New Zealand Tree Crops Association

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 * Visitors welcome at all our functions. Come learn about Tree Cropping!

PLEASE respect our generous hosts' property and other visitors' peaceful attendance. Bring NO pets.
Beware of health and safety hazards which may exist - children must be supervised. Bring sturdy footwear and suitable clothing. Let's all enjoy our day!

Branch Events: Field Days & Meetings:

Newsletter Editors - Important note:

July 2008

Pruning and training at Elizabeth's, Sharp Road, Katikati
1pm Sunday 13th July
There are a selection of plants, apples, quince, grapes, olives, hazels and loquats.
Experienced Tree Croppers will share their expertise with learners.
Basic tips on pruning and outline will be given, then we will work in small groups on selected plants.

June 2008

Pruning and training at Wendie's, Old Creamery Road, Opotiki
12.30pm Sunday 8th June
Everyone is welcome to come earlier and eat a picnic lunch here. Wendie has kindly offered up her plants for the "slaughter". There are a selection of apples, pears, quinces, peaches, plums, passion fruit and ornamentals. Experienced Tree Croppers will share their expertise with learners.
Basic tips on pruning and outline will be given, then we will work in small groups on selected plants. Those who looked at the eucalypt trial in its earlier stages will see what gums can do in three years!

May 2008

Olives at Bert's, Lindemann Road, Katikati
1.00pm Sunday 11th May
Bert has an established olive grove with trees first planted in 2000 – 01 and younger plants in 2006 – 07, last year he bought a press to do his own pressing. On the Field Day we will be able to learn about the varieties he has selected, how he prunes and cares for his plants. Also he will share with us his experience of what to do and what not to do.
Bert has experimented with girdling trees to enhance the crop. There will be a display of harvesting gear and a chance to see the press in operation, also a tasting of Bert's oils with an opportunity to purchase the oils. This promises to be a very interesting day for all olive growers.

April 2008

Friday 25 - Sunday 27 April 2008
Eastwoodhill Road Trip – ANZAC Weekend 2008 -
Join the luxury coach from Hamilton (via Tauranga) to the autumn glory of Eastwoodhill Arboretum - more details...

What:

Field day - Feijoas

When:

Sunday 13 at 1:00pm

Where:

Lambert Road, Kawerau - will be signs posted.

March 2008

2008 March 28~30^th - NZ Tree Crops Association National Conference, CROMWELL!

What:

Special - Heritage apples, tomatoes with Mark Christensen

When:

Wednesday 19^th from 12 noon

Where:

Hidden Valley Orchard, Esdaile Road, Tauranga - will be signs posted.

Details:

Bring your picnic lunch and walk around this magic property - Mark will attend from about 2:15pm for an informal discussion on his notable research work.

What:

Hazel Field Day

When:

Sunday 9 at 1:00pm

Where:

Wairata Forest Farm, south of Opotiki - will be signs posted.

February 2008

What:

AGM, picnic lunch then walk around

When:

Sunday 10^th at 12 noon

Where:

Property of Margaret and John, Capamagian Road, Katikati - will be signs posted.

December 2007

Hello, everyone –

Our final event for 2007 is a barbecue at Jan’s and Brian’s place

Sunday 16th December, 3.00pm
at
Sedgemoor Lane, Katikati.

This will be our end-of-year get-together.
Bring something to cook on the barbecue, a salad or dessert to share and anything exotic you wish to drink.
Sausages, soft and hot drinks will be supplied.

Wendie

August 2007

Hello, everyone.

Do hope that you are warm and cosy on this miserable afternoon. A period of winter dormancy is OK for people, too, you know!

Our next field day will be Sunday 12 August 1pm, at Elizabeth & Bill's property, Canon Rd, R D 1 Katikati.

The theme for the day will be planting for fruit all the year round. Bill will show us their fruit plantings and explain when and where to plant.

This event will include a grand SALE of those extra seedlings, trees and cuttings - especially treasures and produce that is hard-to-find or not commercially available.

Pauline Swanton writes:

“Field day at Ray and Elaine's, Whakatane on Sunday 15th July was a really good day, the weather was kind to us and Bill pruned several fruit trees with full explanations as to what and why he was doing. A very good attendance of 23 people, and Elaine and Ray made us very welcome and provided us with tastings of their own Olive Oil. Their son produces a concentrated seaweed fertiliser for $15 a litre, so if anyone wants some, it is on sale at Western Drain Road, Whakatane.”

Cheers,
Wendie Rosewell,
Newsletter editor

2007 April 13-15th Tree Crops Association National Conference 2007, in review

March 2007

When:

Sunday 11 March at 1:00pm

Where:

Mamaku Blue, 333 Maraeroa Rd, RD 2 Rotorua

What:

Blueberry field day

Details:

This is a fully commercial operation, which expects to be picking and packing at the time we visit. The tour of the property will be an opportunity to ask lots of questions of interest to Tree Croppers. All welcome!

Meet at 1 pm for 1.30pm tour.
The cost of $13 per person will be paid by the BOP Branch for our own members, visitors pay for themselves. We suggest people try to car pool if possible.

The tour takes about one and a half hours and includes Tea or Coffee and Muffin.

February 2007

When:

Sunday 18 at 12 noon

Where:

Pottsbury Farm, Ongare Point Road, Katikati - will be signs posted.

What:

AGM then Field day

Details:

Please bring your lunch as the AGM is held while we eat, and usually takes about half an hour. Don't be scared to come, no one is dragged onto the committee.

If you would LIKE to join the committee please tell, phone or email, Alan or Pauline and we will arrange some one to nominate you. We would love to have more committee members as we could use some new ideas.

