Friday, 14 August 2015
PICTURES OF DIFFERENT TYPE OF ANTHURIUMS
Thursday, 13 August 2015
INFRASTRUCTURE FOR ANTHURIUMS
The use of the term ‘Tropical greenhouse’ is considered to be any structure free standing or adjunct to an existing structure whereby plants are grown under controlled or regulated environmental conditions for commercial or hobby endeavours. It should ultimately be designed to provide uniform growth as well as protection of the plant from harmful environmental and biotic stresses, which may otherwise cause a decrease in the market value or in some cases the aesthetic value of the attribute for which the plant is grown. There are a number of companies, which offer a wide variety of greenhouse production systems. Designs range from fully computerized structures regulating light, temperature, humidity, nutrition, while at the same time moving the product through some automated system from seedling to the mature market stage to a combination of mechanized and human inputs or on the other extreme, a completely manual operation. Alternatively to sourcing patented systems, greenhouse structures can also be built provided that the necessary skills, equipment and materials are available at a cost effective price. The main factor determining which option to take as well as the level of mechanization would ultimately be the cost outlay.
Considerations
In the humid tropics especially in the Caribbean, circumstances for one reason or another does not permit acquisition of an ideal location to set up a greenhouse operation. Often there are many constraints and most can be overcome with thought and rationalization of existing knowledge. The most important underlying factor for success is the understanding of the needs of the crop and cost effectively meeting those needs. For those who may be venturing in this area for the first time starting small and learning to master growing and management techniques is strongly recommend. Many other factors are also important in determining what type, where and how a greenhouse operation is to be built. These include:
Type and nature of Crop- Land topography
- Location to markets / suppliers
- Proximity to utilities (water, electricity), Road access, Land costs (outright purchase, rental / lease, taxes)
- Environmental conditions (light, temperature, rainfall, wind)
- Risks of natural disasters
Materials
There are many materials that can be used in almost limitless combinations in the fabrication of greenhouse structures. It is known and accepted that some materials would outlast others depending on the very nature of the material and / or the use pretreatments such rust proofing as in the case of mild steel. The decision to use which material where depends on the on the owner / operators financial budget. The rule of thumb dictates that the longer you want your structure to last the more expensive is will be. Hence the major factors in determining what to use is cost, availability and durability. The materials used in greenhouse construction can be divided into the following groups: wood, concrete, plastics, steel including fasteners, mild steel, galvanized steel, and non-ferrous material such as stainless steel or bronze/ brass.
Layout and design
Several factors need to be considered in determining the best structure to suit the type of anthurium operation. These include: location, type of operation or production facility; size; terrain; material availability. Design, type of materials, budget cost location are all inter related
Friday, 7 August 2015
THE INTERNATIONAL MARKET ON ANTHURIUMS
The main markets for exported anthuriums are Europe, particularly Germany and Italy, Japan and the United States.
Europe
The largest producer and supplier of anthuriums in the world is the Netherlands, with over 90 ha of greenhouses in production reported; in 2006 the Dutch auctions sold over 84 million anthurium stems worth nearly €46.5 million, an 8% increase over the previous year. Due to airfreight and packing costs only relatively small quantities of anthurium are imported into the EU; the Dutch auctions imported 1.2 million stems in 2006. Most of the plants and flowers traded around Europe – and increasingly in Eastern Europe – are grown in the Netherlands in temperature controlled greenhouses from plant material obtained by tissue culture. This helps avoid diseases such as bacterial rot which is a factor limiting production in many tropical and sub-tropical regions.
The island of Mauritius is the second largest exporter, mainly accessing the Japanese market, but also sending product to Europe and more recently the United States. Newcomers to the group, which are exporting what are yet small quantities of anthuriums to Europe include Sri Lanka, India and Ivory Coast. Anthurium production in Brazil is showing expansion in recent years, and although the domestic market absorbs most of the production some growers are experimenting with exports to Europe, via Portugal and Italy.
United States
Together with orchids, anthuriums make up 90% of all tropical flowers imported into the United States. The share of imported anthuriums sold in the United States significantly increased between 1996 and 2000, due to severe attacks of bacterial blight (Xanthomonas) affecting production in Hawaii, which reduced production from this state by over 60% during that period. Although Hawaiian production has recovered, this opened the door for importing anthuriums into the United States with several suppliers coming into scene.
Presently, US consumption is complemented mainly with flowers from Caribbean countries (Jamaica, Dominica, St. Lucia, Trinidad), Mexico, Costa Rica, Colombia and others, as well as from Mauritius. Bacterial rots have been a menace to production in the Caribbean islands. The total value and quantity of anthuriums imported annually into the United States has varied over the past decade. In 2006, nearly 420 tons of cut anthuriums were imported to the United States, with a value of US$ 362,000.
