Categories
Greenhouse News

NZ Greenhouse Berry Grower Workshop

Two Subject matter experts added to presenters list

 

As an additional bonus for the attendees of the Greenhouse Berry Workshop, I am very pleased to announce two further speakers will be giving presentations.  Dr Gunjan Gera, works for Zonda Beneficials on Research and Development will be giving a talk regarding beneficial insects used to control insect pests on different greenhouse berry crops.  Dr Gera works for the New Zealand Gourmet group which has vast amounts of experience growing Blueberries, Raspberries and Strawberries. 

The second speaker is Marco van Den Berg, Business Manager for HortFertplus, Horticentre Group.  Marco will be discussing the nutrient requirements for different stages of plant development.  Changing from soil grown to bag grown, the opportunity to be more precise with fertiliser nutrition is an added advantage.  Marco will also talk about the importance of the substrate especially for cultivars grown for up to 6 years in the same substrate.

The registrations are proving popular and we have had a great response so far.  If you are interested in attending the Greenhouse Berry Workshop please don’t miss this opportunity. 

If you are interested in registering for this educational opportunity please email stefan@grower2grower.co.nz.  The cost to register is only $ 57.50 per person including GST.  Numbers are restricted so please don’t wait or you may miss out.  Growers and their staff, Industry suppliers and students are welcome to register for this event.

 

 

Introduction to medium-high tech greenhouse Berry production

 

 

The demand for fresh berries, such as raspberries, blackberries, strawberries and blueberries, has risen sharply in many parts of the world in recent years, and New Zealand is no different.  Traditional outdoor berry growers, in New Zealand, are now seriously looking at greenhouse or tunnel house production models.  Some already are.

This has not gone unnoticed by me and for the past 18 months you may have read articles, I have written, about growing berries using protected cropping models. 

Around the world there are many different protected crop growing structures, from low to high tech facilities.  Many traditional greenhouse vegetable crops, such as tomatoes, are now grown in some of the most high-tech greenhouses imaginable.   I understand that traditional outdoor berry growers are now dipping their toes and starting to grow in low-tech tunnel houses.  I wanted to investigate the option of growing berries in both low-medium tech greenhouses and high-tech greenhouses and comparing these different options. 

I came up with the idea of hosting a greenhouse berry grower workshop.  This has been many months in planning, from the initial concept, to finally being in a position to reveal this event. I am very pleased to announce, thanks to funding from the Horticentre Trust, that on Wednesday October the 2nd, Grower2Grower will be hosting a workshop in Pukekohe, South Auckland.  The keynote speaker is Doctor Michael Nichols, former Massey University Lecturer, Berry consultant and subject matter expert. 

Dr Nichols has a wealth of knowledge, he has spent many years studying and conducting trials for the berry industry.  He has travelled extensively to many different berry conferences and seminars.  He will be talking about the following:

Cultivars to be discussed:

  1. Strawberry

  2. Raspberries

  3. Blackberries

  4. Blueberries

 

The programme will cover the following five topics:

 

SECTION 1, Greenhouses:  Medium and High-Tech structures (glass and plastic), Irrigation and heating systems, artificial lighting, plant support systems

SECTION 2, Plants: Growth stages, densities, heating and humidity strategies, Irrigation, plant maintenance and labour techniques, production

SECTION 3, Substrates:  Benefits of coco or rockwool for each cultivar

SECTION 4, Plants: Health, Fertilizer requirements, Pollination, IPM.

SECTION 5, Sourcing plant Material: 

 

This will be an intensive workshop running from 9.00am to 12.30pm.  This is a very rare opportunity to learn about high-tech berry production from one of New Zealand’s most experienced berry expert.  Morning tea will be provided.

 

A huge thankyou to the Horticentre Trust for supporting this educational event.

