This roses cultivation guide is made by;

Roskam Young Plants Pty. Ltd.

P.O. Box 44
Clarinda, Victoria 3169, Australia
Mobile: 0418 356937 Fax: 03 9551 0217
Website: www.roskam-youngplants.com
E-mail: [email protected]

And
PREESMAN B.V. The Netherlands
Website: www.preesman.com
E-mail: [email protected]

PREESMAN B.V. is a breeder a company specialized in,

Alstroemeria, Chrysanthemum, Gerberas and Roses.

Although we trust that this cultivation guide will be of considerable help to the success of the
crop, we cannot accept any liability for the results of your crop. All the information in this guide is
without committing ourselves.

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1. Introduction.
Roses are the most popular cut-flower world wide. From the early days, many new varieties
have been selected aiming at an improved product in both cultivation and cut-flower aspects, like
the improving yielding capacity the improved yielding capacity, the improved production, and the
improved distribution of harvestable product throughout the year. Another important aspect
which has a effect for price development of the product are the improved quality aspects, like
flower and stem quality to guarantee an optimal vase life and satisfied customers. Very
important in the evaluation of rose quality is the ability to complete the process from bud till ripe
flower. The large range in colour, size, and fragrance, allow roses to be selected for each
occasion and purpose. With this in mind, Preesman aims at creating a product with optimal
amount of these qualities in each new variety.

Bianca® Bianca Candy® Byoux® (new) F. Green®

1.1 Selection process

Seedlings are the starting point of breeding and the selection of our roses. The seedlings are
then grown as cuttings on their own rooting system in an artificial substrate. The use of certain
growing techniques, like for example the use of selected rootstock material, may even prove to
increase the quality of the selections offered. This aspect does also have a lot of attention of the
people at Preesman. Another development which already has been given a lot of attention and
has been generally accepted is the change in cultivation practices. Preesman offers a cultivation
system, which allows an improvement of all quality aspects mentioned previously. The concept
is to control the plant as growing unit to a maximum. In that respect we try to improve the
technical requirements of the system.

All these efforts resulted in a range of new varieties showing the rose growers:

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  An exceptional flower and stem quality, to guarantee maximum user satisfaction.
 A high production of flowers with special emphasis on the
so-called "winter production".
 Good or excellent vase life.

We, from Preesman B.V. and Roskam Young plants Pty Ltd, would like to help rose growers to
make the Preesman rose varieties selected by them into a successful crop. Our experience in
different production areas all over the world, guarantees a well-founded advice for your own
special conditions.

For the Australian market; Job Roskam of Roskam Young Plants Pty Ltd is the exclusive agent
of the Preesman Rose varieties.

For the New Zealand market; Moffatt’s flower company in Christchurch is the exclusive agent of
the Preesman Rose varieties.

F. Lilac® F. Ruby Red® F. White® Gletsjer® (new)

2. Growth factors.
2.1 Light.
Light is the growth factor which influences both temperature and water, unfortunately it is also
the factor which we can control the least. Too much light must be taken away by shading. In
areas with a constant high radiation, shading often is done outside the glasshouse. This has a
positive effect on temperature control. In areas with changing conditions, a movable screen

3
inside the glasshouse is recommended. However, this often has negative side effects as
temperature increase and through a reduced evaporation; a less active crop is created. As our
control over the plant processes improves, shading becomes less necessary. Low light
intensities can be improved by applying artificial lighting, which has only a limited effect. It does
have some major drawbacks; cost increase, influence on the glasshouse temperature, and the
shadow of the installation on the leaves when illumination is not required.

* Primarily light is necessary for assimilation (photosynthesis). Through chlorophyll in the

leaves, light is transformed into sugars, a process also requiring CO2 and water. This
energy source is essential for growth and development of flowers, stems, leaves, and roots.
The degree to which a plant can use the amount of light available depends on several
factors, for example chlorophyll contents of the leaves, CO2-supply, temperature, and
humidity. Each of these factors can prove to be a limiting factor on plant growth.
* Another, more indirect, effect of light is the stimulation of vascular transport through the
plant. As light raises the leave temperature, the leaves respond by opening the stomata to
allow a higher evaporation in order to cool down. This process also increases the water
transport, enabling nutrients, necessary for plant growth, to be distributed through the plant.

High & Fantasy® High & Magic® Passion® Purple

Temptation®

2.2 Temperature.

Temperature influences almost all processes of life. Therefore its relation to radiation should be
established. This relation is mainly determined by the production of sugars. Too much light at a
low temperature causes an unnecessary surplus of sugars. Even though this is undesired, the

4
other way around (high temperature with low radiation) should definitely be avoided. Due to the
high temperature the respiration process works at maximum capacity, while production of energy
(photosynthesis) is maintained at a low level. A shortage of energy will be the result.
Temperature is often taken over a 24-hour period, when its relation with light is discussed. The
differences in temperature during the day/night (light/dark) period have a major effect on plant
growth. It is assumed that through a raise in temperature early in the night period, more energy
is put in generative growth (flower development). Higher temperatures during the night period,
compared to the day period, will stretch internodes and vice versa. Under poor light conditions
this is a possibility to obtain the required 24-hour temperature without creating a weak and
elongated crop.