Japan
The Japanese market is mainly supplied by countries that are relatively near such as the Philippines, Malaysia, Australia and more recently China; other countries like India and Sri Lanka are making incursions into this market, as well as the United States (Hawaii) and the Netherlands.
Prices
At the wholesale level, prices for anthuriums show recuperation in the US and presently range around US$ 0.87 (up from US$ 0.78 in 2003 and US$ 0.60 in 2002). Prices in Europe are usually higher, but show a downward tendency, from € 0.63 in 2003 to € 0.55 in 2006, which has been explained by market analysts as a result of increased supply, which puts pressure on prices.
Prices reported in Japan for imported anthurium range around US$ 1.08 on the average; domestically grown flowers are more expensive. White flowers fetch higher prices followed by red and pink.
Sources:
CBI Market survey, The EC Market for Tropical Flowers 2006 the Netherlands; Floriculture and Nursery Crops Yearbook, September 2007, Economic Research Service, USDA; MNS Market News Service - Cut Flowers (ITC) 2007; Pizano, M. 2005, International Market Trends - Tropical Flowers. Acta Hort.(ISHS) 683:79-86.
Europe
The largest producer and supplier of anthuriums in the world is the Netherlands, with over 90 ha of greenhouses in production reported; in 2006 the Dutch auctions sold over 84 million anthurium stems worth nearly €46.5 million, an 8% increase over the previous year. Due to airfreight and packing costs only relatively small quantities of anthurium are imported into the EU; the Dutch auctions imported 1.2 million stems in 2006. Most of the plants and flowers traded around Europe – and increasingly in Eastern Europe – are grown in the Netherlands in temperature controlled greenhouses from plant material obtained by tissue culture. This helps avoid diseases such as bacterial rot which is a factor limiting production in many tropical and sub-tropical regions.
The island of Mauritius is the second largest exporter, mainly accessing the Japanese market, but also sending product to Europe and more recently the United States. Newcomers to the group, which are exporting what are yet small quantities of anthuriums to Europe include Sri Lanka, India and Ivory Coast. Anthurium production in Brazil is showing expansion in recent years, and although the domestic market absorbs most of the production some growers are experimenting with exports to Europe, via Portugal and Italy.
United States
Together with orchids, anthuriums make up 90% of all tropical flowers imported into the United States. The share of imported anthuriums sold in the United States significantly increased between 1996 and 2000, due to severe attacks of bacterial blight (Xanthomonas) affecting production in Hawaii, which reduced production from this state by over 60% during that period. Although Hawaiian production has recovered, this opened the door for importing anthuriums into the United States with several suppliers coming into scene.
Presently, US consumption is complemented mainly with flowers from Caribbean countries (Jamaica, Dominica, St. Lucia, Trinidad), Mexico, Costa Rica, Colombia and others, as well as from Mauritius. Bacterial rots have been a menace to production in the Caribbean islands. The total value and quantity of anthuriums imported annually into the United States has varied over the past decade. In 2006, nearly 420 tons of cut anthuriums were imported to the United States, with a value of US$ 362,000.
Japan
The Japanese market is mainly supplied by countries that are relatively near such as the Philippines, Malaysia, Australia and more recently China; other countries like India and Sri Lanka are making incursions into this market, as well as the United States (Hawaii) and the Netherlands.
Prices
At the wholesale level, prices for anthuriums show recuperation in the US and presently range around US$ 0.87 (up from US$ 0.78 in 2003 and US$ 0.60 in 2002). Prices in Europe are usually higher, but show a downward tendency, from € 0.63 in 2003 to € 0.55 in 2006, which has been explained by market analysts as a result of increased supply, which puts pressure on prices.
Prices reported in Japan for imported anthurium range around US$ 1.08 on the average; domestically grown flowers are more expensive. White flowers fetch higher prices followed by red and pink.
Sources:
CBI Market survey, The EC Market for Tropical Flowers 2006 the Netherlands; Floriculture and Nursery Crops Yearbook, September 2007, Economic Research Service, USDA; MNS Market News Service - Cut Flowers (ITC) 2007; Pizano, M. 2005, International Market Trends - Tropical Flowers. Acta Hort.(ISHS) 683:79-86.
Thursday, 6 August 2015
FOR THE FARMER; THREATS OF DISEASES AND INSECTS
Blight (bacterial) > Xanthomonas campestris pv. dieffenbachiae.
