Categories
Events/Announcements

Australian HFF Conference Preview

Australian HFF Conference Preview

What would you like information on?

 

On Sunday I will travel to Australia and attend the Monday sessions of the HFF (Hydroponic Farmers Federation) conference to cover some interesting topics that are being presented.  Below is the programme:

 

  • Why will Australian consumers buy more of what Hydronic Farmers produce?- Martin Kneebone

Freshlogic, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia

This presentation will draw on the findings of the FOODFrontiers analysis and deliver a set of views on emerging market trends with that are poised to drive change in the food market. The content draw on Freshlogic food consumer and food market data to provide insight into household food buying influences and consumption behaviours.  The Australian food market settings will be profiled to provide insight into how this market works and what is of relevance to hydroponic growers. The major food market trends will be identified, evidenced and explained before being extended out to profile their relative potential impact on the food market and specifically as they travel through the fresh food supply chains to the Australian market. The presentation will conclude with a summary of how these trends extends to commercial implications for hydroponic producers.

 

  • Building a high-performance workforce – Chris Millis

Flavorite, Warragul, VIC, Australia

Over 50% of the cost of production in protected cropping businesses is labour, becoming a expert labour manager is essential, this talk gives an insight into how Flavorite manages the challenge of building a high performing workforce.  The topics to be covered are; assessing challenges, developing a strategy, remuneration, training, performance reviews, engagement and feedback.

 

  • Substrate Berries 10 tips for Sweet Success – Andrew Olley

No description available

 

  • Australian plant biosecurity in practice: From incursion to exotic plant pest management – Jessica Lye

AUSVEG, Camberwell, VIC, Australia

Over recent years the Australian vegetable industry has experienced incursions of several Emergency Plant Pests, such as Cucumber Green Mottle Mosaic Virus, Vegetable Leafminer, Tomato Potato Psyllid, and Brown Marmorated Stink Bug. During several of these outbreaks, activation of the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed (EPPRD) has led to industry and government response activities with the intent of eradication, containment, or transition to management. Attendees will be provided with an overview of the Australian biosecurity system and processes in place to assess and eradicate exotic plant pests. This presentation will also explore the outcomes of recent key vegetable industry exotic pest outbreaks and will provide information on the current distribution and biosecurity statuses of these pests, as well as the risks they pose to vegetable growers. 

 

  • Light Characteristics and its impact on plant physiology – Graeme Smith

Graeme Smith Consulting, Woodend, VIC, Australia

Greenhouses harvest light and the way growers use this light set us apart from any other production system and allows us enormous opportunities to steer our crops to an optimised vegetative/generative balance for enhanced yield, quality and produce uniformity. Plants look at light in a very different way to humans and we need to understand these differences and the opportunities it affords us to better meet the needs of plants and how to make them comfortable and productive. We say that 1% light equals 1% production therefore we must strive to optimise light at all times using a wide range of tools that are available to us and understand its effects on plant physiology. (how plants grow in a greenhouse and what affects its growth!) This presentation will explore light characteristics, the impacts on plant performance and some tools to influence the light intensity and sum.

 

  • Let there be Light – Greenhouse coverings – Carl Van Loon

No description available

 

  • Light optimization – Roger R De Jagher

Growing greenhouse production is constantly reacting to outside climate conditions. Part of the time, there is an overload of (sun) light and heat, and other parts a shortage of energy. In this session, we will provide the audience with insights of how to optimize the use of solar energy for greenhouse production. By implementing some simple measures, a grower can achieve more yield with a better quality. An example of a solution to create a better greenhouse climate is using coatings and solutions.

Development of coatings has gone fast in recent years. Not only reflecting light but also improving the light quality by diffusing the incoming light. This results in a more even spreading of light throughout the greenhouse and the crop. In addition, different crops have different light requirements. Besides needing more or less light, crops can also prefer to have more or less of a specific colour in the light spectrum.