About 1pm we will have a field day at this wonderful property, which is a sub tropical orchard and worm farm.

Please read the last years AGM minutes and Chairman's Report printed in the branch newsletter and bring them with you.


By the way, does anyone have a female carob tree? Thelma would love to give one a home beside her nice shiny male one.

2006 Days:

December:

Our end-of-year social event - a barbecue hosted by Alan and Kirsty - was a very pleasant gathering. Longtime friends caught up, new friends were welcomed, the resident pigs and the view admired. Alan fired up the barbecue and we shared all that wonderful gourmet food. Thank you, all the growers and cooks, thank you, host family.

 

Sunday 8th October 2006

Growing and marketing Macadamias at property of Chris and Wyn, Katikati.

A goodly number of members and a few visitors, around 30 in all, enjoyed a beautiful spring day in a pleasant spot in Chris and Wyn's 900-tree orchard. Wyn was doing most of the talking, but pointed out that Chris does at least her share of the work. Here are some points of interest from his remarks.

History: Since the 1980s, the ups and downs of the kiwifruit industry led them to consider diversifying their sources of income. They planted some avocados, then macadamias into their established kiwifruit orchard, retaining the windbreaks. (It was still quite blowy among the trees) This choice followed forecasts of (a) expected returns in 6 years and (b) the important considerations that macs are more resistant to rain, hail, etc and can be distributed internationally without refrigeration. The second of these still holds true, but Wyn and Chris found that the timescale was too optimistic - it's around 11 years now, and there is still a way to go before they can dispense with kiwifruit entirely.

Cultivation: Initial plantings were spaced at 4.6 metres, as for kiwifruit. Nelmacs planted in 1994 were re-worked as A38 in 1998 and they are pleased with the performance of the present varieties, which include PA39, A38, GT207, GT205, GT206, but no Beaumonts. The GT series are DSIR selections from Gordon Titirangi. Biennial bearing is not a problem and the wind has done most of the pruning so far - no consensus has yet been reached on the best shape. A hand-harvester saves backs when the nuts are gathered up. Husking is on-site, further processing off-site.

Some hazards: Wind, frost and green shield beetles can be disasters especially when nuts are forming. Extra spraying is required to control shield bugs, and strict orchard hygiene reduces pest populations. Macs' prickly leaves make work on the trees uncomfortable for everyone except rats - who make nests in the branches, hence traps in the trees. Diazinon will wipe out destructive cicadas as well as scale insects. As cicadas are active only on warm nights, a light over a tray of spraying oil is also effective.

Marketing: Chris and Wyn adopted an independent marketing strategy, which has some difficulties, in that they are unprotected by a group marketing organisation, but some freedoms to set their own course. Their private brand, Harbourside Macadamias, is aimed at the top of the market. Wyn emphasised that consistent high quality and good packaging are essential "to get your product into corporate gift boxes". Their elegant pale-blue and silver logo and bags were professionally designed with this in mind. To maintain freshness, the packages are nitrogen-flushed and stored cool and dark, as for cheese. Any off-flavours will kill prospects.

By-product: Mac shells burn well, too well for domestic fires, and in Australia generate about 4 megawatts of electricity at present.

Discussion covered the questionable suitability of grass as a ley, the comment that once you get anything, macs, tomatoes etc above 2´6"/75cm you start to get a real crop. John Dean brought us up to date with TCA happenings nationwide.

We walked around the orchard, through established and new plantings, had a play with the hand-harvester and (some of us) took photos. Thank you, Wyn and Chris, for sharing your learnings, experience and commercial nous with us.

October 2006

When:

Sunday 8th September at 1:00pm

Where:

Matahui Road, south of Katikati - will be signs posted.

What:

Growing and marketing Macadamias

Details:

Field day - This is a very interesting business, all stages of growing, harvesting and processing the crop (up to and including chocolate coating) and marketing the range of finished products.

(I don't know about you, but I'm taking some money in case there is anything for sale)

If this lovely weather continues, we shall have a great day - bring your friends. As always, visitors are welcome at the field days.

September 2006

When:

Sunday 17th September at 1:00pm

Where:

Main Road, 6.9km north of Katikati - will be signs posted.

What:

Large Citrus and Avocado Orchard growing Grapefruit, Yen Ben Lemons and Meyers

Details:

Field day - John and Catherine have been growing these crops for some time and been involved with the Citrus Growers Council with reviewing the costs and benefits of these crops. John is also a member of the Avocado Industry Council Executive.

He would like some ideas on timber plantings in his gullies.

Brian Sprigings died suddenly, 8 Sept 2006. Registrar for Bay of Plenty Conference 2004, his quiet efficiency and impish humour will be greatly missed. Our sympathies are extended to his wife Elizabeth and family.

 

August 2006

When:

Sunday 13 August at 1.30pm.

What:

Feijoa Field Day, Whakatane - Awakeri

Where:

At Luxton Rd, corner of Angle Rd & Main Highway, between Whakatane and Awakeri, beside the Whitecross Restaurant - will be signs posted.

Details:

Field day - This is a big Feijoa plantation and pruning will be demonstrated.
As usual, everyone is welcome..

Soil and Health: Arden Andersen to lecture in Tauranga.

Follow-up to a fascinating field day by Matt Leamy recently (June 2006 below):

“There is no input that has a greater influence on your orchard than your knowledge.”

Dr Arden Anderson's teaching of biological principles is about balancing the chemistry and enhancing the biology in the soil. The goals are high. Fertilisers are more efficient, less is needed, less is lost through run off and leaching. With balanced nutrient and biological activity soils build the humus content, holding water more effectively and draining better in wet conditions, soils are less susceptible to compaction and nutrient holding is increased. Change the conditions away from that which is favourable for the disease organism and that pathogen will not flourish.

