of consumers and growing demand from the middle class for better quality food, blueberries offer one of the best opportunities to benefit in the medium-term for producers interested in increasing their per-hectare revenue and participating in a market that offers low volatility and more consistent growth than that of traditional crops.

www.hydroponics.com.au ISSN 2202-1485

Enjoy this issue!

Christine Brown-Paul Practical Hydroponics & Greenhouses . May . 2017. 3

A Magazine for Commercial Growers

Advertising Inquiries Tel: +613 9432-5428 marklewis@hydroponics.com.au

PRACTICAL

HYDRO PONICS & GREENHOUSES ISSUE 179 :: MAY 2017 :: THE COMMERCIAL GROWERS’ MAGAZINE

Features Blueberry boom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

TRADE DIRECTORY

As global demand for blueberries increases, Australians can now access

Biological Services ...............49 Bluelab ...............................13 Cultilene .............................15

fresh blueberries all year round.

Stacking up the benefits . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Sydney company perfects the commercial production of large volume Blueberry boom

leafy greens in shipping containers.

Ecogrow................................7 Exfoliators.......................... 49

From wheat to vegetables . . . . . . . . . 50 A WA company has planted its first crop hoping to bring fresh vegetables to

Extrusion Technologies Int .....71

residents in the Wheatbelt region.

GOTAFE ...............................23

Rooftop agriculture in Latin America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Graeme Smith.......................25

How soilless culture techniques are growing in popularity across Latin

GreenLife Structures ...............4

American countries.

Grodan ................................39

Practical

Growhard ............................35 Haygrove .............................33 HHI.....................................21 Pestech ................................9 Powerplants ...................... IFC

The final word

The final word . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Respected industry expert Dr Mike Nicols discusses the medicinal properties of cannabis.

What to look for when buying a high pressure fogging system . . . . . . 54 Choosing the right system.

Catfish and tomatoes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

From wheat to vegetables

In Germany INAPRO uses aquaponics to provide optimal production Disclaimer The information contained in this magazine whether in editorial matter or in feature articles or in advertisements is not published on the basis that the Publisher accepts or assumes liability or responsibility to any reader of the magazine

conditions for fish and plants.

Departments From the Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

for any loss or damage resulting from the correctness

News & Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

of such information.

Reader Inquiries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

www.hydroponics.com.au

Cover: In Australia, blueberries are now available all year round.

Stacking up the benefits Practical Hydroponics & Greenhouses . May . 2017. 5

Growers Count tHe Cost oF CyClone DeBBie Growers in Australia’s largest winter cropping region have been impacted by more than $100 million after Tropical Cyclone Debbie ripped through the Bowen Gumlu region in Queensland recently. Bowen is the largest winter vegetable growing region in Australia sending fruit and vegetables to domestic markets and exporting to international markets.

Bowen Gumlu Growers Association (BGGA) joined with

Department of Agriculture and Fisheries to tour the cyclone ravaged farms once access became available to estimate the extent of the damage.

BGGA Industry Development Officer Cherry Emerick said up to 20 per cent of the region’s seedlings were planted in readiness for the season in what is a $450 million industry that feeds the nation with vegetables from May to November.

“Today, people were still counting the costs of the damage done to their sheds, current plantings destroyed,

6 . Practical Hydroponics & Greenhouses . May . 2017

flooded paddocks and broken equipment and most importantly, what they will do next to get back up on their feet,” Ms Emerick said.

“Many growers were still flooded in and phone contact, running water and electricity were either unavailable or intermittent.

“No matter who we spoke to, all our growers had one thing in common – a long road ahead of them to recover their equipment and infrastructure, to prepare the paddocks again and source new seedlings, and that can’t

happen overnight,” she said.

“Consumers won’t feel the immediate supply and price effects until at least May when the first of the crops would have been due to hit the local fruit shop shelves.

“However, our growers are resilient and what we can hope now is that they, and the 3,200 skilled and unskilled workers who are employed on our farms during the planting and harvesting season, can get back to some normality as soon as possible,” Ms Emerick said.

Ms Emerick said growers would be hoping for wind to dry out their land enough for them to get a second crop of plants, currently in nurseries or being stored on their properties, in the ground in time for picking season.

“The best thing consumers could do would be to continue to support their local fruit shops by buying vegetables through the winter period even if prices became steeper from the shorter supply,” Ms Emerick said.

The main crops affected will be tomatoes, capsicums, melons, beans, eggplant, pumpkin and zucchinis.

RICARDOES TOMATOES WINS AT SYDNEY ROYAL SHOW Located north of Port Macquarie on the Mid North Coast of NSW, Ricardoes Tomatoes and Strawberries has won again at this year’s Sydney Royal Easter Show, by taking out the state’s top award for tomatoes at the show.

It is the seventh time Ricardoes has been awarded top marks for tomatoes, missing only one year in the past eight successive years since first entering the competition.

“We nearly didn’t enter again this year,” Ricardoes’ Anthony Sarks said.

“The extreme hot weather knocked

us around a fair bit but we went in it to try to add some points for our overall district aggregate, for Central District.

“But our Flavorinos, our Romashape cherry tomatoes, came out on top again.”

Ricardoes is gearing up for school holiday visitors to good new crops of strawberries. source: goodfruitandvegetables.com.au

JAEPA HELPS BOOST AG EXPORTS BETWEEN AUSTRALIA/JAPAN

Steven Ciobo said Australia was the only major agricultural exporter to have a Free Trade Agreement with

Australian farmers are big winners from tariff cuts delivered under the groundbreaking Japan-Australia Economic Partnership Agreement (JAEPA).

The fourth round of tariff cuts was recently delivered under the trade deal with farmers and government officials taking the opportunity to proclaim its benefits.

Trade and Investment Minister

Japan and exports were “booming under this landmark agreement”.

He said that, between 2014 and 2016 Australian exports of fresh table grapes increased 5183.5 per cent to $30.8 million and carrot exports increased 499.9pc to $3.4m.

Australian exports of fresh orange and asparagus grew by almost 50pc. source: queenslandcountrylife.com.au

Practical Hydroponics & Greenhouses . May . 2017. 7

monitorinG wHiteFly anD tHriPs During the early phase in the cultivation of fruit and vegetable crops, sticky traps make for ideal scouting tools fro whiteflies and/or thrips. Many growers routinely change the traps every two weeks to monitor pests year round. Those who count and register pests caught on traps on a weekly basis get the greatest benefits, however, as measurement is key to knowledge.

“We recommend growers distribute around 10 sticky traps per hectare at the beginning of the cultivation process”, said John van Eijk, crop protection specialist at Biobest Nederland.

“Many pepper growers choose to change the traps at the start of the crop, after the cleanup spray program when the pest populations have been knocked right back. Traps should ideally be hung immediately above the crop.

“Yellow traps are generally used as the colour attracts whitefly and thrips as well as leafminers and fungus gnats. However, if the key pest target is thrips we recommend using blue sticky traps as they are the most effective at attracting this pest.”

Mr van Eijk stresses the importance of continuing to scout in the crop.

“The combination of scouting and traps is the most effective way to monitor. I have noticed a growing trend in the number of ornamental producers routinely scouting and changing traps every two weeks. The pests are counted and recorded in an Excel sheet. This enables the production team to follow pest developments closely and take prompt action, such as introducing beneficials at the correct time and rate, or using a corrective plant protection product.”

The main goal of the yellow and

blue traps is to highlight pests in time. In addition, rolls of sticky plastic tape, Bug-Scan®, can be used to catch pests in crops, such as tomato grown under artificial lighting.

“During winter months many growers struggle to maintain the right level of beneficials in the crop”, said Mr Van Eijk.

“Keen to prevent chemical interventions, sticky rolls can be a highly effective method to control whitefly. To aid and simplify hanging the rolls, Biobest offers two different systems; plastic clips and tape brackets.”

Bug-Scan® is made from recyclable plastic and is provided with glue on both sides. These traps are available in yellow, blue, black and red and in four widths - 5, 10, 15 and 30 cm.

The range also includes BugScan® Dry – a dry glue sticky trap made of user friendly, hot melt type glue. In addition, there is the BugScan IVOG-System – a 20 x 40cm trap that can be divided in eight equal pieces making it particularly useful in pot plant crops.

For more information, watch the video on the left or contact Lise Verachtert at: lise.verachtert@biobest.be

8 . Practical Hydroponics & Greenhouses . May . 2017

new BioseCurity ProtoCols CoulD Cost australia’s Hort inDustry millions Markets are being severely hurt after biosecurity changes in Victoria and New South Wales, put in place in order to stop the spread of the tomato potato psyllid. The new protocols now include include a more broad range of WA-grown produce.

Cut flowers, foliage including leafy vegetables and herbs, and fruit of plants from a number of families now must have undergone a pre-shipment methyl bromide fumigation and be inspected before entering the states.

The changes affect a range of crops such as beets, spinach, chickpeas, tamarind, apples, strawberries, nectarines and corn.

Jim Trandos from Trandos Farms, Western Australia’s largest producer of sweet corn, said increased biosecurity regulations had dealt a massive blow to his business and believes the new protocols will cost the horticulture industry millions of dollars. source: abc.net.au

mission to ‘mars’ For australian veGetaBle inDustry The Australian vegetable industry is on a mission to MARS, with robotics and automation emerging as key pillars of the production process, according to a new study evaluating innovations in vegetable production.

The study, funded by Horticulture Innovation Australia with coinvestment from and conducted by the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (QDAF), took an industry-first approach to evaluate developments in mechanisation, automation, robotics and sensing (or MARS) based on

growers’ needs and the potential applications of new technologies.

QDAF extensively engaged growers at the regional level regarding prospects for integrating new technology in their businesses.

“Through this study, we found the vegetable industry has never had a stronger appetite for mechanisation, automation, robotics, and remote sensing on-farm,” Horticulture Innovation Australia chief executive John Lloyd said.

“Cost pressures, labour issues and the need to find efficiencies are driving these changes, with better water efficiency, reducing environmental impacts, more

Practical Hydroponics & Greenhouses . May . 2017. 9

flexible management and market and product diversification also playing a role.

“The project also found wide technology adoption among growers with innovations like GPS guidance and colour vision graders already being used by many growers. Across horticulture, growers are also hugely positive about the benefits that innovations in automation, robotics and sensing could bring.”

Levy-funded research is looking to help usher in the next phase of Australian vegetable production, with the research and development national vegetable levy funding a range of projects relating to robotics and automation – including practical on-farm applications.

“There are tremendous opportunities for vegetable growers to improve their productivity and profitability by utilising current and future R&D,” said AUSVEG CEO James Whiteside. “It also offers the best, most sustainable solution to the industry’s biggest challenge of finding a suitably sized and skilled labour force to pick and pack a range of different crops and products.”

“The programs, which are developing the Ladybird and RIPPA, two intelligent farm robots for the vegetable industry developed at the University of Sydney’s Horticulture Innovation Centre for Robotics and Intelligent Systems, are great examples of how growers are investing in the industry’s future to ensure Australia is at the front of the pack when it comes to onfarm automation.

“These practical applications of R&D are supported by a range of industry research, from investigations of autonomous systems that can guide on-farm decision-making to QDAF-led

research into vision systems, sensing and sensor networks to manage risks and increase productivity in vegetable production systems.”