Leavespot (bacterial) > Septoria anthurii
Caterpillars > Caterpillars may be from different butterflies, but the control is the same.
Green Flies (aphids) > Green flies make green spots on the leaves. They also produce honey dew on the leaves upon which soot molds can grow.
Mites > Mites are very small, white transparent insects that damage and cause fading of young leaves.
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Radophaolus Similis > Radopholus also causes poor growth but plant roots have brown spots instead of swellings. The initial root done by nematodes can invite a secondary infection by fungal agents resulting in root rot.
Snails > The snails eat the root tips, and stop the growth and also damage leaves and buds.
Spider Mites > These are spider like insects that suck out plant cell contents. Typical signs include white spots on leaves and finely webbed spinnings between stems.
Thrips > Thrips damage can be seen as brown spots on leaves, especially younger leaves causing deformation.
Root Rot > Root rot is a fungal problem. Leaves become yellow at the margins and hang limply.
Wednesday, 5 August 2015
CARING FOR YOUR COMMERICAL BLOOMS
14-28 days
HANDLING
So you've just received a batch of flowers at a time when winter is approaching. Here is a bit of advice for you.
Unpack flowers immediately, inspecting for cold injury indicated by darkening of the spathe. Recut 1/2 inch off stems underwater. If flowers have been dry for an extended time period or if they are visibly wilted and stressed, immerse flowers and stems in fresh room temperature water for 15 minutes. Handle anthruims carefully at all times, since spathes bruise and tear easily.
CONDITIONING
To increase vase life, pulse in 1,000 parts million (ppm) concentration of silver nitrate solution for 10-40 minutes. Then place flower in clean, warm (80-100 degrees F) preservative solution for several hours before use.
STORAGE
Anthuriums are sensitive to cold temperatures. The optimum storage range is 55-70 degrees F. Cold injury will result if flowers are held at less than 55 degrees F for 24 hours. Mist flowers with water before covering them with polyethylene film to prevent excessive transpiration. There are conflicting reports that resoaking stems every two or three days and daily misting with water encourages longer life. These techniques may be beneficial if flowers are displayed in a warm, dry area. Individual shops should test to determine if these techniques work. These techniques also help slow wilting and they melt in extreme heat.
RETAIL CARE
Evaporation may be reduced by dipping the whole flower in a carnauba wax emulsion, such as a three percent solution of FMC Wax 819. Then place flower stems in water until the wax dries. other fruit waxes may also be used. This treatment can double the flowers' longevity. Flowers with thin, short stems weigh less and have a longer vase life than heavier flowers with thick, long stem.
CONSUMER CARE.
Consumersshould recut stems and immerse flower heads in room temperature water for 10 minutes if the heart shaped spathe appers wilted or flaccid. Then place stems in a preservative solution made with clean water. Replace solution every one or two days. Keep flowers away from temperatures extremes and strong sunlight. mist flower heads daily to replenish water lost in evaporation.
Tuesday, 4 August 2015
PHYSICAL FEATURES OF THE ANTHURIUM
Growth and development:
Anthurium development proceed in two phases, the monopodial growth phase and the sympodial growth phase. Two growth patterns differ in shoot organization and branching patterns. The monopodial phase occurs during the juvenile period prior to the onset of flowering, while the sympodial phase begins at flowering, where one cut-flower is produced from each leaf axil, independently, beneath each new leaf, a new root forms.
The leaves:
The cultivated anthurium species are erect plants that have petiolated, lobed and cordate green leaves of variable size. The leaves have a reticulate venation with a prominent midrib, lateral veins and a well-defined leaf margin. The anthurium plant possesses an underground rhizome with adventitious roots, characteristic of the Araceae family. The arrangement of the foliage leaves is spiral, either clockwise or anticlockwise.
The inflorescence and pollination:
The anthurium cut-flower comprises an inflorescence (spadix) subtended by a modified leaf (spathe) borne on a long stalk (peduncle). Anthurium andraeanum (Hort.) flowers have a wide range of spathe colours: white, rose, salmon-pink, red, light-red, dark-red, brown, green, lavender, cream or multi-coloured. There are also variations in the shape and firmness of the spathe varying from flat to cup-shaped and firm to floppy.
The ‘true’ flowers are found on the spadix and have large numbers of pistils, each surrounded by four stamens. The ‘true’ flowers are bisexual and protogynous, with the spadix first producing a female phase followed by, after about a month, a male phase. This prevents self-pollination of the flowers and as such, anthuriums are cross-pollinated. Bees, beetles, flies and ants effect pollination under natural conditions. Six months after pollination, coloured berries develop on the spadix, bottom upwards.
