Project takes Taiwan’s growers into TOP gear.

“How can we encourage Taiwanese Phalaenopsis growers to stay in their own country?” This question became topical in Taiwan since more and more growers decided to move cultivation to China. The answer to this question is TOP; a new fully equipped centre for

cultivation aimed at persuading growers to stay put.

Key issues: garden performance and use in public greenery

Many introductions, as seen during the Pack Trials 2006, are characterised by their garden performance. The fact that Fleuroselect awarded All American Selections Awards and Gold Medals to some of the following novelties does speak volumes. Furthermore, it is remarkable that various new series are selected with a view to public greenery. In other words, there were a lot of new products to be seen at the Pack Trials 2006, as demonstrated by the selection on these pages.

Flower under quality control

A biennial info-day organised by the Italian Lazzeri Agricultural Group at its cuttings facility in Brazil put technical assistance and sanitation in the spotlight.

Make Phalaenopsis feel more at home

Among all potted plants, Phalaenopsis is making the highest turnover in the Netherlands. No wonder the plant has become the most important pot plant of all. Even more reason to know all about its natural growth in order to grow it correctly.

Unprecedented interest for Agritech

On the eve of the 16th international agricultural exhibition, Agritech, held in Tel Aviv, Israel from 9-11 May, Haviv Haaze at the export organisation Agrexco introduced an ornamentals sector striving to succeed in its targeted, distant export markets through the power of its assortment. Haaze is hesitant to labour over the lost business recognised in the rose sector over the last decade, preferring to prioritise the opportunities created by the country’s micro-climates and rich agricultural history.

Hi-tech paints keep whitewash in fashion

Compared with 20 years ago, whitewash as a shading paint has undergone a technological revolution. Because it can now be removed easily and some of the special paints allow PAR light to penetrate the greenhouse, it is back in fashion again.

Diversification into bi-coloured beauties

The series introduction of F1 hybrid crossings and diversification into bi-coloured beauties is a step forward, according to Florist breeder Anton Grim. He hopes to secure a better future for pot gerbera growers.

Manipulating phalaenopsis

If left unattended, some Phalaenopsis varieties can grow very large – too large to be desirable. Growers therefore are always looking for new ways to reduce stem length. With an increasing demand for organic products, methods involve both chemical and physical techniques.