Web link to Article: news/post/greenhouse-berry-grower-workshop-/  

 

I appreciate your comments.  Please feel free to comment on the grower2grower Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/StefanGrower2grower/

Article Written by Stefan Vogrincic, Consultant, Grower2Grower

Article Edited by Marie Vogrincic, Editor, Grower2Grower

Categories
Greenhouse News

Understanding Absolute Humidity

Differences in Absolute Humidity are the driving force for the abduct of moisture

 

Early in July, Apex Greenhouses hosted growers and consultants to a presentation from Ton Habraken, Greenhouse Climate Consultant from Svensson and Bert-Jan Nolden, Commercial Manager at Hoogendoorn Growth Management, in regards to Growing by Plant Empowerment (GPE).  

Ton and Bert-Jan were promoting the new book: Plant Empowerment, The Basic Principles.  The book is based on a combination of both physical and physiological principles.  I was particularly interested with the focus on Absolute Humidity (AH).   I want to understand how this knowledge can be applied to improve growing techniques and be used to the grower’s advantage. 

To understand exactly how to take advantage of AH rather than RH, which is humidity relative to temperature, is key.  AH it seems could be a far better way of exchanging moisture without the risk of condensation forming on your plants, which in turn could cause diseases.  By using a climate screen for example this process of expelling moisture by using this principal has a lot of merit:

In New Zealand, it has been accepted that there is no real need for climate screens, as our climate especially for growing tomatoes or cucumbers in the top half of the country is seen as being mild.   Many capsicum growers have climate screens to reduce the effect of high radiation but the thinking behind that was possibly not for humidity control.   If you are considering building or retrofitting a greenhouse and including a climate screen it should not be just for energy purposes. I advise you to read the sections about AH in the GPE-book and contact Ton to seriously consider the climate screen you need. 

 

A list of advantages to having a screen for controlling AH are: 

  1. Get insight in if there is the possibility to discard moisture
  2. Discard moisture in the most energy efficient way
  3. Reducing condensation on to the crop
  4. Reducing diseases
  5. Monitoring the exhaust of moisture by ventilation vs the evaporation of the crop
  6. See directly if the taken actions have the desired effect on the humidity
  7. Decrease the use of a minimum pipe
  8. Achieve a more homogeneous greenhouse climate

 

AH explanation: the difference between AH inside and outside the greenhouse in g/kg or g/m3 air determines the amount of moisture that is expelled by ventilation.  The bigger the difference, the less air exchange is needed for the same effect on dehumidification.  In cases where the difference is very small, moisture discharge by ventilation is difficult or even impossible

The amount of moisture that is transferred per m3 air is determined by the difference in Absolute Humidity between outside and inside air.  Differences in Relative Humidity can be misleading unless inside and outside temperatures are equal

Absolute humidity (AH) is the measure of water vapor (moisture) in the air, regardless of temperature. It is expressed as grams of moisture per cubic meter of air (g/m3).

The maximum Absolute Humidity of warm air at 30°C/86°F is approximately 30g of water vapor – 30g/m3. The maximum Absolute Humidity of cold air at 0°C/32°F is approximately 5g of water vapor – 5g/m3.

Relative Humidity also measures water vapor but RELATIVE to the temperature of the air. It is expressed as the amount of water vapor in the air as a percentage of the total amount that could be held at its current temperature.

Warm air can hold far more moisture than cold air meaning that the Relative Humidity of cold air would be far higher than warm air if their Absolute Humidity levels were equal.

 

Ton's presentation also covered – High Grade Light Diffusion = Higher Photosynthesis.  But this is for another article.

 

If you would like to purchase the Plant Empowerment book you can visit the website: https://www.plantempowerment.com/books/plant-empowerment-the-basic-principles/

If you want to know more about how Svensson climate screens can help improve your growing climate you can contact Ton Habraken by email: ton.habraken@ludvigsvensson.com

 

 

I appreciate your comments.  Please feel free to comment on the grower2grower Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/StefanGrower2grower/

Article Written by Stefan Vogrincic with contribution from Ton Habraken.

