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March 2014 newsletter1

In this issue we cover the following events, reports and news:

Silicon and plant susceptibility to pests and diseases 2014 National Student Floristry Competition- meet our sponsors Stage 2 communications project submitted to RIRDC Update on What Cut Flower is That? Free trade agreements Flower of the month - Leucadendron ‘Safari Sunset’ Diary dates 2014 How to contact WFA Access NTS products and services at great prices through WFA – including Si! 9th Australian Wildflower Conference program

1 This newsletter is an activity funded by the RIRDC project Capacity Building and Communications Enhancement of the Wildflower industry.

It has been compiled by Bettina Gollnow, the Communications & Extension Manager, also funded by this project.

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Silicon and plant susceptibility to pests and diseases Audrey Gerber* With respect to effects of nutrients on pest and disease susceptibility, perhaps no other element has received more recent attention than Silicon. Although not yet widely considered an essential element, Si content of many crops affects resistance to fungal infections, insect attacks and also confers resistance to even multiple abiotic and biotic stresses (Locke et al., 2004; Epstein, 2005; Fauteux et al., 2005; Datnoff et al., 2005; Dordas, 2009; Mattson & Leatherwood,

2010; Frantz et al., 2011). Abiotic stresses include water deficit, high temperature, high light and ultraviolet levels, salinity, nitrogen excess, high free aluminium levels in soils, freezing. In modern production systems, the issue of plant stress is significant, since it has been shown that many agrogenic (farmer-caused) inputs derange plant metabolism, resulting in suboptimal health, increased susceptibility to pest and disease attack, and arguably, to increased stress of plants. Stress results from any significant deviation from the optimal conditions for life. It might be seen as a condition of imbalanced metabolism or deranged plant physiology resulting from the effect of one or more stressors. One might accept that there is no place in existence totally free of stress; thus moderate stress might be regarded as part of life. Plant stress is broadly categorised as abiotic: those caused by non-living stressors, such as climate (temperature, light, wind

energy, precipitation, humidity); soil (chemical and physical properties); atmospheric (gases and pollutants), and biotic: those caused by living or biological stressors; pathogens (bacteria, fungi, viruses, and others); pests (invertebrate and vertebrate) or other plants. Note that man’s activities often constitute biotic stresses on plants in terms of agrogenic inputs such as use of chemicals. A key element of any farming strategy is to manage controllable factors, and take practical steps to mitigate the effects of stress factors not under one’s direct control (e.g. planting of effective windbreaks to minimise destructive effects of wind energy). So a practical way of reducing stress and hence improving the chance that plants will achieve true health, in terms of achieving their full genetic potential, is to avoid adding biotic, agrogenic stress to the abiotic stresses already existing in the field. The precise mechanism by which Si confers disease resistance is as yet not completely understood. Silicon deposition (as biogenic opal microliths) in dermal cells creates a physical barrier (Epstein, 2005;

Datnoff et al., 2005; Dordas, 2009; Crooks & Prentice, 2011) but also elicits the production by plants of defensive compounds such as diterpenoid phytoalexins (Datnoff

et al., 2005; Dordas, 2009; Crooks & Prentice, 2011) and the accumulation of flavonoid antifungal compounds (Dordas, 2009). Datnoff et al. (2005) proposed that Si influenced the following individual components of plant resistance to pathogens: • The latent period: Si prolongs the length of time between the appearance of symptoms and when the lesions begin to sporulate, inferring that Si slows the growth rate of the pathogen in the host. Even a small increase in the latent period can significantly decrease the epidemic rate.

• Infection efficiency and infection rates: high Si content of leaves leads to reduced numbers of sporulating lesions. Hyphae did not develop in leaf areas with thick Si deposits. Note that frequency of infection refers to the number of sporulating lesions per unit area of the host leaf; which accumulates over the host developmental stages. • Pathogen colony and lesion size: Si seems to affect colony and lesion size (both of which determine the effective sporulating area of the pathogen) in some studied plant pathosystems. Si might affect the growth rate of the pathogen as well as spore production. Note that since Si also affects leaf size, when interpreting these results, one needs to consider leaf area rather than leaf number. • Conidial production: Si probably decreases conidial production, although this effect is not solely attributable to Si content. • Rate of lesion expansion: Silicon has a number of effects in soils, improving soil physical, chemical and biological function, reducing losses of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, and proving more effective at detoxifying high soil levels of aluminium than application of lime (Epstein, 2005; Crooks &

