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Green-seeds.com:
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ANTHURIUM FARM
An
information system of crops in Hawaii
Department of Horticulture
University of Hawaii at Manoa
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anthurium
TOPICS:
* Capital
* Costs
* Cultivars
* Cultural Practice
* Current Status
* Diseases
* Insects
* Land
* Marketing
* Postharvest
* Public Policy
* Transportation
* Water
* Weeds
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capital
------------------------------------------------------------------------
STARTUP COSTS
 The industry estimates
that the cost of starting an anthurium farm at the
present time would cost at least $60,000 per acre, exclusive of land cost.
A new farmer entering
the industry without hired labor would realize a
reasonable return if he starts with 2 to 2.5 acres. However, he could
have
difficulty in obtaining the $100,000 to $125,000 or more required. Anyone
with personal and/or family assets which could be used to help finance
his
enterprise will find it easier to obtain financing from available lenders.
FmHA (Farmers Home Administration)
The Farmers Home Administration
has a new entry loan program. The agency
should be contacted for more information.
State's Agricultural
Loan Program
The State's Agricultural
Loan Program, governed by Chapter 155, HRS, is
intended to assist farmers who are unable to secure loans from private
lenders or the FmHA. The program is also intended to maximize use of limited
state funds and resources and to meet the needs of qualified farmers of
all
commodities.
Act 222, SLH 1979, adjusted
the interest rates of DOA farm loans to be
comparable with rates of applicable Farm Credit Banks, except for emergency
loans and loans to new farmers and cooperatives. The legislative intent
was
to have established farmers secure financing from conventional sources.
The DOA Farm Loan Program
has a $100,000 ceiling on new farmer loans for use
in acquiring land, for operations, or a combination of these two. Additional
financing could be obtained later from the DOA if the farmer shows that
he
is operating a viable farm and he is a good risk for additional financing.
The DOA office administering farm loans should be contacted for more
details.
Where the cost of the
project exceeds the DOA loan ceiling, the DOA has, in
many instances, been able to bring in other lenders to participate in
financing.
Extending information
on loan programs and assisting farmers to secure
financing from other sources as well as the State have been on-going
functions of the DOA Agricultural Loan Division. The CTAHR, primarily
through its extension agents, has assisted by referring loan inquirers
to
the DOA.
There is a general need
for farmers to be educated in financial management
and the use of credit. Educational and training programs in farm and
financial management on a continuing basis are needed.
The industry feels that
it needs emergency funding (such as that granted
papaya and dairy farmers) because of the decrease in production and the
difficulty in marketing caused by the bacterial blight. (The State does
have
an emergency loan fund available. However, there are certain criteria
which
must be met before this fund can be used, one of which is that money is
not
available from other sources. Inquiries for more information should be
directed to the Farm Loan Division of the DOA).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Costs
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The last cost study
was published by H.K. Marutani and S. Furutani of the
CTAHR in 1978. The publication was entitled "Cost Study of Anthurium
Production in the Pahoa-Mt. View Areas on the Island of Hawaii for the
Year
1977."
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cultivars
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CURRENT VARIETIES
With existing varieties,
the period of high production (summer) does not
coincide with the period of high demand (winter). Cultural practices do
not
seem to be the answer in obtaining high winter production. The industry
would therefore like to see greater effort expended to breed for
high-yielding winter varieties.
The tulip-type varieties,
'Trinidad'; and 'Calypso' which were released a
few years ago, are susceptible to anthracnose. Efforts are being made
to
breed for anthracnose resistance in this type of anthurium for future
release.
TESTING 
In May 1983, plants
of 'Diamond Jubilee' derived from tissue culture were
released through the Anthurium Plant Distribution Committee. Two selections,
UH721 (large bright red, anthracnose resistant) and UH712 (red tulip type),
were distributed to cooperating growers for advance testing. Tissue cultured
plantlets of UH711 (large white, moderately resistant to anthracnose),
UH798
(splash, anthracnose resistant), UH862 (white obake, anthracnose resistant)
and UH927 (dark red, anthracnose resistant, exceptional yield) were
transferred to the Beaumont Research Center for eventual advance testing
with cooperators.
Other promising selections
undergoinng clonal increase are UH908 (large
light red, anthracnose resistant) and UH931 (large orange, anthracnose
resistant). Also, five new selections resulting from crosses with the
small
lavender-flowered Anthurium amnicola have been placed under clonal increase.
The pink-flowered miniatures (UH1003, UH1069, UH1070) give yields in excess
of 8 flowers per plant per year. UH1067 and UH1068 have lavender-purple
flowers, a new color in anthuriums.
GERMPLASM
The on-going breeding,
selection, and evaluation program of the CTAHR has
advanced the Hawaii anthurium industry beyond all other producing areas
of
the world. However, there is an urgency to intensify the efforts to develop
new varieties in order to expand the markets and to maintain Hawaii's
advantage over its foreign competitors.