AUSVEG is the leading horticultural body representing Australia’s vegetable and potato growers. The RIPPA is due to be on display during the trade show at Hort Connections 2017, to be held at the Adelaide Convention Centre from 15-17 May. Evaluation of automation and robotics innovations (VG13113) was funded by Horticulture Innovation Australia (HIA) with co-investment from the Queensland Government through the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries along with co-operation funding from the Australian Government.

lumiGrow releases Grow liGHt sensor For Pilot Customers LumiGrow, a smart horticultural lighting company, announced today that they’ve begun a pilot program for the industry’s first dynamic horticultural grow light sensor. The grow light sensor works in tandem with LumiGrow LEDs to target the precise amount of light that a plant receives. By specifying precise light levels, greenhouse crops can experience perfect lighting

10 . Practical Hydroponics & Greenhouses . May . 2017

conditions regardless of changes in weather or other lightlimiting factors.

Dr Melanie Yelton, VP of Research at LumiGrow stated: “Our Plant Research Group has been working directly with major commercial growers and research institutions to discover new ways that light can be used to improve crop quality and production. It’s through these partnerships that we’ve come to understand how controlling light levels dynamically and specifying the length of time that crops receive illumination (known as photoperiod), can improve quality and biomass.”

The LumiGrow Grow Light Sensor works in conjunction with the LumiGrow SmartPARTM Wireless Control System, a cloud-based software that empowers growers to schedule changes in light intensity and spectrum by zone. The sensor measures how much of the sun’s light enters the greenhouse, then feeds this information into the SmartPARTM System to automatically adjust LumiGrow LEDs and manage precise light levels inside the greenhouse.

“Greenhouse lighting that adjusts with the sun’s intensity has potentially huge benefits towards increasing electrical efficiency and cost savings,” said LumiGrow CEO, Shami Patel.

“The LumiGrow Grow Light Sensor is really the next logical step in smart horticultural lighting. The sensor makes our lighting even more dynamic and easier to use, because there’s really nothing easier than having the sun manage your lights.”

“By having lights that ramp up or down due to outside conditions, LumiGrow is taking grow light technology further away from static full-power settings, a potentially wasteful and expensive strategy.

Traditionally, High Pressure Sodium (HPS) lamps were an industry standard, but as with many older technologies there have been limitations. When creating a lighting strategy that optimises growth while maximising growers’ profits, HPS technology can’t adjust to changes in crop production requirements,” Mr Patel said.

The LumiGrow Grow Light Sensor is a pilot product aimed at redefining how growers use and think about light.

“LumiGrow was the first horticultural LED lighting company to introduce adjustable spectrum technology to the global market a decade ago,” said Shami Patel.

“As pioneers of smart greenhouse lighting we continue to explore the ways that light can be used to improve growth strategies from a comprehensive perspective. We really do see ourselves as more than a lighting company.”

More information at: www.lumigrow.com

GrowCom welComes new Hort CoDe Peak horticulture organisation Growcom has welcomed the announcement of the new Horticulture Code of Conduct, which came into force from 1 April this year.

Chief Advocate, Rachel Mackenzie, said the new Code was developed after a major independent review and months of negotiation with the Australian Government and the wholesale sector.

“Overall, we are happy with the new Code as it deals with some major issues which prevented widespread uptake of the previous Code, and the inclusion of Civil Penalties means it has some actual teeth,” Ms Mackenzie said.

“The biggest change is all transactions in the wholesale markets will be covered by the new Code regardless of the existing trading relationship.”

She said all contracts must be compliant with the new Code by April 2018 and all transactions must be made under a Horticulture Produce Agreement (HPA).

“The purpose of the Code is to improve transparency, not obstruct normal healthy business relationships, and for that reason additional flexibility has been added to the Code to reflect what happens on the market floor,” she said.

“There is still a requirement to differentiate between merchant and agent transactions but growers and wholesalers now have the option to negotiate a method or formula for

calculating a price under merchant transactions prior to the produce being sent to market.

“There are also additional information requirements for merchants who use a method or formula for calculating a price,” Ms Mackenzie said.

“Whilst we do have some concerns with this hybrid model of trading, the additional information requirements along with the requirement to act in good faith and the financial penalties built into the Code provide additional protections for growers.

“We believe this new Code represents an opportunity for growers and the wholesale sector to work closely together to ensure our members all benefit from the protections built into this Code but also understand the flexibility it brings to the table,” she said.

“The bottom line is that by April 2018 everyone needs to be operating under a Code compliant HPA which clearly sets out terms of trade such as payment terms and quality specifications.

“We hope the new Code will enable long-term positive trading relationships in the marketplace to prosper and give growers the tools to develop new trading relationships on fair terms,” Ms Mackenzie said.

Practical Hydroponics & Greenhouses . May . 2017. 11

autoGrow suPPorts a GloBal inDoor aGriCulture HuB in Pennsylvania USAutogrow, a major supplier of automated control systems for indoor agriculture facilities, announced its support for a major public-private initiative to develop a global indoor agriculture production, research, training, and service hub on the US East Coast, to be located in Kennett Township, Pennsylvania.

According Darryn Keiller, CEO of Autogrow, “Kennett is already the centre of the US mushroom industry, producing about 1.5M lbs. of fresh product every day, all grown indoors and delivered within 48 hours of picking to markets across North America via Kennett’s extensive ‘cold-chain’ infrastructure of refrigerated packing, storage, and shipping facilities. Over the coming years, that unique infrastructure is likely to attract many new facilities growing other indoor crops, such as leafy greens. This alone makes Kennett a huge potential market for our control systems.”“But that’s just the beginning of our interest in Kennett’s very innovative initiative,” said Mr Keiller.

“Kennett is also working with a several of the region’s world-class agriculture, engineering and business schools to develop a joint indoor agriculture research, training, and innovation incubator centre in Kennett, the first of its kind in a major indoor ag production area.

This centre will be a major asset to our rapidly evolving industry, and Autogrow very much wants to be a part of its development.”

Michael Guttman, who directs the initiative for Kennett Township, said: “it is very important to our initiative to attract innovative ag tech companies like Autogrow to help us grow and

diversify our regional indoor ag industry.

“But Autogrow offers a lot more than just its state-of-the-art control systems. Autogrow also has a very forward-thinking strategy that can help us adapt our extensive infrastructure to incorporate emerging trends like the Internet of Things (IOT) and ‘big data,’ which will have a huge impact on how indoor agriculture is done in the future,” he said.

“Working together with Autogrow and our other partners, we hope to develop a blueprint not only for Kennett, but also for a network of similar indoor agriculture hubs around the world.”

More information at: www.autogrow.com

FrenCH 100% leD tomato Growers sHare exPertise at FourtH PHiliPs HiGH wire event Philips Lighting, a Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) company and the global leader in lighting, recently took a select group of leading global tomato growers, owners and consultants to visit three innovative French tomato growers with 100% LED installations during the fourth Philips High Wire Event.

Philips Horticulture LED lighting hosted the trips to the Kernoas greenhouse, with two seasons of

12 . Practical Hydroponics & Greenhouses . May . 2017

experience growing with 100% LEDs, the Tomate Jouno greenhouse, specialising in yearround production of cherry tomatoes and Le Jardin de Rabelais, which grows vine & cherry tomatoes in its new Suprimair 3.4 ha greenhouse.

“This year we are traveling to France, known for its refined cuisine.

Over 90% of tomatoes produced in France are sold locally and there has been a strong move towards winter production to satisfy consumer demand,” said Udo van Slooten, manager of Philips Horticulture LED lighting.

This event presents a unique opportunity for the tomato community to gain new insights into how 100% LED installations can improve high wire tomato production from three leading innovators in one of Europe’s biggest markets.”

As the first large-scale French tomato grower to move to 100% LED, Guillaume Kerjean, co-owner of the Kernoas greenhouse, will share results from two seasons of growing the Plaisance cultivar on 1.7 ha with 105 mol LED toplighting and a double row of 110 mol LED interlighting.

Mr Kerjean said: “Our goal was to expand production of consistent, high quality tomatoes all year round.

We have realised all that and more.

Practical Hydroponics & Greenhouses . May . 2017. 13

Our tomatoes are tastier, we have increased our lighting hours and have saved 40 per cent in energy costs.”

The Tomate Jouno greenhouse, run by Christian Jouno, switched to growing year-round cherry and cocktail tomatoes exclusively in 2002 with HPS lights. To do this, it places young plants in between its generative crop twice a year, but the light required by the young plants is usually intercepted by the leaves of the generative plants. Jouno moved to LED interlighting and toplighting because it offered an energy efficient and sustainable way to increase winter production, without compromising on taste. By placing LED between the young plants they get a good start. The result is a shorter inter-node distance (from leaf to leaf) which results in a stronger plant.

More information at: www.philips.com

emirates skyFresH: solutions For PerisHaBle transPortation Emirates SkyCargo, the freight division of Emirates, has launched Emirates SkyFresh – a suite of solutions that help maintain the freshness of perishables and fresh consumables during transportation.

Emirates SkyFresh brings together Emirates SkyCargo’s infrastructure at its hub in Dubai, a modern fleet of wide-bodied aircraft including freighters, a range of cool chain solutions including the Ventilated Cool Dolly and experienced staff to ensure that perishables such as fruits, vegetables, fresh fish and seafood, meat and flowers maintain their freshness during the entire air transportation process.

Emirates SkyFresh will feature three levels – Emirates SkyFresh, Emirates SkyFresh Breathe and

14 . Practical Hydroponics & Greenhouses . May . 2017

Emirates SkyFresh Active - offering varied levels of cool chain protection for different kinds of perishables.

The basic solution, Emirates SkyFresh, is geared towards temperature tolerant fruits and vegetables and will offer quick ramp transportation and thermal protection through Emirates SkyCargo’s White Cover blanket.

Emirates SkyFresh Breathe provides protection for temperature sensitive perishables such as fresh cut flowers, ready to sell cut fruits and vegetables and fresh fish.

Unique features will include prioritised ground handling as well as the use of the Emirates SkyFresh Ventilated Cool Dolly.

Emirates SkyFresh Active will offer the highest protection for perishables that cannot withstand any temperature deviation using specialised temperature controlled containers during transportation. source: ajot.com

Practical Hydroponics & Greenhouses . May . 2017. 15

national manaGement GrouP resPonse to tPP inCursion The National Management Group (NMG) for tomato-potato psyllid (TPP) – comprising all Australian governments, affected industries and Plant Health Australia – has agreed to a national response to the incursion of TPP in Western Australia.

The NMG considers responding to the TPP incursion to be in the national interest given the potential for substantial economic impacts should the complex become established in Australia, with members endorsing a short-term response plan. This plan will be led by the Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia (DAFWA). The NMG will consider the appropriateness of the initial response in 30 days, noting this period will allow critical information on the nature and spread of the complex to be collected.

DAFWA has implemented restrictions on the movement of commercially grown vegetables and nursery stock produced in the Perth area. A Quarantine Area Notice has been declared for the Perth metropolitan area and other local

government districts until 30 October 2017. The quarantine area includes a control zone and suppression zone.

Information on the Quarantine Area Notice can be found on the DAFWA website: www.agric.wa.gov.au/tpp? page=0%2C0#smartpaging_toc_p0_s3_h2 For further information please contact DAFWA’s Pest and Disease Information Service on 1800 084 881.

BioBest’s Buzz on BumBleBees As a pioneer in the production of bumblebees, Biobest has become a leader in pollination and biological crop protection with more than 14 subsidiaries and distributors in over sixty countries.

“Biobest has come a long way since 1987. It all started with the initiative of a vet, Roland de Jonghe, from Oevel. Ever since childhood, he has been fascinated by the wonderful world of bumblebees. At the age of nine, he had already written his first book about these little creatures.