Prentice, 2011). Matichenkov & Calvert (1999; 2002) and

Matichenkov et al. (2001) reported a wide range of beneficial effects of Si on soils: increased soil water holding capacity and cation exchange capacity (especially sandy soils); improved soil air and water conditions; increased stabilisation of organic matter; optimisation of soil pH; increased soil microbiological function; decreased toxicity from high levels of Al, Mn, Fe, Zn and Cu and decreased toxicity from organic soil pollutants. Plant uptake of Si is as monosilicic acid, and commonly used forms of silica include potassium and

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sodium silicates, basic slag and diatomaceous earth (Locke et al., 2004; Epstein, 2005; Fauteux et al., 2005;

Mattson & Leatherwood, 2010; Frantz et al., 2011). In ornamental plant species (New Guinea Impatiens and Reiger begonia) Si was taken up from soil drenches and deposited in the hydathode regions of leaf margins (Locke et al., 2004). Crooks & Prentice (2011) note the importance of Si fertilisers (especially of low-cristobalite, diatomaceous earths) as components of sustainable agriculture: in particular, the deposition of Si in plant tissues enhances their strength and rigidity, improving the light-receiving posture of plants, and thereby enhancing photosynthesis and growth. Mattson & Leatherwood (2010) reported that 100 mg/l Si solutions from potassium silicate applied weekly as soil drenches to Petunia x hybrida and Argyranthemum frutescens affected plant height, diameter, fresh mass, dry mass, flower diameter and leaf thickness. Frantz et al. (2011) conclude that silicon’s inclusion into (floricultural) fertility programmes should be more broadly considered than current practices. Finally, high N levels suppress the uptake of Si (Dordas, 2009).

In copper-stressed snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus) and Zinnia elegans, supplemental Si applications resulted in reduced stress and mineral nutrient concentrations more similar to healthy, control plants than plants exposed to copper toxicity. Note that copper toxicity is a significant concern in floriculture, with an average total rate of Cu use of just under 1.9 kg/ha in floriculture and nurseries alone (Frantz et al., 2011). Copper fungicides are amongst the most toxic and persistent fungicides, and, although they are considered acceptable to organic farming principles, their application warrants strict regulation, as does use of some animal manures, municipal composts and especially biosolids, all of which can contain high levels of copper (Bünemann et al., 2006).

* Extract from the final report on the Farm Plus project submitted to RIRDC by Dr Audrey Gerber.

References cited: Bünemann, E.K., G.D. Schwenke & L. Van Zweiten. 2006. Impact of agricultural inputs on soil organisms - a review. Austral. J. Soil Res. 44: 379-406. Crooks, R. & P. Prentice. 2011. The benefits of silicon fertilisers for sustainably increasing crop productivity. In: The Fifth International Conference on Silicon in Agriculture, Beijing, China. 18 pp. Datnoff, L.E., A.M. Brunings & F.A. Rodriguez. 2005. Silicon effects on components of host resistance: an overview of implications for integrated disease management. Pages 19-25 in: III Silicon in Agriculture Conference, 22-26 October, Federal University of Uberlandia, Brazil. Dordas, C. 2009. Role of nutrients in controlling plant diseases in sustainable agriculture: a review. Agron. Sustain. Dev. 28:33-46. DOI: 10.105/agro:2007051. Epstein, E. 2005. Silicon in agriculture: a historical review. Pages 8-11 in: III Silicon in Agriculture Conference, 22-26 October, Federal University of Uberlandia, Brazil. Fauteux, F., W. Remus-Borel, J. G. Menzies & R.R. Belanger. 2005. The role of silicon in plant pathogen interactions: towards a universal model. Pages 28-34 in: III Silicon in Agriculture Conference, 22-26 October, Federal University of Uberlandia, Brazil Frantz, J.M., S. Kandekhar & S. Leisner. 2011. Silicon differentially influences copper toxicity response in silicon-accumulating and non-accumulating species. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 136(6): 329-338. Locke, J.C., D. Pitchay & J.M. Frantz. 2004. Effect of nitrogen, potassium and silicon nutrition on disease susceptibility of various ornamental crop species. USDA Agricultural Research Service. University of Toledo, OH, USA. 1p. Matichenkov, V. V. & D.V. Calvert. 1999. Silicon fertilisers for Citrus in Florida. Proc. Fla. State Hort. Soc. 112: 5-8.