Renate® Royal Red® Royal Renate® Temptation®

2.3 Water.
Water plays a very important part in the assimilation process, in transport of sugars and
nutrients, and in the cooling system of the plant.

A plant consists for over 90% of water. The plant is kept upright by regulating water pressure
(osmotic systems). Evaporation is influenced by factors like light and temperature, and to a
lesser extent by humidity. Stomata control evaporation; poor water supply will result in a closing
of stomata with subsequently no gas exchange and no production of sugars (energy). Therefore
it is important to keep a check on water uptake and evaporation. If the evaporation is larger than
the uptake (wilting!), the most efficient control measure is light reduction.
Water uptake can also be improved by applying directly at the plant (drip irrigation), and by
reducing the salt concentration in the water (E.C. or total nutrient value). When evaporation is
low and extra light is not available, try to reduce humidity by increasing the temperature.

5
Besides a sub-optimal use of light, too little evaporation does not provide an optimal sugar and
nutrient transport, resulting in e.g. calcium and magnesium deficiencies. It is important to
stimulate evaporation on the total plant canopy. Therefore, vertical temperature differences
should be avoided. This can easily be achieved by using a heating system at the base of the
crop.

3. Substrate cultivation.
After the previous paragraphs on growth factors, it may have become clear that a complete
control of environmental conditions will result in an optimal growing climate. However, complete
control is not possible. Since substrate cultivation allows more control than cultivation in soil, it is
often recommended. Soil quality (chemical and organic structure) and the possibility of soil
sterilisation should be compared to the additional cost of setting up substrate cultivation before a
decision is made on which practice is preferred.

3.1 Substrate choices.

Many different types of organic and an-organic substrates are presently used. For growing
roses; rockwool and cocopeat are most frequently used and preferred. In Australia cocopeat in
slaps or pots is the most used growing media.

Upper Alpine® Upper Cloud®

3.2 Requirements for substrates .

 Good air/ water balance.
 Good draining and leaching capacity.

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  PH neutral and containing none or very few nutrients.
 Stable structure, even in the long run (no or little decomposition).
 Offering sufficient support to the crop.

3.3 Cocopeat .
Cocopeat is a waste product from the coconut palm (Cocos nucifera). Presently it is originating
from for example Sri Lanka. In fresh material a relatively high E.C.-value is measured (caused
by e.g. sodium, potassium, or chloride). This material is very easily to rinse causing these
nutrients to leach. Rinsing often is done at the place of origin, using local rainwater during the
monsoon period.
Still a chemical analysis should be completed since high salt concentrations cause serious
growth reductions. Cocopeat can hold both water and air. Remarkable is the ability to take up
water even after severe drought. Stability of cocopeat is presently experienced to be good, even
after several years little physiological changes have been recorded.

Cocopeat is pH neutral, at a value around 5.5 - 6. At fertilisation one should be aware of

potassium present in the cocopeat. Therefore often a dose (1-2 kg/m2) of calcium nitrate
(CaNO3) is applied at the start of cultivation. Initially a fertilisation schedule could be used
replacing potassium nitrate (KNO3) by calcium nitrate. Please, check the iron (Fe) content
regularly; it has been observed that cocopeat may retain iron temporarily.
During cultivation the pH can be adjusted by applying acid and or ammonium nitrate in the
nutrient mixture.
Water supply does not much differ from rockwool; perhaps cocopeat requires a little less water.
Cocopeat is used in bags of 15-cm wide by 1 metre length or filled direct in plastic pots.

3.4 Rockwool.
In choosing rockwool you could take a slap of 7.5 cm by 15 cm by 100 cm (height x width x
length). The quality (durance) of the slap is an important characteristic to take into account
when purchasing (see and feel!) Since roses are grown for several years on the same piece of
rockwool, the quality should be maintained for a longer period. Often special types are available,
even though these might be a bit more expensive, the effects of an optimally operating rooting
system will become noticeable after some time. A hard rockwool slap has got sufficient air/ water
capacity. The alkaline nature of rockwool can be corrected by saturating the bread with a nutrient
solution at a pH of 5.3-5.5. During cultivation the pH can be adjusted by applying acid and or
ammonium nitrate in the nutrient mixture.

4. Cultivation systems.
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In the cultivation system recommended by Preesman Roses, the plants are grown 30-40 cm
above the ground. This height is necessary to provide space for the bend-out stems and provide
enough air circulation through the crop. This improves the evaporation and increases the
amount of active foliage. If heating is required, it also allows the tubes to be places underneath
the plants. To obtain the elevated flowerbed numerous systems can be developed and several
are readily available on the market. When applying drains it also offers sufficient space for
installation of gutters. If cultivation in pots is desired, various systems have been developed to
allow optimal use of space (frameworks of iron). Since too many systems have been developed
we can not deal with all of them specifically, but we like to draw your attention to the fact that
each system should have sufficient draining capacity and all irrigation tubing should be level.