The primary function of a leaf is sugar production. How much sugar it produces is a measure of how effective the entire system is functioning. This is a primary focus of the biological grower. The tree is able to metabolise more efficiently, it is able to produce carbohydrates at lower temperatures and further into the winter building reserves for the high demand flowering and fruit set. Flowers have a higher sugar content attracting bees to them and setting the fruit more effectively because there is energy in the system to grow the pollen tube and fertilise the seed.

Arden Anderson pays a lot of attention to fruit quality. The bottom line is nutrient density. The food is meant to provide the nutrient for human consumption, when high nutrient density has been achieved the fruit is highly resistant to rots, shelf life is longer, the food value is where it should be.

This is what biological growing is ALL about. Other industries in New Zealand, but particularly in Australia and the U.S., are sitting up and taking on board these principles, they are improving productivity and food quality.

Arden's one day course sponsored by Zespri is full. There are very few opportunities in New Zealand to take part in seminars of this calibre and this will be the only opportunity to see him in Tauranga.
Mill's Reef, 8, 9 and 10 August. More details...

July 2006

WAIKATO BRANCH TREE SALE

This not-to-be-missed annual event is held on the first Saturday in JULY each year, at 10am in the Hamilton Gardens. That's 1st July this year. All sorts of unusual and rare trees and shrubs are offered by enthusiastic and knowledgeable people, so it's a fun outing, even if you don't come home with a trailer-load of treasures! More details...

June 2006

Hello, everyone.

What a wonderful show of autumn colour we had this year - 'amenity planting' coming into its full glory, not only in public and home gardens but on a larger scale on farms and roadsides. Now, I must plant another group of liquidambers - With a couple of crackling frosts and the kiwifruit season coming to a close, we are well into winter. Bay of Plenty Branch of T C A has a good programme lined up for your interest, more details on July and August yet to come, but the June field day is certainly one not to be missed!

JUNE FIELD DAY

Sunday 18th of June. 1p.m.

Lochhead Road, Te Puna. Please park on the grass verge between numbers 54 and 64.

Biological Agriculture and its application in Avocado and treecrop situations, hosted by Matt Leamy

What is Biological Agriculture?

Biological Agriculture is a system that is gaining momentum around the world. Related to Organics, it is agriculture or horticulture based on recognising the importance of the role of the biology in the system. In the soil it is the bacteria, fungi, protozoa, nematodes, micro-arthropods and worms that are the link between the plant and the nutrients. A chemically balanced and biologically active and healthy soil comes back to the grower as a healthy productive plant that is resistant to insect pests and produces nutrient-rich food that tastes good, has the complex compounds needed for healthy eating and lasts longer on the shelf.

Matt's avocado orchard was registered for organic certification 5 years ago. His own path has been to develop as biological system within this certification as best he could. Matt specialises as a contractor in avocado canopy management and has recently started working for Abron Soil Solutions to help bring the resources and products needed to develop biological growing in horticulture. This is a "must-be-there field day."

Cheers, Wendie Rosewell
Newsletter editor

 

Bay of Plenty Branch Field Day Report
Biological Agriculture for Avocados and Tree Crops
Hosted by Matt Leamy, Te Puna, 18 June 2006

Field day review
Thirty or so interested people gathered in cool conditions to learn about this alternative approach to cropping. Branch Chair Alan Hay welcomed and introduced us to Matt and Elke, then Matt got under way briefly outlining the history of this orchard they came to in 2001, the organic Biogro certification, how three years ago began specialising in avocado (avo) canopy management, and recently included “abron” biological management - attention to soil biology and tree health, to the services he offer to orchardists.

Matt mentioned the influence of two people's work:

• Elaine Ingham - who taught of soil biology for enhancing natural systems instead of replacing deficiencies simplistically with chemicals and fertiliser;
• Arden B. Anderson – MD, advisor and excellent agricultural lecturer on health and nutrition.

Soil conditioning

Emphasis was placed on encouraging soil to condition itself in conjunction with the crop, rather than simplistically force-feeding bulk correctives suggested by test results. Such “encouragement” requires a lot of observation and patience to learn the subtle methods which seem to be required.

Matt described the usefulness of the “abron” product he is distributing for soil improvement, expanding on soil philosophies to promote healthy plant food.

While Matt provided his services to both “organic” and “non-organic” growers, he maintains his own orchard's organic status. He views the qualification as an important marketing tool, and a valuable orchard management discipline.

There is a lot of effort these days put into understanding soil mechanisms. In particular better methods are sought for applying nutrients in a more readily-available form for the plant to use – applying fertiliser in inappropriate form has created a history of soil clogged with “locked-up” nutrients on one hand, to soil leached of goodness on the other to the detriment of our waterways. One method is the 'chelation' of the desired elements from overly stable compounds such as the much-demanded calcium (traditionally from lime as calcium carbonate). The processing of certain elements for better availability as provided by the chelate form is attracting much attention.

The abron product aimed to incorporate these ideals in its blend of fine-particle fertiliser, as used in an “aerobic compost tea” of nutrients for spreading under orchard trees.

Care was needed to maintain O₂ in the brewing process as the beneficial fungi important to the process were fragile, especially the microrhiza in soil.

Energy deliveries needed to be balanced; eg. nitrates generated vegetative growth whereas the related ammonium ion was helpful for fruiting.

When brewed well these teas have a full compliment of, and high levels of beneficial soil bacteria, fungi, protozoa - and if you really do a good job, beneficial nematodes.