Propagation:
Each berry contains one or two seeds that can be planted to generate heterozygous and heterogeneous seedlings. Anthurium also reproduces vegetatively through suckers, which arise around the base of the stem. The suckers are identical to the mother plant and to each other. Many anthurium cultivars do not produce suckers or produce very few. Vegetative propagation can also be achieved through the use of ‘toppings’ or micro-propagation techniques.
Anthurium development proceed in two phases, the monopodial growth phase and the sympodial growth phase. Two growth patterns differ in shoot organization and branching patterns. The monopodial phase occurs during the juvenile period prior to the onset of flowering, while the sympodial phase begins at flowering, where one cut-flower is produced from each leaf axil, independently, beneath each new leaf, a new root forms.
The leaves:
The cultivated anthurium species are erect plants that have petiolated, lobed and cordate green leaves of variable size. The leaves have a reticulate venation with a prominent midrib, lateral veins and a well-defined leaf margin. The anthurium plant possesses an underground rhizome with adventitious roots, characteristic of the Araceae family. The arrangement of the foliage leaves is spiral, either clockwise or anticlockwise.
The inflorescence and pollination:
The anthurium cut-flower comprises an inflorescence (spadix) subtended by a modified leaf (spathe) borne on a long stalk (peduncle). Anthurium andraeanum (Hort.) flowers have a wide range of spathe colours: white, rose, salmon-pink, red, light-red, dark-red, brown, green, lavender, cream or multi-coloured. There are also variations in the shape and firmness of the spathe varying from flat to cup-shaped and firm to floppy.
The ‘true’ flowers are found on the spadix and have large numbers of pistils, each surrounded by four stamens. The ‘true’ flowers are bisexual and protogynous, with the spadix first producing a female phase followed by, after about a month, a male phase. This prevents self-pollination of the flowers and as such, anthuriums are cross-pollinated. Bees, beetles, flies and ants effect pollination under natural conditions. Six months after pollination, coloured berries develop on the spadix, bottom upwards.
Propagation:
Each berry contains one or two seeds that can be planted to generate heterozygous and heterogeneous seedlings. Anthurium also reproduces vegetatively through suckers, which arise around the base of the stem. The suckers are identical to the mother plant and to each other. Many anthurium cultivars do not produce suckers or produce very few. Vegetative propagation can also be achieved through the use of ‘toppings’ or micro-propagation techniques.
Monday, 3 August 2015
CONTINUING HORTICULTURAL MANAGEMENT
In the last blog I discussed areas to be addressed in the management of the anthurium in either small garden or on a commercial farm. As we consider the growing conditions for the anthuruim it may come as a surprise to know the following facts.
The anthurium is an epiphyte; it does not grow down into the soil, but grows upward like a vine, so nutrients come, not from the growing medium ,but from external fertilization and the air.This keeps the roots well erated. Elsewhere peat moss or volcanic stones can be used, giving support to the plant ,keeping it upright ,Here in the Caribbean our coconut husk is the popular medium for the anthurium beds. The Hobbyist may use a pot for plants whereas the commericalist plants on raised beds under shade houses of saran netting. Our flower loves cool temperatures: for this reason the irrigation should be done three times daily with a maximum of 35 degrees temperature Evening temperature should be a minimum of 15 degrees with a humidity not in excess of 70-80 %..Most farms have above ground as well as on the ground sprinkler systems supported by wells or water tanks.
* glossary - ephiphyte: is a plant that grows harmelessly upon another plant and derives its moisture and nutrients from the air, rain and sometimes debries accumulating around it.
The anthurium is an epiphyte; it does not grow down into the soil, but grows upward like a vine, so nutrients come, not from the growing medium ,but from external fertilization and the air.This keeps the roots well erated. Elsewhere peat moss or volcanic stones can be used, giving support to the plant ,keeping it upright ,Here in the Caribbean our coconut husk is the popular medium for the anthurium beds. The Hobbyist may use a pot for plants whereas the commericalist plants on raised beds under shade houses of saran netting. Our flower loves cool temperatures: for this reason the irrigation should be done three times daily with a maximum of 35 degrees temperature Evening temperature should be a minimum of 15 degrees with a humidity not in excess of 70-80 %..Most farms have above ground as well as on the ground sprinkler systems supported by wells or water tanks.
* glossary - ephiphyte: is a plant that grows harmelessly upon another plant and derives its moisture and nutrients from the air, rain and sometimes debries accumulating around it.