Article Edited by Marie Vogrincic, Editor, Grower2Grower

 

Categories
Greenhouse News

Women in Horticulture Tour

NZ Gourmet Waiuku and Zonda host event

 

On Tuesday the 13th of August, Sashi Cassidy, Manager of NZ Gourmet Waiuku, guided a group of ‘Women in Horticulture’ participants through their glasshouse operation.  Sashi led the group through the capsicum growing areas explaining how the plants were grown and what systems are used.   Sashi showed the group around the pack house, talking them through the processes involved in packing the capsicums.  Beneficial insect business, Zonda, runs its business from the same site.  Gunjan Gera, Research and Development coordinator at Zonda, showed the group several bumble hives, and Sashi explained the importance of pollination and the role the bumble bees play. The group consisted mostly of ladies from other industries, which included banking, accountants, laboratories and insurance businesses, but what they all have in common is the important role they play in horticulture, as direct business support for growers.   The information was invaluable to increase knowledge and understanding of the horticulture industry.  For these business leaders it is important to understand the level of detail involved with all different aspects of growing operations.

 

Above Gunjan and Sashi explaining how the Bumble bees operate

 

This event was organised by Horticentre.  Originally formed by Christine Cowell 4 years ago, the Horticentre ‘Women in Horticulture’ group has grown to a mailing list numbering 127.  The tours are held every three months on average allowing for continued opportunity to network.

 

The group had a demonstration of the FTEK designed capsicum transport system that transfers capsicums picked in the the greenhouse onto the conveyors, which then moves the produce back to the packhouse.

 

It is fantastic that Horticentre supported this initiative.   The Women in Horticulture movement is very important. This industry needs every women and man to become involved in promoting it.  The more knowledge that is captured, the better.   Promoting our industry to fellow New Zealanders and to the world is essential.  Without the involvement of women in both growing, governance and support businesses we will struggle to advance at the speed we need to stay competitive.  Women in this industry are equally as important as men, make no doubt about that. This grou that is more than just promoting Women in Horticulture, which is a great initiative but this unique opportunity is for all Horticulture in general.   It should have happened 30 years ago.  Well done to the team at Horticentre for this initiative.  My only complaint is that next time Sashi could you please point out the boy’s room as well :-). 

For all Women in Horticulture enquires send your e-mail to joanne.connolly@horticentre.co.nz  Horticentre is looking at compiling a contact list once they have addressed privacy concerns.

 

After the tour the group engaged in a networking session and afternoon tea.  Thanks to NZ Gourmet Waiuku, Zonda Beneficials, Sashi Cassidy and the Women in Horticulture group for allowing me to tag along.

 

I appreciate your comments.  Please feel free to comment below or on the grower2grower Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/StefanGrower2grower/

Article Written by Stefan Vogrincic, Consultant, Grower2Grower

Article Edited by Marie Vogrincic, Editor, Grower2Grower

Categories
Events/Announcements

Greenhouse Berry Grower Workshop

Introduction to medium-high tech greenhouse Berry production

 

The demand for fresh berries, such as raspberries, blackberries, strawberries and blueberries, has risen sharply in many parts of the world in recent years, and New Zealand is no different.  Traditional outdoor berry growers, in New Zealand, are now seriously looking at greenhouse or tunnel house production models.  Some already are.

This has not gone unnoticed by me and for the past 18 months you may have read articles, I have written, about growing berries using protected cropping models. 

Around the world there are many different protected crop growing structures, from low to high tech facilities.  Many traditional greenhouse vegetable crops, such as tomatoes, are now grown in some of the most high-tech greenhouses imaginable.   I understand that traditional outdoor berry growers are now dipping their toes and starting to grow in low-tech tunnel houses.  I wanted to investigate the option of growing berries in both low-medium tech greenhouses and high-tech greenhouses and comparing these different options. 

I came up with the idea of hosting a greenhouse berry grower workshop.  This has been many months in planning, from the initial concept, to finally being in a position to reveal this event. I am very pleased to announce, thanks to funding from the Horticentre Trust, that on Wednesday October the 2nd, Grower2Grower will be hosting a workshop in Pukekohe, South Auckland.  The keynote speaker is Doctor Michael Nichols, former Massey University Lecturer, Berry consultant and subject matter expert. 