4.1 Setting up cultivation .

We recommend cultivation in a so-called 2-row system. Per compartment of 6.40 metre 6 rows
of plants are planned. The distance between the plants in one row varies around 15-20 cm.

This results at 7 to 8 plants per Metre Square (depending on cultivar and cultivation system). In
the paths between the plants tubes are planned for heating. These pipes may also be used for
transport of carriages. The maximum water temperature should be kept between 40-50
degrees. To provide an optimal CO2-supply, on each flowerbed a tube for CO2 supply is
recommended.

4.2 High lines of the grow system.

- Plants are placed approximately 35 cm above the ground.

- Bend-out branches have more space, which improves leaf functions and so create more

8
 energy.
- By bending out branches the top of the plant stays at the original place and only basal
shoots are formed.
- At harvest, cutting is done just above the original top, giving maximal stem length.
- More uniformity in production between plants gives a higher production per m2 of a
higher quality.

4.3 Drip irrigation.

A (well installed) drip irrigation system is recommended; as each plant receives the same
amount of water. By supplying the water directly on the potting mix, the plant itself does not
become wet (so preventing diseases).
The dripper line of the irrigation system are placed on the ground between the two rows, this
prevent the dripper line becoming empty, and keep the water temperature low and the dripper
line out the reach of direct sunlight.

4.4 Drippers

A capacity of 2 litres per hour is preferred as the chance of congestion is smaller.

By using a drip system, a wet (water) column is created through which the roots grow.
Place the drippers by planting in the jiffy pot, after 2-3 weeks when the roots are growing out of
the jiffy pot in to the potting soil replace them approximately 1 - 5 cm from the jiffy pot.

5 Cultivation.
5.1 Start of cultivation .

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At the start of the cultivation a glasshouse temperature of 20 – 24 degrees is recommended.
The relative humidity should be high. Fertilisation is in these initial stages done with an extra
20% calcium nitrate. As soon as the first basal shoots have developed well, it should be
returned to normal levels.

The water supply, i.e. the frequency and amount of drip irrigation, is depending on the time of
year and the development rate of the crop. Check the amount drain regularly (minimal 35 - 45%
overdrain). The water gift per dripper is at least 70 - 80 Ml. per irrigation turn. When smaller
gifts are used the irregularity between drips becomes too obvious. At saturation and the initial
weeks of cultivation, the E.C.-value of the nutrient solution should be lower than the E.C.-value
of the plants in the jiffy pots you receive from the propagator. This stimulates root growth and
results in a rapidly established crop.

After this initial period the E.C.-value of the water gift varies around 1.5 – 2.0 depending on the
time of year. The PH of the nutrient solution is maintained preferably between 5.3 – 5.5. If the
PH-value in the drain water rises above PH 6.0, some ammonium nitrate could be applied. If the
substrate used is cocopeat, often less ammonium nitrate is required. Besides chemical analysis
of the drain water, the cocopeat media itself could be analysed.

5.2 Crop maintenance after planting .

After planting, shoots will quickly develop. Only after the flower bud becomes clearly visible the
shoots are bend-out and the flowers are removed. Since the plants grow about 40 cm above the
ground, it is possible to bend down the stems deeply. Be careful not too break the shoots, the
plant should remain capable of transporting sugars from these areas to the new developing
shoots. The shoots should be bend down so the grafting place or, if a cutting is used, the old top
of the cutting will become the top of the plant. The flower buds on these bend-out shoots have
to be removed. This system allows the leaves to continue their production of energy. When the
dominating primary shoot (apical dominance) is removed, causing the plant to respond by
developing more basal buds. In the plant hormonal changes take place, which promote shoot
development (balance cytokinins/ auxins). After cutting or bending out results in an increased
cytokine level, causing buds to break. The shoots formed are producing auxins, so restoring the
hormonal balance in the plant.

5.3 Basal shoots.

Depending on the growth potential of a cultivar a number of basal shoots are formed. Per plant 2
to 3 well-formed shoots are allowed to continue growing, if more shoots were formed we

10
recommend bending out of these shoots. This way a plant has got the use of more active leaf
canopy to supply enough energy for development of a heave crop with first quality flowers.

5.4 Harvest.

At harvest it often was practice to cut back to the first so-called 5-leaf. We recommend cutting
back to the just above the original cutting. The length of the remaining stem decides the number
of shoots (flower stems) which will grow back. If too much (4-6 cm) stem is left, many shoots are
formed of a poor quality. Therefore we advise to cut back to 1 cm. After 1 to 1.5 year the rose
bush is cut back to approximately 10 cm above the original cutting, so creating a new top. Now
again only 1-cm stem is left after harvest. Naturally differences do exist between cultivars, in
case of doubt do not hesitate to contact us.