Matichenkov, V. V. & D.V. Calvert. 2002. Silicon as a beneficial element for sugarcane. J. Amer. Soc. Sugarcane Technol. 22:21-30. Matichenkov, V.V., E. Bocharnikova & D. Calvert. 2001. Response of citrus to silicon soil amendments. Proc. Fla. State Hort. Soc. 114:94-97. Mattson, N.S. & W.R. Leatherwood. 2010. Potassium silicate drenches increase leaf silicon content and affect morphological traits of several floricultural crops grown in a peat-based substrate. HortScience 45(10:43-47).

For more about Si products, see page 9 of this newsletter.

2014 floristry competition – meet our sponsors

Platinum sponsor Freshflowers.com.au is one of the biggest and freshest online floral companies in Australia. At Freshflowers.com.au, you can’t get fresher than us. We have an extensive network of growers where we are able to source the highest quality of flowers for some of our most popular bouquets and arrangements – ensuring fresh, quality supply all year round. Our belief is that all flowers are not created equal and at Freshflowers.com.au, you’ll discover a massive difference that includes new, never-been-seen before floral gifts including celebratory cupcakes and personalised products. We have an amazing product range that goes beyond quality to offer you a fresh perspective on the way flowers and gifts are presented and packaged. We deliver to most capital cities, territories, metropolitan and regional areas in Australia,

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however there are some areas within Australia which are not covered by our standard delivery service. We also pride ourselves on our reliable same day delivery service. So, by placing your order prior to 1.pm weekdays, Australian Eastern Standard Times (AEST), we get your bouquet made and delivered to the recipient by 5.00pm (business address) and to residential addresses by 7.00pm. You can contact us on: Phone: 13 37 37 or customercare@freshflowers.com.au

Platinum sponsor Operating as both a grower and a wholesaler, East Coast Wildflowers is one of Australia's leading suppliers of Australian Native and South African Wildflowers, supplying high quality seasonal flowers and foliages all year round. East Coast Wildflowers has long had a reputation for supplying high quality products, including many more unusual products not generally available.

Active in the industry for years, promoting and educating people on the incredible diversity and range of products available, Craig Scott of East Coast Wildflowers can assist students in the competition with information on what products are generally available month by month. The full listing is available at http://www.eastcoastwildflowers.com.au/availability_order.htm

Don't hesitate to contact East Coast if you want to obtain specific products on the list. Contact details are: Market Phone (02) 9325 6774 and Fax (02) 9325 6046.

Gold sponsor The Flower Association of Queensland Inc (FAQI) is a non-profit organisation based in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. The association aims to support the sustainable future growth of the Queensland Cut Flower & Foliage industry, but it also provides a broader level of support to the national industry, through the extension of project results, facilitating communication between key national players and acting as a conduit of knowledge and information. As Queensland’s peak State body, FAQI represents floriculture greenhouse growers, tropical flowers and foliage, in-ground native and wildflower growers. Members also include equipment and installation suppliers, wholesalers, exporters, florists, specialist consultants and advisors, researchers and educators. FAQI’s broad objective is to proactively addresses common challenges faced by the industry, implement solutions and represent its members to government, technical agencies and other industry groups. FAQI is also the publisher of the Australian Flower Industry magazine. Each issue contains interesting articles and valuable information for everyone in the industry, written by recognised industry experts, and specifically addressing the needs of floriculture businesses. An award-winning national publication, focusing on the whole of the supply chain from breeder to retailer, it is dedicated to giving advice and expertise to stay competitive in today’s changing market.

Published quarterly – in March, June, September, December – it is the only trade flower magazine reaching over 1500 professionals around Australia, New Zealand & Asia Pacific. The AFI magazine carries news and information on the National Floristry competition yearly, including the names and photos of the winning designs. To subscribe to the magazine go to www.australianflowerindustry.com.au and fill out the subscription form or follow the AFI business card QR link to the website.

Gold sponsor

Sydney Flower Market is Australia's largest flower market for fresh cut flowers. The diverse group of growers at the Sydney Flower Market primarily supply florists in the Sydney area, regional NSW and the ACT. It is estimated that the Sydney Flower Market has an annual turnover in excess of $150 million and accounts for approximately 75% of the wholesale cut flower trade in NSW. Potted plants and florist supplies such as ribbon, wrap, foam and other sundries are also sold. Approximately 170 traders hold stands in the hustle and bustle of the Sydney Flower Market at Flemington. NSW is very fortunate as it has a wide range of climates within the state, meaning that a wide variety of flowers can be locally grown, with the main flower growing areas being on the Central Coast, around Horsley Park and Leppington, and in the Hills area at Dural and Glenorie. All these areas are within 2 - 3 hours travel of the Sydney Markets and fresh cut flowers are brought in from these farms each day.