Dr Nichols has a wealth of knowledge, he has spent many years studying and conducting trials for the berry industry.  He has travelled extensively to many different berry conferences and seminars.  He will be talking about the following:

 

Cultivars to be discussed

  1. Strawberry

  2. Raspberries

  3. Blackberries

  4. Blueberries

 

The programme will cover the following topics:

 

SECTION 1, Greenhouses:  Medium and High-Tech structures (glass and plastic), Irrigation and heating systems, artificial lighting, plant support systems

SECTION 2, Plant Growth:  Growth stages, densities, heating and humidity strategies, Irrigation, plant maintenance and labour techniques, production

SECTION 3, Substrates:  Benefits of coco or rockwool for each cultivar

SECTION 4, Plant Health: Fertilizer requirements, Pollination, IPM.

SECTION 5, Sourcing plant Material: International and local

 

This will be an intensive workshop running from 9.00am to 12.30pm.  This is a very rare opportunity to learn about high-tech berry production from one of New Zealand’s most experienced berry experts.  Morning tea will be provided.

If you are interested in registering for this educational opportunity please email stefan@grower2grower.co.nz for more details.  The cost to register is only $ 57.50 per person including GST.  Numbers are restricted so please don’t wait or you may miss out.  Growers and their staff, Industry suppliers and students are welcome to register for this event.

Date of Workshop: Wednesday the 2nd of October 

Time: 9.00 am to 12.30 pm

Location: Pukekohe Indian Community Centre, 59 Ward St, Pukekohe 2120

Example of HIGH TECH Strawberry production

An older Dutch tomato producing greenhouse now converted to Raspberry production and trailing LED supplementary lighting.

Raspberries grown in medium tech structure.

 

A huge thankyou to the Horticentre Trust for supporting this educational event.

 

 

I appreciate your comments.  Please feel free to comment below or on the grower2grower Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/StefanGrower2grower/

Article Written by Stefan Vogrincic, Consultant, Grower2Grower

Article Edited by Marie Vogrincic, Editor, Grower2Grower

 

 

 

Categories
Industry Profile

Dr Mike Nichols

Berry Expert and Consultant

 

Mike Nichols is a retired University lecturer from Massey University.  He has been working with greenhouse berry fruit for the past 20 years, and was one of the first to grow strawberries and blueberries hydroponically in New Zealand.  He has consulted internationally on a wide range of horticultural topics including berry fruit (for USAID in Azerbaijan).   Currently he is researching the effect of planting date on greenhouse strawberry production.  He has visited berry fruit growers and researchers in many countries including UK, Belgium, Australia, Thailand, and Japan.  He writes regularly (The Final Word) for NZ Grower Magazine, and was a regular contributor (for 18 years) for Practical Hydroponics magazine and Greenhouses, until it ceased publication.

Mike is an Honorary Member of the International Society for Horticultural Science, and in 2015 was presented with a Life Time Achievement Award by Vegetables NZ.

 

I am very happy to announce that Mike will be the key note speaker and presenter for the educational grower berry workshop to be held in Pukekohe on Wednesday 2nd of October, Please refer news/post/greenhouse-berry-grower-workshop-/

Above a photo of Mike and below is an article Mike supplied to Grower2Grower in August 2018

 

YEAR-ROUND STRAWBERRY PRODUCTION

Year-Round Strawberry Production

Tuesday, 14 August, 2018

Growing in High Tech NZ Greenhouse Conditions

 

Article written by Mike Nichols

 

Traditionally in New Zealand strawberries are planted in the autumn, and flower in the spring, producing a crop of ripe strawberries in the early summer.   For this reason the growers who specialise in strawberry runner production have developed an effective system which ensures a good supply of high health strawberry runners to the industry in the May/June period.

In our early studies with greenhouse strawberry production I used runners (young plants) provided by the strawberry runner producers in Katikati.

There are essentially two main types of strawberries, the short day type, such as the variety Camerosa, which requires a period of short days (less than 12 hours of daylight per day) and may even require a short period of cooler temperatures in order to initiate flowers, and the day neutral types, such as Monterey, which initiate flowers irrespective of daylength, but may require a period cooler temperatures for good flower production.

Camerosa is still the main variety grown in the field in New Zealand, because of its large fruit size, and good production in the pre-Christmas period.