This session will further elaborate on the special light requirements of crops and how growers can get the maximum out of their greenhouse production.

 

  • Svensson greenhouse climate screens: it does not stop at the extra 5%! -Ton Habraken

No description available

 

I will be reporting back to you on several of these topics for the next issue. The three key topics I will cover are:

  1. Building a high-performance workforce, presented by Chris Millis
  2. Substrate Berries, 10 tips for Sweet Success, presented by Andrew Olley
  3. Light optimization, presented by Roger R De Jagher

If there is another presentation you would like reported on and you find interesting please let me know. 

 

Email stefan@grower2grower.co.nz or by Facebook https://www.facebook.com/StefanGrower2grower/

Categories
Category

Back to basics

Back to Basics

 

In our industry we can be as technical or as basic as we like when it comes to growing. However, I cannot stress enough how important basic crops recordings are to understanding what is happening with the plants health.

Over 20 years ago I implemented a routine, given to me by one of New Zealand’s top covered crop consultants, which served me well throughout my growing career.   When it comes to irrigation it is important to know what is going in and what is coming out, if you are not doing this then you run the risk of playing the ‘guessing game’.   It is important to know the PH and EC values being applied but it is just as important to know what is in the substrate or coming out of the substrate.  I always ask this when visiting a grower, it can tell you so much.  It is equally important to know the instruments you are measuring with are well calibrated and regularly maintained- false readings will lead to big headaches. 

How many growers do standard deviation checks of their irrigation systems?  It is time consuming and boring but, as I learnt in England, it is extremely important and valuable to make sure that your delivery system (for example compensating drippers) is delivering water as evenly as possible and within the tolerance of the manufactures guidelines.  If they are not then it is either time for new irrigation or you have an issue with something blocking your drippers.  To test  choose 30-40 different places in any irrigation valve and measure exactly how much water is being delivered over one or two irrigation cycles. 

Years ago, I learnt the hard way that if you don’t have an alarm to detect low water pressure it can be very costly!  So many growers do not have this type of alarm and it’s another reason to perform daily checks to ensure your irrigation system is delivering correctly, but It is possible to get caught out by this as the pressure needed to open some compensating drippers can range, for example if the recommended pressure needed to guarantee all drippers open is 1.5 bar but some drippers will open at 1.2 bar, then you better hope your mains pressure does not drop to 1.4 bar and that the one or two sample buckets you have are not from the drippers that open at 1.2 bar!!  This happened to me but fortunately it was at the end of my crop, I was so very lucky it was not at an early stage of the crop cycle.

This is not just important for the standard crops growing in greenhouses but also for the many types of berries which are now growing under cover and in substrates.

Plants cannot communicate verbally-  it’s from readings that we have a basic understanding of what is happening to a plant at different stages of the crop cycle and at different times of the year. 

Please take recordings.  Even if they are basic they are fundamental to maintaining crop health and identifying mechanical errors.

Please contact Stefan Vogrincic for practical growing advice.  E-mail stefan@grower2grower.co.nz  or phone 027 444 5018

Categories
Greenhouse News

2021 A Tough Slog For Growers.

It’s been a dog of a year

The Upside:

Tomato prices have been at levels in November, and December I have not seen in 20 or more years.   The growers that have been picking during this period have recouped some much-needed returns and hopefully this will level out with what they lost last season, during some of the lowest returns I have seen in 20 years.

As an industry a lot of work has been done to gather information and to provide solutions to growers.  A special mention to the tireless work from Helen Barnes and Karen Orr from TNZ, who have gone above and beyond.

Cucumber crops have been performing well with the normal issues to deal with but there have been no major disasters.

It is great to here and see the development of other covered crop industries – it is really ramping up in New Zealand and there will be countless other structures built in the coming years.  It is certainly an industry on the rise, and this can only bode well for our economy in the future.

Growers in Australia I consult to are also doing well with some very tidy crops.   Covid has meant a lot of video conferences which have their difficulties, but we have managed this well.