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The Sydney Flower Market is open from 5:00am – 11:00am Monday through to Friday with most of the flowers being snapped up before 8am daily.

Silver sponsor

Apack Pty Ltd has grown from humble beginnings in Victoria in 1994, establishing itself as the preferred supplier of floral sundries to florists, educational facilities and associated businesses today.

With its head office and Superstore in Melbourne, the word spread and now Apack can proudly service your sundries needs from Superstores in NSW, Qld and SA, as well as conveniently located stores at the Melbourne and Sydney flower markets.

With a growing range of innovative, quality products sourced from Europe, Asia, the UK and Australia just to name a few, Apack is always adapting to worldwide trends in the industry.

Service, competitive pricing, and staff with a desire to exceed our customers' expectations have driven us to our respected place in the industry.

In your state, contact us on:

Vic.: 03 9706 6277

NSW: 02 9646 4800

Qld: 07 3274 5577

SA: 08 8443 6558

Visit our webpage at www.apack.net.au for further contact details and to request our catalogue.

Silver sponsor

Premium Greens Australia and Australian Flora Corporation are the marketing arms of the “Cedar Hill Corporate Group”. Based on the Sunshine Coast in Southeast Queensland, they are Australia’s leading supplier of unique, native foliages. They also operate online for direct purchase by Australian florists and designers. Working closely with the Australian government and various environmental agencies, they ensure all products are treated in an environmentally friendly way. One of the main aims is to develop a number of these unique products from Australian forests and adapt them to plantations for the cut flower and pot plant industry. To achieve this goal, they operate their own tissue culture laboratory and tube stock nursery dedicated to these unique species. At present, any forest-harvested product is done so on a sustainable and environmentally sound basis, following the rigorous rules laid down by the State and Federal governments. They take great pride in knowing they are bringing the beauty of Australian forest into the homes of the world with minimal impact on our beautiful Australian environment. For further information, please contact their Sales Manager, Paul Bruce, or visit their websites - www.afc-greens.com / www.sunfloral.com.au

Silver sponsor

The family Proteaceae has seventy three genera and more than 1500 species occurring predominately in the Southern hemisphere. Proteaceae naturally occur in temperate and sub-tropical climates on acidic sandy soils with low fertility. Australia has the greatest diversity with forty-two genera and over 850 species. South Africa has fourteen genera and more than 330 species. Other regions with native Proteaceae include South America, China, southern India, south-east Asia, Madagascar, New Caledonia and other Pacific islands. The International Protea Association (IPA http://www.ipa-protea.org/) was formed in Melbourne in 1981, after a meeting hosted by the late Peter Mathews of Proteaflora Nurseries. The IPA represents all links in the Value Chain of global commercial protea production. The IPA offers researchers, propagators, producers, marketers, breeders and educators an open forum of communication and friendship to promote and expand the industry for the benefit of all. The first joint meeting between international protea growers and researchers was held more than twenty years ago, in 1986. Growers, breeders, technical advisors and marketers are represented by the International Protea Association and researchers and educators by the International Protea Working Group (IPWG). The IPWG is a specialised group of the Ornamentals Section of the International

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Society of Horticultural Scientists (ISHS). Since this first joint meeting communication between growers and researchers has continued, with thepublication of 8 Acta Horticulturae reporting proceedings of IPWG symposia (www.actahort.org ). The IPA currently has over 100 members, representing protea producers, marketers and researchers from Australia, Chile, China, Columbia, Ecuador, France, Holland, Israel, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Peru, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, USA and Zimbabwe. The participation of other countries is welcomed as the industry expands.