Strawberry production under greenhouse conditions has many advantages over field cropping, including a marked reduction in fruit rots (due to no rain), better quality, no birds etc, but, of course at a capital cost.  In our initial trial we soon discovered that the long term productivity of the day neutral types far exceeded the short day varieties, although the short day varieties produced a very heavy daily harvest, but over a much shorter time.

The problem with the day neutral types is that fruit size tends to fall over time, and that the cost of harvesting strawberries is dependent on the size of the berries, as it is much, much cheaper to harvest large fruit (per kg) than small fruit.  The second problem is that as the runners only become available in May/June the greenhouse crop tends to mature over a very similar period (though of course slightly earlier) than the conventional outdoor crop.

Our approach was to develop a system of producing planting material (runners) year round, and to see what the performance of different varieties was with planting dates every month of the year.

The system of runner production we used was the tip runner system, in which the mother plants are grown (hydroponically) well above the ground, and the runners when they are produced are cut from the mother plant, and rooted in a growing medium under mist.  The resulting plants can then be grown on in larger containers (we use rock wool blocks), or planted out immediately.

For the past 2 years we have been able to harvest ripe strawberries every week of the year from a greenhouse in Palmerston North, where winter light conditions are anything but ideal.

How long you can crop the plants for is a good question, as the very best fruit is produced by the youngest plants.  One approach may be to cut the plants back after say 3 months of cropping.  Another may be simply to replant at regular intervals—it is all an unknown area of endeavour. 

One other consideration is the economics of the whole operation, as “out of season” production strawberries can be imported relatively cheaply from Australia and California, but these come in with a biosecurity risk from fruit fly.

Note:  This work was undertaken with my colleague Damian Duggan-Jones who is now working for T&G International on their berry fruit project at Kerikeri.  

 

I appreciate your comments.  Please feel free to comment below or on the grower2grower Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/StefanGrower2grower/

Article by Stefan Vogrincic, Consultant, Grower2Grower

Article Edited by Marie Vogrincic, Editor, Grower2Grower

Categories
Technical

Technical: Increase Stems per m2

Summer Density – That time of year again!

 

Tomatoes:

If you haven’t already, you should probably lift your winter density to summer density and selected your side shoots.  With spring only days away day length will rapidly increase as should light intensity. Even though it is cold, and the rain has finally arrived by the bucket load, there is still more than acceptable light levels. 

To be in a position to leave side shoots you do have to make sure your plant is powerful enough to grow a strong side shoot.  I was very excited this week to see a plant, that had been pruned correctly throughout the winter, is already setting its second, and in some cases third, side shoot truss.  The benefit, of taking the side shoot, means an increase in production in early October.   The shoots are looking strong but if the plant shows any sign of struggle, with the increased stems and fruit per m2, we will simply prune harder.  I would rather do this than drop the night time temperature, which we have good control over, with the current cool outside conditions.  I am also very aware that prices for tomatoes is extremely good right now so dropping speed of production at this time is not an option!

The extra side shoots add a new dimension and will provide many positive outcomes.  In my opinion an acceptable head density for a 55-65mm fruit, at this time of the year, is back to a planting density (for summer plantings) of 3.3 heads per m2, up from 2.2 heads per m2, the number that plants were reduced to in the winter for example. 

 

Using different coloured strings makes it easy to identify what plants to add additional heads from.  This is usually done for double or triple headed grafted plants to ensure when increasing density, you don’t mitigatingly add too many side shoots to the same block. 

 

A very good question I was recently asked was “would it be better to go through the winter at 2.4 plants m2?”  Simple answer, you possibly could but alternately if you pruned too hard or had excess power, then slightly increase the fruit per m2 instead next season.   (Based on the numbers)

Another question, I am frequently asked, is ‘how many extra irrigation cycles should we increase to each day?’  I simply can’t answer that because it is my belief that you should use target figures with both your EC and WC, using your crop registration reports to determine those target figures.  If you are not achieving the target figures it will quickly show up in the plant and the measurements.  This is where the collection of all the necessary information is very important.   Naturally your irrigation will need to be monitored carefully so you spot those sudden drops in water content and potential spike in EC.   Now you have extra stems and leaf area this will alter WC and EC so having sensors to monitor this is an advantage.