For tomato growers, this was the dawning of a new age,” said a Biobest spokesperson.

De Jonghe started producing bumblebees in his own garden, and even in his living room, from which

16 . Practical Hydroponics & Greenhouses . May . 2017

Biobest blossomed - the first company to produce bumblebees on a large scale. As demand for bumblebees boomed, the initial climate room soon became too small. For many tomato growers, Biobest’s bumblebees became a stalwart supporters.

“Today, growers across the world can rely on the help of our bumblebees. In 1989, Biobest started producing beneficial insects and mites. Now we are known worldwide for our biological crop solutions. Beneficial insects and mites, scouting and monitoring systems, pheromones and biopesticides have all been part of our product range for many years and helped us earn an important reputation and position on the international market. Of course, there are several reasons for the rising demand for biological products,” said the spokesperson.

“Our bumblebees soon gained an important position in the fields of many growers who did not want to use pesticides any more for the wellbeing of their bumblebees.

Furthermore, stricter pesticide regulations have led to more

HortiCulture innovation australia to oFFer sCHolarsHiPs to women

biological alternatives. Last but not least, consumers have played an important part in this development with rising demand for residue free products.

“Progress is impossible without change. As an influential company, we always try to offer new and improved solutions. The wooden hives invented in the eighties have become sophisticated hives including many technological improvements. Think of Biobest’s patented Flying Doctors® System.

But more importantly, we always stick to the principle that the customer is king: every day we offer our customers tailor-made advice,” he said.

“However, we have not only broadened our product range – today, Biobest can rely on the help of more than 650 employees. Of course, Biobest would not be Biobest without our distributors and customers, who have not stopped believing in our company. Together we are ready for the next thirty years and therefore you are BEEing thanked!”

The research and development corporation, Horticulture Innovation Australia, is planning on offering scholarships to help increase women’s-only development programs.

“The women of contemporary Australian horticulture have spoken.

They want affordable access to women’s-only development programs, to expand their professional networks and to boost their theoretical education,” said a company spokesperson.

The company plans on working with Women & Leadership Australia (WLA) to roll out 20 targeted industry scholarships per year for the next five years.

Informed by feedback from over 20 of the industry’s leading women at a dedicated Hort Innovation workshop in August, the initiative provides three different scholarship opportunities for women with varying leadership experience.

Each year, 10 scholarships will be available for emerging women leaders, five for women working in mid-level management and five for women working at a senior and executive level.

Both Horticulture Innovation and WLA will co-contribute to the partscholarship for participants, which

will reduce the cost of participating by around 60 per cent.

Horticulture Innovation Australia chief executive John Lloyd said a recent Workplace Gender Equality Agency report showed that the agriculture, forestry and fishery industries are male dominated, with only 33.7 per cent of the workforce female.

“Low numbers of women in horticulture, combined with factors such as an ageing workforce, limited access to formal leadership training, declining interest in studying horticulture and a lack of support around post-graduate research means that it is very hard for women to progress and develop in this industry,” he said.

“This scholarship program will address these issues, and give women the tools needed to support long and profitable careers in horticulture.”

Participation in the programs will also enable women from the horticultural sector to network with women from a wide range of other sectors.

“We are extremely proud to coinvest with Horticulture Innovation Australia. This is a sustained developmental project that will transform the lives of many women right throughout the industry.”

Women, more power to you!!! source: www.horticulture.com.au

For more information, contact: Lise Verachtert E: lise.verachtert@biobest.be Practical Hydroponics & Greenhouses . May . 2017. 17

CultivatinG anD ProCessinG lettuCe DurinG maritime sHiPment The freshest way to export fresh vegetables to destinations with unsuitable conditions for their production, such as the United Arab Emirates, is now available. This “Navigable Agriculture” involves the cultivation of 'aeroponics' crops in containers transported by ships to their destinations.

The basic principle of aeroponic cultivation is to grow plants with their roots suspended in the air and by spraying the plant´s dangling roots with a nutrient-rich aqueous solution. In aeroponic growing the surroundings of the roots are kept clean and free of diseases and plagues so the plants can grow healthier and quicker that those grown in soil.

"Initially, we thought about the cultivation of lettuce and its varieties," said Sulema González, Project Coordinator of Markmarine, a Spanish company, specialising in logistics services.

“The cultivation of lettuce will begin in a greenhouse with more than 3,000 square metres [with its rooms for manipulation and conservation] in hydroponics. Afterwards, the lettuce will be carefully transported to the ship, which will be properly conditioned with temperature, water spray system and LED lighting, so that the same environmental conditions as the initial ones are maintained and a healthy growth of the plant is guaranteed. Once the ship arrives at destination, the lettuce will be ready to be distributed and sold, fresh and alive while maintaining its roots.

“With this new project, we can provide the citizens of The United Arab Emirates with the opportunity to consume a fresh and healthy product that maintains nutritional properties better than if it was packed,” she said.

“It is important to point out that greenhouses can be located in any Arab country and the ship´s flag state can also be adapted to satisfy an investor´s needs and requirements. Feasibility and

18 . Practical Hydroponics & Greenhouses . May . 2017

viability studies are readily available to any investor upon signature of an agreement with our company, MARKMARINE S16 SL. According to Selema, Fourth Range (IV RANGE) products are all those varieties of fresh fruits and vegetables, which during postharvesting processing are subject to certain procedures (selection, sorting, husking, cutting and washing) and are then packaged, ready for raw consumption or ready to be consumed after cooking.

“Fourth range fruit and vegetable products are also considered ‘barely treated’ food products, as fruits and vegetables, if necessary, are subject to a moderate preservation treatment, which leaves intact and unchanged the characteristics typical of the fresh product,” she said.

“This procedure is mainly based on the cold chain: low temperature, in fact, must be a constant during all the stages through, which the fruit and vegetable product is processed from post-harvesting to consumption. The average shelf life

of fourth range products is of about three to four days up to maximum 10 days, as for fresh products [fresh fruit and vegetables].

“Demand for IV Range foods has risen in the past years mainly resulting from the properties of this product, perfectly in tune with the lifestyle of modern consumers who are increasingly time-poor, attentive to ease-of-use and costs, but also demanding as for the quality and safety of what they are going to eat.

Among the advantages of fourth range products, time saving is one of the fundamental aspects. As a result of a preparation and presentation that are functional both to the consumer and to modern distribution, the fourth range products have gained importance in the HORECA [hotel, restaurant, cafeteria] sector,” Selema said.

“We have developed the “New Reefer Ships Venture”, which aims to transform conventional reefer ships by installing fruit packaging machines, with the end product to be sold to supermarkets – whether whole or sliced in salads, allowing the consumer to purchase a fresh and ready-to-eat product.”

“This new project of packaging fruits on board of a reefer vessel during transportation will allow consumers from different parts of the world to have access to any given product throughout the year.

New connections will result from this way of production and the seasonality of the fruit will no longer be a problem,” she said.

ikea launCHes Diy FlatPaCk GarDen to Promote urBan GarDeninG Following the success of IKEA Lab’s “Better Shelter” refugee housing, which won the Design of the Year Award, comes this novel garden solution.

The Growroom is a DIY kit that allows you to create your own vertical garden.

It is made from plywood and screws, takes up just 2.8 metres by 2.5 metres of space, and is designed to maximise natural light.

IKEA’s innovation lab Space 10 teamed up with Swedish architects Sine Lindholm and Mads-Ulrik Husum to develop the concept, which was originally shown as a

prototype at a fair. The team says the Growroom is designed to encourage and make it affordable for people to start their own urban gardens.

“It is designed to support our everyday sense of wellbeing in the cities by creating a small oasis or ‘pause’-architecture in our highpaced societal scenery, and enables people to connect with nature as we smell and taste the abundance of herbs and plants. The pavilion, built as a sphere, can stand freely in any context and points in a direction of expanding contemporary and shared architecture.”

The Growroom was first seen at the Chart Art Fair in Copenhagen. https://highlights.ikea.com/2016

For more information contact: Sulema González MARKMARINE S 16 S.L Paseo de la Castellana 167 28046, Madrid, Spain Tel.: 915 701 638/625 988 488 E: sulegt@hotmail.com W: www.markmarines16.com Practical Hydroponics & Greenhouses . May . 2017. 19

rePort warns australian Diets are laCkinG in Fruit anD veGetaBles Australia’s largest ever fruit and vegetable survey has found that four out of five Australian adults are not eating enough fruit and vegetables in order to meet the Australian Dietary Guidelines.

The Fruit, Vegetables and Diet Score Report found one in two (51 per cent) adults are not eating the recommended intake of fruit, while two out of three adults (66 per cent) are not eating enough vegetables.

The Fruit, Vegetable and Diet Score Report, produced by the CSIRO and commissioned by Horticulture Innovation Australia, compiled the dietary habits of adults across Australia over an 18-month period.With 145,975 participants nationwide, the survey was the largest of its kind ever conducted in Australia.

The overwhelming message is that most Australians are not as healthy as they think, and need to eat higher quantities and a greater variety of fruit and vegetables every day to meet the minimum Australian benchmark.

To help meet the benchmark, CSIRO suggests adults eat at least three serves of different vegetables every dinnertime.“Many Aussies believe themselves to be healthy, yet this report shows the majority of those surveyed are not getting all the beneficial nutrients from fruit and vegetables needed for a healthy, balanced diet,” Research Director and co-author of the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet Professor Manny Noakes said.“One simple way to boost your intake is to eat three different types of vegetables with your main evening meal.”One of the key findings in the research is that a

focus on variety could be the solution to boosting consumption.

“For a country with an abundance of high-quality, locally-grown fruit and vegetables available all year round, it’s disappointing so many Australians are missing out and not enjoying enough variety in their diets,” Horticulture Innovation Australia CEO John Lloyd said.“ Australian growers are adapting to the consumer’s need for convenience by bringing high-quality fresh produce from the farm to the

programming sector recorded the poorest fruit and vegetable eating habits. On the other hand, retirees and health industry workers were more likely to meet the recommended dietary guidelines.

The report also found that the CSIRO Healthy Diet Score (which measures overall diet quality on a scale of zero to 100) is positively correlated with fruit and vegetable intake. In other words, adults who ate more fruit and vegetables also have the highest diet scores.

table in ready-to-cook and eat packaging, making it easier for timepoor adults to add more nutritious fruit and vegetables into their diets.”Women reported slightly better fruit and vegetable consumption with 24 per cent meeting both guidelines, compared with only 15 per cent of men surveyed.

When comparing the figures by occupation, construction workers and those in the science and

To find out how your diet stacks up and if you’re eating enough fruit and vegetables, take a few minutes to complete the CSIRO Healthy Diet Score survey – a free online questionnaire which evaluates diet quality and identifies individual areas of improvement, as well as providing a personal diet score out of 100.

20 . Practical Hydroponics & Greenhouses . May . 2017

To take the free CSIRO Healthy Diet Score visit www.csirodietscore.com Eat well people.

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HaPPy 50tH BirtHDay HooGenDoorn!

April 10, 2017 marked the 50th anniversary of leading Dutch growth management company, Hoogendoorn.

To mark this important milestone, Hoogendoorn has launched a short video introducing the youngest future CEO in horticulture and a special anniversary magazine.

Hoogendoorn considers the future so important that it’s already

working on the future CEO now. This is captured in a short video.

Moreover, the company has revealed a special Hoogendoorn ’50 years logo’ in their communications and free workshops organised for customers. Throughout this year, more activities to celebrate its 50th anniversary will follow. Stay up to date via the Hoogendoorn newsletter or visit www.hoogendoon.nl.