Silver sponsor

Established in 1990, WAFEX is one of Australia’s leading flower exporters, in addition to having a strong domestic presence in the distribution of wildflower and foliage products across all major capital city markets. WAFEX operates dedicated warehouse, cool storage and packing facilities in both Perth and Melbourne. A dedicated grower base of over 200 quality focussed growers, located across a wide range of climatic zones, allows WAFEX to offer its export and domestic clients a wide range of products in addition to extended flowering seasons. WAFEX currently exports both fresh and dried flowers to global markets including Japan, the Netherlands, Canada, the USA, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Korea, Switzerland and China. The WAFEX web site (www.wafex.com.au) details WAFEX company history, product range and media profile articles in recent years. There you will also find details of various programs aimed at improving

product quality and customer satisfaction, including packaging initiatives and a quality assurance program. WAFEX is owned by Craig Musson, Managing Director and Adrian Parsons, Eastern States Director. Contact WAFEX at sales@wafex.com.au

Bronze sponsor Civil and Structural Engineering Design Services Pty Ltd provide a wide range of services to cover all your Engineering, Design and Construction requirements. Such services include, Commercial & Industrial Engineering, Structural Design of Swimming Pools, Site Plans, Storm Water Detention (OSD) and Retention Basins, Minor roads Design, Driveway and Car park Design, Retaining walls and shoring, Certification & Site investigation. Our Company is privately owned and operated by Edward Bennett. Civil & Structural Engineering Design Services Pty. Ltd. ABN: 62 051 307 852 3 Wanniti Road BELROSE NSW 2085 Tel: 02 9975 3899 Fax: 02 99751943 Email: hited@bigpond.net.au Web: www.civilandstructural.com.au

Stage 2 communications project submitted to RIRDC A full project proposal has been submitted to RIRDC for the 2014 funding round. It aims to continue and further develop activities and strategies developed by the current project which ends in June. These provide direct communications like this newsletter to all industry members - current and future growers, marketers (domestic and overseas), florists and allied industry members. Activities proposed include bimonthly newsletters, technical reports, regular email communications, and coordination of the national student floristry competition and development of new website based information. Unfortunately with a reduced budget compared to stage 1, frequency of communications will be slightly reduced. An annual industry conference or conference plus workshop will be held, where possible taking advantage of being part of a wider industry conference being organised by others, including an international conference planned for Perth in August 2015. All these activities were rated highly in the June 2013 member survey. A strong focus would remain on current and recently completed R&D projects to ensure that industry members are made aware of opportunities and results.

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Update on ‘What Cut Flower is That?’

After 3 months, the sales and download figures are: 115 hard copies have been dispatched

Downloads

Dec 2013 294

Jan 2014 323

Feb 2014 262

To download the publication or to order a print copy go to: https://rirdc.infoservices.com.au/items/13-079 or call 1300 634 313.

Generous discounts apply for bulk orders. Please contact RIRDC direct for more information.

New members who join WFA between now and

the end of June will have the chance go into the

draw to win a complimentary copy of ‘What cut

flower is that?’

Free trade agreements Free trade agreements between Australia and various trading partners have been in the news in recent months. In fact, WFA received an eager enquiry from a South Korean flower importer looking ahead to more favourable business opportunities because of the upcoming FTA with Australia, which was announced in early December last year. RIRDC has just published a new report on the subject for those wanting to know more...

The impact of free trade

agreements on Australia - A model-based analysis

Authors: Catherine Tulloh, Tingsong Jiang, David

Pearce

142 pages

Code: 14-002

Published: 11 Feb 2014

ISBN: 978-1-74254-619-3

This report examines the implications for Australian agriculture of recently implemented and potential future free trade agreements (FTAs).

The report presents the findings of a project which aimed to provide estimates of the potential economic impacts of a range of prospective FTA outcomes. In particular, the project was concerned with the cost to Australia of FTAs already agreed between trading partners, where Australia is not included.

Read more at https://rirdc.infoservices.com.au/items/14-002

Flower of the month Leucadendron ‘Safari Sunset’ Botanical name: Leucadendron ‘Safari Sunset’

(Leucadendron salignum red form L. laureolum female form). ‘Safari Sunset’ is probably the most important Leucadendron grown around the world for the cut-flower market and is an important crop for Australian growers, for both domestic and export markets. It is almost an all-year-round product, saleable at different stages of maturity. Origin: Like most proteas, Leucadendron originates in South Africa and bears separate male and female flowers on separate plants. However, ‘Safari Sunset’, a female selection, was bred in New Zealand and is vegetatively propagated.