5.5 Crop maintenance .

From all these points it becomes clear that leaves provide energy (source), while the flowers are
the main users of this energy. Therefore it should be common practice save a maximum of
leaves. The leaf area is maintained while the flower bud is taken out as soon as possible, since
we would like to keep the original top of the cutting, or grafting place, the apex of the plant. The
leaves now will be lower than the apex, while care is taken to avoid too many leaves from over
lying. The shoots should be bending out carefully to avoid internal damage; this will block the
transport of sugars and nutrients and so creates sub-optimal growing conditions.
By maintaining differences in developing rate per shoot a crop will be more heterogeneous. This
will allow a more equal distribution of energy in time.

5.6 Climate.

Regulating the glasshouse climate should be done in order to keep the leaf canopy active.
Especially when much light is available (sunny conditions), heating under the crop is
recommended to prevent large temperature differences in the crop. When less light is available,
heating both under as above the crop will be necessary. To remove excessive humidity from the
glasshouse, the heating should be combined with ventilation. This depends on the difference
between outside and glasshouse temperature and varies with the ventilation possibilities of the
glasshouse. In general with modern glasshouses we recommend ventilation at outside
temperatures of 10 degrees or higher. This also is depending on the wind speed; under windy
conditions the ventilation rate will be higher.
5.7 Stem length and bud size.

To increase the stem length and the bud size, you have to prevent stress situations.

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1. It is very important to keep the heat out of the greenhouse. This can be done by;

 Use shade screen with aluminium reflection parts.

 White washes the greenhouse.
 In summer start early with ventilation.
 Also in-house misting system (above or under the crop) can help you to increase humidity
and reduce the temperature in the greenhouse.
 Installing roof sprinklers; Roof sprinklers can reduce greenhouse temperature with 2 till 3
°C.

2. Drip EC level during period of (extreme) high temperatures and low humidity's, can be
reduced till 1.2-1.4. By reducing the E.C. you make the water easy available for the plant.

3. You need to check regularly (manual) the PH and EC in the drip and the drain water by the
plants in the greenhouse, Avoid extreme fluctuations. Use alarm system to avoid extreme
values, but don’t rely only on the irrigation computer.

4. You can increase the amount of cycles in summer. Water cycles of more than 100 ml per plant
per cycle could be used. This way you also make the water more easily available for the plant.

5. Especially in extreme circumstances you need a lot of leaves on the crop. It would be good if
you stop harvesting for some weeks in summer (when it is very hot). You only take away the
buds/flowers. The plants can build up energy for the new production season. Quality and stem
length will increase this way. The amount of ground shoots will increase also.
Do not take too much leaves form the plant. It makes it harder to cool and recover.

6. The crop has to be healthy: white roots, no pests and diseases (like Pythium, Phytophthora,
downy and powdery mildew, spider mites).

7. Do not allow explosion of spider mites (two spotted mites or red spider)
Important items are:

 Scouting and instructing workers to mark infected spots.

 Spray as soon as you see an infection (on the spot or whole greenhouse)
 Spider has to be in contact with chemical. Spray especially at bottom of the leaves
 Use a lot of water (3000 till 4000 liter per ha.)
 Spray with a high pressure, with a very fine mist.
 Spray again adult + nymph + larva + eggs at the same time!
 Spray same combination 2 till 3 times. Than it has to be replaced by other chemicals
 By warm / hot weather the mites multiply very quick, so spray at least every 4-6 days in
summer.

8. Stem length and bud size is mainly influenced by temperature.

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High temperatures will reduce stem length because the bud development starts earlier.

Ideal temperature range;

Day temperature : between 20-21 degrees.

Night temperature: between 16-17 degrees.

*** The night temperature has to be at least 15-16 degrees. Lower night temperatures will give
blackening/browning of the petals of the red varieties.

6. Rose root problems.

As you know it is very important to have white root development. If the roots are not healthy, one
of the following symptoms could be shown;

 The stem length will decrease.

 The bud size will be smaller.
 The leaves will be smaller.
 The colour of the flower could change.
 The crop will show deficiencies, and leaves will become yellow and will drop.
 The crop will also be more sensitive for pest and diseases.

The following items can cause a bad root system:

6.1 Bad water management (too much and/or too frequent).

The total drain amount during the day has to be ± 35 / 45 %.

During the first cycle in the morning (1 / 1.5 hour after sunrise) there should be no drain. If
you have drain during the first cycle you stopped too late the day before or you give to much
water per cycle.

