Philagro South Africa (Pty)Ltd Reg no: 98/10658107PO Box 36213 Menlo Park 0102Pretoria Tel: (012) 348 8808Somerset West Tel: (021) 851 4163www.philagrosa.co.za

Flower productsthat work

For full particulars refer to product label.Margeret Roberts DiPel biological caterpillar insecticide, reg. no. L7112, Act no. 36 of 1947 contains Bacillus thuringiensis var kurstaki. Sumisclex SC, reg. no.L6377, Act no. 36 of 1947 and Rot ‘n Spot, reg. no. L6943, Act no. 36 of 1947, contain procymidone. White fly insecticide, reg. no. L6372, Act no. 36 of 1947,contains pyriproxyfen, harmfull. Ludwig’s red spider mite, reg. no. L6942, Act no. 36 of 1947 and Smite, reg. no. L6011, , Act no. 36 of 1947, contains etoxazole,caution. Rizolex WP, reg. no. L6376, Act no. 36 of 1947, contains tolclofos methyl, caution. Margeret Roberts Vectobac biological mosquito killer, reg. no.L7622, Act no. 36 of 1947, contains B thuringiensis var israelensis. Milbeknock 1 % EC, reg L 6654, Act no. 36 of 1947, contains milbemectin. Milbeknock isthe registered trade mark of Sankyo Company Ltd, Japan. Sumisclex and Rizolex are the registered trademarks of Sumitomo Chemical Company, Tokyo,Japan. DiPel and Vectobac are the registered trademarks of Valent Biosciences, USA.TI

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PRODUCTS THAT WORKFROM PEOPLE WHO CARE

New!Milbeknock 1% EC

for the control of red

spider mites

Products from Philagro South Africa will help you create theproblem free garden you always wanted!

Margeret Roberts DiPel* biological caterpillar insecticide will control your lawn caterpillars,and is harmless to birds and other non target species.

Dollar spot on the lawn? Sumisclex SC or Rot’n Spot will return your lawn to tip-top condition.

White flies a problem? Whitefly insecticide will see too it that you have your flowers to yourself!

Roses are prone to attack from red spider mites. Ludwig’s Rose Spider mite, Smite andMilbeknock 1% EC will control the spider mites.

Damping off of seedlings is caused by a group of fungi, of which Rizoctonia solani is one.By using Rizolex WP, in combination with other fungicides, this problem could be prevented.

Mosquito’s breed anywhere where free standing water is available,such as that water feature next to the front door!By sprinkling Margeret Roberts Vectobac* biologicalmosquito killer into the water, the larvae will be killed,without any detrimental effect to the fish or frogs orother aquatic organisms.

Happy gardening!

USEFUL NUMBERS

IN THE INDUSTRY

SOUTH AFRICAN FLOWER EXPORT COUNCIL (SAFEC) HEAD OFFICEP.O. Box 1927, Krugersdorp, 1740Tel: (011) 692 4237, Fax: (011) 693 7051Cell: 082 852 7258Email: info@saflower.co.zaWebpage: www.saflower.co.za

SOUTH AFRICAN FLOWERGROWERS ASSOCIATION - (SAFGA)P.O. Box 1927, Krugersdorp,1740Tel: (011) 692 4237, Fax: (011) 693 7051Cell: 082 852 7258 (a/h)Email: info@saflower.co.zaWebpage: www.saflower.co.za

KZN FLOWER GROWERSASSOCIATION - KZNFGAP.O. Box 24, Seven Oaks, 3249Tel: (033) 507 0053, Fax: (033) 507 0040Email: brasso@xsinet.co.za

SOUTH AFRICAN PROTEA PRODUCERS AND EXPORTERS - SAPPEX258 Main Str, Paarl,Western Cape, 7185Tel: (021) 870 2900, Fax: (021) 870 2915Email: janneke@dfpt.co.za

GROWING TOGETHER

Tommy Patterson - Editor

TF Page 1

It’s almost springtime again and once again all over South Africa there are spring flower fairs and exhibitions to satisfy flower growers and lovers everywhere.

It’s that time of the year when the Northern Cape in particular bursts in to floral glory as the wild flowers carpet the landscape. An awesome site drawing locals as well as vsi-tors from all over the world.

The local flower-growing industry is pick-ing up as the local economy improves, whilst the major flower exporters still seem to be having some difficulties as European and Asian buyers figures are down. The devastating earthquake and tsunami in Ja-pan has had a profound effect on the de-mand for flowers in that part of the world as people seem to have more pressing is-sues when it comes to buying luxury items.

Once again we are carrying a page of In-terflora news since they have discontinued their in-house publication.

Talking Flowers goes out to the member-ship lists of SAFGA, KZNFGA and SAPPEX as well as to Multiflora and Grandiflora customers nationwide as well as a sub-scriber data-base which has been built up over the years.

On the fruit side, the magazine is sent to growers and members of the various fruit associations and organisations as well as exporters and other businesses allied to the fruit industry.

As one of the world’s largest exporters of fruit it is vital that we keep up- to-date on developments in the industry both here and abroad.

Good news is that fruit exports this year have exceeded previous years, as farmers reaped bumper crops - lets hope this trend will continue to the next season...

