HDC Project PO 005Column stocks (cut flowers): An investigation into the cause(s) of poor establishment, growth and flower uniformity in commercial crops.

HDC funded trials in 2013 showed that bark incorporation both improved the overall quality of stems and reduced Fusarium.

BUT this was in small plots in one house, on one soil type in one year.

The real question was would this then convert into real benefits in a commercial scale crop???

In 2013 the HDC provided funding to try and answer this.

J A Collison & Sons – first and second round crops, old glass, new glass and Spanish tunnels.

Belmount Nurs - glasshouse and poly tunnels.

Lambs Flowers – first round crop and second round with mushroom compost.

Whiteheads of Boston – second round glasshouse crop including spray stocks.

Richard Cousins – first and second round crops and mushroom compost.

Full rate bark vs. none in the first round crop Additional N vs. no N Full rate bark in first and second round

crops. Full rate in first round and none in second

round. Full rate in first round and half rate in second

round crop both pre and post steaming. The use of bark in both glasshouses and

tunnels. Interaction with “green waste” incorporation

and Basamid interaction.

The bark appeared to considerably improve the soil structure.

The lighter, “fluffier” soil made planting easier and quicker.

Early crops looked superb BUTStems counts from the different

treatments showed no difference.AND later in the seasonFusarium still

rampant in some houses!!

Following on from the Octave error in the 2012 trial.

Looked at 2 and 4 times the rate of Octave, Switch, Cercobin, Signum and Plover.

Applied in pots to Fusarium inoculated soil.

One drench after planting. Used Centum deep blue as one of the

most susceptible varieties!

HDC Project PO BOF 002

Lyndon Mason Project Manager

From Jan 2007 to Nov 2008 funded by the HDC, Fenland Leader+ and In-Kind.

During 2009 funded by HDC PC and BOF panel (and £3K from Waitrose).

Now currently have a five year funding package from HDC (2013 to 2107)

Entirely industry lead and run by a Industry Management Group.

Under the new funding package the CFC has taken on a Cut Flower Association Role.

New Product Development (NPD) but less emphasis than under the “old CFC”.

To develop and facilitate trials on mainstream cut flower crops to solve topical technical issues.

To develop a “Crop Association” role with particular emphasis on identifying and co-ordinating R&D priorities for the sector.

To become an information hub for the industry especially via the CFC website.

For the first 2 year (2007 to 08) the CFC was located at the Kirton Research Centre.

Kirton closed in Feb 2009.A number of options investigated

but the favoured option was Rookery Farm, Holbeach St John where it has been ever since!

German astersAntirrhinumKarma DahliaSpray carnations and annula

dianthusPinksOrnamental BrasicaPhloxSolidalgoAster ericoides

Hardy foliageSeeds raised fillers (bupleurum,

Cosmos, carthamus, Ammi etc)“Seasonal” alstroemeria.SunflowersHardy foliage TracheliumLeonotisOrnamental peppersSedum

EryngiumDelphiniumLarkspurCyanaraOrnamental grassesZinniaAmaranthusLynchnisCaryopterisLisianthus

Very high quality stems from trials in 2010 and 2011.

The 2012 a replicated trial was designed to address questions raised by growers ie.

Is the black mulch improving quality? – therefore have black poly and no black poly.

Will you get such good quality with closer spacing? – therefore planted at 64, 80 and 96 per sq.m.

Affects of sterilisation? – therefore planted into steamed, Basamid and no sterilisation.

Also small trial in open Spanish tunnel. RESULTS – in 2012 every treatment produced a

hoh quality crop!!

In 2011 the Peloric trumpet range were impressive but limited colour range and flowering period.

In 2012 planted in week 28 using the Apollo range + some experimental codes.

Better colour range and produced some very good quality good stems.

Also tried a few Potomac in week 22 which gave a superb crop.

BUT is there a market for the crop? There has been some commercial crops in 2013 and 14.

New annual dianthus from Hilverda Kooij. Planted in week 18 from week 14 plugs

potted into 9cm pots. Half pinched in week 21, half not pinched. Second flush from most colours except

the white Large differences between varieties but

breeding work is ongoing. So far received positive feedback on

market potential BUT the packer do not want to pay a realistic price per stem.

The large headed “German type” Krallen aster proved very popular from previous trials.

The “blue” colours were the most popular but have issues with petal tipping.

Subsequent trials have tried to find an alternative to Krallen but with limited success.

Do not seem to have large enough heads and the Meteor suffered severely from TSWV despite having a thrips spray programme.

Trials currently on hold until we can access different genetics.

Planted in 2010 and 2011. Now producing some very strong stems

especially the 3rd year crop. Now available in a range of unusual

colours and flower forms. Crops over quite a long period and can

be harvested at different stage of maturity.

Relatively easy to grow and trouble free and will crop for many years.

New range of spray carnations from Hilverda Kooij.

Planted week 18 (potted into 9cm pots from week 14 plugs) and pinched week 21.

Both produced good quality flower but the Star is loved by rabbits.

Have received mixed feedback on market potential for UK growers and likely that stem price will be too low to make the crop viable.

Looking at continuity and vase life of a wide range as requested by the supermarkets.

Sown outside and under protection from week 21 to 30 (wanted earlier but let down with seed supply).

Included Ammi Visnaga, Anthriscus sylvestris, Bupleurum, Cosmos, Carthamus, Dill, Euphorboa and Ridolfia.

All products are being vase life tested.

Bupleurum needs weekly sowings for continuity of harvest.

Carthamus very prone to leaf tipping even under protection.

Cosmos has vase life issues. Dill and Ridolfia still stretch after harvest. Euphorbia too short in year 1. Anthriscus did not germinate. Ammi visnaga too vigorous (majus seed

was not delivered so try again in 2015).

Looking at the possibility of developing a “seasonal” crop using older, none royalty varieties both outdoors and under protection.

Wide range of varieties supplied by Parigro. Planted in week 22 indoors and week 23

outside. First flowers in early July but not long

enough to be marketable until week 31 (from protected crop).

Still producing large numbers of stems.

Trialing Benary varieties which have performed well in the US and last year at the CFC.

Using Benarys Giant and Oklahoma planted in week 18 and 22 at 64 per sq.m.

Grew away very well initially suffered from Xanthamonus bacterial blight.

Been cropping since week 26 and still cropping. Vase life testing is in progress and will continue

throughout the season.

New varieties from Realflor named Real Fancy, Frilly and Fizzy.

Planted in week 17 from pinched plants.

Flowering from week 25 to week 29. Initial vase life tests are encouraging Need to look at the second year

performance to determine the economics of production – need a second round and a good stem price!

Planted week 22 in Spanish tunnel at 64 per sq/m

Varieties planted were Lake Michigan blue, white and purple and Corine purple.

Grown single stem but also produced marketable side shoots.

Flowering from week 32 to week 34. Varietal differences in stem strength. More trials planned for 2015.

Go to www.thecutflowercentre.co.uk for updates and topical items.

Discuss topics /issues with any MG member.

Attend Open Days.Obtain copies of CFA reports /

technical notes via the HDC or the CFA website.

Attend other events such as the technical days held in 2013 and 2014.