The total amount of water take-up by the plants per m2 per day could be around 5 / 6 litres (if
there are a lot of leaves). If the flush is gone or the crop is not very healthy or the evaporation is
low (high humidity), it might be enough to give 3 / 4 litre of water per m2 per day. The minimum
amount per cycle has to be about 60-80 ml per plant.
Between the cycles the cocopeat or rockwool can dry up a bit. This is important for the amount of
air (oxygen) in the substrate. If you are giving a small amount per cycle, you have to give a lot of
cycles to realise 40% drain. After each cycle the substrate is maximum wet so each time the
amount of air in the substrate is low.

**** It’s better to give less cycles and more water per cycle.

If the flush is gone or the crop is not healthy (less evaporation), and you keep on giving the same
amount of water, you will see that the drain % will increase. If the drain is above 50 %, you have

13
to reduce the amount of cycles (stop earlier) or reduce the amount of water per cycle.

During the night the plant does not assimilate en does not evaporate a lot. For this reason you
should not give any water during the night. The roots have to be drier during the night. Stop
giving water about 2 / 3 hours before sunset.

IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO MEASURE THE AMOUNT OF DRAIN!!!

6.2 guide for the water management.

During the data collection you can think about the following items;

Do you see difference between the crops/varieties in drain amount?

Do you give the same amount of water to all the varieties?
Do you give the same amount of water also when the flush is gone?
When do you start giving water? When do you stop?
What is the drain amount after the first drip cycle in the morning?
Do you still give water during the night?
What is the humidity during day and night in the greenhouse?
What is the influence of the humidity change on the drain %?
What is the influence of the temperatures on the drain %?

6.3 Bad drain system (wet spots) (water logging).

Root problems also can be caused by a bad drain system, especially when the cocopeat or
rockwool is too wet most of the time. Because of this there is not enough air in the root
environment. This causes fungi like Phytium and Phytophthora.

It is very important that the cocopeat or rock wool can drain easy, blocked drain or level
difference in the bench systems could course too much water around the roots.
In general you can say that water is no problem as long as it can drain out very easy.

***Without a good root system you will never get long stems, big buds and big leaves.

6.4 Wrong pH and or EC.

It is also important to drip with water of a pH between 5.3 and 5.5 for keeping a healthy root
system!

If the pH is too high a lot of elements cannot be taken by the plant. Some of these elements are
for root development. A high pH (above 6) or a low pH (below 5) can cause root problems and
it’s also a cause of deficiencies in the crop. This will cause again a bad root development.

If the EC is (very) high (above 2.5) the roots cannot take the water (and nutrition’s) easy. A
(very) high EC is causing short stems, small buds, small, thick and dark green leaves.

14
If the EC is very low, deficiencies can occur. When the temperatures are high and the humidity is
low, it is good to give an EC between 1.2 and 1.4. This way the plants can take the water very
easy (osmotic system in the roots). If the humidity is high, it is good the give water with a higher
EC level (1.6 till 1.8). In the small amount of water the plant is taking in high humidity
circumstances there are a lot of nutrition’s.

The EC of the drain water can get too high (above 2 / 2.5) when the EC of the dripping water is
too high or by a too low drain percentage.

6.5 Wrong fertilizers, too much or too less of some elements.

Problems with the roots and the crop also can be caused by the use of the wrong fertilizers or a
wrong balance between the fertilizers.

To know the amount of elements it is a must to analyse the water at least each month. Please
contact us to get information on how and where to test the drain water and or growing media.

6.6 Diseases (Pythium, Phytophthora, Cylindrocarpon, Cylindrocladium, Fusarium).

Spores of most of the fungi are always present. If the circumstances are good for the fungi they
will develop and the roots will start getting brown.
If there are a lot of brown roots in coco peat or rockwool, you have to find out why this
happened. A treatment with fungicide could help, but only solve problems on the short term.

*******It’s important, when you have growing problems or diseases, to find the solution. Keep on
doing trials and tests on a small scale to find out how to solve the problems.

If you drench the plants (+/- 100-150 ml water + chemical per plant) you have to make sure that the plants
are thirsty. Before the drench/treatment stop the watering. After the drench/treatment you should not give
water for half a day. You can give the drench/treatment early morning or instead of the last drip cycle.

6.7 High root temperature, which causes Phytium and Phytophthora.

Root temperature should not be above 25 C. For this reason it is very important to cover the
stock tank with a roof (it has to be able to ventilate).

6.8 Not enough green leaves!

A bad root development can also be caused by an unhealthy crop. Infection of insects, fungi or
other diseases will decrease the amount of green leaves. A low green leave amount will cause
bad growth of leaves and roots. A low leave amount can also be caused by harvesting too much
stems.

7. Fertilization.
An irrigation unit with an A + B tank is preferred to give the exact quantity of nutrients to the
plants. The EC and the pH are measured by the irrigation unit and directly corrected.

15
7.1 Fertilizer program:

(Note: this fertilizer program gives an indication of what you could use, this fertilizer solution
could change because of the type of water and how the plants are growing.)