Regards, Tommy Patterson

EDITORIAL COMMENT

USEFUL NUMBERS

SPRING IS BURSTING OUT ALL OVER

GARDEN WORLD SPRING FESTIVAL

BEAUITFUL FLOWERS THAT LAST

SUCCESSFUL CYMBIDIUM GROWING

INTERFLORA NEWS

CORRECT CT-FOWER CARE

BLEACH AGAINST BOTRYTIS

INTERNATIONAL FLOWER SHOWS

SUBSCRIPTION FORM

CONTENTS1

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Cover pic: Iris’s by Hadeco

TALKINGFLOWERSAFRICA

Publisher:Patterson Publications

Editor: Tommy Patterson

Layout: Keith Coventry

Advertising & Marketing: Robert J. Simpson

Tel: (011) 827 8590, Cell: 072 266 7051

Talking Flowers Africa is published by:

Patterson Publications cc, Postal Address:

P.O. Box 397, Sea Point, 8060Physical Address:162 Kloof Road,

Bantry Bay,Cape Town

Tel/Fax: (021) 436 6034

Email: pattersonpub@telkomsa.net

To subscribe to Talking Flowers Africa email us at: pattersonpub@telkomsa.net or complete the subscription form in this publication

Letters and comments, news and readers views are welcomed. Please email us at: pattersonpub@telkomsa.net or write to us at P.O. Box 397, Sea Point, Cape Town 8060

The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the editor or the publisher.

Copyright of all literary and artistic work, including photographs and illustrations, reproduced in this publication is vested in the authors thereof.

TF Page 2

Spring is round the corner, even though it might not feel like it is, and in celebration of Spring it’s a good time to let you know about some of the Spring Festivals and flower shows happening in South Africa in the coming weeks ...

SPRING IS BURSTING OUT ALL OVER...

much happening at this fair with food stalls and jumble sales and of course lots of fresh produce available to purchase.Contact the Fouriesburg Information Centre for more information +27 (0)58 223 0429 or +27 (0)79 897 1669.

Magoebaskloof Festival

Magoebaskloof in Limpopo holds their annual Magoebaskloof Spring Festival from Satur-day, 24 September 2011 to Sunday, 02 October 2011. You will be able to visit a number of the local gardens that are on show and browse through one of the markets that are held.

The festival takes place at the Magoebaskloof Hotel and in the historic village of Hae-nertsburg. A festival highlight is the orchid exhibition, spectacular display of orchids, open from September 22 to 26 on the lawns of the hotel. These exquisite plants will also be for sale.. The Cheerio Garden is famed for its Japanese flowering cherry blossoms, azaleas and crab apples. Visitors can stroll through the gardens and then enjoy teas or light meals overlooking a dam. For more information telephone Linda Miller on +27 (0)15 276-1531 / +27 (0)82 575-5738 or Anne-Marie Brook on +27 (0)15 276-4828 / +27 (0)82 883-4449

Spring Festivals

The Fouriesburg Spring Fair takes from on Saturday, 03 September 2011 in Fouriesburg (near Clarens) in the Free State. There will be cherry blossom orchard tours, organic farm tours, demonstrations on eco farming, art exhibitions and walks to San paintings. There is so

Yellow Arum Lily

The Yellow Arum Lily Festival in Roossenekal, Mpumalanga (Dates to be confirmed (Saturday, 26 November 2011 to Sunday, 27 November 2011). Roossenekal is not widely known to most South African’s however it is home to the Yellow Arum Lily (Zantedeschia pentlandia).

This stunning species is yellow with a black-purple inside bottom is a protected species and is on the endangered Red Data list. You are NOT allowed to pick these flowers or dig them up. The festival will give you the opportunity to purchase the Yellow Arum Lily from registered propagators who propagate them from seeds or from the small bulbs forming naturally from the big bulbs.

For more information contact Christine Ackerman on +27 (0)13 273-7123 or +27 (0)82 550-6896.

Sunday Tribune Show

The Sunday Tribune Garden and Leisure Show in Pietermar-itzburg from Friday, 30 September 2011 to Sunday, 02 October 2011. Here you will find exhibition space both under cover and open air of approximately 16 000 square metres.The Orchid Hall is a breathtaking experience and also offers retail sales.There are demonstrations and talks in the Floral Art division and the Bonsai Society will showcase some of their finest bonsai’s. There will be a large number of plants and flowers for sale as well as specialised plant material. The Bonsai Society produces a superb oriental display and the Show also hosts the annual Il-lovo Floral Cake of the Year Competition - South Africa’s largest and most prestigious display of icing at its best.For more information you can telephone +27 (0)33 345 6274.

Hogsback Spring Festival

The Hogsback Spring Festival in the Eastern Cape runs for over a month… (Dates to be confirmed are Saturday, 24 September 2011 to Sunday, 25 September 2011) The Hogsback Garden Club invites you to come and visit the beautiful local gardens with wide varieties of exotic plants.Take a guided tour of 2 gardens in the morning or you can tour the gardens at your leisure without a guide. From Friday 25 to Sunday 27 September you are able to purchase plants, take part in fun activities and browse through the arts and crafts and food stalls.For more information you can contact Lynn Johnston:+27 (0)45 962-1192

The Clanwilliam Wild Flower Show in the Western Cape takes place from Thursday, 25 August 2011 to Wednesday, 31 August 2011. This standing tradition since 1972 with all flower fanatics is a must as it showcases the beauty and variety of the flora rich Clanwilliam district and Ramskop Nature Reserve. Throughout the show there are fun filled family activities as well as various musical performances. The show is open daily from 08h00 to 19h00, for more information you can contact Clanwilliam Tourism on 027 482-2024.

Are you interested in seeing more than 200 species of Fynbos from the renosterveld, sandveld, rietveld and wetland areas of the Hopefield district? If so, then make your way to the Hope-field Fynbos Show from Thursday, 25 August 2011 to Sunday, 28 August 2011. Telephone: +27 (0)22 783-0856

These events should get you into the mood for Spring and brighten those cold and dark Winter days. Can’t you feel it get-ting warmer already?

GARDEN WORLD SPRING FESTIVAL

Miracles of Spring July 29 to Spetember 4, 2011

This year’s Spring Festival presented by Garden World & Absa Business Bank, has gone big, featuring 34 show gardens which is almost double that of previous years.