“We thank everyone who has been

22 . Practical Hydroponics & Greenhouses . May . 2017

a part of our success and look forward to taking further steps with our customers and partners in continuing towards an even more sustained food and flower industry,” said Martin Helmich, Director Sales & Marketing.

Watch the video above and download the special Hoogendoorn anniversary magazine at: https://www.hoogendoorn.nl/wpcontent/uploads/2017/04/Hoogendoorn-a nniversary-magazine_50-years_web.pdf

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Thanks for your letters

Rick Donnan

I have a few suggestions to help us better identify your problems, and hence give the most appropriate answers: • Some of your letters are very long. This is not a problem, but they will have to be edited down before publishing.

• Please keep your actual questions short, and limit yourself to one, or at most two, questions.

• Please comment as to whether you are a hobbyist or a commercial grower, and what crop you are growing.

• Please describe at least the basics of your system, especially whether you recirculate or not.

This is vital information, but often overlooked. Other useful information, if known, would be: media type, container size and depth, channel size, length and slope, solution volume per plant.

• For irrigation and nutrient questions, please describe your typical irrigation pattern over a day, plus how and when your solutions are made up. If you have had any analysis done, such as your raw water, please attach a copy.

• Include any extra information you wish.

Address your inquiry to: PH&G PO Box 225, Narrabeen, NSW 2101 AUSTRALIA Int: +612 9905 9030 Email: info@hydroponics.com.au

WHAT ARE GOOD MANAGEMENT PRACTICES FOR MEDIA-BASED SYSTEMS? thanks for your answer highlighting the importance of measuring the run-off solution from media based systems (reader inquiries april 2017) and your detailed description of how to do this. are there other management issues for media based systems that hydroponic growers need to be aware of?

answer - Distribution patterns As described last month there will be a distribution pattern within the medium in a container, progressing from dripper input to container outlet(s). Properties that change in different zones are measurements of EC, pH, temperature, nutrient balance and water content.

With a mature crop for feed solution to get from dripper to running off from the drain takes an average of about one to two days, in particular dependent upon the volume of root zone solution held per plant.

Each portion of feed solution from one irrigation cycle (which the Dutch term a ‘gift’) works its way further through the medium with each successive irrigation. Chemical engineers term this ‘plug flow’ and in a perfect system each plug remains as an individual unit. In the real world within the medium the boundaries of each plug get progressively blurred. Some of the plug spreads into zones including dead spots and other zones where short-circuiting occurs.

media measurements Last month I discussed sampling and analysing the run-off solution as a management tool. There are sensors, such as a WET sensor (Water – that is, water content, EC, Temperature), which give continuous measurements from within the slab. These are very useful for ongoing real time 24 . Practical Hydroponics & Greenhouses . May . 2017

management, however, it pays to remember that they only measure one spot in a single container. Move the probe and you can get a different reading.

Containers There are several types of containers and these can influence the solution patterns within the container.

These are:

Pillow bags. With these a medium is packed into long relatively narrow bags. Typical media are rockwool (slabs), cocopeat, and perlite. These minimise evaporation from the medium and allow a number of plants to share the bag. Where there are hanging gutters, pillow bags are almost universally used because of their stability. open topped bags. These will lose more water by direct evaporation from the medium. Depending upon the medium being used, especially sawdust, the coning of nutrient solution down from the dripper can leave significant areas which remain relatively dry and unavailable for root growth.

Normally, there would be one dripper per plant in each of these bags. open beds. These are not as common now. The medium used needs to drain well and be deep enough to have good aeration at the top surface. These would normally use in-line dripper line or be sub-irrigated and usually operated as flood and drain (also known as “ebb and flow”). wetting up How you set up containers and initially wet them can be critically important. For example, if dry rockwool is laid on a wet surface it will only pick up water to about 30mm high

and above that remains dry. Hence when using rockwool, typically in pillow bags, the bags must be left without drainage slits. They must then be fully filled with nutrient feed so that the entire rockwool slab is saturated. The wetting up nutrient solution to be used is that which gives the recommended root zone solution. When the drainage slits are cut later the entire slab retains its capillary action and remains wet. Slits should be at the bottom of the bag.

For a single drain, cut it at the lower end of the bag, and for multiple drains at the side midway between drippers. Never cut slits underneath the bag.

Coco peat is often supplied in a compressed form (to reduce transport and storage costs). Some come already in growing bags. In this case, they need to be wet up and allowed to fully expand before planting. Occasionally the product does not expand properly and in this case do not use them because aeration in the medium could be dangerously low. Compressed product for use in cell trays or bags must be fully wet, expanded and well mixed.

‘False drain’ Circumstances can arise where short-circuiting of feed solution can lead to much lower ECs in the run-off solution than the solution measured in the medium. If this is not discovered and corrected it can lead to stressed plants although the drain analysis indicates good control. Dutch advisers term this ‘false drain’.

It is most likely to happen in a system with relatively high flow drippers (for example, 4 litre/hour instead of the more standard 2 litre/hour). If this is combined with a high volume ‘gift’ per irrigation, once the medium is saturated any excess feed tends to short-circuit direct to the drain. For short-term correction allow the medium water content to drop and

significantly reduce the volume of the gift. To maintain the required feed input you will probably need to also increase the irrigation frequency. Longer term consider changing to a lower flow dripper.

Propagation An example of possible problems with propagation media: A lettuce grower I visited was having problems with stressed seedlings. They were in small rockwool blocks under shade cloth, but out in the open and often exposed to hot, dry winds.

“They look stressed by high EC”, I said.

“Impossible – I feed them at 0.9 EC (mS/cm)” was the reply.

“What is the EC in the blocks?”

“0.9 of course”.

When we sampled a block the EC was 3.3 mS/cm – much too high for lettuce.

In another case nursery rooted cuttings were dying. The cause was an EC of 8 mS/cm in the medium.

What happens is that small seedlings take up only tiny amounts of both water and nutrient, but there can be considerable evaporation of water from the medium, leading directly to a rise in EC, especially if there is no significant drainage from the propagating medium.

Watering seedlings must be regular and result in some run off. Check the EC of the run-off to avoid EC problems.

Growers often use flood and drain tables to water seedlings.

For modest sized operations the solution EC is often not automatically controlled. In this case it is important to regularly check the solution EC and not assume that it will remain unchanged. b rD Got a question for Rick? Email him: info@hydroponics.com.au

Practical Hydroponics & Greenhouses . May . 2017. 25

BLUE BERRY BOOM in 2012-2016, global blueberry production was up 40 per cent and is projected to reach 1.45 billion pounds weight in 2017.

Demand for australian blueberries is also on the rise with one leading australian grower supplying fresh blueberries year round.

By Christine Brown-Paul

according to the australian Blueberry Growers’ association (aBGa), native americans gathered fresh blueberries from the forests of north america for many centuries. even then, blueberries were revered for their medicinal properties and were consumed year round – either fresh or preserved.

However, despite their long-held popularity in North America, blueberries were slow to take off in Australia.

The first attempt to grow them was in the early 1950s, by Karel Kroon and Ralph Proctor from the Victorian Department of Agriculture – unfortunately, with little success.

“Two decades later, the Victorian Department of Agriculture decided to try again. This time, David Jones successfully grew several blueberry plants; and his work was carried on by Ridley Bell and Margaret Tucker. Their dedication and enthusiasm towards the creation of an Australian blueberry industry saw the formation of the ABGA in the mid 1970s,” said an ABGA spokesperson.

“In the 1980s, the general public began to demand more blueberries, and more sophisticated growing and cultivation techniques were introduced. Since then, commercial production has taken off and the industry has never looked back.

“Today, Australian blueberries are prized for their premium quality, delicious flavour and consistency in size. The Australian blueberry industry is among the premium blueberry industries in the world. Today, 90 per cent of blueberries sold in the Australian market are Australian grown,” he said.

“The Australian Blueberry Growers’ Association was created in order to support all blueberry growers. Its aim is to implement uniformity and consistency in all aspects of blueberry production and marketing, be that quality, varieties, packaging, promotion or pest and disease management.”

marketinG There are three main berry industries in Australia. The strawberry industry is the most significant, blueberry intermediate and the various Rubus species smaller.

Production and sales of these fruit are steadily increasing, reflecting global trends in berry crops (also known as soft fruit) and the interest in their benefits to human health. Blueberry production more than doubled from 2002 to 2007. Within the blueberry industry, ‘Pick Your Own’ and organic operations are trending.

28 . Practical Hydroponics & Greenhouses . May . 2017

The Australian blueberry industry requires firm guidelines about fruit maturity at harvest; growers need to continually enforce this quality control during picking.

In the present market environment, all blueberries produced in Australia can be sold for the greatest returns on the domestic market.

“There are still many Australians yet to try a

blueberry. ‘Pointof-sale’ promotions, trade shows and farmer’s markets have provided a valuable opportunity for recruiting new consumers.

Fresh blueberries compete with processed snack foods along with other fresh fruit.

This is a concern as blueberries often command a premium price over most other fresh berries and other processed fruit,” said the ABGA spokesperson.

“In a recent survey of consumers, 79 per cent of those interviewed indicated that price was a major influence on their purchasing decision. Many commented that while they enjoyed eating blueberries, they were too expensive to eat regularly.”

Blueberry production is capital intensive with high development and labour costs. However, the short time interval between establishment and first returns coupled with high demand and reasonable prices will offset the high costs.

Challenging conditions that Australian blueberry growers face include drought, severe storms, water restrictions and extreme heat and fires. Availability and costs of harvest labour are becoming an increasing problem in all regions.

“Growers redevelop blueberry beds when they are

reaching the end of their lives. This varies for different varieties and can be determined based on the productivity of the plants,” said the spokesperson.

“As a new industry, growers are keen to adopt industry best management practice. All fruit for the fresh market is handpicked to maintain the highest quality. Developing varieties suitable for mechanical harvesters and varieties that are well suited to Australian climatic conditions are ongoing goals.”

australian BlueBerries on tHe rise Australian blueberries farmers are now producing 6000 tonnes of blueberries each year, with a farmgate value of $120 million.

Minister Assisting the Deputy Prime Minster, Luke Hartsuyker, and the Assistant Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, the Hon Keith Pitt MP, have welcomed the opportunity to engage with the Australian Blueberry Growers’ Association on growth opportunities for the industry—including visits to a blueberry producer and packing facility in the Coffs Harbour region.

“In my electorate of Cowper, blueberry production has grown by 30 per cent every year for the past five years— that’s a fantastic contribution to the local economy,” Minister Hartsuyker said.

“And with over 80 per cent of national production of blueberries occurring in New South Wales, I have a very strong interest in promoting opportunities for continued growth and prosperity across the national blueberry industry.

“So it was great to see the expertise and investment of industry participants such as Costa Berries and Oz Group

in improving production and supply chain capability, both here in my electorate of Cowper and across the entire industry,” he said.

“The expertise of the Australian industry has now achieved international recognition, with the election of Mr Peter McPherson as President of the International Blueberry Organization in 2016.”

Minister Pitt said the Australian Blueberry Growers’ Association had identified strategic market access priorities for the sector and was working collaboratively with the Australian Government to advance these objectives.

“This government successfully negotiated market access for blueberries to India in 2015 in line with those priorities and we are now engaging with key trading partners to progress other identified objectives, including access to Japan for mainland growers,” Minister Pitt said.

“Negotiating technical market access with trading partners can be a lengthy and complex process, so it is great to see an industry recognise these factors and proactively establish long-term strategies for export success.