The Downside:

2021 has been another very strange year.  Covid-19 has, yet again, had far too much influence on our day to day lives.  For many growers it has been for the most part carrying on as normal in our bubbles.  Unlike the hospitality industry we have been fortunate to keep working without too many large disruptions (yet). Careful management of small teams within some properties has been implemented to prevent mass shutdowns.  It is a tricky and fluid situation.

2021 also brought the tomato industry the Pepino Mosaic Virus (PepMV) – a real blow, that has been struck by several bio-security issues within a short space of time.   We are still unsure how this strain of PepMV will affect crops during the high light period.  Like Covid a vaccine or inoculation will be our best defence but due to the bio-security rules there are some extremely high hurdles to jump before we get to that point.  So, growers will be at the mercy of the strain that has been identified for the foreseeable future.  This is not an ideal situation.   Growers, that do not have the virus, require some very strict hygiene protocols in place to prevent the virus taking hold.

Cucumber prices have been fair to average this year with some pressure currently.  Currently tomato pricing is good, and this must be due to supply and demand.  Some growers may have also changed from tomatoes to cucumbers because of the PepMV.  It is, without having all the information, a guessing game but this could be an explanation.

The cost of importing goods has done something worse than skyrocket more like a supersonic missile increase.  The impact of this will be passed onto the growers.  This will lead to growers either cutting back or less willing to maintain crop health.  It is a difficult time to control expenses.

Grower2Grower:

Marie and I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.  I know you will be busy but hope you have time to enjoy with family and friends at this hectic time of the year.   We will be taking a short break and be back with our new exciting website in the new year.  We look forward to bringing you all the growing information you need to know again next year.  Thanks to all our readers and to all the contributors and advertisers that have supported us this year – we will be back bigger and better in 2022

Best wishes from Marie and Stefan the Grower2Grower team

Cover photo sent by Steve Dickson: As you can see by the faded colour it has been a well-worn hat.  Holly (the dog) loves carrying it around and when I can’t find it all I have to say to her is “where is the hat” and she searches high and low and brings it to me.

Article written and compiled by Stefan Vogrincic

All Article’s checked and edited by Marie Vogrincic

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

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

Categories
Shading

Shading With Redusol

A Reliable Solution for Cooling the Greenhouse

 

 

Nowadays, liquid greenhouse coatings are replacing chalk applications more than ever. These coatings are easy to apply, easy to remove and provide uniform shading. Coating with ReduSol is a good choice for people who have little or no experience with liquid coatings.

The best way to keep heat out of the greenhouse is by repelling external heat radiation. For this reason, growers have traditionally sprayed their greenhouses with chalk or repelling the heat by using an external shade-cloth. A more modern option is to apply wear resistant ReduSol on the outside of the greenhouse. ReduSol reduces heat radiation and is a more practical alternative for chalk or the installation of shade-cloths.

 

EASY TO USE

ReduSol has been on the market for over 25 years and many ornamental plant growers have had very positive experiences with this coating. The product is easy to use. It is already liquid, therefore easy to mix with water and causes no clogging of the spray equipment. Moreover, ReduSol is easier to remove from the greenhouse than chalk. Together with growers and through research, Mardenkro further developed the technology of liquid coatings though research and input from growers. Currently a series of coatings with advanced properties is available, like light diffusion or reflecting certain wavelengths of the light spectrum.

 

 

AN AVERAGE OF 5 DEGREES LESS

Applying a liquid coating to the greenhouse roof changes the light circumstances in the greenhouse. This has an impact on the growth and development of the plants. If you have no experience with the ReduSystems products, the application of ReduSol on the greenhouse roof is a good way to experience the effect of a liquid coating. ReduSol provides full protection and is resistant to rain. A layer of ReduSol on the greenhouse roof reduces the average greenhouse temperature by as much as of 5 degrees C. This benefits both the plants and the employees working in the greenhouse.