The Festival runs from July 29 to September 4 and the number of designer show gardens has risen to 20, of which nine are brand new & the others are make-over’s of the very popular designer gardens from last year. There is also the Gold Award winning 2011 Kirstenbosch-SA Chelsea Exhibit, a Skills Development Designer Garden, 10 children’s gardens, an Indigenous Exhibit by Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden & a Water Wise exhibit created by Rand Water.

Both the new & re-vamped designer gardens will showcase the latest garden trends & find clever solutions for small outdoor spaces, using a diversity of plants & natural hard landscaping products.

And Spring arose on the garden fair,Like the Spirit of Love felt everywhere;

And each flower and herb on Earth’s dark breastrose from the dreams of its wintry rest.

~Percy Bysshe Shelley, “The Sensitive Plant”

The designers include last year’s winner, Paul Webber of ‘Engender Gardens’, Craig de Necker of The Friendly Plant & award winning landscaper, David Spagnola, of “Green by Nature’ who returns to the Spring Festival after an absence of three years. Re-vamping the previous year’s show gardens adds a new dimension to the Festival.

“Now that last year’s gardens are mature & look so good, we decided not to break them down but use them to demonstrate how easy and affordable it is to update & change an existing garden without having to do it from scratch,” said Louis d’Hotman of Garden World.

With the state of the economy, the emphasis is on re-invent, redecorate & re-vamp & this section of the show will offer plenty of inspiration for gardeners with a limited budget. To accommodate the increased gardens, the display area has been expanded & the intention is for this to become a

TF Page 4

permanent display, with outdoor rooms on view all year round. “We have found that the gardens become a reference point for different styles, allow the comparison of diverse hard landscaping products & provide ideas for different planting combinations, especially as we change the plants with the seasons.”

Garden World is particularly pleased to be hosting the Gold Award winning 2011 Kirstenbosch-SA Chelsea Flower Show exhibit which had been in jeopardy because of a lack of funds. The new sponsors were the Provincial Government of the Western Cape (PGWC) and the SA Gold Coin Exchange & this was the 36th year that South Africa was represented at Chelsea. Over the years it has won 31 Gold medals, two Silver-Gilt medal & three Silver medals. The re-creation of the exhibit at Garden World’s Spring Festival is proudly sponsored by Absa Business Bank & Mogale City.

In addition to the 10 schools taking part in the children’s garden section, there will be a number of events just for children & includes pot painting & jewellery making.

Other events will be a morning in the company of Margaret Roberts devoted to ‘Edible gardening’.

Garden World now boasts an exciting new venture – the Clover Mama Afrika Bakes project with Mama Emily Duda, the 34th Mama in South Africa.

Entrance to the Designer Gardens & the Chelsea Exhibit is R20pp Senior Citizens R10 & children u/12 years Free. For more information on the festival contact Magriet / Corné on 011 957 2545 / 011 956 3003 or 083 997 6142 or visit www.gardenworld.co.za

TF Page 5

Man has been trying to preserve the natural beauty of fresh flowers for centuries. While there are a number

of different flower-preserving methods throughout the world which provide dried brittle flowers, the technology behind African Floralush’s preservation technique was developed to provide for and maintain the natural softness and beauty of fresh cut roses. Thanks to the SME’s (small medium enterprise) innovative life-extending technology, African Floralush’s flowers can last over six months, remaining pristine-looking without requiring watering or maintenance. “Their unique qualities make them suitable for a number of décor purposes where neither fresh nor artificial flowers can be used,” explains JJ Viljoen, CEO of African Floralush. The preservation process used by African Floralush was first pioneered on a small farm in the Eastern Cape to provide viable employment for farm-based communities in the area. The SME was assisted by the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University’s (NMMU) Chemistry Department (InnoVenton) with research and technical assistance to improve the process. During this period Sasol ChemCity was approached to provide technical and engineering support to establish a pilot plant in Johannesburg. The plant was finally set up in Muldersdrift and currently employs 25 people, with the staff complement expected to double this coming year as

AT LAST BEAUTIFUL FLOWERS THAT LAST

Flowers: miracles of nature that man continues to try to replicate and preserve so as to capture their beauty for as long as possible. Their short vase-life, coupled with maintenance hassles and the high cost

to replace has found many people resorting to synthetic flowers – leading to a decline in the demand for fresh flowers. Good news for those who prefer fresh flowers however, is that African Floralush

has developed an exciting innovative local technology that promises to revolutionise the industry. The technology, which is based on a unique, eco-friendly chemical treatment process, extends the vase-life of fresh cut flowers for up to six months and longer – without them needing water. Working with Sasol

ChemCity, Sasol’s business incubator, African Floralush looks set to create its own niche in the market – offering customers the best of both fresh and artificial flowers…

the company begins exporting its flowers. African Floralush has also benefitted from having the IDC Venture Capital as its investment partner, without which it would not have got off the ground.