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Description: Large flower heads (30–50 mm wide; up to 10 cm across when fully opened) develop at the tips of very long, upright stems clothed with oblong, dark green leaves. Each flowerhead features glowing wine-red bracts spirally arranged around the small central flower cone. At the earliest stage marketed, the bracts are clear red and firm, and tightly enclose the small central cone, giving the flower head a slender tulip shape. As the flower head matures, it develops a deep wine red to purplish colour (in winter), becoming more goblet shaped, and finally the bracts reflex to reveal a prominent woody central cone. By early spring the bracts have become cream to yellow in the centre and bronze to red on the outside. Late-season product with the cone at its final size is also a popular product, but not if there is a lot of bypass growth. Cultivation notes: ‘Safari Sunset’ is fast growing and a very high-yielding plant under intensive cultivation, with plants producing marketable yields within 2 years of planting. Adequate irrigation is important for good stem length and quality. Plants need a well drained, acidic soil with a pH not exceeding 5. Like proteas, Leucadendron is susceptible to Phytophthora root rot. Once established, ‘Safari Sunset’ is drought resistant and will tolerate light frost. Hard pruning is needed after flowering to promote long straight stems for the next crop. Removing the first flower head early in the season forces the growth of more flowering stems to create a ‘multi-head’, which is accepted by some markets.

Cold weather tends to improve the intensity of colour in the bracts, making ‘Safari Sunset’ a major winter crop in some areas. Preharvest pest management is important for minimising insect chewing damage to the bracts. Flowering season: February to December, depending on location Typical vase life: 7 to 21 days Sold as bunches: Typically 10 stems. Multi-headed stems are usually bunched in 5s. Typical stem lengths: 40 – 100 cm When to harvest: Flower head fully formed and at final size. Bracts firm (leathery at tips and not soft) and fully coloured. Avoid harvesting when the young bracts are too soft. Handling tips: Pick when it is cool, preferably straight into buckets of clean water or a reputable commercial postharvest solution, and hold in the shade. Move cut stems promptly to a cool, shaded packing area. Cool quickly to remove field heat. Tips for florists: Recut stems and place into fresh water containing cut-flower food or a registered biocide. Avoid storing or marketing this product for too long – do not market product with dull or dried-out bracts or leaves, or brown tips on the bracts or leaves. Ethylene susceptibility: No (Information reproduced with acknowledgement from the RIRDC quality specification for Leucadendron ‘Safari Sunset’– available at https://rirdc.infoservices.com.au/items/10-045; photograph courtesy of NSW DPI)

Diary dates 2014 June 19-20, 2014. Know it to Grow it Commference. FAQI conference, Gold Coast , Qld. The national conference for the whole industry.

Learn how to Attract, Brand, Communicate and the rest of

the marketing alphabet

Communication, promotion & marketing, from entry-level to expert, for grower and retail businesses like yours…. How to brand, when to brand, and why it matters

Word of mouth & networking

How to reach print, online and broadcast media

Making social media pay

Using analytics to help drive business growth

Why you need to promote, even if you’re 100% sold

Last day to receive the discounted registration rate as a WFA member is March 31.

June 21, 2014. 9th

Australian Wildflower Conference, Gold Coast Qld. Details of the program, the venue and local accommodation along with the registration rates and form are available at: http://www.flowersqueensland.asn.au/index.php?id=98

Early bird registrations must be received before March 31. The program is on page 10 of this newsletter.

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Trade Show Display Spaces are available – please book using the registration form via the link on the previous page.

August 17-22. Brisbane. Details at: www.ihc2014.org October 15 – 17. IFEX 2014 (11th International Flower Expo Tokyo) Venue: Makuhari Messe, Japan. Organised by: Reed Exhibitions Japan Ltd. Web: http://www.ifex.jp/en >>The IFEX 2014 Brochure is available at: http://www.ifex.jp/en/doc/BRC14/ How to contact WFA Mail: PO Box 8046 Gundaroo NSW 2620 Australia Bettina Gollnow (Communications and Extension Manager): management@wildflowersaustralia.com.au Mobile: +61 4 3426 5817/0434 265 817 Sylvia Gleeson (Secretariat): secretariat@wildflowersaustralia.com.au Mobile: +61 4 2736 8109 If you wish to join WFA to receive the newsletter, weekly update emails and other member’s only benefits, please go to the website - www.wildflowersaustralia.com.au.