Commercial Value Of Anthruim
Anthurium cut-flowers are known for their relatively long vaselife that ranges from a week to two months this is the chief factor in the commercial appeal of this flower.Florist will pay more for a flower lasting 5 -6 weeks in an arrangement when the average vaselife of other arrangements is 6 days. Anthurium importers prefer cultivars with a long vaselife to ensure that the cut-flowers will retain their freshness throughout the transportation, distribution and retail chain. Commercially, a vaselife of three weeks and over is required to market anthurium cut-flowers.This flower is unique in that it is thought to have the longest vaselife of cut flowers worldwide.
The Commercial value of this flower is enhance by the size of the bloom and the wide variety of colours available . The spathe , also called the bract or colourful part of the bloom varies from11-24 cm. depending on variety.
Researchers at the UWI have studied the vaselife of several anthurium cultivars under standard conditions. We found large variations in the vaselife of anthurium cultivars grown in the Caribbean. Several studies were carried out to determine the morphophysiological characteristics associated with vaselife. Based on this study selection equations have been developed to predict vaselife in breeding programmes. Using these equations, the assessment of vaselife of anthurium cultivars can be done in as little as 5 days with great precision, without having to carry out vaselife experiments, which take two months. This can greatly accelerate breeding programmes aimed at improving vaselife, and reduce cost.
The Commercial value of this flower is enhance by the size of the bloom and the wide variety of colours available . The spathe , also called the bract or colourful part of the bloom varies from11-24 cm. depending on variety.
Researchers at the UWI have studied the vaselife of several anthurium cultivars under standard conditions. We found large variations in the vaselife of anthurium cultivars grown in the Caribbean. Several studies were carried out to determine the morphophysiological characteristics associated with vaselife. Based on this study selection equations have been developed to predict vaselife in breeding programmes. Using these equations, the assessment of vaselife of anthurium cultivars can be done in as little as 5 days with great precision, without having to carry out vaselife experiments, which take two months. This can greatly accelerate breeding programmes aimed at improving vaselife, and reduce cost.
It's an Exotic Flower
The term "Exotic is used to describe a flower that adds an extra touch ,call it sophistication, to the floral arrangement or garden where it is displayed . Cut Flowers, Wild Flowers, Tropical as well as Exotic Flowers are types that categorize flowers . The Anthurium whose natural habitat is an equitorial climate is also Tropical.Since this environment is condusive to their natural growth and development they are less expensive to produce in the tropical West than they are in Holland.The term "Exotic" for anthuriums originate with Temperate countries which grow them. They are so described because exotic plants do not grow naturally in these areas into which they were imported and altered to be commercialised. These plants can be invasive and wreck havoc on ecosystems by outcompeting native plants and disrupting food chains. In order for these exotic plants to survive in Temperate countries growers such as ANTHURA B.V of Holland grow their flowers in green houses, with controlled heating and special feeding systems,all technology driven. There used to be a booming anthurium export industry coming out of Caribbean islands such as Trinidad , Jamaica and Guyana as well as Hawaii.However since about 2006 the industry has been threatened by root rot diseases and also by devastation of hurricanes. The thriving anthurium industry in Jamaica was wiped out by hurricane.
Spider orchid
HORTICULTURAL MANAGEMENT
When caring for anthurims the farmer's chirf concerns are shade, irrigation, feed and sanitation. Even through it is a tropical bloom it cannot thrive in full sunlight. For this reason the normal varieties pink and white are grown in shade under trees. However commercial varieties, most of which have been genetically altered must have shade cover to eleminates 35%of the sunlight. There are green houses made of saren netting under which which these senitive plants bloom. From seedling to full adulthood, it takes about one year to grow a commerical quality flower of approximately 1 foot long and 4" wide. Flowers grow in size as the plant grows older
Sanitation is very important. There are diseases that are minimised by growing the flower under the shade house, as well as spraying them with chemicals to destroy root funigus such as root rot. Spraying also prevents damage by insects that bite the leaves.These bites can leave specks or holes on the flowers, rendering them unsaleable on the commerical market. To prevent diseases such as zantimonas chemical water ponds are placed at the entrance of the shade house for workers/visitors who enter to dip their boots into it . This sanitation practice helps to prevent the carting of bacterica into the shade house. Gloves prevent hand borne dieases and all other implements, while in use cutting and grooming the plants are sanitized. Untreated pond water cannot irrigate these plants. The water may taken be from tanks or cistern with clean water supply and applied about 3 times per day in dry season by use of sprinklers. The plants are fed by adding the NPK to water before irrigration.
IRRIGRATION PROCESS
IRRIGRATION PROCESS
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diagram showing ground irrigation system
diagram showing ground irrigation system 
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