 

FOR GLASS AND PLASTIC GREENHOUSES

ReduSol can be applied on glass and on all plastic materials. If ReduSol is applied to a plastic greenhouse, the lifetime of the film is extended because the coating blocks part of the harmful UV rays. Applied to a sidewall, ReduSol is a good way of reducing the radiation on that particular side. The coating is easy to apply and to remove manually or by machine if available (through a contractor). To remove ReduSol, Mardenkro has developed ReduClean, a mild cleaning product that is safe to use on glass or plastic film and will, after application, allow the rain to wash off the coating

 

CUSTOM REDUSOL

Liquid coatings, such as ReduSol, can be applied in multiple layers. It is possible to increase the shading as needed when the light intensity increases. ReduSol can also be reapplied in places. The two layers mix together well, resulting in a lasting uniform layer on the greenhouse roof. ReduSol can be mixed in multiple colours. Garden centres can, for example, mix a black colour through the liquid coating in order to apply a dark coating on the greenhouse in December, thus creating a Christmas atmosphere. Another application is the mixing of a green pigment for a better integration of the greenhouses into the landscape. This is done in Germany and other countries. The added colours of the coating have no effect on the removal of ReduSol.

Article Link https://www.redusystems.com/en/articles/shading-with-redusol

 

Article content supplied by REDUSYSTEMS:

Contact your local Horticentre branch for RedySystems products

Categories
Irrigation/Substrates Technical

Dealing with High Sodium

Collect Rain Water

High levels of sodium in bore water can be a major issue for growing in general.  Properties that have multiple bores, at different depths, have been known to have differing amounts of sodium in them.  A cucumber grower, that lives not too far from my old property, had constant issues with high sodium.  This meant he had to run very low EC (electrical conductivity) in and out of the substrates as the plants would quickly ‘darken’ and show signs of stress.

This is problematic on several levels.  Being restricted on what you can give your plants nutritionally is a compromise.  It will require growing totally different on a property with high sodium levels compared to another property with low levels.  Certain cultivars may be more susceptible to high sodium levels which may restrict what you can grow.

There a few ways you can deal with this issue. One way is to enquire into a reverse osmosis unit or another is to collect and store your rain water.  The issue for smaller businesses is not just the initial investment of a reverse osmosis unit but also the waste water that has the high sodium levels you will need to dispose of.  Most large operations have water storage ponds and therefore negate issues with bores with elevated sodium levels.  It may however, become an issue in the summer if reservoirs become low and require a bore to top them up.

Capturing rain water and using these resources is always going to be a great option.  Depending on the size of your operation you could either build a pond or I highly recommend using an option like the Flexi Tank water bladders for under two million litres.    A perfect solution for smaller grower’s water storage.

If there is a drought, and you do not have enough water stored, it will be problematic.  If you have to use water with elevated sodium levels due to a drought, then at least this is at a time of the year you can grow with a more vegetative approach and therefore lower EC levels, however, this is far from ideal.  Another option may be to mix rain with bore water.  There may be either a threshold for when you may consider mixing the fresh rain water, you have in your reservoir, with high sodium bore water to dilute the effect.   This may also be an option all year round depending on the level of sodium in your bore water.  Again, this is far from a perfect scenario but a potential short-term solution.

Water storage is a hot political topic, the major advantage we have in New Zealand is that it rains everywhere.  There may or may not be droughts in the future, I don’t have a crystal ball but history would indicate they are common.  Certainly, I would only consider growing using an insurance policy of stored rain water, even if I did not have high sodium levels in my bore it is still a great option.

There is an investment required but without a perfect source of water you will always be compromising and chasing your tail to grow effectively.  If you don’t want this hassle then I highly recommend you collect your rain water.