Viljoen explains that there are a number of markets for African Floralush’s flowers, “Research has shown that many consumers have moved away from fresh flowers because of the hassles associated with caring for them and replacing them. Much of this shift has been towards artificial flowers – with imports of artificial flowers rising by a staggering average of 38% per annum in the past six years. Because of this trend, our local flower industry is losing market share to artificial flowers, with South African growers unable to compete and closing down. Our

technology can potentially change this – creating a demand for fresh flowers that are then preserved to meet the needs of anyone who wants beautiful natural flowers for décor purposes.” Hotels, restaurants and corporates have already shown interest in African Floralush’s products, with current clients including Rovos Rail, Carnival City and City Lodge. “The long vase-life of our flowers means that clients can enjoy ‘fresh’ flowers for longer – and are saved the cost of replacing them each week.”With the technology still a “work in progress”, African Floralush will continue to partner with Sasol ChemCity to ensure its processes become the most efficient they can be. “The profitability of this company is linked to our ability to perfect this technology on an industrial scale,” says Viljoen. “This will ensure that we are able to process higher quantities of flowers more cost-effectively. It will also enable us to experiment with other flower and foliage types – preserving a wide range of unique species, including indigenous varieties that can then be marketed internationally. In this way, we are hoping to take ownership of this niche market.” As African Floralush’s beautiful bouquets start capturing the imagination and attention of local and international flower-lovers, it is clear that its innovative offering could well emerge as a viable alternative to both synthetic and fresh flowers. By providing consumers with fresh flowers – that last – this SME looks set to put South Africa on the global map, and achieve its original objective of meaningful community upliftment in the process.

SUCCESSFUL CYMBIDIUM GROWINGRietkol Orchids is a wholesale nursery that started out as an idea that evolved into a reality in 2007. Andy

Pearce together with his son, Gareth is the founders, executors and growers of Rietkol Orchids. Andy is an orchid lover who has grown orchids in his spare time and is the main decision maker. Gareth had the idea of changing the love for orchids into a wholesale business and as the production manager is

responsible for growing healthy plants.

By Renette Adamson, Technical Advisor, B.Sc. Botany and Soil Science

computer. This includes control of temperature, humidity and air movement with the use of fans and wet walls. A generator has been installed as a back-up to ensure these environmental conditions are maintained inside the greenhouse. In summer an average temperature of between 10 and 24°C are maintained inside the greenhouse with a humidity of 60%. Orchids can handle a vast fluctuation in temperature, but ideally not lower than 0°C and surely not above 40°C for long periods. Please note that these extreme temperatures can result in poor quality and yield. Orchids are very sensitive to frost and therefore should be kept in a frost free environment. A constant temperature is ideal except when flowering starts, a differentiation of 10° to 15°C

Rietkol Orchids is a wholesale nursery that started out as an idea that evolved into a reality in 2007. Andy Pearce together with his son, Gareth is the founders, executors and growers of Rietkol Orchids. Andy is an orchid lover who has grown orchids in his spare time and is the main decision maker. Gareth had the idea of changing the love

for orchids into a wholesale business and as the production manager is responsible for growing healthy plants.

After sound research, an area ideal for growing orchids was bought. This included an area close to the city and highways, but still in a rural set-up. Water is one of the most important aspects of growing any kind of plant on a big scale. A borehole was sunk and at a depth of 185 meters good quality water with ample supply was struck.

A 2000m2 greenhouse structure was erected on an area close to the N12, which makes it easily accessible. The greenhouse is fully automated and with the use of an ADSL line, everything can be checked and controlled via

TF Page 6

1. Cymbidium Tracy Reddaway ‘Marie’

TF Page 7

between day and night should be obtained. Cymbidiums should be given enough light, but not too much direct sunlight since this can burn the leaves. Rietkol Orchids maintain these light intensity levels with the use of the plastic cover as well as a 30% thermal screen in the greenhouse. Good air movement is essential, especially when temperatures are above 27°C and when the humidity is high.

Gareth runs the day to day activities involved with growing the orchids and according to him the fertigation and irrigation of the crop is done with a fully computerized Netafim system. The E.C. (electrical conductivity) and pH of the fertigation water is set according to the need and requirement of the crop. An average pH of between 5.5 and 6 are maintained. Here Nitric acid is used to acidify the pH of the more alkaline borehole water. The plants are watered up to 3 times per week in mid summer, and once a week in mid winter. Watering is dependable on the growth stages of the plants and the environmental conditions. Orchids like to be kept moist and utilize water in ample amounts. It is imperative to make sure that the pots have excellent drainage capabilities. A balanced nutrient feed is used which is ideal for growing orchids at the different growth stages.

Ocean Agriculture has three different nutrient feeds ideal for orchids. The orchid range of water soluble products is used in the fertigation of orchids grown in soil or in hydroponic production systems. These products contain macro and micronutrients and when applied to the irrigation water, the nutrients are readily available and provide for optimum plant growth and a high yield of good quality. The Orchid range of products is available in 1kg packaging and therefore can be used for commercial and household purposes. The Orchid Maintenance 18.8.15(40) is applied during periods where any orchid is actively developing roots. The Orchid Grow 30.4.8(42) is applied during the active growth cycle of any orchid. The Orchid Flower 10.13.17 (40) is applied during the flowering cycle of any orchid.

Rietkol Orchids imports young tissue culture from Australia on a yearly basis to ensure that there is ample plant material available

in all the different growth stages. According to Andy this also ensures that different varieties and colours can be introduced on a constant basis. There are so many different species available, but the decision was made to grow Cymbidiums. The reason is that it is amongst the most beautiful and long lasting of all orchids. It is also more cold tolerant, a vast number of varieties and colours are available and features large sprays of blooms in the middle of winter. Much of the new interest in Cymbidiums is driven by the appearance of miniature Cymbidiums that are smaller and more manageable. Once the tissue culture arrives it is planted in a 9cm pot. Each year as the plants grow it is transplanted into bigger pots of 15cm and eventually into 20cm and 25cm pots. The growing media used is a combination of pine bark, bark nuggets and charcoal. The screen size of the pine bark must allow for good drainage and aeration for oxygen in the root zone. The charcoal assists with drainage and purification of the water. The fully grown plants ready for flowering are transplanted into 20cm-25cm pots, whereby stone/rock are placed in the bottom. This is very important when planting the orchids since they are water loving plants, but require excellent drainage properties. Currently Rietkol Orchids has 35 different varieties, of which Khan Flame ‘Moccha’; Valley Vampire ‘Blood’; Shifting sands ‘Yellow bird’; Stone Free ‘lockie’; Ice on Fire ‘Nikkietia’ and Beau Guest ‘Glen are the personal favourites of the Pearce family.