Tank: A = 1000 Litre

Calcium Nitrate CaNo3 26%CaO + 15.5 N 75 Kg

Ammonium Nitrate NH4NO3 9%NO3 + 9% NH4 0-3 * Kg
Iron Chelate Fe Edta 13% 2.0 Kg
or Eddha ** 6 % 4 Kg
Tank: B = 1000 litre

Mono Potassium H2PO4 52% P2O5 + 34% K2O 17 Kg

Phosphate
Potassium Nitrate KNO3 13% N + 46% K2O 25 Kg
Potassium Sulphate K2SO4 52% K2O + 16% MgO 2.5 Kg
Epson Salt MgSO4 49%MgSO4 = 16% 34 Kg
(Magnan Sulphate) Mg0
Nitric Acid HNO3 38% 0-10 *** Litre

Trace elements:
Manganese Sulphate Mn 32% Mn **** 85 Gram
Borax B 11% B **** 190 Gram
Zinc Sulphate Zn 23% Zn **** 100 Gram
Copper Sulphate Cu 25% Cu **** 25 Gram
Sodium Molybdate Mo 40% Mo **** 25 Gram

* This depends of the PH of your drainwater, if drainwater PH below 6.0 you don’t
need Ammonium Nitrate in the fertilizer tank.
** When the PH from the drainwater is above the 6.5 / 7.0, you have to use EDDHA
iron.
*** This depends on the PH of the type of water you use e.g., rain, dam, bore water.
****Always check if you use sulphate or chelate, and what strength the trace
elements are!!!
***** You could ad Agri Potash (Potassium Carbonate) to increase the PH of the drip irrigation
water.

7.2 Optimum EC & PH;

Water gift to the plants E.C. 1.3 / 1.8 PH 5.3 – 5.4

Drain water if collect E.C 1.8 – 2.2 PH 5.3 – 5.5

7.3. NUTRIENT DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS.

If mineral elements are not present in the medium in quantities sufficient for plant growth, plants

16
exhibit nutrient deficiency symptoms. Anything that interferes with the active absorption of
nutrient ions by the root system-eg. Unfavourable pH levels or media temperatures significantly
above or below optimum (17-22 degrees) may also result in similar symptoms. Root injury
caused by root rots, water logging and inadequate aeration. Some of the visible deficiency
symptoms of the different essential mineral elements are described below.

a. Nitrogen; Nitrogen deficiencies are rarely seen in commercial gerbera production. However,
they can occur when growing media with low cation exchange capacities are used and over
watering occurs. Nitrogen deficiency shows as a general overall yellowing or chlorosis, starting
on the oldest leaves and then moving gradually upward. The progression of the chlorosis is from
yellow-green to yellow to a creamy white. Because nitrogen is translocated out of the older
leaves to the new growth under deficiency conditions, the youngest leaves rarely show any
significant yellowing.

b. Potassium; Potassium deficiency first begins as a rusty brown, marginal necrosis of the older
leaves. The centres of the leaf blades usually remain green, although some necrotic spots might
occur. Severely affected leaf margins usually curl upward.

c. Phosphorus; Symptoms begin as a gradual brownish discoloration on the underside of older

leaves, especially along the veins. Phosphorus deficiency symptoms usually occur during winter
when soil temperatures are cold, and disappear when warmer weather returns.

d. Calcium; Calcium deficiency appears initially as death of the apical meristem (growing
points), and sometimes as an extreme yellowing of the young developing leaves. The young
leaves remain small and yellow, with colour turning gradually to a whitish yellow or creamy white.
Edges of leaves eventually die and turn brown.

e. Magnesium; Magnesium deficiency is common on gerberas, due to insufficient amounts of

magnesium in the growing medium and the lack of magnesium in most fertilization programs.
The symptoms appear on the older leaves as an interveinal chlorosis, with a persistent, inverted,
V -shaped green area remaining at the leaf bases. V-shaped green areas also persist at the leaf
terminal. Once symptoms develop, they cannot be reversed.

f. Iron; Iron deficiency symptoms occur as an interveinal chlorosis, primarily on the younger
leaves. The veins and veinlets remain as thin green lines. Leaves become progressively smaller,
and the chlorotic areas ultimately progress from yellow to creamy white. In the last stage, even
the veins and veinlets become chlorotic.

g. Zinc; Zinc deficient younger leaves are splotchy and chlorotic in colour, but the definitive
symptom is that one half of the leaf blade ceases to expand and develop, while the other half is
normal in size and shape. This uneven development causes the leaf to bend into a "C" shape.

h. Molybdenum; This deficiency is most prevalent in strongly acid («pH 5) growing media, and
is displayed as "strapped" leaves, i.e. the leaves become exceedingly narrow, and the veins run
parallel and overgrow at the margins to give ser- rated leaf edges.