Article written and compiled by Stefan Vogrincic

All Article’s checked and edited by Marie Vogrincic

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

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

Categories
Equipment Irrigation/Substrates

A Clean Water System

A clean water system at Lisianthus grower Lugt Lisianthus (NL) thanks to Huwa-San

 

Lugt Lisianthus is a well-known floriculture grower in the Netherlands. The 5.8 hectare nursery in Monster has been in use for the cultivation of Lisianthus since the end of 2019.

Good water quality is very important in the cultivation of Lisianthus, as it is grown in full greenhouse soil and is sensitive to fungi, including Fusarium. Germs can easily spread through the water throughout the nursery. Bacteria and fungi feel comfortable in the biofilm on the inside of the pipes. There, they multiply and cause blockages. The result is uneven watering. This is very undesirable, because it causes dry patches and uneven growth of the crop.

“Good water quality is very important in the cultivation of Lisianthus, without water treatment, you’ll see an accumulation of biofilm in any watering system.”

Wesley Van Der Lugt

 

Lugt Lisianthus needed a solution to clean their irrigation system and to maintain the water quality to a high standard thereafter. In June 2020, they started adding Huwa-San as water treatment agent, as advised by Royal Brinkman’s product specialist in hygiene and disinfection Dirk Timmers. Dirk and Roam Technology’s technical specialist Jef van Gorp have been supporting Lugt Lisianthus ever since.

Dirk explains: “Huwa-San is proportionally dosed into the irrigation water via a flow-controlled dosing system. When we start dosing, we begin by taking a baseline measurement of Huwa-San and ensure the grower has detailed onsite training. We also provide targeted follow-up and technical guidance throughout the year. Together, we think along with the customer in order to arrive at the best approach against pollution and preventing blockages in the water system.”

 

Roam Technology’s Jef Van Gorp said: “At Lugt Lisianthus, quarterly water analyses are taken in the greenhouse, from the top irrigation, the bottom irrigation, at the unit and in the basin. These samples are then analyzed by an independent laboratory, a report is produced with the results and site-specific advice is given. That advice could be about the dosage, remedial action or change of protocols.”

Jef continued: “With a digital hydrogen peroxide meter, we can measure the amount of Huwa-San TR-50 very accurately at any point in the water system. It is nice to quickly notice that the concentration you set on the dosing pump can also be measured in the pipes. In this way, the grower himself is also convinced that the product will get everywhere. With test strips, the grower can also easily take interim measurements. This allows him to quickly measure the hydrogen peroxide content. With these test strips you can see the concentration of the Huwa-San TR-50 present in the water within a few seconds.”

The use of Huwa-San has led to great results at Lugt Lisianthus; according to the grower the irrigation system has been ‘spotless’ ever since, giving micro-organisms less chance to spread in the nursery, leading to healthier crops. Additionally, the grower no longer needs to unscrew the nozzles one by one twice a year to clean the sieves. This has resulted in considerable labour savings.

 

 

Article Link:

https://www.roamtechnology.com/news/a-clean-water-system-at-lisianthus-grower-van-der-lucht-lisianthus-nl-thanks-to-huwa-san/

For more detailed information, contact Roam Technology at export@roamtechnology.com.

 

Or Contact your New Zealand Distributor 

Paul Marlow| Agrichemical & Certified Handler Trainer/Sales Rep

Mob: +64 20 4151 9342

64 Anselmi Ridge Road, Pukekohe 2120

Auckland New Zealand

www.educhem.co.nz

     

 

  

 

Categories
Greenhouse News Integrated Pest Management

Non-Toxic, Eco-Friendly Sticky Boards

Zonda Beneficials is stepping up their sustainability game!

 

Here at Zonda Beneficial’s we have been working hard, doing our part to help the environment. One of the more recent steps we are taking is working to eliminate the use of unnecessary, non-recyclable, plastics and introducing biodegradable packaging and products.

Today we would like to introduce our latest products upgrade; Silvalure ‘Catch-It’ sticky boards. They provide the same great results with the added benefit of being environmentally friendly.