When transplanting orchids it is important to make sure that the roots are not disturbed. This can result in plants going into stress that can cause a delay in flowering or abortion of flower buds. Sudden changes in growing environment can also result in bud drop, as will excessively dry warm temperatures during the day. Potting and repotting should be approached as a controlled operation. Before working with each plant disinfect the tools and make sure that good care is taken. The plants should be removed gently, if old dead roots are present it can be removed with care. Leafless pseudobulbs that are still green can be separated and repotted. However these will take several years to reach blooming size. It is recommended that you leave any green bulbs still attached to the plants as these are used for water storage by the plants. Once you have more than seven to nine old growths, you can divide the plants. However if you allow

Outside view of the pumphouse and office Fully automated pumphouse:

Outside view of the greenhouse

your plants to grow to specimen , you will be rewarded with multiple flower spikes containing up to 20 blooms every year.

Newly planted orchids take approximately 3-4 years before they will start flowering. Orchids start to spike from March and the development of flowers starts from May up to October. Flowering is stimulated by temperature, therefore it flowers during the winter season. A differentiation of 10° to 15°C between day and night should be obtained to stimulate flowering. Make sure that the plants are kept moist during budding and flowering. As the spikes are developing also make sure that you stake it so the blooms are held above the foliage. Here Nieco rollers are used for staking the spikes.

Coated sticky yellow and blue charts are placed in the greenhouse to keep count of insect populations. A system of integrated pest management is followed, that limits unnecessary sprays. Cymbidiums are not too prone to disease problems. Diseases include some fungal disease, bacterial infection and viral. According to Andy if you keep the moisture level constant, have a healthy clean environment where you grow then such problems can be reduced and eliminated. Virus are normally transmitted by insects and by keeping this under control, virus problems can be eliminated.

Rietkol Orchids currently grow 90% of the plants for cut flower production and 10% potted production. They supply to the cut flower market and retail nursery industry. The cut flowers are sold when at least 8 to 16 flowers are present. Colours ranges from brown, yellow, white, purple, pink and combinations of the above.

This family has managed to grow Rietkol Orchids into a full scale business in only 4 years. They will grow from strength to strength when taking their dedication and love for orchids into account.

Cybidium ‘My Sweet Amy’

Orchids in the greenhouse

Interflora NewsInterflora is the world’s largest, most recognized and respected flower delivery

service. Going for almost 100 years internationally and 60 years in South Africa, With Interflora sending flowers has never been so easy

CHELSEA GOLDThis year Interflora UK once again were represented and won a gold medal at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. The exhibit “A Sense of Perspective” was designed by by award-winning Interflora UK florist David Denyer.

The exhibit comprised nine, seven-foot high doorways adorned with thousands of flowers of all colours. Bournemouth-based, David, who has won 5 Chelsea Gold Medals, believes that flow-er arranging and exhibiting flowers enhances nature

The Chelsea design re-introduced many to the Interflora brand and was a showcase of the exceptional skill and creativity of Interflora and its 1800 florists.

Rhys Hughes, President of Interflora, added: “Recognition by the RHS Chelsea Flower Show shows that Interflora has real exper-tise and flair for design; each and every one of our florists around the country can create something truly spectacular.”

TF Page 9

THE FLOWER EXPERTS

Back in 1920 a florist, Joe Dobson, of Leighton’s Seedsmen and Florists in Glasgow, and a nurseryman, Carl Englemann in Saffron Walden, Essex, UK, were looking to increase their busi-ness. They knew of the Florists Telegraph Delivery Association (now known as Florists’ Transworld Delivery) which had existed in the US since 1910, and applied to join as foreign members. In 1923 the UK arm of the FTDA was officially formed and had seventeen members across the UK. The first slogan used was “Flowers by Wire”, when the telegraph was used to communi-cate between florists, later telegrams were the mode of contact to be replaced by the telephone. In the 80’s “The Messenger” system was introduced, this was similar to a fax system between members.

In 1953 the name changed to Interflora and the slogan Flowers Worldwide along with the now famous Mercury Man roundel be-came well known. “Say it with Flowers” became the subsequent and most famous slogan associated with Interflora.

In 2005, Interflora British Unit moved from being a trade associa-tion to private equity ownership under investment company, 3i. The brand was faced with declining sales and difficulty retaining market share within a more competitive market after a number of other well-known High Street names entered the flower delivery sector. 3i sold British Interflora to US-based FTD Group, the successor to Florists’ Transworld Delivery, in 2007.

Founded in South Africa in 1950, Interflora African Areas has more than 400 members using their flower delivery service across South Africa and African area including Angola, Botswa-na, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Today Interflora has over 58000 florists worldwide delivering to over 140 countries - Sending flowers around the world has never been easier.

Chrysal RVB ClearOptimises rehydration of cut flowersMaintaining the ability of a cut flower stem to efficiently transport water to the leaves and buds is one of the biggest challenges we face in the post harvest handling of fresh flowers.Flowers routinely travel long distances after harvest and will often be stored in dry conditionsfor several days.

If flowers are not rehydrated effectively, unacceptable levels of wastage result. In addition, their in-store display life and vase life will be greatly reduced.

Chrysal RVB Clear is part of the Chrysal new range of products; it’s improved concentrated formula allows us to reduce water content and packaging thus helping to reduce our carbon footprint.

Accurate DosageCorrect dosage is vital for optimum effectiveness of Chrysal RVB Clear. Overdosing can damage the quality of the flowers and waste money. Under-dosing is most critical, shortening the flower vase life dramatically. The Chrysal Dosing Unit is extremely userfriendly and allows exact dosing, regardless of the volume of solution required in the flower bucket or procona.