The aim was to establish a local “Biological Agriculture” at high levels of activity.

Soil pH is a significant controller of the availability of different elements. Some are more available under high (alkaline) pH and others under low (acidic) pH. Stale or sour soil tends to be acidic (0 pH is extremity) and it is desirable to encourage its pH up towards near neutral (7.0 pH). Around 6.3 pH is where “most” elements are “most available”.

John Dean mentioned that the growing of certain oak varieties was known to “sweeten” sour soil, thus raising soil pH in the vicinity and liberating calcium by the most natural of means.

Root stock was briefly alluded to as it affected the performance levels of trees.

Measuring results - Bill Rae asked if what biological indicators were available to measure the results of the management process.

The final crop may be testament to an orchardist's efforts, but it is always helpful to quantify (test, measure) improvements at regular intervals under any growing regime. Soil and leaf analysis is often valuable from the usual laboratory services.

Matt could provide some testing on-site. He demonstrated the use of a refractometer to measure sap samples to gauge the food in a tree. Plant food includes sugars and other carbohydrates. In sap these “total dissolved solids” alter the refractive index of light passed through a sample placed in a hand-held refractometer, to produce a reading on the Brix scale. A simple garlic press can be used to crush a few leaves to get a sap sample drop. Avocados, perhaps because they are a primitive tree, seemed to be capable of producing different readings from different parts of the same tree suggesting separate sap flow “circuits” perhaps when soil conditions are not uniform.

Guidelines readings for untreated trees was Brix 3, a healthy tree goal was 12. Matt had observed readings from 14 to 30, and although one avocado tree could produce varying readings they remained a useful indicator. The higher sugars indicated a higher level of efficiency of functionality of the plant.

Soil analysis test results (eg. From Hill Laboratories) indicated the presenceof elements but not their availability; Reams testing – a “mild extraction” - gave measures of intermediate levels. A Reams test showing calcium and phosphorus lifting usually implied that other elemental availability was lifting too. Matt could provide Reams testing done in the US for $85 per sample.

Natural versus processed

The application of any possibly unnatural or processed product to the soil is always attracts some questioning, and with avocado growers from various backgrounds present, the questions and comments soon began.

Erica Cowdell asked how the trace elements zinc and boron might be applied. Matt said the chelates could be applied at flowering times, as could other forms of boron. Boron, cobalt and selenium in their chelated forms more readily assimilated the nutrient tea into the soil-plant system. Erica was concerned that the prill application (fertiliser) was not strictly “organic”; could bio-dynamic growers apply selenium? Matt said trace element application was usually permitted by BioGro if soil tests indicated the need.

Gail Newcomb noted the attendance of Tom and Erica Cowdell, founding members of the Bay of Plenty Branch; without whose early efforts this meeting may not be taking place. They have been growing avocados for over 20 years.

Concern was expressed that the some growing regimes gave the impression of aspiring to draconian policies somewhere between corporate monopoly and religion. Perhaps this was a commercial over-reaction to discerning buyers who, Erica and others believed, really just want healthy produce that is basically “spray-free”.

Bill Rae requested that the meeting not get stuck with a debate of management viewpoints, but instead look at the overall system. For example, from one approach think more about trace elements; from another think more about micro-organisms etc., and suggested that putting together these components makes a lot more sense than some systems looked at in the past.

Ultimately, the quality of the fruit out the gate – low rot, good health - tells the success of any system.

Orchard inspection - We moved off to look at the orchard, observing a fine white powder remnant under the trees from a recent application of the abron product. We saw largish long-established trees that Matt was working to bring to better health and productivity. They had all had some pruning every year recently, but the pruning was “rescue mode” for trees grown too far. Drastic pruning is avoided as it causes excessive useless vegetative growth, so repeated tipping and topping is recommended for best fruiting wood; usually 2 year wood. Pruning new trees should be done from age 4~5.

Tom Cowdell asked if he could make a comment. He wanted to chainsaw the big trees down! He emphasised the neglected practice of genetic selection, suggesting a program of whole tree renewal. He noted that genetic selection each year led to superior farm animals, and it should not be overlooked for tree crops. With a program of renewing a tenth of the trees each year, by year 10 the orchard can still be pole-picked from the ground if managed right. He compared renewal to the folly of expensive farming way up in the air; wind damage in NZ's “roaring 40s” climate, spraying difficulty, picking difficulty with expensive machinery, all of which could be avoided.

Matt wondered if the genetics of avo were still a long way from ground picking sustainably yet? Erica disputed that, believing that they were doing it now.

John Dean recalled that about 1980 they saw dwarf Hass being picked in Welcome Bay – which was on the then orchard of Tom and Erica. Erica told of carefully selecting those trees from 1968 from NZ and overseas. No heavy pruning is needed now except scion off bottom branches. Their old trees were better cropping now than these younger big trees here. In their latest orchard they planted at 5m spacing and pruned heavily at first; the resulting trees are now still compact at year 6 and are all picked from ground level. They are just starting replacement seed for next year; they will plant between existing rows (as could be done here) as there is plenty of light – “It's renewal replacement so as I NEVER have to get UP THERE!” pointed Erica.

Taking of scion wood – John Dean warned of variation of scion with height taken from tree. Erica looks for advantageous mutations anywhere in tree. Tom noted that the original avo nursery wood was NOT selected this way but just from any old wood. Kiwifruit also, with exception of some tree croppers, eg. Graham Coles who went to best pack-out rated orchards for scion from best looking plants with outstanding success. Tom thought genetic selection was terribly important, and that Matt was in the ideal occupation to collect good scion in the field.