I. Manganese; Manganese deficiency symptoms appear first on young leaves and are similar to

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those caused by iron deficiency, except that the persistent bands of green along veins and
veinlets are broader, extending slightly out into the tissue to the leaf blade. The interveinal
chlorosis is not as severe as with iron deficiency

Please note; When you use the above fertilizer mix, and the drip and drain EC & PH are
between the indicate optimum (see 7.2), the chance to get some nutrient deficiency is minimal.
So it’s very important to check the EC & PH a few times a week, and make adjustments when
this is different than the indicate optimum.

8. Labour use per M2.

8.1 Labour issues, registration;

There could be lot money saved on labour when the way of picking and packaging are done
more efficient. Most of the growers in Australia and New Zealand don’t knows exactly how much
time and money is spend on processing of the flowers.
The labour cost are rising and the production increase each year a few precent, if noting is done
the labour cost get a (to) high percentage of the cost and it would be harder to make a profit.

Our suggestion is to start to count the rose production per M2 per week / month, and also how
much flowers are processed per hour. By doing this over a longer period you could find out the
progress over the years.

9. Diseases and pests treatment

9.1 Diseases and pests treatment. (Chemical)

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This is an international pest control list for roses. Because of government regulation some of
these chemicals may not be available or are not allowed in Australia and New Zealand. And we
strongly recommend doing at least trials with the chemicals you have not used before, this to find
out if you get any damage on the plants or flowers.

White fly:

Trade name Active ingredient How to use

Chess Pymethrozine Spray
Ambush, Perthrine Permethrin Spray
Calypso Thiacloprid Spray * / **
Applaud Buprofezin Spray * / **
Admiral Pyriproxifen Spray * / **
Confidor, Admire Imidacloprid Drench / trough drippers
Lannate Methomyl Spray / LVM
Dichloorfos, DDVP Dichloorfos LVM
Decis Deltamethrin LVM
Folimat Omethoate LVM
Sanmite Pirydaben LVM

* When you spray Admiral, Applaud use double amount of water, and try to spray on the bottom
side of the leaves.
** Save for most of the natural predators.

Thrips:

Trade name Active ingredient How to use

Orthene Acephate Spray
Success, Conserve Spinosad Spray
Vertimec, Avid Abamectin Spray
Regent, Violin Fipronil Spray
Lannate Methomyl Spray / LVM
Dichloorfos, DDVP Dichloorfos LVM
Folimat Omethoate LVM

White rust:

Trade name Active ingredient How to use

Baycor Bitertanol spray
Dithane Mancozeb Spray

Broad Mite:

Trade name Active ingredient How to use

Agramite, Floramite Bifenazate Spray
Vertimec, Avid Abamectin Spray
Kelthane Dicofol Spray

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Two Spotted Mite / Red Spider:

Trade name Active ingredient How to use

Agramite, Floramite Bifenazate Spray
Nissorun, Calibre Hexythiazox Spray *
Apollo Clofentezin Spray *
Vertimec, Avid Abamectin Spray
Secure Chlorfenapyr Spray
Talstar, Kiros Biphentrin Spray
Pyranica Tebufenpyrad Spray
Folimat Omethoate LVM

* Save for most of the natural predators.

Aphids:

Trade name Active ingredient How to use

Confidor, Admire Imadacloprid Spray
Orthene Acephate Spray
Pirimor Pirimicarb Spray

Powdery Mildew:

Sulphur pots / burners are often used in the roses to reduce the change on powdery Mildew,
some natural predators are sensitive to sulphur.

Trade name Active ingredient How to use

Nimrod Bupirimate Spray *
Fungazil, Fungaflor Imazalil Spray *
Baycor Bitertanol Spray
Prosper Spiroxamine Spray
Rubigan Fenarimol Spray

* You get the best result when you spray on a dark day with double amount of water.

Sciarids / Fungesnads:

Trade name Active ingredient How to use

Alsystan (Bayer) Triflumuron Drench
Suscon Green Chlorpyrofos Pellet
9.2 Diseases and pests treatment. (Intergraded pest management / IPM)

Look at the following websites for more specific information about IPM;

http://www.biobest.be

Biobest have a very useful list with side effects on chemicals for natural predators.

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http://www.koppert.com

Natural predators & chemicals;

Chemicals save for most of the natural predators;

White Fly;

 Admiral (Pyriproxifen)
 Applaud (Buprofesin)
 Calypso (Thiacloprid)

Two spotted mite / red spider;

 Apollo (Clofentezin)
 Calibre (Hexythiazox)

Harmful for natural predators, but could be used as an spot spraying;

 Soap
 Oils
 Sanmite (Pyridaben)
 Chess (Pymethrozine)

Harmful for natural predators, have to wait long for reintroduction;

 Methomyl (Lanate)
 Confidor (Imidacloprid)
 Nitofol (Methamidophos)
 Folimat (Omethoate)

Please Note: The best possible information has been used to prepare the above list. The
application of the information is beyond the control of Preesman B.V. and Roskam Young Plants
Pty Ltd and no liability will be accepted for any loss or damage suffered as a result if using
products or information listed in this list. It is essential to follow the legal requirements and the
instructions on the label before using any crop protection product.