“It is equally pleasing to see an industry capitalise on existing export opportunities and I understand that the Australian blueberry industry is on target to increase the value of exports in 2016 by 50 per cent year-on-year,” he said.

“This is an excellent result for the current export season and with the Australian blueberry industry expecting to continue to increase its production I look forward to growth in exports becoming a consistent trend.”

Australian blueberries are prized for their premium quality, delicious flavour and consistency in size.

Practical Hydroponics & Greenhouses . May . 2017. 29

Costa’s purpose-built tunnels are among the strongest and most expensive found in any berry orchard in the world (Photo Charlie McKillop).

DemanD From CHina The Australian blueberry industry says the Chinese would love blueberries- if only they could get them.

Australia harvested its largest ever crop last year at 10,908 tonnes with growers pushing for the exploration of new export markets.

Detailed research commissioned by the Australian Blueberry Growers Association into the demand for Australian-grown blueberries in China revealed a strong and growing market.

ABGA president, Greg McCulloch, said Australian blueberry growers already know they have a superior product compared to those countries that currently have market access to China.

“This research conducted by Shanghai-based Knudsen & Co confirms that there is an existing and growing Chinese demand for Australian blueberries that recognises the superior taste, size, food safety and nutritional value of Australian grown blueberries,” Mr McCulloch said.

The report said projected Chinese demand for blueberries was 20 per cent per annum, making it the fastest growing fruit category in China.

There were also multiple sales channels ready and willing to take Australian blueberries, including retailers, 30 . Practical Hydroponics & Greenhouses . May . 2017

wholesalers and the ever-expanding e-commerce sector, according to the ABGA. “The demand for blueberries reflects the rapidly growing Chinese middle-class that is now estimated to be over 500 million people which is becoming more discerning in their consumption habits, focusing on quality, safety, brand loyalty and trading up to premium products such as blueberries,” Mr McCulloch said.

“The Australian blueberry industry currently does not have access to the Chinese market because of the absence of an export protocol.

“The ABGA believes that based on the empirical research we have commissioned which clearly demonstrates the demand for Australian blueberries, priority should be given to negotiating market access between the Australian and Chinese governments.”

Australian blueberries have a timing advantage in that the harvest occurs between September and December each year, providing a window of opportunity for export to China as the majority of the rest of the world is not harvesting or exporting.

“It is very frustrating to have to sit by and watch countries with inferior product to ours successfully negotiate market access for their blueberries,” Mr McCulloch said.

This harvest season, Costa Group’s workforce of 30 will swell to around 240 pickers, including Pacific Islanders employed under a government program.

“Australian blueberry growers continue to miss out on extraordinary opportunities to export their product to China, while countries such as Chile, Peru and Uruguay reap the benefits.”

year-rounD BlueBerry suPPly For australian Consumers In Australia, consumer demand for berries is booming, and now the country’s largest horticulture company, Costa Group, is spending around $80 million at expanding production.

The plan includes 11 separate projects rolled out over four years starting from 2017, to coincide with the conclusion of a berry growth plan concluding next year.

Costa chief executive officer Harry Debney said the plan included major expansions at facilities in far north Queensland, Tasmania and Western Australia.

The company is also evaluating whether WA’s southwest or Tasmania is the more suitable site for a new facility.

“Our whole thesis for the plan is to continue to match the market demand for blueberries and raspberries, and we want to bring blackberries along as well,” Mr Debney said.

“Blueberries have traditionally been a seasonal product,

and north Queensland, Tasmania and WA provide high quality blueberries all year round.”

Berries are labour-intensive to harvest and pack, and Costa Group uses the Working Holiday Schemes and Seasonal Worker Program extensively.

Mr Debey said the company wants to see the current arrangements for seasonal labour remain as they are.

“We’re a high-cost country to produce in, and we source labour ethically,” he said.

“Anyone who is working productively for Costa or our competitors is paid pretty well.

“We don’t think there should be changes to seasonal or holiday worker schemes, and that’s the view of the other major employers as well.”

On the Atherton Tableland, around 80 kilometres inland from Cairns in Queensland, tropical blueberry production is fast gaining pace. The Costa Group said it expected to pick about 600 tonnes of blueberries in its far north Queensland orchards between May and November, with plans to expand its tropical berry footprint from 42 to 75 hectares in the next 12 months.

General Manager of the berry category for the Costa Group, Peter McPherson, said overcoming the challenges of growing blueberries in far north Queensland required a multi-million investment in Practical Hydroponics & Greenhouses . May . 2017. 31

genetic development and infrastructure.

“Obviously, it’s the heat conditions and the pest and disease issues that are prevalent with those conditions,” he said.

“Normally, you talk about blueberries being high chill, so grown in the colder climates like Tasmania, or low to medium chill, which we normally grow around Coffs Harbour (in New South Wales), but this is virtually no chill.”

Mr McPherson said securing a supply of fresh blueberries 52-weeks-of-the-year had made it worthwhile.

The winter season has always been very high-priced and kept a lot of consumers from being able to put their hands in their pocket,” he said.

“Prices will come back down but also you’re seeing a huge increase in consumption per capita, consistent with other countries in the world.”

He said the demand and new production methods meant that it would be a profitable industry going forward.

A combination of a substrate, hydroponic growing

Costa Group expects to double its tropical blueberry production in the next 12 months (Photo Charlie McKillop)

32 . Practical Hydroponics & Greenhouses . May . 2017

system under purpose-built tunnels had mitigated the risks, including minimising but not eliminating the devastating consequences of frost and wind.

“The calibre of the steel and the way they’ve been built, they’re the most expensive tunnels we’ve ever put in the ground,” he said.

“So, in the rare occurrence and experiences we’ve had here, we’ve lost some plastic, had some tears, a few little misshapen tunnels etcetera but so far, fingers crossed, we’ve been happy.”

This harvest season, Costa Group’s normal workforce of 30 will swell to around 240 pickers consisting of Pacific Islanders employed under a government program as well as independent, seasonal workers and locals.

“We try to be fair, we pay by the book, do everything correctly and it’s about keeping a happy workforce and for the 30 years we’ve been in business, we’ve been able to do that. But we don’t need any backpacker tax.”

usa market exPanDs In the US, the US Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) is focused on driving demand upward on the same

trajectory. US per capita blueberry consumption grew 599 percent from 1994-2014 – more than any other fruit or vegetable studied – and the USHBC’s newest research indicates further room for growth.

In late 2016, the USHBC issued an opportunity assessment study to examine which consumer and business segments are best suited to absorb the building volume of berries coming to market. “We were pleased to find that, among the top fruits – including bananas, strawberries, apples, grapes and citrus – blueberries are the only one expecting increased consumption in 2017,” said Mark Villata, Executive Director of the USHBC. “The research also helped us refine and expand our consumer and business target audiences so we’re able to concentrate on those with the greatest growth potential.”

room For GrowtH The study found that heavy and moderate blueberry users, who represent half of the US population (25 per cent each), show the most growth potential of all user segments.

Heavy users consume 19+ cups per year, are mainly ages 25-45, have children in the home and span all ethnicities. Of this group, 73 per cent see blueberries as a

part of their lifestyle; they will go out of their way to purchase blueberries, and take time to understand the nutritional composition of blueberry-containing foods.

Fresh and frozen consumption among this segment is expected to increase by five per cent in 2017.

Moderate users consume six to 18 cups per year, and span all ages and ethnicities. Blueberries are projected to go from moderate users’ #6 preferred fruit to #3 in 2017. Among the moderate user segment, fresh and frozen consumption is expected to increase by 12 per cent in 2017.

These key findings have influenced the Council’s latest strategies to grow demand, which include targeting marketing campaigns at moderate users, and engaging heavy users to influence moderate users’ blueberry purchases.

“Our summer campaign launching in mid-May will build on those strategies and others,” Mr Villata said.

“We’re developing new recipes and promoting them in a way to fit moderate users’ needs, from offering simple, visual recipe guides to partnering with individuals, food and fitness influencers who evoke trust and can aid in establishing blueberries as our target users’ favourite summer food.” b

Practical Hydroponics & Greenhouses . May . 2017. 33

BlueBerry muFFins Delicious and really easy to make inGreDients: 1 cup flour 1 cup oats (old fashioned) 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce 2 egg whites 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup water 1 cup blueberries, frozen

metHoD: Spray a 12-cup muffin tin and preheat oven to 350. Mix flour, oats, soda, cinnamon and salt together. Add applesauce, sugar egg whites and water, mix until just blended. Add in blueberries.

Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes or until tops have lightly browned.

34 . Practical Hydroponics & Greenhouses . May . 2017

stacking up the benefits Sydney-based start-up company Sprout Stack uses shipping containers to hydroponically grow leafy greens and herbs, its commercial production excelling that of a hectare of fertile farmland in the same period.

36 . Practical Hydroponics & Greenhouses . May . 2017

Sprout Stack’s Francisco Caffarena, left, and Michael Harder in one of their growing containers in Sydney.

Picture: John Feder

Practical Hydroponics & Greenhouses . May . 2017. 37

Lettuce is one type of leafy green that is currently growing in the Sprout Stack units.

Late last year, Australian ag-tech startup Sprout Stack opened its second round of capital in a bid to raise further funding prior to commercialising its automated fresh food production units in early 2017. Set to revolutionise the way in which fresh produce is grown and distributed, the Sprout Stack unit is a standard intermodal shipping container fitted with ready-to-use controlled environment agriculture systems that can monitor and control the produce at the click of a button or from the Sprout Stack web app.

Filled with towers for growing vegetables, tomatoes and strawberries hydroponically, the containers, require only electricity and water.

Sprout Stack founder Francisco Caffarena said the farming containers, which can be leased or bought outright, can be stacked on top of each other in places where land is scarce or unsuitable for growing vegetables, to produce commercial quantities of fresh food all year round.

“The driving aim of Sprout Stack is to improve on the inefficiencies within existing methods of growing and distributing fresh produce. Sprout Stack offers a sustainable solution to meeting the global demand to increase food production twofold by 2050,” Mr Caffarena said.

“By using vertical hydroponics in a highly-controlled environment, Sprout Stack provides fresh produce straight from the source, allowing users to maximise output and minimise cost of operation. Unlike in existing farming methods, users of Sprout Stack can grow more consistent yields in a pesticide-free environment all year 38 . Practical Hydroponics & Greenhouses . May . 2017

round, and can save 95 per cent on water consumption compared to a head of lettuce grown in the ground.

“This revolutionary technology will also help reduce carbon footprint with production designed to be much closer to the consumer. The average head of lettuce in the USA travels 1,000 miles – an unsustainable method of distribution when you consider the required refrigeration and fuel usage, not to mention the detrimental effect on the produce’s nutritional value.”

Using vertical hydroponics with the highest quality lighting and climate systems to control moisture and CO2 levels, the containers are capable of growing the equivalent of two acres of fresh, sustainable produce in as little as eight weeks with the potential to produce in excess of 1,000 small heads of lettuce per week.

Currently, almost any type of leafy greens and herbs can be grown in the Sprout Stack units, however, the company is funding research to find a solution to growing fruit such as tomatoes, strawberries, cucumbers and peppers. The challenge is finding an automated system that can include the process of pollination. Mr Caffarena said that advanced research on strawberries suggests technology can find a solution to this hurdle.

While the target user of Sprout Stack units is the urban farmer, Mr Caffarena said the technology is integrated in a way to allow anyone to use it.

“You don’t need to be an experienced fresh food grower or horticulturalist to use our Sprout Stack units,” he said.