Matt didn't disagree, but his business is promoting rescue of ugly trees. Tom wondered about the cost to rip out and replace compared to getting killed (as a neighbour had) falling out of a tall avo. Matt advocated safe methods of doing high growing.

Dwarf species - Gail asked the fate of Duke 7 dwarf. Erica suspected it was not cold tolerant but Phytophthora destroyed it back then. This was before the importance of calcium and soil organic matter building was widely accepted, which prevents Phytophthora. Matt and Tom agree there is now definitely no need to inject trees.

Regarding avocado growing, Tom felt that the book was written 20 years ago and accused tree croppers of not having moved on from there! Matt politely saw a lot of value in the Cowdells' comments but pointed out his business was to grow TREES... (some laughter).

A third growing method - John Dean recalled avo grafting in Gisborne with Stan Grey (2^nd grower, after Len Grey became the first NZ commercial avo grower). Having discussed tall versus small, John outlined how Stan pruned their tall closed canopy avos with shelter trimmer on an angle to create an inverted V space, with rows just touching at top, for each 20 acre block.

Tom had seen recent Australian photos with shelter trimmers used to great effect. He agreed the Greys were great avocado pioneers. Now the Aussies and especially the Israelis apparently have very advanced avo knowledge.

Nutrient teas

There was some discontent that we were diverting from the Biological Agriculture theme of the field day, so we moved on to look at aerobic compost tea being prepared, in rows, under covers.

The many possible constituents and their sourcing were discussed, from horse manure to gypsum. Matt's insights included the avoidance of adding elemental sulphur; turn the compost every week for 2 to 3 months; a breathable rain-repellent cover had made an immense improvement to moisture regulation.

The resulting tea should be applied generously, say at 10 t/ha (10 tonne/ha = 1 kg/m² ); the row inspected was expected to yield 15~20t. Once spread, typically by shovel, the compost was then mulched over.

Young trees – there were two rows nearby. Companion planting was comfrey. An unusual one suggested was rhubarb, but use any companion plant to help establish good soil. Under the big trees we saw wandering jew weed – here it's not a problem as it traps moisture underneath and is unlikely to hog much fertiliser.

Real progress for the avocado industry was realising the necessity to shape small trees from year 5~6 for enduring structure. There was no fruit on these young trees; Matt thought because the soil system was not working well enough here yet.

Pollination - Tom asked where pollinators were; Matt pointed out the smaller trees; no flowers, all Hass variety. Had fruit set? Yes, but all lost. Why?

Elizabeth Rae suspected not enough water at pollination time. Their kiwifruit irrigation would have been better applied to their avos!

Tom asked about the awareness of pollen tube growth, noting that temperature was not so critical for pollen tube growth in Feute or Zutano as it is with Hass. (Murray Hocking was quoted as believing that in winter some warm 12°C nights were essential).

In some years, the flowering times of different varieties had follow quite different sequences, Elizabeth observed.

Hass was chosen by default because we had a few warm springs in the early years and that experience became set in stone for the industry, said Tom. The flower sex change at midday repeatedly set up ideal conditions for self pollination in those years. Recently, other varieties were more often being considered. Reid has unfortunate reputation for dropping fruitset on frosty nights, but some growers present disagreed! (DisagReid?)

Bee observations - Bill Rae told of the beekeepers' surplus hives and the coinciding Hass and kiwifruit flowering in their orchard. He believed pollination required not just pollen tube growing but also sufficient reserves, especially starches, within the tree. He recalled that for last season's big crops, avo flowers were smothered with bees to the exclusion of even tuis. Compare that to this year when there were even more hives but virtually no bees in the avo flowers.

Bill reasons low carbohydrate levels were insufficient to drive nectar flow to flowers, so pollination did not occur; that tree condition is important before flowering (for pollination) and after (for fruit retention); while temperature patterns did vary some years, big crops were still set.

Tom argued in favour of small trees but strong root systems; Matt countered that the heavy wood was an energy store. Tom said that pruned low, the wood was better used made into mulch and organic matter.

The huge loss of flowers, some thought, was typical of avos being “primitive” plants; trees of more modern evolution were more efficient at flower pollination and retention.

We moved back towards the house, pausing to admire the relegation of yet another old milking shed. Old dairies never die. This one had evolved into an impliment shelter - as well as the mandatory firewood store, novelly, in fruit picking crates for excellent drying and convenient handling.

While enjoying some most welcome hot drinks there was enthusiastic chatter about some of the unexpected disclosures of the day.

John Dean took the opportunity to update us on recent Management Committee activities; our publications stocks were to be distributed solely by Touchwood Books, the importance of good publications and that a publications sub-committee had just been established; the Basic Crops (Green Book) was still an important information source; more Research Coordinators were appointed (budding future presidents); BoP branch was asked to help Research Chair Andy Barratt on his visit north; post-entry quarantine availability developments; new national treasurer; new importance of R&D for tree croppers; a Perth trip next year? An Australasian conference in Hamilton in 2010?

John closed by noting that the diversity of views about growing avocados was healthy to record, an indication that the crop remained under-researched in NZ.

Reviewed for Bay of Plenty Branch newsletter by Les Gruebner

May 2006

When:

Sunday 15th May at 1pm

What:

Pecans and more

Where:

Jan and Murray's, Walford Road, off Works Road, Aongatete, south of Katikati - will be signs posted.

Details:

Field day - Pecans, now fruiting, but may be almost finished in May. Some have been spectacularly wind-pruned.
People welcome to bring lunch earlier and picnic.