13. Symptoms of pests.

Note; The life cycle of the insects depend on the temperature, when it’s hot (+ 30 degrees) you
have to spray with a shorter interval to keep the insects under control. Instead of ones a week
you have to spray twice a week, best treatment strategy is spray ones a week and do one LVM
(low volume misting) treatment a week.

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 A. Aphids: When populations overcrowd leaves or stems, winged forms are produced,
which migrate to greener pastures to begin new infestations. Aphids excrete sticky
honeydew that accumulates on the foliage of the plant. This honeydew supports the
growth of black sooty-mould fungi, which often renders the affected plant unsightly and
unsaleable.

B. Thrips; Thrips are small, slender, usually dark-coloured pests, about 1-3 mm long at
maturity, with fine, feathery wings. They feed on foliage, stems, and flowers. Affected
foliage may appear to be ragged, scarred, and deformed. Stippling or silvering maybe
present on the leaves, along with an unsightly residue of tiny black drops of excrement left
by the pests. Thrips have rasping mouth parts that abrade the surface of flower petals or
leaves that release plant sap, which is then sucked up. This rasping injures the plant
tissue, leaving brownish streaks on light coloured flower petals, or whitish or silvery
streaks on foliage or dark coloured flower petals. Like aphids thrips can also carry certain
plant viral diseases.

C. White Fly: Whitefly’s are tiny (about 1-2 mm long) and resemble tiny white moths. Large
numbers cause reduced plant vigour, chlorosis, and yellowing of the foliage. Like aphids,
they also excrete large quantities of honeydew, which leads to the development of sooty
mould on the foliage. Be sure that you use chemicals for the fly, and the eggs.

D. Spider Mites; The spider mites or two spotted mite is the most common found on
gerberas. The mite is tiny (about 0.5-1.5 mm long) and you need a binocular to see the
mites.
Mites feed by inserting their stylets into the plant cells, primarily on the underside of the
leaves, and sucking out the cell contents. Small greyish or yellowish stippled spots appear
shortly thereafter on the upper leaf surfaces. Be sure that you use chemicals for the
spider, and the eggs.

E. Broad Mites and Cyclamen Mites; These are essentially microscopic in size, and are
usually transparent or translucent in colour. A binocular microscope is needed to view
them. They inhabit meristematic areas such as the vegetative growing point or young,
developing flower buds. Leaves and / or petals are normally badly distorted and
deformed. Leaves may become rigid, much thicker than normal, and may be rolled and or
cupped at the edges, resulting is severely damaged plants.

14. Plant diseases.

Botrytis:

Trade name Active ingredient How to use

Rovral Iprodion Spray.
Scala pyrimethanil Spray

Cylindrocladium:

Trade name Active ingredient How to use

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Dithane Mancozeb Spray
sportak Prochloraz Spray

Downy Mildew:

Trade name Active ingredient How to use

Ridomil / Apron XL 350 ES Metalaxyl-m Spray
Agri-fos Supa 400 Phosphonic Acid Spray

Fusarium:

Trade name Active ingredient How to use

Benlate Benomyl Drench
Bavistin Carbendazim Drench
Topsin M Thiofanaat-methyl Drench

Pythium + Phytophthora:

Trade name Active ingredient How to use

Fongarid Furalaxyl Drench
Previcur N Propamocarb Drench
Aliette Fosetyl-Aluminium Drench
Agri-fos Supa 400 Phosphonic Acid Drench

Rhizoctonia:

Trade name Active ingredient How to use

Rizoclex Tolclofos-methyl Spray in the heart of the plants.

Sclerotinia:

Trade name Active ingredient How to use

Rovral Iprodion Spray in the heart of the plants.
Sumisclex Procymidone Spray in the heart of the plants.

 
Consultation service    

As a former gerbera grower for 15 years in the Netherlands, Job

Roskam could help you to bring your growing practices and equipment
up to the standards found in The Netherlands.
Growers outside Europe do not have easy access to expert advice when problems
occur or the knowledge to efficient growing technics.
The lack of this specialist knowledge on-the-ground is inhibiting growth in the Gerbera
& Roses sector, by using Roskam Young Plants Pty Ltd services you too can get
access to expert advice.

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The advantages using Roskam Young Plants Pty Ltd for growers;     

 Specialist knowledge of the Gerbera - Rose growing conditions

 Improved production and product quality

 Generation of advice to fit your specific situation

 Additional profit from crop control

 Reduction of the use of chemicals and treatments through

o preventive treatments,

o better treatment methods,

o early detection of growing problems

Please Note: The best possible information has been used to prepare the above list. The
application of the information is beyond the control of Preesman B.V. and Roskam Young Plants
Pty Ltd and no liability will be accepted for any loss or damage suffered as a result if using
products or information listed in this list. It is essential to follow the legal requirements and the
instructions on the label before using any crop protection product.

Roskam Young plants Pty Ltd 2007

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