Chrysal RVB Clear general recommendations• Condition flowers at 2-5°C for a minimum of 4 hours, an overnight treatment is optimal• If the flowers then need to be bunched and sleeved, they are re-cut after this treatment

and then transferred to a transport and store display solution i.e. Chrysal Professional 2• Encourages excellent rehydration to roses, chrysanthemums and foliage filer lines• Store under cool and dark conditions. Do not store below 5°C• Shelf life: 18 months in sealed packaging• pH of read to use solution: 4-5• Dosage: 2ml/l• Solution can be used in all water types, preferably using tap water• Solution can be reused 2-3 times depending on temperature and number of flower treated Do not add residual solutions to freshly made ones• Any residual solutions may be discharged into the main sewerage system

The test results below show the effect of solutions of Chrysal RVB Clear, Chrysal Professional 2 and Chrysal Universal cut flower food in comparison with water on roses.

www.chrysal.co.za

Provides a simple and reliable method of accurate dosing.

Water Chrysal RVB Clear

Chrysal Dosing Unit

Contact kurt@chrysal.co.zafor more information.

www.chrysal.co.za

Chrysal RVB Clear encourages water uptake by reducing the pH of the water. It is free from aluminium sulphate and also contains no nutrients so fl ower buds are not artifi cially or prematurely stimulated to open.

Sobering statistics told a sorry tale of what happened to British florists when they failed to keep pace with modern trends. This issue we’re giving you the low down on every step you should take to ensure a secure spot for your business in an

increasingly competitive world. It’s simply about taking the required steps to ensure maximum longevity of each precious stem. As the process of providing a top quality bloom to your customer begins with the grower, the importance of establishing a good relationship with a trustworthy source cannot be overemphasised. The right questions to ask are indicated in the “Handy Hints” box below. But once the flowers are in your hands it’s vital you give them all they need each day, to stay beautiful after tomorrow. Use a tried and tested product like Chrysal Clear Professional 2 which contains all the nutrients for natural development of the buds to true sustainable colour and perfect form, preserving their natural beauty for as long as is possible, thereby extending the length of your sales window period. Use Chrysal Clear’s easy automatic dosing pump, saving on wastage and labour, while ensuring the stems get optimal nutrition. Chrysal Clear Professional 2’s unique formula is designed to simultaneously inhibit lime scale growth in buckets. While working with stems, tools and equipment are also easily polluted by organic dirt and lime scale causing blockages in dosing units, resulting in incorrect dosing. Far more significantly pollutants in general ultimately dramatically shorten stem life. Chrysal Professional Cleaner was developed to quickly and effectively remove dirt and lime ensuring all your tools, dosage units and working surfaces remain entirely aseptic, contributing hugely to the health, quality and longevity of your floral stock. Formulated by the world-wide leaders in cut flower care for three-quarters of a century, Chrysal Professional Cleaner is not in any way harmful to flowers, whereas incorrect usage of pure chlorine (the traditional way) can be. Once the flowers leave your hands they need a premium cut flower food supplement such as Chrysal Clear Professional 3 for full bloom development and optimum vase life. That’s the last step in the process of ensuring total customer satisfaction. Handy hints for prolonging cut flower life Choose quality blooms • Only buy flowers of good quality and ensure that the buds are

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In this issue we take a close look on the impact that correct cut flower care, at every stage of the journey from grower to end consumer, has on your ability as a florist to stay ahead in today’s marketplace.

still tight, but not excessively immature. Blooms that are already too open will fail to develop fully and may result in bent-neck syndrome.

Insist on appropriate post harvest treatment • Make sure you buy from growers who have used reputable post harvest treatment on the blooms they sell. Check that the correct Chrysal Clear cut flower food product is being used as each variant is formulated specifically for particular flower types. Postharvest treatment has a significant impact on the bloom’s future vase life with post harvest treated stems far outliving untreated ones. Use Chrysal Cleaner for Cleanliness • Always work with squeaky clean instruments and be vigilant in ensuring the work space areas are all kept spotless. Secateurs and work surfaces should be cleaned at least twice a day with Chrysal Cleaner. It is also very effective in keeping buckets absolutely clean and will not harm the flowers. By comparison, the incorrect usage of chlorine can lead to damage of the flower stems. Chrysal Cleaner is available in a 1-litre bottle of concentrate. Use Chrysal Clear Professional 2 to prolong bucket-life • Use Chrysal Clear Professional 2 in your buckets to reduce waste and increase vase life as it contains nutrients to ensure

CORRECT CUT-FLOWER CARE

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the blooms will continue growing. Cleaner water leads to more efficient uptake by the stems meaning your valuable flowers, your only stock in trade, can drink properly. Using Chrysal Clear means putting a little bit in and getting a lot more out. It also means buckets don’t suffer from slime and grime build up and are easier to keep clean. Not having to replace water daily represents a significant saving in labour and slashes water usage by up to 50%, cutting overheads considerably. Saving water alone is a factor more and more worth considering as the price of water escalates. Water in buckets with Chrysal Clear, by comparison, only has to be replaced every 4 to 5 days, depending on in-store temperatures. Chrysal Clear Professional 2 is available in T-Bags for super ease of use or the even more cost-efficient concentrated liquid. Use Chrysal Clear Professional 3 to extend bouquet life • Chrysal Clear Professional 3 is perfectly suited for use in oasis. Go the cost-effective route by buying in bulk when handling mass bouquets for weddings or any big corporate function requirements. The liquid concentrate formulation is available in 25-litre drums, while the powder comes in 3kg buckets to suit your specific needs at the time. Handle stems with the most up to date care methods • Cut 5cm off each stem at a 45° angle before placing in a vase filled with Chrysal Clear Professional 3 solution. The greater surface area allows for more efficient water intake. Conversely, a stem cut horizontally will rest directly on the base of the container and be unable to drink effectively. Use a sharp non-serrated knife for minimal stem damage. Best of all use secateurs, but not scissors as scissors crush the stem negatively affecting its ability to draw water.• Removing all foliage that would be below the surface of the water also contributes to keeping the vase water clean.• Leave thorns on roses. Removing them creates wounds where bacterial growth can take place.• Handle stems as minimally as possible to avoid stress and damage. Keep them in as well-ventilated cool a place as possible, away from smoke – the fresher the air the better – and away from ripening fruit which could cause ethylene damage.• Never spray flowers with water as this could well lead to botrytis.