2006 Annual Conference of NZ Tree Crops Association

'Cultivating Biodiversity', Masterton, Wairarapa, 2006 April 7-9

NZ Tree Crops Association Bay of Plenty Branch
Report on Delegates Meeting, Masterton, 7 April 2006
held during NZTCA National Conference 2006

The gathering of National Committee members, National office holders and Branch Delegates was welcomed by outgoing president Diana Loader with a stirring address on key activities. There are some exciting projects under way or planned around the country.

Branch delegates had a chance to relate branch activities and concerns, to which new branch member John Dean graciously spoke, being more in touch with recent and wider BoP activities than your last-minute delegate. In the brief time available he aired an impressive overview of our many significant properties and members activities.

The major interest was the renewed enthusiasm for research, and Research Sub-Committee Chair Andy Barrett left us in little doubt as to how seriously this was being pursued. Great news included a slight easing of government's prohibitive attitude to plant material importation, essential for the legitimate development of new crops. Questioning about each branch's resources revealed that BoP branch likely had some underused funds and no known research projects.

Publications was an area of great concern. Substantial losses due to many factors such as declining membership and Internet information alternatives led to this activity being urgently reviewed with substantial changes planned.

Membership turnover outlined by Jennifer Hutson was also of National concern. Her data revealed that the most enduring members were those who enrolled during branch activities rather than from other means such as from printed advertising or the web site. This emphasised the importance of branch officials and helpers welcoming visitors at field days and making sure they received membership joining information, background information including spare copies of Tree Cropper, and encouragement.

To help with attracting and retaining membership above, Publicity Officer and Tree Cropper Editor Sheryn Clothier introduced new brochures to be made available to branches. Her services were also available to assist with branch field day posters. Sheryn requested more feedback from branch organisers to use Tree Cropper to their advantage, both for notices and reports.

The remainder of business included a raft of reports and recommendations resulting from our challenging fiscal circumstances, mainly featuring more efforts from our enduring outgoing Treasurer Linda Cooper.

See your web site for more details: www.treecrops.org.nz

It was an unusual relief that there were no time-consuming remits received for discussion from branches.

Voting by secret ballot for the Dr Don McKenzie award overwhelmingly favoured Mark Christensen's outstanding apple research. Immediacy once again won out over the significant long-term contributions of other nominees, but unfortunately there is only one annual award. Nominations for National Office changes required minimal voting before the meeting concluded.

I have attended a few Delegates Meetings, and I remain intrigued by the differing character of each occasion. Some have seemed excessively regimented and secretive, but this year's was admirably organised. In particular, supporting documentation mostly in advance from National Secretary Heather North was exemplary. Overall, I believe it reflects how well we have been served by our National Management Committee.

The 2006 Wairarapa Conference continued on to be a delightful success. From the following AGM, then the award dinner and its stunning Mediterranean dancers through to the many and varied talks and field trips - always punctuated by knowledgeable comments and less-knowledgeable questions - and on occasion, fiery but insightful debate. Each year I wonder whether we should go to another conference - despite the credit card reality check afterwards, my overwhelming impression is of just seeing firsthand the amazing projects that tree croppers can achieve. Even in the vastness of the Wairarapa, where everyone had contrary tales to tell of both flood and drought. This year, from the comfortable Copthorne Resort base in Masterton, Wairarapa's small Conference Committee delivered a stupendous conference experience.

It was pleasing to see that quite a few BoP branch members managed to attend conference. We have a promising new National President in locals John Dean and minder Heather. I encourage all members to offer to help John and Heather in this role, which is bound to be demanding despite all their considerable experience. They take on the brave new inroads trail-blazed under Diana Loader's determined guidance in recent years. Diana was heartened to receive a substantial bouquet of flowers at the AGM. We have probably yet to appreciate fully how fortunate we have been to have this tree cropper, farmer and humanitarian batting for us. And no-one seems quite sure how far Diana has side-stepped from office, so mind your toes...


Les Gruebner, BoP Branch Delegate, May 2006.

2006 March

When:

Sunday 12^st March 2006 at 1pm   

What:

Scionwood eucalyptus trial

Where:

Wendie's, Old Creamery Road, Opotiki

Details:

Creamery Road turns left 5km up Paerata Ridge Road, off State Highway 2, between Waiotahi and Opotiki.
After going through two ‘Pohutukawa Tunnels’, turn right just after the two carved pouwhenua (posts) on the beach.

Wendie has a Scion (Forest Research) eucalyptus trial, planted September 2004. Strong shoes and sticks recommended, as some contours are steep.
You are welcome to come earlier and eat your lunch here before we start.
Swimming and fishing are reputed to be good at Waiotahi Beach and the fish and chips and oysters are excellent at the Ohiwa Harbour Oyster farm.

Reviewed:

Twenty or so members and their lovely teenagers turned out on a showery day. Wendie had a small photo and document display setting out the trial background and showing progress so far. When we walked down into the planting, noting the variations in growth of the different species, rain came on heavily, but we had by then been able to discuss the immediate need for form pruning and possible other uses (floral foliage) for some of the trees. Weed control is a problem on this property, as it had been grazed and well-fertilised as pasture until 18 months ago. When the canopy closes, Wendie hopes the rank grass will die off, access will be easier and the gorse get-at-able. Beyond the eighteen 21-metre square trial plots area, fillers of kauri had totally failed (too small? overwhelmed? pest damaged?) but some redwoods appear to have survived, as have the amenity trees, planted as medium sized bare-rooted stock. Members will be glad to know that I have now fixed the dilapidated lower gate in a respectable manner. It has its full complement of gudgeons and a proper catch. A very festive afternoon tea, with shared local delicacies, rounded off the day.