In summary, there are different factors for consideration when deciding the right time to increase plant density. Crop registration numbers, as well as the plants physical appearance is important.  There is an element of the ‘grower feel’.  I think after 25 years in this industry you just know.  The trick is do it when the plant can handle it without restricting production.

 

I appreciate your comments.  Please feel free to comment below or on the grower2grower Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/StefanGrower2grower/

Article Written by Stefan Vogrincic, Consultant, Grower2Grower

Article Edited by Marie Vogrincic, Editor, Grower2Grower

Categories
Category

The Futuristic Farms that will feed the world

NZ has the ability, we now need investment!

 

Recently I had a post sent to my LinkedIn.  It highlights the amount of research the Dutch greenhouse industry are investing into what they firmly believe is one of the ways humans may (will) feed large parts of the world more efficiently and sustainably.  For many years the Dutch have been exporting their greenhouse knowledge and technology, this has seen them become the ‘All Blacks’ of the greenhouse horticulture world. 

 

 

In New Zealand we definitely do not lack the knowledge.  I believe we have some of the best growers in the world, growing in some very high-tech modern structures.  However, we definitely lack the training and educational facilities.  For example, in Victoria, Australia they have the Chisholm Institute, which have their own high-tech greenhouse teaching facilities with, scaled down, state of the art greenhouse structures and equipment.  They also run training courses including a crop technicians’ course, an introduction to computerised greenhouse control systems and commercial crop production amongst others.

 

I would love to see, in New Zealand, a high-tech training facility because we need to keep up with this technology and explore the huge opportunities the greenhouse industry is creating.   Like the Dutch we also have the expertise to export our knowledge and products.  FTEK are a perfect example of leading the world in greenhouse high trolley and spray equipment innovation.   The unique geographical position we find ourselves in may be seen as a negative but I only see opportunity for NZ.  If we do not explore these opportunities then we run the risk of falling behind, losing any competitive export edge we may have and that has been driven partly by private investment.  We certainly need to be competitive, produce extremely high-quality sustainable food that makes a profit!  Technology is key.  Greenhouses are key!!

Cover photo of a Dutch greenhouse with all the bells and whistles for optimum production.

 

I appreciate your comments.  Please feel free to comment below or on the grower2grower Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/StefanGrower2grower/

Article Written by Stefan Vogrincic, Consultant, Grower2Grower

Article Edited by Marie Vogrincic, Editor, Grower2Grower

 

 

Categories
Integrated Pest Management

The Target

Spraying equipment and application rates

 

Recently I visited a crop and wondered why the whitefly control programme was not as effective as I anticipated.  The products and rates applied for the spraying were within the recommended supplier guidelines.  The issue, in this instance, was not the products effectiveness but the targeted application of the products.

I was very lucky that I had a spray boom constructed and designed by my Dad.  It was built so the nozzle angels could be interchanged easily and each individual nozzle could be turned on or off quickly and easily.   The reason was simply to target a specific part of the plant and apply the product more effectively.   This is not something new to most growers and therefore I possibly assumed it is common practice to have this type of equipment.   The spray boom in question (recently) was targeting the entire crop with 16 nozzles, 8 left and 8 right staggered over an approx. 2.5 m boom.  The only way to turn off a nozzle was to manually change the nozzle to a blank. This boom also had non-adjustable nozzles, pointing up at a 45-degree angle (this makes it impossible to spray stems or the base of the plant effectively as you can’t point the nozzles down).

All of this started me thinking about hole sizes, cone or fan nozzles, pressure and application rates per ha etc.   It is very evident that there are different schools of thought on ‘best practice’. 