 

Silvalure products have been thoroughly tested and are guaranteed effective.

 

For effective, non-toxic, eco-friendly control and monitoring of glasshouse pests, you won’t find better than Silvalure sticky boards.

These sticky traps will eventually replace the current Horiver brand we offer.

 

Find them in the shop on our new website; www.zonda.net.nz

https://www.zonda.net.nz/news/26-03-2020/new-and-improved-sticky-traps/

 

or for more:

Contact Zonda for Pollination and Pest Control

Zonda Beneficials

79 Taurangaruru Road, Waiuku- 2683. Auckland

www.zonda.net.nz

zondasales@nzg.co.nz

 

Categories
Seeds

De Ruiter is now part of Vegetables by Bayer

Growing better together.

Pioneering Innovation

Since the 1500’s, pioneers in the Netherlands have led the world’s breakthroughs in seed science. This rich heritage of innovation is what drives De Ruiter forward. We strive to advance the science of greenhouse and glasshouse production not only for today, but far into the future. It’s a passion we’ll carry forth, generation after generation.

Dedicated to serving protected-culture growers, De Ruiter’s commitment to research & development and innovative breeding programs means we consistently lead the field in tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, eggplant, and other crops suited for the protected environment. But what we are most proud of is our enduring partnership with growers.

Stronger together

Now, as part of Vegetables by Bayer, the precision and innovation you’ve come to expect from De Ruiter can be found at an even more powerful scale. Using our global network and partnerships, we’ll have the ability to anticipate market trends and develop shared solutions to help grow future success for the entire value chain.

What this means for your business

Our global presence means that the unique challenges you face as a protected-culture grower can now be met with more tailored solutions. And, while breeding the best products is an important start, we know that breeding close relationships and day-to-day interactions are the keys to our long-term success. At Bayer, we strive to partner more closely with you. We know that together, we can grow the health of your business, and the health of the world.

A commitment to growth

Our pledge to grow your business extends far into the future. We know your needs are constantly changing along with the needs of the industry and consumers around the world. We are committed to evolving and innovating along with you. This commitment will empower not only your growth, but the well-being of people everywhere. Let’s work together to ensure your crops provide exactly what people want, and need, to thrive.

Contact your Local New Zealand Representative 

Marco Lozada

De Ruiter Business Manager

Bayer Vegetables New Zealand

////////////////////

Bayer New Zealand Ltd

Vegetable Seeds Division

704 Harrisville Road,

Pukekohe RD2 2677

Tel: +64 09 239 0666

Mobile: +64 27 222 2432

Mail: marco.lozada@bayer.com

Web: http://www.bayer.com I http://www.deruiter.com

Categories
Irrigation/Substrates Supporting Services

Advanced Hort offers the solutions

Side Shift and Fixed Benching

 

Advanced Hort offers three different bench types, Fixed benches, Side-Shifting benches, and Mobile benches. In the last 30 years, the basic principles of mobile benches have evolved to a well-tested and proven concept.

The mobile benches are a perfect stepping stone in upgrading a nursery for multiple reasons.

​Side shifting and Mobile benches allow a far greater percentage of your greenhouse to be used for production, rather than requiring valuable areas to be used for walkways.

​Benching systems can also be used with Ebb & Flood Bench Tops as well as regular mesh top. The Ebb & Flood Benches provides fully automated irrigation for your crops, further improving the efficiency of your growing area.

​

Features:

  1. The basic components of the mobile benches consist of:
  2. Mobile benches (Ebb & Flood and regular mesh top bottoms, welded, self-assembly)
  3. Watering equipment (water supply and discharge, static watering booms).
  4. Multi-Move Lateral Transport (MMLT) sections (with pneumatic lift).
  5. Support and rail pipe components.