2006 February

When:

Sunday 12^th February 2006 from 11am   

What:

Field day and AGM

Where:

At Ecoworks Woodland Orchard, Aongatete

Details:

Work Road is a concealed turn about half-way between Katikati and Tauranga.
If you are coming from the south, stay in the left lane after Wainui Bridge, if from the north, be prepared to turn right after Morton Road.
You are welcome to bring your lunch and eat it earlier than the noon AGM starting time.
Ecoworks has something of interest for everybody: it is a trial ground with a variety of ‘heritage’ fruits, some woodland, olives and tropicals.

The AGM, at which we need to elect people to run the Branch, does not usually take very long.
If you wish to send a remit to the national Association, this is the opportunity to do so.
We do need a treasurer and a couple or three new committee members, to share ideas and contacts. Volunteers welcome!

The present Committee has been together for some time now and would welcome some new blood.
This is not an onerous task as we have very few meetings.
If you can offer a small amount of your time to help out,
please contact any of the committee to find out what is involved.
Alan Hay, Chairperson

Reviewed:

April: "Ecoworks", home of Gail and Les, Aongatete.

A hot sunny day with cloudy spots greeted those who attended this field day. Kirsty Morton notes that it was great to see some 'newish faces'. Gail and Les provided a couple of handouts, one suggesting a "Woodlands Walk" route with notes on the design and plantings, the house history, main pests (Gail says that you can see any pest as well as any specimen at Ecoworks) and trials and errors, the other a list of the 'Mostly Edibles at Ecoworks'. Kirsty's notes in the margins of this mention tasting ripe fruit, choice varieties of lemon (Yen Ben, variegated Villa Franca), the very desirable Limequat, best figs (Daldin, similar to French Sugar, Oakura, a good cropper here and Preston's Prolific, which lives up to its name).

From an uneconomic kiwifruit block and bare sidings in 1993, to a beautiful, productive and fascinatingly diverse property now, Ecoworks is a great example of commitment to a vision, sustained effort and the difficulties that have to be dealt with - in the case of left-over pieces of kiwifruit root, again and again - in an attempt to bring the vision to life.

Thank you both, Gail and Les, for an inspiring afternoon.

2006 January

When:

Saturday 21^st January 2006 at 1pm   

What:

BONUS January field day!!

Where:

At Glenn and Janet Sutton's property, Hallet Road, off State Highway 34, between Kawerau and Matata.

Details:

Much of the initial work on the orchard was carried out by Janet; Glenn has a passion for plums (there may be a few to try); and they also have timber trees, Dexter cattle (not notably compatible with trees), kunekune pigs and hens.

2005 December

When:

Sunday 11^th December at 4 pm  

What:

End of Year Barbecue

Where:

Crosby Lane, Katikati - will be signposted.

Details:

Sausages, soft drink and juice provided. Please bring any other meat you would like and a salad and/or dessert to share with others. Bring your own alcoholic beverage.

Welcome along, celebrate the close of another year of Tree Cropping and enjoy the company of like-minded people. See you there.

2005 November

When:

Saturday 12^th November at 1 pm  

What:

A boysenberry operation with a calla flower-production unit

Where:

Te Rahu Road, Awakeri - will be signs posted.

Details:

Ron and Chris have a boysenberry operation, so we can learn about growing and managing this crop.
They also have a calla flower-production unit and will be grading flowers at this time.

Te Rahu Road is off State Highway 30, between Awakeri and Whakatane.
Parking will be available in the front paddock.

You can probably fit in a soak at the Awakeri Springs hot pools, too!

2005 October

When:

Sunday 16^th October 1pm  

What:

Orchard Visit

Where:

Duncan's, Omokoroa Rd, Omokoroa - will be signs posted.

Details:

Field day - Duncan has an orchard of 345 fruit trees, a wide variety, including apples, pears, plums tamerillos, citrus, persimmons, and almonds.

The house where we will have afternoon tea is just down the road from the orchard and behind the Retirement Village.

About 20 people gathered on a changeable afternoon [above] at the 3-acre orchard. This property was bought in February this year, mainly as a land-bank. It has not been maintained over recent years, and this showed in its rather overgrown state. Duncan has sold fruit from the 208 tangelos and 52 mandarins at local craft fairs. There are also 45 persimmons, as well as several each of tamarillos, plums, peaches, apples, lemons, pears, avocados (gi-normous), the odd passionfruit and feijoa and a glasshouse. Bill Rae responded to a request for guidance with recommendations to cut out dead, diseased and borer-infested wood, reduce the size of all citrus to let in light all round the trees and thin the crop to ensure better-sized and more saleable fruit. Several persimmons had been chopped off at chest-height and showed vigorous re-growth, with good potential for lots of fruit, which is borne on new growth.

Discussion of the avocados touched on the large crop visible on the outside of the trees some 15 metres above us, far too high to be worthwhile, the fact that most commercial growers are finding that recommended planting distances turned out to be too close and the successful rejuvenation of old trees by cutting out the middles. General consensus was that it's best to control the height and size early, but if they have got away, reduce gradually. If avocados are planted alone, rather than in rows, and kept short, they will crop right down to the ground, making picking easy.

The plums in this orchard all appeared to have been well pollinated - Bill commented that the pollen from some plum varieties is incompatible with others, and that's why some will not cross-pollinate, even though they bloom at the same time. If you are not getting plums, check that you have the correct pollinators! (Apricots will also do better with a pollinator - Elizabeth Rae has found that Trevatt and Gold Nugget are good for each other)

Informal general discussions continued on possibilities for managing the orchard comfortably. Suggestions included: buy in labour / professional advice and sell fruit on a commercial scale; take out much of the citrus and replace with avocados, which are easier to manage (see above) and will crop in 2 - 3 years; in any case, undertake a comprehensive overhaul of the orchard, but as it is not immediately required to produce an income, don't put in so much time and energy that it takes over your retirement!