“As long you have access to water and electricity (including solar generated electricity), anyone from any location can use the units whether it be out the back of a

Practical Hydroponics & Greenhouses . May . 2017. 39

restaurant in the middle of the city or in the middle of the desert at a mining site.

“We’ve been hearing about urban farming initiatives for a while but until now haven’t been offered any real and effective solutions. Farming land close to the city is difficult to scale as are rooftops, which often entail poor accessibility.

Sprout Stack solves these problems by allowing users to scale by simply adding units to their operations, taking urban agriculture to a significantly new level,” Mr Caffarena said.

“Introducing a new product into a market always has its challenges but if people actually stop and think about it, fresh produce not grown under the sun makes a difference only to your perception, not the end product.

What the consumer gets at the end of the day is ultimately even better produce because it is grown in a controlled pesticide-free environment, dramatically reducing the risk of contamination.”

The initial cost per container, which will be offered in two sizes – 20ft and 40ft, is estimated to be similar to that of a small mid-range car, however, the containers will also be available through a leasing service.

Purchasers and lessees will be offered a comprehensive after sale service including the provision of inputs such as seeds and fertilisers.

Mr Caffarena said the farming containers, which can be leased or purchased, can be stacked on top of each other in places where land is scarce or unsuitable for growing vegetables, to produce commercial quantities of fresh food all year round. The container systems uses 95 per cent less water than a vegetable farm with drip irrigation to grow 900 lettuces, requiring just 60-100 litres of water a week for its plants to drink and 60 kilowatt hours of power a day to run its lighting, heating

40 . Practical Hydroponics & Greenhouses . May . 2017

and sensors. All crops grown are pesticide-free because the container’s controlled environment virtually eliminates pests, disease and bugs, while the production of six cycles of crops a year is not exposed to uncertain weather.

The Sprout containers can be controlled remotely with little agricultural knowledge required because of the detailed sensors’ wand warning alerts linked to the phone app regulating the container’s hydroponic and growing systems automatically.

“This is a scaleable, financially-feasible solution to having commercial farms in urban areas,” Mr Caffarena said.

“This is not some nice trendy thing for individuals or backyard gardeners to have the quantities of greens, herbs and potentially tomatoes and berries it can grow all year round are much too large; we really see this as a commercial proposition that frees the people attracted to run these businesses from the need and cost of buying large tracts of farmland.”

Mr Caffarena envisages the containers being used by restaurants who want to tightly control the safe provenance of their own food, or entrepreneurs keen to become professional urban farmers selling fresh produce to greengrocers, cafes or farmers markets.

In the next five years, Sprout Stack’s goal is to be recognised as a global leader in providing urban farming solutions with the short term goal of expanding into the fresh fruit market in the next couple of years. b

The containers, which can be leased or purchased, can be stacked on top of each other in places where land is scarce or unsuitable for growing vegetables.

Water= precious!

THE FINAL WORD: an opinion piece Dr mike niCHols asks wHy tHe DeveloPment oF tHe meDiCinal CannaBis inDustry in new zealanD Has not kePt PaCe witH tHat oF otHer Countries.

44 . Practical Hydroponics & Greenhouses . May . 2017

Dr Mike Nichols is a regular contributor to Practical Hydroponics & Greenhouses magazine.

Practical Hydroponics & Greenhouses . May . 2017. 45

Medical marijuana useful in controlling Dravet syndrome – a very difficult to control childhood epilepsy.

GW Pharmaceutical product high in CBD is Epidiolex.

46 . Practical Hydroponics & Greenhouses . May . 2017

i first became involved with cannabis some 15 years ago, when i was asked by the nz Hemp industries association (nzHia) to be their research team leader. i soon discovered that there was much more to cannabis than fibre and oil. i refer specifically to the medicinal properties of cannabis, and not its use as a psychoactive recreational drug.

In respect of medicinal cannabis there can be little doubt that the New Zealand Government has dropped the ball, and in a big way. Medicinal cannabis contains two major drugs of medicinal value, namely 9-tetrahydrocannabinol – the basis of the psychoactive drug, which also has major pain and anti-nausea relief characteristics – and cannabidiole (CBD), which is particularly useful in problems of the nervous system (specifically but not only, for epilepsy).

For a long time the only cannabis medicine available (legally) in New Zealand was “Sativex”, produced by the UK company GW Pharmaceutical.

This is a buccal (mouth) spray containing approximately equal concentration of THC and CBD. At a cost of over $1000 per month, (without any Pharmac subsidy) this is well beyond the budget of most pensioners, who are likely to be the major users because of debilitating pain due to arthritis or cancer.

I understand that another GW Pharmaceutical product high in CBD is also in the pipeline (called Epidiolex) it appears to be particularly useful for controlling Dravet syndrome – a very difficult to control childhood epilepsy.

The other cannabis medicines potentially available in New Zealand are from the Canadian company Tilray, however, shipping costs make it almost as expensive as Sativex. The Dutch company Bedrocan’s product is normally supplied as dried cannabis flower buds, and used with a vaporiser, however, it cannot currently be used in this form in New Zealand, as vaporisers are illegal.

The question is why should New Zealanders have to pay an exorbitant sum for a “natural” medicine that could easily be produced here in New Zealand?

A very good question, for which there is really no answer except to point to a very tardy government, paranoid about recreational drugs.

A simple request to Associate Minister Peter Dunne recently about the possibility of growing some hemp to Practical Hydroponics & Greenhouses . May . 2017. 47

obtain a high CBD cannabis medicine received a clear cut NO, because the law (as it stands) allows the growing of hemp (provided it has a THC level of less than 0.35%) only for fibre and oil and seed, but not for any medicinal use.

Australia is moving very rapidly to develop a medicinal cannabis industry. Already at least one crop has been grown, and it will not be too long before Australia is exporting medicinal cannabis to New Zealand.

Remember the opium poppy story, where the original production research was undertaken by Ralph Ballinger in Blenheim in the 50s, but someone (presumably government) decided not to further develop the industry, and Tasmania now produces over 50 per cent of the world’s opiate medicines (morphine, codeine and thebane).

UK company GW Pharmaceutical production.

48 . Practical Hydroponics & Greenhouses . April . 2017

At one time New Zealand used to lead the world in innovation and social development perhaps it is time to move the international dateline into the Tasman, and

become a late follower, rather than a world leader! b

aBout tHe autHor Dr Mike Nichols is a retired lecturer from Massey University and a regular contributor to Practical Hydroponics & Greenhouses magazine.

He has travelled around the world consulting on horticulture and is one of only 25 honorary members of the International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS).

Email: oxbridge@inspire.net.nz

PRACTICAL

HYDRO PONICS & GREENHOUSES

Help us help you make our world a greener place.

If you would like to advertise here: Contact Mark Lewis Tel: +613 9432-5428 Email: marklewis@hydroponics.com.au

Changing our world one step at a time.

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Practical Hydroponics & Greenhouses . May . 2017. 49

From wheat to vegetables

a western australian company has planted its first horticultural crop using Canadian greenhouse technology in what is hoped will bring fresh vegetables to 20,000 residents in the wheatbelt region.

In Arthur River, 200 kilometres southeast of Perth, Western Australia, Wide Open Agriculture is a new horticultural business, which has spring up in an area known for its dry spells, extreme heat and frost.

Wide Open Agriculture managing director Ben Cole has delivered on his company’s initiative to produce fresh and healthy vegetables from greenhouse technology located in the Wheatbelt region.

The Wheatbelt is the source of nearly two-thirds of WA’s wheat production and is one of the nine regions of

50 . Practical Hydroponics & Greenhouses . May . 2017

Western Australia. It partially surrounds the Perth metropolitan area, extending north from Perth to the Mid West region, and east to the Goldfields-Esperance region.

It is bordered to the south by the South West and Great Southern regions, and to the west by the Indian Ocean, the Perth metropolitan area, and the Peel region.

Altogether, it has an area of 154,862 square kilometres, including islands.

Vast tracts of the Wheatbelt are now being used to grow vegetables and provide meaningful food to the community using greenhouse technology from Canadian company, Cravo. The first of Wide Open Agriculture’s many greenhouse oases, set to be built at various locations in the Wheatbelt, has grown produce since

The Wheatbelt is the source of nearly two-thirds of Western Australia’s wheat production.

PERTH

Produce grown is hoped to feed up to 20,000 people by servicing the five major towns surrounding Arthur River.

The half-hectare-sized greenhouse is home to tomatoes, lettuce, capsicum, cucumber and herbs.

Practical Hydroponics & Greenhouses . May . 2017. 51

February this year. The company’s commercial pilot plant is located south of Wagin and known as The Wedge.

Surrounded by kilometres of grain paddocks, the halfhectare-sized greenhouse is home to tomatoes, lettuce, capsicum, cucumber and herbs. It is hoped to feed up to 20,000 people by servicing the five major towns surrounding Arthur River.

Mr Cole said the test crop, which included a variety of vegetables, had shown excellent results.

“The 5400sqm flat-roof greenhouse, which is Canadian made, has weather monitors inside and outside,” he said.

“It is responsive to climate conditions — opening and closing of air vents is automatic for ideal growing conditions. Plants are watered and fertilised through drip irrigation and there is also an above ground mister for hot summer days.”

Mr Cole said the greenhouse technology also used minimal water.

“This technology is very water efficient, using only 10 per cent of the volume used in traditional open field production,” he said.

Managing Director of Wide Open Agriculture, Ben Cole says the company’s aim is to empower Wheatbelt farmers to transition towards regenerative farming practices.

52 . Practical Hydroponics & Greenhouses . May . 2017

Wide Open Agriculture is backed by a Dutch cornerstone investor and 23 Australian investors.

The company’s brand, Food for Reasons, is targeted at both local and export markets.

“Our aim is to empower Wheatbelt farmers to transition towards regenerative farming practices,” Mr Cole said.

“We believe this transition will produce meaningful food that inspires communities and regenerates ecosystems.

It is of interest of the company to eventually list on the ASX for additional capital to reinvest in the business and the Wheatbelt.”

Currently, produce is supplied to independent supermarkets, cafes and pubs.

Mr Cole said there was also a “seasonal vegetable box scheme” operating in Williams and Perth.

“It is based on demand and this will expand to other surrounding towns such as Wagin, Narrogin and Kojonup,” he said.

The Wedge produces up to 300kg of tomatoes a week including Roma, cherry and grape varieties. Its output also includes an assortment of capsicum, lettuces, herbs

Mr Cole said it was in the best and other produce. interests to maintain a high Mr Cole said he hoped the standard of biosecurity. greenhouse could grow year-round to He urged people not enter the provide out-of-season supplies. greenhouse premises without first Head grower Damien Rigali said the obtaining a biosecurity clearance. facility currently used about 4500 litres “We feel that our isolation in the of water a day but in that number could Wheatbelt is a benefit to such double in summer.

Produce is supplied outbreaks of pests or diseases,” “We are striving to apply organic to independent he said. principles as the soil builds up,” he said. supermarkets, Mr Cole said the company’s goal “The first crops have been amazing in cafes and pubs. is to transform the Wheatbelt into both weight and flavour as we fine tune the Foodbelt. the operation for more improvement.”

“Our aim is to empower Wheatbelt farmers to transition Mr Cole said the next greenhouse site would be up to towards regenerative farming practises, which can four times the size of the Wedge. deliver both the selection and variety, that local and “The lessons learnt at the first site will represent huge export markets are demanding,” he said. cost savings,” he said.