Access NTS products and services at great prices through WFA – including Si! Nutri-Tech Solutions (NTS) is an Australian company specializing in the relationship between soil health, animal health and human health. They have become a recognized world leader in biological farming and have developed over 300 products, which are exported to over 40 countries. Included in the product range are several that include silicon:

Potassium Silicate: http://www.nutritech.com.au/downloads/product_information_sheets/Liquid%20Fertilisers/Potassium%20Silicate.pdf Dia-Life: http://www.nutri-tech.com.au/downloads/product_information_sheets/MMS%20-%20Micronised%20Mineral%20Suspensions/Dia-Life.pdf Photo-Finish: http://www.nutri-tech.com.au/downloads/product_information_sheets/Liquid%20Fertilisers/Photo-Finish.pdf

NTS offers a range of other products and services – please refer to their website for all the details. As a Master Distributor for NTS products, WFA can offer NTS products (including the Si products above) at very competitive prices to WFA Members, members of WFA Member Groups, prospective WFA members, as well as your friends and neighbours. The price of each product is the WFA price plus a small

handling charge. In addition, attractive discounts are available for WFA members and members of associations which are WFA members. Please note that WFA is not qualified to provide advice, and interested parties are encouraged to contact qualified technical staff for any assistance required. How to order: You (as the purchaser) decide what you want to order (product name, product code and pack size) by researching the product information on the NTS website. You may also choose to contact a NTS agronomist for advice on what to use (see their website). The WFA Secretariat will advise the cost of your order, invoice you and then submit your order to NTS. You are responsible for freight and delivery charges, which may be arranged through NTS. Please contact Sylvia Gleeson at the WFA Secretariat to find out more – secretariat@wildflowersaustralia.com.au WFA reserves the right to amend or change the above arrangements in order to keep improving the value and service to our members and customers. NTS Contact details: Address: 7 Harvest Road, Yandina, QLD, Australia, 4561 ABN: 83 010 472 590 Telephone: 07 5472 9900 FAX: 07 5472 9999 E-mail: info@nutri-tech.com.au Website: http://www.nutri-tech.com.au

9th Australian Wildflower Conference

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Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition

Centre

Conference theme: Wildflowers - new directions for SUCCESS!

Draft Program

8.00am - 8:45 am Registration 8.45 - 9.00 am Official opening and welcome – Rural Industries Research & Development Corporation Session 1. Growing successfully and profitably 9:00 - 9:30am Keynote speaker: ‘The Pest & Disease Triangle – back to the future’ Gary Leeson, Organic Crop Protectants Pty Ltd and Chair Bio-Inputs Australian Organic Ltd 9.30 – 9.40 am Q&A 9:40 - 10:00 am Irrigation scheduling – how does it work? Dr Rachel Poulter, Research Scientist, Flora Earth & Water Pty Ltd 10:00 – 10.20 am Irrigation scheduling – putting it into practice gives great results! Lodi Pameijer, Top of the Range Flowers and President of the Flower Association of Qld. Inc. 10.20 – 10.30 am Q&A 10:30 – 11:00 am Morning Tea

11.00 – 11.20 am An update on myrtle rust and new research directions. Peri Tobias, the University of Sydney 11.20 – 11.40 am Wildflowers for floristry – what do florists want? Del Thomas, Flowers by Delwyn, florist and teacher. 11.40 – 12.10 pm Exporting Wildflowers – market trends, opportunities, customer expectations and requirements. Nick Hutchison, Cedar Hill Flowers & Foliage Pty Ltd 12.10 – 12.20 pm Q&A 12:20 – 1:30 pm Lunch/view trade show Session 2 Panel discussion - Selling wildflowers to Aussies... 1:30 – 3:00 pm Several speakers will present a range of views and perspectives followed by a question and answer session involving all conference delegates.

3:00 – 3:30 pm Afternoon Tea Session 3 R&D advances 3.30 - 3:50 pm Farm-based methods for control of flowering in waratahs - Dr Robyn McConchie, The University of Sydney 3.50 – 4.10 pm Improved Market Access for Australian Wildflowers through Ecolabelling - Dr Emily Rigby, Cedar Hill Flowers & Foliage Pty Ltd 4.10 – 4.40 pm Breeding programs to create novel new plants - Digby Growns, Kings Park & Botanic Garden 4.40 – 5.10 pm Marketing new varieties and protecting the associated intellectual property - Adrian Parsons, WAFEX 5:10 – 5.30 pm Q&A and Conference wrap-up There will be no formal conference dinner but delegates may choose to meet for an informal get together over dinner at their own cost near the conference venue.