Foster good customer relationships • Give new customers a friendly chat on the simple steps on how to give their flowers the love and care they deserve e.g. how to cut stems and the importance of a clean vase. Sell bunches with Chrysal cut flower food sachets • Attach a sachet of branded Interflora cut flower food (containing Chrysal Clear Professional 3) to every bunch that leaves your store. Engender customer loyalty by taking the time out to explain how to use the product, its correct dilution and its benefits in prolonging vase life. This will give them a full appreciation of the added value you are offering and the customer satisfaction they can anticipate. Contact Chrysal Clear’s local technical team for a free trial • Local stockists of Chrysal Clear products offer a free trial. Give them a call to get your free kit containing samples of Chrysal Clear T-Bags and Interflora cut flower food sachets with a handy guide on how to conduct your own trials. Visit www.chrysal.co.za or contact us at kurt@chrysal.co.za or contact Kurt Toxopeus, Chrysal Technical Manager on 011 958 1350.

BLEACH AGAINST BOTRYTIS

Botrytis cinerea is a fungal pathogen that causes grey mould disease. It afflicts many cut flowers including carnation, gerbera and rose. Disease symptoms are often first visualised on petals as brown lesions. Masses

of grey spore-producing fungus then colonise infected tissues. Disease development is accelerated under humid conditions such as those encountered by flowers during commercial transport and storage. Synthetic chemical fungicides have long been relied on to reduce disease. However, continued use of these fungicides is problematical owing to fungal resistance and concerns over chemical residues.

Alternative treatments

Researchers of the University of California and the Wageningen University in the Netherlands screened several anti-microbial agents (benzoic acid, chlorine dioxide, hydrogen peroxide, methyl jasmonate, peroxyacetic acid, potassium permanganate, sodium hypochlorite) for activity against Botrytis on roses. The flower heads of cultivars ‘Akito’ and ‘Gold Strike’ were dipped in each compound for 10 seconds at 20°C. Stems were then placed in a commercial vase solution. Flowers were covered with a plastic bag to increase relative humidity and encourage Botrytis development.

Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), the active ingredient in household bleach, showed the greatest activity and promise to control Botrytis on flowers. As a result, we focused on developing an optimised NaOCl dip treatment for rose flowers.

NaOCl is effective at low concentration

The authors dissolved Clorox® Ultra bleach solution in de-ionized water to give NaOCl concentrations of 0, 50, 100, 200, 400 or 800 ppm. We found that a 10 second post-harvest dip in 100 ppm NaOCl solution at 20 °C reduced Botrytis infection on ‘Akito’ and ‘Gold Strike’ flowers by 60-80%.

Increasing the NaOCl concentration to 200 and 400 ppm further improved disease control and had no adverse effect on flower quality. Treatment with 800 ppm NaOCl prevented disease development but caused slight petal bleaching on ‘Gold Strike’ flowers.

NaOCl is effective as a rapid dip

The optimum duration of the NaOCl dip treatment was determined by immersing ‘Akito’ and ‘Gold Strike’ flowers in 200 ppm NaOCl (provided as Clorox® Ultra bleach) for 0, 1, 5, 10 or 30 seconds at 20°C. Dipping flowers for just 1 second was sufficient to reduce Botrytis infection by 95%, while treating for 5, 10 and 30 seconds prevented disease.TF Page 14

Dipping flowers in household bleach is a simple and safe treatment to control grey mould

NaOCl efficacy varies with the preparation

‘Gold Strike’ flowers were dipped for 10 seconds in 200 ppm NaOCl diluted from laboratory grade NaOCl (Fisher Scientific Inc.), or the commercial bleach products Clorox® Ultra, Hi-lex® Bleach, and Sierra Bleach. Among the proprietary bleach products, Clorox® Ultra provided the greatest control of Botrytis on flowers, and surprisingly was a more effective disinfectant than laboratory grade NaOCl.

Presumably, the inactive ingredients (NaCl, surfactants) in this commercial formulation account for the differences in treatment efficacy. In all subsequent experiments, we continued to use Clorox® Ultra bleach as the source of NaOCl.

Neutralizing NaOCl pH improves efficacy

Lowering the pH of the 200 ppm NaOCl solution from pH 9.7 (unadjusted) to pH 5-8 greatly improved its efficacy as a dip treatment. Dipping in NaOCl solution of pH 7 was most effective and prevented disease development. Based on these initial experiments, we adopted a 10-second dip in 200 ppm NaOCl (pH 7) at 20°C as the optimal treatment for all remaining experiments.

NaOCl solutions remain effective over time

Dipping ‘Gold Strike’ flowers in freshly-prepared or 8-hour old NaOCl solutions were equally effective in reducing disease on petals. Repeated dipping of different flowers over an 8-hour workday in the same NaOCl solution did not diminish its activity. Because chorine is degraded by UV light, it is important to keep the NaOCl solution out of direct sunlight.