“We believe this transition will produce food that Wide Open Agriculture originally planned to host an inspires communities and regenerates ecosystems.” b open day, however, a WA outbreak of an exotic pest, More information at: www.wideopenagriculture.com.au tomato potato psyllid, meant the event had to Source: The Western Australian be postponed.

Head grower Damien Rigaili with some of the first tomatoes grown in the greenhouses.

Practical Hydroponics & Greenhouses . May . 2017. 53

What to look for when buying a high pressure fogging system in australia, the most common and cost-effective way to cool and humidify a greenhouse is with a high-pressure fog system.

But what factors should growers look for to ensure they choose the best system?

54 . Practical Hydroponics & Greenhouses . May . 2017

ais Greenworks is a leading australian owned and operated solutions provider for the protected cropping industry servicing australia and abroad, providing design, manufacturing, installation and maintenance services to the market. the company is an engineering projects company parented by iCi industries Pty ltd that will design, construct, supply and install the mechanical, hydraulic, and greenhouse systems required for competitive greenhouse operation.

“Commercial greenhouses have become a leading producer of fruit, vegetables, and flowers throughout Australia. Having been involved in this market since the 1990s, we are proud of our contribution to the commercial hydroponics industry, which is now one of the fastest growing food production sectors in Australia,” said a company spokesperson.

“When it comes to climate systems for greenhouses.

AIS Greenworks is at the forefront of the industry.

Appropriate environmental conditions are necessary for optimum plant growth, improved crop yields, efficient use of water and other resources to provide a high ROI for your greenhouse.

“Today, advances in technology make the automation process much more manageable. However, the systems they automate need to be of high quality and reliability and this is where AIS Greenworks comes in,” he said.

Practical Hydroponics & Greenhouses . May . 2017. 55

CHoosinG tHe riGHt system “In Australia, the most common and cost-effective way to cool and humidify a greenhouse is with a high pressure fog system. With the flash evaporation of billions of tiny water particles into the greenhouse environment, the air is cooled and humidified. In technical terms, the sensible energy is reduced while the latent energy of the air is increased. The end result is a climate that is more suitable to the plant,” said the AIS Greenworks spokesperson.

“Water is firstly filtered to 5 micron to mitigate potential nozzle blockages before being pumped at 1,000 psi. This clean water then flows through a designed network of stainless steel mainlines, stainless steel or thermoplastic laterals, finally emitting 10 micron fog droplets via the stainless steel or brass anti-drip nozzles.

“The laterals hang at the top of the greenhouse and the spacing of laterals and nozzles are designed to ensure a uniform application throughout the greenhouse,” he said.

“Set-up is as simple as connecting clean water and an electricity source to the inlet side, and connecting the fog lines to the outlet side. The systems will generally incorporate an on-board water tank, filtration, control panel, pressure regulation and a dump solenoid valve to prevent dripping nozzles. The system can also be designed for multiple zone control and variable speed motor control options.

“Our design team strives to find the balance between capital and operational costs – ensuring a quick return on any investment.

Systems can be designed to any size and this is not limited to only greenhouses. We have delivered high pressure fogging solutions for many applications including commercial buildings, sheds and wine cellars – just to mention a few,” he said.

“When choosing a high pressure fogging system for your greenhouse there are a number of factors to consider.”

ConsiDerations inCluDe: • Uniformity throughout the system • Spacing of the emitters • Droplet size and quantity • What is the pressure loss from pump to last nozzle • Being able to fog all areas at once, not in zones.

Climate • Temperature and humidity extremes what does the system need to be able to cope with • Desired temperature and humidity • Solar radiation influences • Vent capacity.

Crop • What are the specific needs of the crop, and how will High Pressure Fogging help increase quality and quantity and time to sale of the crop?

56 . Practical Hydroponics & Greenhouses . May . 2017

water supply • Water quality needs to be clean as free from oxidising minerals as possible.

• Ensuring a water supply can keep up with your fogging system. It is surprising how much water can be utilised on hot, dry days.

• Ensuring proper filtration/disinfection prior to the system.

electrical loads • Approximately. 7.2 litres per minute can be pumped with 1kW of power @ 1,000psi or 70bar.

• Variable Frequency Drives can help lower electricity costs by only using the power required to do the duty if the pump is oversized and also lowers electricity costs on the continuous starting of the pump.

• Correct design to ensure more electricity is not being used to cover poor hydraulics.

ComPonents Pumps: • Should be sized to adequately service the design parameters • Should have dry run protection

mainlines: • Need to be sized and fastened correctly and produced from tubing that can withstand the pressure rating.

laterals: • Should be able to withstand the pressure rating, should be able to be flexible in the nozzle spacing to ensure the best layout for your application. Need to be corrosion resistant to enable periodic maintenance with acid or chlorine.

• Should have isolation valves to allow maintenance while system is running.

• Should have flushing valves at a reachable height to allow ease of maintenance.

nozzles: • Nozzles should be sized and positioned correctly to maximise the number of droplets and minimise droplet size to allow for flash evaporation without wetting the crop or any surface.

• Need to be good quality, with anti-drain valves to ensure no leaks and no unwanted moisture in the area.

“An AIS Greenworks high pressure fog specialist is always on call to service the fog systems we install, and all parts are readily available from our warehouses Australia wide,” said the spokesperson.

“We are always happy to discuss growers’ unique requirements and the different range of options available to provide them with a top quality system.” b More information at: www.aisgreenworks.com.au Practical Hydroponics & Greenhouses . May . 2017. 57

58 . Practical Hydroponics & Greenhouses . May . 2017

ROOFTOP Agriculture in Latin America

internationally respected hydroponics expert, Professor alfredo rodríguez-Delfín from the national agrarian university in Peru describes how soilless culture techniques are becoming increasingly popular across latin american countries.

Nowadays, the soilless culture technique is the most intensive way of horticultural production, which is successfully applied by commercial holdings in developed countries, where it is usually of high technology and investment-intensive. Meanwhile, as the world’s agricultural soils decrease in number and quality, soilless culture is being viewed as an important production alternative in urban areas, mainly in undeveloped countries.

Within the context of urban agriculture, hydroponics could be applied in cities with simpler and low-cost technologies – mainly in extreme poverty areas – as a way to grow vegetables for self-consumption and to support families or community incomes, creating micro-companies that will generate employment.

The future of hydroponics in Latin America will much depend of the development and adaptation of less sophisticated commercial systems. These have to be cost competitive with respect to the high sophisticated technology generated and used in developed countries, using natural and local growing media, developing native or endemic crops of the region with economical potential for

The Hydroponics and Mineral Nutrition Research of Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina, has developed a pyramidal NFT, where in the same area (3.0 m x 1.5 m) with respect to the traditional or horizontal system, it is possible to harvest 150 lettuces or another leafy crop versus 120 plants, respectively.

Practical Hydroponics & Greenhouses . May . 2017. 59

its high feed or medicinal value, among others. The area of soilless culture is increasing in the region and every day sees a growing interest to learn and master this technique. Hydroponics systems mainly used in Latin America are drip irrigation system, mainly for tomatoes, sweet peppers, cucumbers and eggplant production, and NFT and floating root systems, mainly for growing lettuce, arugula and other leafy vegetables.

aDvantaGes the advantages of soilless culture are:

Aeroponics system for potato tuber seed production at International Potato Center, Lima, Peru.

Mini potato tuber seed harvested from plants growing through aeroponics system.

• Enables land unsuitable for traditional agriculture to be used.

• Yields are higher than soil production.

• Less water and fertiliser consumption. The technique is appropriate in areas where water is scarce.

• Does not pollute the environment.

• Faster and vigorous plant growth due to higher water and nutrients availability.

• Intensive production, which allows more number of crops per year.

• Safe vegetable production, free of contamination resulting from the use of good quality water and sanitation.

• The technique can also be used for social purposes to improve the incomes of the disadvantaged to generate self-employment in their own homes and to improve the quality of the family diet.

DisaDvantaGes the disadvantages of soilless culture are: • Dependence on acquiring a “turnkey” project package may discourage its continuance, due to high production costs. Hydroponics is an attractive technology, often oversimplified, which is easier to promote than to sustain.

• Unfortunately, the failures that have occurred in many countries far exceed the successes, due to inexperience or lack of technical and scientific support.

• Lack of knowledge of agricultural practices can significantly reduce yields. The success of hydroponics production depends more on knowledge of agricultural practices than on knowledge of the technique itself.

• Lack of experience in the use of nutrient solutions can alter the composition and affect the look and quality of plants.

• Lack of perseverance and dedication to culture work can cause a severe loss of plants.

60 . Practical Hydroponics & Greenhouses . May . 2017

Mini tuber seed production under aeroponics system at International Potato Center, Lima, Peru (2015).

It must be remembered, however, that the success of any business relies on the dedication and efforts of those involved in it. Nothing is easy, and all must be done with love, effort and dedication.

HyDroPoniC systems The most widely used hydroponics systems in Latin America are NFT system (for leafy vegetables, mainly lettuce) and drip irrigation (for fruit vegetables, mainly tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers) and floating root system (mainly lettuce).

nFt system The NFT system is widely used for fast-growing crops such as lettuce, basil, celery, chard, and other leafy vegetables. It is also possible to grow tomatoes and other fruit crops, but for cost reasons, it is best to grow these crops with drip irrigation system rather than NFT. Brazil is the country where NFT is the main hydroponics system in Latin America with more than 1,500 hectares.

To make feasible the production of different vegetables with NFT system. the technique has been adapted to the reality of each Latin America country. Because of cost constraints in importing culture channels of rigid PVC, as used in developed countries, NFT systems using local materials of lower cost in comparison with other NFT designs have been designed. The model developed in Peru (photo page 62) by the Centro de Investigación de Hidroponía y Nutrición Mineral (CIHNM) of the

Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina (UNALM), Lima, Peru, has also served as a prototype in Latin American countries such as Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, Paraguay, Uruguay and Venezuela. This modified system, uses as culture channels water and/or drainage PVC pipes of three inches of diameter for lettuce cultivation and other leafy crops, and larger diameter (four inches) for crops such as strawberries. The nutrient solution recirculation through the channels is not constant, as is in a traditional NFT, however, is intermittent for periods of 15 minutes every each hour. This can significantly reduce the cost of electricity per day. In the culture channels, 20 mm of nutrient solution is maintained while the pump is off; enough level so that the roots are in permanent contact with the nutrient solution.

On the other hand, the fast growth of hydroponics in Brazil has allowed Brazilian growers to develop their own technology to produce different leafy vegetables under the NFT system, mainly lettuce and rucula. There are Brazilian companies that manufacture PVC channels and accessories exclusively for use in hydroponics. The large NFT production modules used until recently have been changed to smaller units to avoid problems with root rot caused by Phytium, which develops under high temperature conditions, low oxygen levels in the nutrition solution and lack of hygiene at different points of the production system. In Brazil, the recirculation of the nutrient solution through the culture channels also is Practical Hydroponics & Greenhouses . May . 2017. 61

Change of the hydroponics system from roof floating to modified NFT system at Invernaderos Hidropónicos del Perú, Lurín, Lima, Peru (2015).

Invernaderos Hidropónicos del Perú is the largest hydroponic company in the country, and has a lettuce production of 145,000 plants per month at 10,000 m2 of area, from the final transplant.

62 . Practical Hydroponics & Greenhouses . May . 2017

not constant but intermittent, for periods of 15 minutes every half hour. The use of phenolic foam as growing media, allows the retention of the nutrient solution, and promoting a fast growth of the root system.

Another difference in the NFT system used in Brazil is the high slope in the growing channels, which promotes oxygenation of the nutrient solution through faster drainage.