What did I use: It was trial and error in the early days but I believed what worked best for our crop was a fan nozzle with a .3mm hole spraying with a standard bar pressure of four. On a full canopy crop my application rate was 2000-2200 litres per ha equivalent.  Considering I hardly ever sprayed an adult crop top to tail, rarely this volume of water was applied.  Water usage equivalent to a 100-meter row = 32.6 litres of volume to each row (16.3 L each side).   This was walking at a decent Stefan pace! I had a 14-nozzle boom with 7 each side.  On average I would operate with 8 to 10 nozzles (4-5 either side) open when spraying.  If I was just targeting adult whitefly, I would have the top 6 (3 either side) on.   Was my spraying practice perfect? No, but it was effective.  Spraying success could be attributed to several variables including the leaf area you are covering and the leaf habit of the cultivar you choose to grow for example. 

Many growers now have spray robots, this means the sprayer speed is extremely accurate but many growers still apply their sprays manually.  However, even though some growers have spray robots there is no nozzle, (angle or hole size), distance between nozzles that is standard in the industry that every grower agrees is most suitable.  The best volume application rates be per/ha depending on the amount of physical m2 crop is covered would be another variable. 

Talking with a very large tomato grower this week, we agreed that whitefly, in particular, are becoming harder, season on season, to control.  It has been the most destructive pest we have had to deal with, since I started growing, and is still a major problem.  TPP did not do us any favours when it came along in the mid 2000’s. It meant we became too dependent on chemicals.  Our magic bullet is now missing the target and we are almost back to the drawing board.  For the sanity of growers (and advisors please) there could be more discussion and emphasis on accurately applying foliar sprays.  It is just part of the solution but I believe very important we talk with each other to have an understanding of what is ‘best practice’.

If you would like to add to this article, I would be more than happy to receive your thoughts and theories from either growers or suppliers to the industry. 

 

I appreciate your comments.  Please feel free to comment on the grower2grower Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/StefanGrower2grower/

Article Written by Stefan Vogrincic, Consultant, Grower2Grower

Article Edited by Marie Vogrincic, Editor, Grower2Grower

 

Categories
Equipment

FTEK – Kiwi Innovation leading the World

Spray Robot with Air-boost Spray Application Technology

 

NZ Horticulture Conference Supplier Presentation

What a great idea to have presentations from suppliers and give them the opportunity to present their products to growers.  The first of these presentations, I attended, was from James Currie, co-owner of FTEK, who unveiled the companies brand new greenhouse spray robot with air-boost spray application technology.  The sprayer is a fully autonomous greenhouse pipe-rail spray robot dedicated to precise and efficient application of pest and disease control sprays.  The innovative air assisted spray technology has been adapted to boost coverage, in traditionally hard to reach areas of the crop, dramatically improving results whilst reducing chemical usage and intervals of spraying. 

Apart from the air assisted technology the unit is free of any hose reels, has a large header tank and docking station which provides plenty of water holding capacity.  Being fully autonomous these labour-saving machines will certainly attract the attention of growers.   James said that the battery life will allow the machine to operate for up to 6-7 hours at a time before recharging is required.

The FTEK design and construction teams are seriously smart operators and we are extremely lucky to have this company at our back door.  I have travelled to many parts of the world and am very familiar with greenhouse equipment, I truly believe the equipment they are developing is up there with the best in the world.   FTEK equipment is exported internationally. 

Below is a short video demonstrating the air assisted autonomous sprayer from the interactive displays at this years NZ Horticulture conference at Mystery Creek in Hamilton.

 

Air Boost Advantages:

 

  1. Game changer (industries first 24V battery powered system)
  2. Decrease costs & increase yields (More effective coverage means less waste and more time between sprays)
  3. Optimizes crop coverage in hard to reach areas of the crop
  4. Improves spray deposition (significant reduction in spray run-off)
  5. Optimal spray droplet size
  6. Modular integration with Tek-spray robot

 

To find out more about Air Boost technology and other greenhouse equipment products available:

 

  • TEK lift
  • Pipe rail push trolleys
  • Internal transport conveyor systems
  • Cucumber bagging systems

 

Go to https://www.ftek.co.nz/

Or contact +64 (0)9 239 2607

info@ftek.co.nz

 

James Currie did a great job introducing the new Air-Boost Spray Application Technology at the New Zealand Horticulture Conference

 

Early in July, Mark and James were also at the Australian PCA conference in the Gold Coast promoting the Air-Boost Spray Application Technology. 