We enjoyed the sunshine and views from Jean and Duncan's house along the road while we had afternoon tea. Thank you to those generous folk who provided yummy orange muffins and chocolate cake and to the Richardsons for hosting us and being so generous with cuttings.

September 2005

When:	Sunday 18th September. 1pm
What:	Propagation Workshop (Hands-on! You can have a go yourself, and proudly plant the results.)
Where:	Penny's, Main Rd, Katikati
Details:	Penny has mixed plantings, and it is going to be a propagation day. Bring your secateurs and a strong sharp knife. If you have a cutting or root stock of your own that you particularly want to work with, Bill will offer advice. He will also provide sticking plasters!

Even though it was held in awful weather, the September Propagation Workshop at Penny's [above] attracted a good turnout.

August 2005

When:	Sunday 14th August, 12:30pm
What:	Hazel Pruning Field Day
Where:	Wairata Hazels, Waioeka Gorge,Opotiki
Details:	Over the last 4 years, we have been experimenting with pruning techniques for mature hazels to try to maximize annual yields. Hazels need light to crop well but do not grow naturally into the standard shapes that stone and pip fruit trees do. This is a chance to share our experiences. We will start with new plants out of the nursery, look at pruning in years 2 to 5, and how to manage a mature orchard. If there is time, we can look at other plantings such as the Gevuina trial. Wairata is in the middle of the Waioweka Gorge (SH2 between Opotiki and Gisborne) about 40 minutes from Opotiki. Drive past the pine forests at Oponae (do not turn down Waiata Road there). We will place a Tree Crops sign on the Omaukora Bridge, at the base of a hill about 500 metres before our turnoff. We have an awkward turnoff across the main highway as you come down the hill so please pull over at the top of the hill to let following traffic past. Turn right off SH2, over a bridge, and follow the gravel road for 2 km, turn over the next bridge and we are at the end of the road another 2 km on. I will be starting at 12.30 sharp so please bring some lunch and join us sometime from 11.30 on. Murray Redpath

 

July 2005

When:	Sunday 10 July, 1pm
What:	Pruning Part Two
Where:	Junction Road, Te Puna - 3.4km from SH2 up Minden Road by the Minden Lookout.
Details:	Bill Rae will demonstrate Renovation Pruning. What to do with fruit trees that need remedial action after they have outgrown their space or missed out on regular maintenance pruning. Persimmon, Nashi, Apples, Tamarillo, and Oranges.

 

June 2005

When:	Saturday 11 June, 1pm
What:	Pruning Part One.
Where:	Sharp Rd, Katikati. Turn off SH2 at Ballyntines Golf course 4km south of Katikati.
Details:	Bill Rae will demonstrate Maintenance Pruning on a range of fruit trees, apples, grapes, plum, peaches, and mulberry. Recognise the types of wood on fruit trees and use this knowledge to help control growth and productivity.

 

May 2005

When:	1pm Saturday 14th May
What:	Nelson Parkers' walnut orchard, and more
Where:	Nelson Parkers' walnut orchard, Wainui Rd, Ohope
Details:	Mainly a nutting stand of walnuts, ranging in age from 27 to 1 year old. There are many other tree crops trees which may take our attention. The walnuts should be still dropping, and autumn colours just starting.

 

April 2005

When:	1 pm Sunday 10th April
What:	Making and Growing a 60 acre park
Where:	HIDDEN VALLEY ORCHARD, Esdaile Road, Pahoia
Details:	The Connings' 60 acres, park-like setting encompasses 4 lakes, bush/river walks, large organic home orchard/ vegetable garden, also old-fashioned fruit trees scattered throughout the farm, timber blocks of ash, robinia, chestnut, black walnut, leylands, lusitanica, gum, acacia, syncarpia. Masses of ornamental trees (hopefully colouring if autumn comes early), arguta (mini kiwifruit) - could still be some fruit left for tasting, avocados, kiwifruit. We rear and release pheasants and quail here and planting beneficial trees and shrubs for food has been a priority. Jan's book on that subject will be available, also some fruit bushes and plants for sale. A series of inspirational photos will show you the "mother of all makeovers" on this property! Sneak Preview (from a few years ago - how much will it have changed?)

 

March 2005

When:	Sunday 20th March at 1pm
What:	Organic orcharding - olives, figs, veges
Where:	Greg and Olya Reid's property, Stanley Road, Wainui, Opotiki
Details:	Greg and his partner Olya garden their property organically, specialising in capsicums, tomatoes, garlic and red onions. This year they also have globe artichokes, as well as many other crops. There is a grove of 150 olive trees, a varied home orchard, a heritage orchard with Blackboy and other peach varieties, a small tropical orchard of pawpaw, tamarillo and passionfruit. New since our last visit about 3 years ago is an interesting grove of figs, with impeccable provenance, and fruiting well.

 

February 2005

When:	Sunday 20 February
What:	AGM; olives and more at Swantons
Where:	Jensen Road, Omanawa, RD1. Tauranga.
Details:	Meet at 11, bring lunch for 12noon AGM and a walk around afterwards. Jensen Road is off Omanawa Road, off the Kaimai road SH29. Park well into the side of the road, please.

 

Earlier Events and Reviews

See also the old Bay of Plenty Branch's old WEB SITE - 'a longer internet presence'

Other Branches Events pages

Refer to this List.

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