​

The automation components are:

  1. Bench transport robots.
  2. Bench automation (push, pull and lifting equipment).
  3. Plant handling (robots, grading equipment).
  4. Overhead transport (stacker, crane).
  5. Cleaning/disinfecting equipment.
  6. Control and visualisation software (PLC or PC based)

 

Above Image Fixed Benches

Image Above Sideshift Benches

 

Image Above Rolling Benches/System

 

Ebb and Flood Bench Tops

 

Ebb and Flood Benches offer the greatest and most uniform watering system available while improving ergonomics and OH&S compliance. Ebb & Flood Benches are very common in Europe and could be of great benefit to your bottom line.

 

Benches can increase your effective growing area by up to 30%, reduce your water use by up to 70% and reduce fertiliser use by up to 30%.

​

Features:

  1. Benches are tailored to your needs
  2. Highly resistant, chemical-proof and UV-resistant plastic ensuring a long lifetime
  3. Available in a range of sizes 
  4. Fast turnaround of crops
  5. ‘Quick-valve’ quickly floods and drains benches

 

 

Check out the links below:

https://www.advancedhort.co.nz/automation-and-labour-saving

https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6873516604873932800

 

Contact the New Zealand Distributor

Nathan Hewson
Managing Director 
Advanced Hort Ltd
+64273785481
Nathan.hewson@advancedhort.co.nz

www.advancedhort.co.nz

 

 

Categories
Greenhouse News Technical

Weather heats up

Equals increase pest pressure

 

Whilst out visiting customers, or during on line consultations, it is pleasing to see that insect pressure is under control. However, I do have some Australian customers reporting an increase in whitefly numbers.  One grower, I recently visited, hardly had a single whitefly and was still having good control with Encarsia.   It was great to see such a fantastic crop set up perfectly for the summer.  It helped the crop was strong, had a wonderful root system and was not burdened with too many fruits per m2. 

 

Not to be pessimistic but this can change very quickly.  Psyllid yellows were an issue last summer and I don’t expect this issue to have disappeared.  Also, other growers have expressed concern over increased pest numbers.  For smaller businesses, with no green bridge (multiple crops on the same site with different planting dates), it is much easier to control insect pressure if you start the crop clean.  It is also very evident the longer you have a zero tolerance to whitefly the longer you will sleep well at night.  However, I fully expect large plumes of whitefly to begin hatching outside and finding its way to greenhouse crops, psyllids may be on the heels of the whitefly so it is very important that businesses pivot quickly when necessary.

This is what can happen in less than two months if you ignore whitefly

 

With now being the busy time of the year, it is a reminder not to take the foot off the throat of the insects.  Easier said than done but an important message.

 

Integrated Pest Management is a great tool to avoid spraying.  To stay in control using beneficials at this time of the year you may need to either increase the numbers of beneficial insects or have a threshold for when you will require alternative interventions.   If you want to keep using beneficials, for as long as possible, then consider spraying with products that have limited mortality on the beneficial product you are using.  Specifically ask if the product you want to spray is compatible with the exact beneficial insect you are introducing.  Some products could be less harmful than others so you need to check with your supplier.  Any time you spray it will have a negative effect on beneficials, limit your spraying and make sure you spray before you introduce new beneficials, especially if you are using oils or natural products.  Try and give your beneficials a chance.

 

It is hard observing black scale on the underside of lower leaves because the black scale/parasitisation occurred weeks earlier and may not be representative of the present.     Sticky traps on trolleys or around entrance ways are a great way to monitor pest pressure.  For example, if a row is 100 metres in length, by the time I had worked on that row if the sticky trap was bursting with whitefly, I knew I was too late and had a big issue.  If there are a hundred insects then you can quickly work out in around two weeks you will have a much larger issue on your hands.

 

Sticky traps close to entrances and on high trolleys act as great indicators of pest build up.

 

Insects are only going to increase, with an uncertain summer price making sure you have a clean crop could give you a distinctive advantage – and make it easier to sleep at night.

 

Article written and compiled by Stefan Vogrincic

All Article’s checked and edited by Marie Vogrincic

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

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