 

 

I appreciate your comments.  Please feel free to comment below or on the grower2grower Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/StefanGrower2grower/

Article Written by Stefan Vogrincic, Consultant, Grower2Grower

Article Edited by Marie Vogrincic, Editor, Grower2Grower

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Categories
Events/Announcements Greenhouse News

NZ Horticulture Conference 2019

Review and Photo Gallery

Congratulations to Horticulture NZ for this year’s very successful conference at Mystery Creek. I thoroughly enjoyed the conference, it was jam packed full of interesting and informative presentations.  I don’t think there was one presentation whereby I didn’t learn something new or provoke some further thought on my part.  Writing for Grower2grower I try to focus on the technical aspects of growing, so it was great to have the opportunity to attend presentations focusing on greenhouse innovation, some of  which I will be covering over upcoming editions of Grower2Grower.

 

Below is my photo gallery and comments

 

The Presenters:

It was great to see Hon Damien O’Connor, Minister of Agriculture, Biosecurity, Food Safety, Rural Communities and Minister of Stage for Trade and Export Growth attend the conference. The partnership between government and growers is absolutely essential.

 

Prof. Sir Peter Gluckman’s key note presentation on Advanced Breeding Technology was simply fascinating.  I highly recommend, if it is available from Horticulture NZ, you read a copy of his presentation. 

 

Anthony Tringham co-owner of Curious Croppers presentation on utilising Social Media was informative and as usual when Anthony speaks, it was very easy to be engaged.

 

Simon Watson, Managing Director of NZ Hothouse Ltd presented a brutally honest account of a Health and Safety incident that changed, for the better, measures how the company now deals with H & S.  An extremely good example for other companies to follow.  Well done Simon and NZ Hothouse.

 

The Twins (no relation) Professor David Hughes, Imperial College London and David Hughes, Plant and Food Reaserch together provided an entertaining presentation considering global food trends and the opportunities they present for NZ.  Plenty of food for thought whether you agreed or not.

 

There were other very interesting thought-provoking presentations, that cross my boundaries into the political spectrum, but I would just like to point out that chicken, that is not chicken, is actually not chicken and minced meat that is not minced meat is actually not minced meat.  It may look like chicken, taste like chicken and feel like chicken but it is plant based and deceiving the brain into thinking it is chicken is deception.   The processes to produce the ‘fake’ chicken is mind boggling, crazy and scary enough for me to actually have an opinion!  Just wait until the tomato that’s not a tomato but is actually an animal-based product is produced, imagine the Real Beefstake Tomato 🙂  Even better it can be marketed right next to the fruit and vegetable section in your local grocery store!

 

The Pavilion:  With over 25 exhibitors the pavilion had something for everyone:

 

Tom Chen, Beaulieu Technical Textiles

 

Daniel Deere and Kimberly Woelke from Pure LED

 

Scott Richardson and Crystal Jones from Hills Laboratories

 

Kay Airey from Primary ITO

 

There was plenty of space for the 600 delegates.

 

The Dinner:

 

Ben Smith, T&G and Tomatoes NZ Board member speaking with Karen Orr and Helen Barnes, Business Manager from Tomatoes NZ

 

The NZ Hothouse lads, and fellow Tomatoes NZ Board members Simon Watson and Lex Dillon

 

Special mention for Barry O’Neil, Horticulture NZ President and Chairman of Tomatoes NZ for a tireless effort during the conference.  Great work Barry. 

 

A special thanks to Karen Orr, Business Manager for Horticulture NZ/TNZ, and Andrew Bristol, Communications Manager for Horticulture NZ, for support in organising attendance, at the conference, for myself and Marie.

 

Special mention to Plant & Food Research for their well thought out display in the exhibition hall and their presentations.

 

I appreciate your comments.  Please feel free to comment below or on the grower2grower Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/StefanGrower2grower/

Photos and comments from Stefan Vogrincic, Consultant, Grower2Grower

Article Edited by Marie Vogrincic, Editor, Grower2Grower