FloatinG root system In several Latin American countries, this system is used for the lettuce commercial production. Production usually takes place in containers or beds of large size and volume (top photo page 60), which results in some disadvantages from the economic point of view, namely: 1) high cost of the containers, 2) higher water

consumption, 3) higher use of fertilizer to prepare the nutrient solution, 4) frequent change of the polystyrene plates, due to their fragility, 5) frequent cleaning of the expanded polystyrene plates after each harvest, which are covered with algae and 6) difficult control of Pythium under root infection. The presence of dark roots is an indicator of poor oxygenation and this limits the water and nutrients uptake, affecting the growth and development of plants. To avoid the appearance of algae on the surface of polystyrene plates and their breaking, the CIHNM of UNALM has adapted the use of corrugated PVC roofing instead of polystyrene plates. This adaptation requires smaller containers (1-2 m2), and requires no oxygenation of the nutrient solution, because the PVC roofing is supported on the edges of the container, creating a layer of air between the nutrient

Pak choi plants production under modified NFT system developed by Research and Mineral Nutrition Hydroponics Center of Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina, Lima, Peru.

Practical Hydroponics & Greenhouses . May . 2017. 63

Lettuce production in pyramidal NFT at Hydroponics and Mineral Nutrition Research of Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina, Lima, Peru.

solution and the PVC roof that allows for the continuous breathing of the root portion located between the two surfaces.

This system is widely used in Chile but the current trend is the shift from floating root system to NFT system.

The floating root system can still be suitable for production of leafy vegetables in social projects, but not for commercial ones.

aeroPoniCs system Aeroponics is more advanced and high technology than the traditional hydroponics system. Instead of being submerged in nutrient solution, the roots are suspended in a tightly closed container, interiorly waterproofed with black PE film. Running inside is a 16 mm diameter PE hose into which are inserted nebulisers of flow of 30 L/h, 0.6 m apart from each other. The nebulisation frequency of the aeroponic system is adjusted to keep the roots moist and the leaves turgid. Three minutes of irrigation every five minutes, 24 hours a day is enough to keep the plants turgid.

The potato mini-tubers production under conventional systems (in beds or pots with sterile substrate) in the greenhouse generates a small number of tubers per 64 . Practical Hydroponics & Greenhouses . May . 2017

plant, increasing the costs of potato seed production.

Hydroponics systems are among the alternative technologies used to replace conventional systems of mini-tubers production. Mini-tuber production through aeroponics system has excellent yields of high phytosanitary quality.

The International Potato Center (CIP) and the Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Agrarias (INIA) of Peru are currently promoting the potato mini-tubers production as pre-basic seed through this hydroponics system in the highland conditions at 3,200 metres above sea level.

There are around 10 aeroponics potato mini-tubers production modules in different regions of Peru: Junin (in Huancayo), Cerro de Pasco (in Quiché), Huancavelica (in Pazos), Cajamarca (in Baños del Inca). The CIP has two aeroponic potato mini-tuber production modules in its headquarters in La Molina, Lima (450 m a.s.l.), and Huancayo (3,200 m a.s.l.).

On the other hand, in the Andean Region, aeroponic modules also exist in Bolivia, Colombia and Ecuador. All have the same purpose of potato pre-basic seed production. The institutions responsible for promoting the mini-tubers production using aeroponic system in the Andean Region are: Empresa de Producción de

Semilla de Papa (SEPA, Bolivia), Corporación Colombiana de Investigación Agropecuaria (CORPOICA, Colombia) and Instituto Nacional Autónomo de Investigaciones Agropecuarias (INIAP, Ecuador).

ConClusion The future development of hydroponics in Latin America will depend very much on the adaptation of medium and low technological level growing systems that can compete with the high cost systems used in the more developed countries. This will definitely be possible by means of using locally available substrates and growing native or endemic crops, which have an economic

aBout tHe autHor Alfredo Rodríguez-Delfín is a Professor in the Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences at the National Agrarian University La Molina, Peru. He is also Director of the Hydroponics and Mineral Nutrition Research Center at the University and is the author and publisher of numerous publications on hydroponics crops. Profesor Rodríguez-Delfín is a regular contributor to PH&G. Email: delfin@lamolina.edu.pe

reFerenCes: potentiality or ierd medicinal purposes. b Carrasco,for G. food and Izqu o, J. 1996.

Manual Técnico. La empre sa hidropónica: La técnica de la solución nutritiva recircu lan te (NFT). Oficina Regional para América Latina y El Caribe.

Santiago.

Chile.91 p.

Centro de Investigación de Hid roponía y Nutrición Mineral.

1997.

Hidroponía: Una esperanza para Latinoamérica. Ed. Rod ríguezDelfín, A. Universidad Naciona l Agraria La Molina.

Lima. Peru. 395 p.

Furlani, P. 1998. Instrucoes para o cultivo de hortalicas de folhas pela técnica de hidroponíaNFT. Boletín Técnico 168. 2da Impresión. Instituto Agronómic o de Campinas, Sao Paolo. Brasil. 30 p.

Marulanda, C. and Izquierdo, J. 1993. Manual Técnico: La Huerta hidropónica popular. Oficina Regional para América Latina y El Caribe. Santiago. Chile. 118 p.

Mateus-Rodríguez, J. de Haa n, S. Chuquillanqui, C., Barker , I. and Rodríguez-Delfín, A. 201 1. Response of three potato cultivars grown in a novel aeroponics system for mini-tuber seed production. Acta Hort.

Nichols, M. A. 2005. Aeroponics and potatoes.

Acta Hort. 670: 201-206.

Otazu, V. 2010. Manual on qua lity seed potato producing using aeroponics. International Pot ato Center. Lima. Peru. 42 p.

Resh, H. 1995. Hydroponic Foo d Production. 5th ed. Woodb ridge Press Publishing Company.

Santa Barbara. California. USA . 527 p Rodríguez-Delfín, A., Chang, M. 2010. Manual Práctico de Hidroponía. 5th ed. Centro de Investigación de Hidroponía y Nutrición Mineral, Universida d Nacional Agraria La Molina. Lima. Per u.

Samperio, G. 2004. Hidroponí a Comercial. Ed. Diana.

S.A. México. 172 p.

Schwarz, M. 2001. Opening Rem arks. World Congress on Soi lless Culture: Agriculture in the Com ing Millennium.

Acta Hort. 554: 23-25.

Peruvian child learning how to produce Swiss chard with NFT system.

Practical Hydroponics & Greenhouses . May . 2017. 65

CATFISH AND TOMATOES a new water savinG initiative in Germany ComBines aquaCulture anD HyDroPoniCs to ProviDe oPtimal ProDuCtion ConDitions For BotH FisH anD Plants.

The total area of the INAPRO aquaponic facility is 573m2 and includes a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) and a broad-ship greenhouse.

INAPRO demonstration facility in Waren, Germany.

German company inaPro (innovative aquaponics for Professional application) aims at improving current approaches to rural and urban aquaponics through the development of a model and the integration of innovative technologies to save water, energy and nutrients.

“The INAPRO system responds to the global challenge of food security by producing local, healthy and sustainable food with a low water and carbon footprint,” said a company spokesperson.

“The growing world population and rising demand for food increase the pressure on water resources, land use and ecosystems.

“The collaborative project INAPRO implements innovative water, energy and nutrient management solutions to exploit all available opportunities of resource deficiency in rural and urban aquaponic facilities. The ambitions of INAPRO meet the recent EU strategies under the new Horizon 2020 framework to face the challenges of the dramatic development of the water resource situation in Europe and worldwide,” he said.

“INAPRO aquaponics, as a double-recirculation system consisting of hydroponics and aquaculture elements, contributes to addressing these problems by producing healthy food in a particularly sustainable way.”

The first catfish and tomatoes produced in the INAPRO 68 . Practical Hydroponics & Greenhouses . May . 2017

demonstration site located in Waren (Germany) have been successfully processed and sold. The construction of the Waren demonstration site was finalised in 2016 and consists of an aquaponic facility exploiting the INAPRO aquaponic system and proving its viability.

The INAPRO demonstration facility was built in order to demonstrate that the INAPRO system is able to produce sustainable food with a low environmental impact by optimising conventional aquaponics. Aquaponics is a resource-efficient food production system, which couples the production of fish and plants while using the nutrient-rich fish tank water for nourishing the plants.

The total area of the INAPRO aquaponic facility is 573m2 and consists of the fish farm with the recirculating aquaculture system (RAS), a broad-ship greenhouse, a technical room with a combined heat and power plant (CHP) and the computer control system, a feed storage room and an outside secondary clarifier.

The production of fish and tomatoes in Waren started in May 2016, and June 2016, respectively. It is expected to produce around 24 tonnes of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) and 11 tonnes of tomatoes per year.

At the INAPRO demonstration site, there are two independent water recirculation systems: one for the plants and one for the fish. These systems are unidirectionally coupled to transfer the correct amount

The site is expected to produce around 24 tonnes of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) and 11 tonnes of tomatoes per year.

INAPRO partners visit the demonstration site.

Practical Hydroponics & Greenhouses . March . 2017. 69

of nutrient-rich fish water to the hydroponically grown crops. This so-called double water recirculation system provides optimised conditions for the production of fish and plants and increases the productivity of both.

Further, in order to minimise the fresh water demand, the evapo-transpirated water from the plant area is regained through cooling traps and reinserted into the fish tanks. This feature ensures that the daily water input is less than three per cent of the total amount of water circulating in the system.

“The whole production process is monitored and controlled through a management execution system (MES). The MES records and evaluates all technical and economic parameters in a single standardised system in order to provide a precise daily overview to the user of the production of both fish and tomatoes,” said the company spokesperson.

“For this purpose, the system includes tools such as a feed and nutrient calculator, a simulator of water and energy consumption and a profitability calculator. The MES is designed to give precise recommendations to the user concerning the status of the whole system and to provide inputs for improving the system’s efficiency. In order to make it practical for the end-user, the MES has an intuitive user interface that makes the whole system easily understandable.”

The Waren demonstration site is managed by Müritzfischer, which is the largest freshwater fishing company in Germany. The company deals with lake and

Analysis has shown that the tomatoes produced by the INAPRO aquaponics have the same characteristics as the ones produced by conventional hydroponics.

70 . Practical Hydroponics & Greenhouses . May . 2017

river fisheries, aquaculture, fish processing and marketing. In particular, the catfish produced in the INAPRO demonstration site are directly processed and sold on site thanks to Müritzfischer’s own processing facility, which enables the production of frozen, smoked and pickled fish.

“Analysis has shown that the tomatoes produced by the INAPRO aquaponics have the same characteristics as the ones produced by conventional hydroponics, confirming that the INAPRO tomatoes are good, healthy and tasty.

Until now, the fruits have been sold by Müritzfisher on the premises of the demonstration site and in a local supermarket,” said the spokesperson.

“The INAPRO project will mobilise industry, member states and stakeholders into promoting the new technical and technological approach for INAPRO aquaponics, which reduces the water and carbon footprint significantly compared to current systems by minimising emissions, optimising reusable water flows, recovering material and nutrients from waste water, reducing energy demands while lowering the operating costs.

“INAPRO will provide market advantages for manufacturers, technology suppliers as well as for fish and vegetable farmers. Special attention will be given to relate INAPRO to parallel funded complementary EU projects and to serve as a seed project to initialise follow up activities,” he said. b More information at: www.inapro-project.eu

The catfish produced in the INAPRO demonstration site are directly processed and sold on site thanks to Müritzfischer’s own processing facility.

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