NaOCl was more effective than fungicides

When applied under laboratory conditions, NaOCl was more effective in reducing infection on ‘Gold Strike’ petals than 10-second post-harvest dips in the conventional fungicides Medallion®, Phyton® 27, Switch® and Vangard® at their recommended dose. The relatively poor and variable efficacy of the commercial fungicides may reflect resistant populations of Botrytis.

NaOCl works under commercial conditions

It was found that treating flowers in NaOCl or Phyton® 27 prior to a 3-day commercial shipment within California markedly reduced disease on five rose varieties (‘Akito’, ‘Blue Bird’, ‘Gold Strike’, ‘Kardinal’, ‘Orlando’) during vase life. Likewise, treatment with NaOCl before 10-day intercontinental shipments from Colombia and Ecuador to California provided the most consistent reduction in disease development for five out of the six tested varieties relative to fungicides. Our findings point to an exciting opportunity to include NaOCl

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in an integrated disease control strategy that utilizes an array of ‘weapons’ to protect roses against Botrytis.

NaOCl treatment timing may be important

The researchers determined the most effective time for applying NaOCl to flowers. They hypothesised that germinating Botrytis spores would be more susceptible to biocides than dormant spores. A plastic bag was placed over freshly-harvested ‘Akito’ flowers to increase the relative humidity and trigger spore germination prior to dip treatment. NaOCl and Phyton® 27 efficacy was greatest when compounds were applied at 6-9 hours after initiation of the high relative humidity treatment, presumably in association with spore germination. The general observation was that germinating spores are potentially more vulnerable to post-harvest treatments providing an interesting opportunity to improve disease control on roses.

Conclusion of the authors/researchers

Our findings highlight NaOCl as a safe and effective alternative post-harvest treatment for the control of Botrytis on rose flowers. This benign, non-residual, and relatively inexpensive oxidizer is already widely used to reduce bacterial and fungal contamination on fruits and vegetables. An opportunity now exists to evaluate the effects of NaOCl treatment on other susceptible cut flower species.

1. Andrew Macnish, Kristy Morris, Annemarie de Theije and Michael Reid are from the University of California, Davis. Cai-Zhong Jiang works for the USDA-ARS in Davis, California. Manon Mensink, Henry Boerrigter and Ernst Woltering are from the Wageningen University, The Netherlands. We thank growers in California, Colombia and Ecuador for supplying flowers. This research was partially funded by Maersk Line, the Joseph H. Hill Memorial Foundation, and the USDA floriculture Initiative.

Botrytis incidence

(%)

No dip 100 a

Water 100 a

NaOCl 5 b

Medallion® 95 a

Phyton® 27 60 a

Switch® 50 a

Vangard® 90 a

Dipping in NaOCl was more effective than conventional fungicides in reducing Botrytis on ‘Gold Strike’ flowers. Different letters indicate significant differences.

Fungicide Dip Treatment

Botrytis Incidence%

Reprinted with permission from Floraculture International - March 2011

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INTERNATIONAL FLOWER

SHOWS 2011August 20112 to 4, United StatesPenn Atlantic Nursery Trade Show PANTS 2011 at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Centre in Oaks.www.pantshow.com

24 to 27. The NetherlandsPlantarium, Boskoop.info@plantarium.nlwww.plantarium.nl

30 to September 1. RussiaExpo Flora Russia at theGostiny Dvor exhibition centre, Moscow.T (31) 20 6622482F (31) 20 6752326jasper@hpp.nlwww.expofl orarussia.com

30 to September1. RussiaFlowers Expo at the MVC/Crocus Expo exhibition centre.T (7) 495 221 12 51mail@fl owers-expo.ruwww.fl owers-expo.ru

31- September 3, RussiaFlowers 2011 at the All Russia Exhibition Centre in Moscow.T (7) 495 748-37-70, 544-38-20info@mvcexpo.ruwww.expofl owers.ru

September 20114 to 6. GermanySpoga/Gafa, international garden trade show at the Messe Koln exhibition centre.k.schoen@koelnmesse.dewww.spogagafa.de

6 to 7. United KingdomFour Oaks, the UK’s premier show for ornamental horticulturein Macclesfield.T (44) 1477 571392F (44) 1477 571314Four-oaks-hort@btconnect.comwww.fouroaks-tradeshow.com

19 to 21, United KingdomGlee 2011, National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham.T (44) 20 7728 4262F (44) 20 7681 3252Glee@emap.comwww.gleebirmingham.com

15 to 17, ItalyFlormart, at the PadovaFiere exhibition centre in Padua,T (39) 049 84011flormart@padovafi ere.itwww.flormart.it

26 to 28. United Arab EmiratesIPM Dubai, Airport Expo Dubai.T (49) 201 72 44 727(971) 4.3314570F (49) 201 72 44 513(971) 4 3314580xiang.zhi@messe-essen.dedubai@planetfair.comwww.ipm-dubai.net

27 to 30. ArgentinaXXXIV Argentina Horticultural Congress and the XII NationalFloriculture Days in the NH city & tower hotel in Buenos Aires.Luz Marina LuceroT (54) 11 4580 2825 int 109lucerolu@agro.uba.arwww.agro.uba.ar

28 to 30. ColombiaProfl ora, Bogota.www.profl ora.org.co

28 to October 1, TurkeyFlorplant, ornamental plants and landscaping trade exhibition at theCam Piramit exhibition centre in Antalya, Turkey.T (90) 242 323 51 10F (90) 242 323 51 11info@agoras.com.trwww.florplant.org

November 20111 to 4. The NetherlandsHorti Fairinfo@hortifair.nlwww.hortifair.nl

2 to 4. The NetherlandsIFTF, International Floriculture Trade Fairmanelja@hpp.nlwww.iftf.nl