There is a need to collect
and assemble new germplasm in anthurium-rich
countries either for immediate adoption in commercial production or for
use
in the hybridization program to upgrade existing cultivars. During the
past
2 years, however, opportunity has not presented itself for collecting
and
assembling new germplasm from South and Central America. Instead, 38 species
were assembled from Florida and the Missouri Botanical Garden in 1982.
Nine
hybrid acquisitions were made locally.
SELECTING
Selecting for high yield,
disease resistance, and flower characteristics
remain as important objectives for the breeding program. Although an attempt
is being made to breed for resistance to bacteria, the
CLONING
Rapid clonal increase
of new cultivars to establish large acreages has been
a limitation. The CTAHR has developed, published, and presented to the
industry the technology and materials required for the rapid increase
of
desirable cultivars by tissue culture. Some growers have utilized tissue
culture laboratories, but the cost per plant may be a deterrent for other
growers. The Hawaii Anthurium Product Promotion Committee (HAPPC) has
a
program to distribute new cultivars as tissue culture or propagated plants
at reasonable prices. Asexually propagated plants by conventional methods
of
established cultivars cost about 30 to 40 cents per plant.
In tests so far, plants
propagated by tissue culture methods are apparently
true to the parent.
Many growers who received
plants propagated by tissue culture from the CTAHR
have experienced problems in growing these plants in community pots.
Research is being conducted and results so far have shown that losses
could
be minimized by proper handling.
With the developed technology
of rapid clonal propagation through tissue
culture, it is possible for Hawaii's competitors to take immediate advantage
of newly developed cultivars. The question of patenting new cultivars
needs
to be addressed.
Anthurium cultivars,
Knowledge Master, CTAHR
Hawaii anthurium photographs, Hawaii Tropical Flower Council
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cultural
Practice
------------------------------------------------------------------------
BLEACHING
From
September 1981, approximately 30% of the anthurium acreage under saran
has been affected by a bleaching problem, resulting in a reduction of
20-60%
of the marketable flowers, but the problem has subsided during the past
year. Although the cause of bleaching has not been positvely identified,
there is considerable circumstantial evidence that it is caused by a
combination of environmental and nutritional factors. Modifications to
fertilization programs from a total reliance on encapsulated, slow-release
fertilizers to the use of several different types of fertilizers, such
as
liquids in combination with encapsulated slow-release, low analysis organic
types and other fertilizers are thought to be key factors in the low
incidence experienced by growers who have gone this route.
FLORAL PIGMENTS
CTAHR
investigators have identified two major anthocyanins; cyanidin
3-rhamnosylglucoside and pelargonidin 3-rhamnosylglucoside, and a minor
pigment, peonidin 3-rutinoside (in the lavender-flowered Anthurium
amnicola). Also identified in this variety was a major pigment, cyandin
3-rutinoside.
GROWTH REGULATOR
A
CTAHR study to evaluate the effect of 0, 250, 500 and 1000 ppm gibberellic
acid (GA) applications on flowering of anthuriums has been completed.
The
results showed that significant side-shoot production was evident on all
GA
treated plants. In a second experiment, which was designed to determine
the
effects of GA application on topped and untopped juvenile anthuriums,
results showed a linear increase in the number of side-shoot production
with
increasing amounts of GA application, up to 500 ppm on topped plants.
MECHANIZATION
Anthurium production
is still largely unmechanized. A time-and-motion study
to determine which aspects of production require more mechanization would
be
desirable.
Although some information
is available on fertilization and types of media
and their interaction with water management, light intensity, or other
environmental factors, more and better information is needed, such as
that
on trace elements and spacing and their interaction with the aforementioned
factors.
MEDIUM
Preliminary results
from on-going media experiments show that eucalyptus
bark has a good potential as a medium for anthurium production. However,
at
the moment, the supply and price of this material is unknown.
Some media such as bagasse
and wood shavings are not available at the
present. Hapu'u as a medium is becoming too expensive.
Black cinder can be
used as medium with good results if the plants are
properly irrigated.
A study is needed to
evaluate existing machines for bed making and media
replenishment.
NUTRIENTS
A CTAHR study to determine
the effects of applying liquid or solid
fertilizers on flower production, flower size and flower stem length is
currently in its second year. Also, a N-P-K factorial experiment to obtain
tissue analysis standards is in it second year.
Information on N, P,
K and Ca fertilization is available and that on N, P,
K, Fe, S, and Mg deficiencies is being obtained.
Although some information
is available on fertilization and types of media
and their interaction with water management, light intensity, or other
environmental factors, more and better information is needed, such as
that
on trace elements and spacing and their interaction with the aforementioned
factors.
PH
A
solution culture test on the effect of pH on anthurium growth and flower
production was recently initiated. Preliminary results indicate that,
between the range of pH 3 to 7, there are no significant differences in
the
economic traits being tested.
PRUNING
Pruning
experiments have shown that anthurium plants develop well with three
leaves. Growers do most of their pruning during the summer months when
there
is ample time for this chore, but the process is very time-consuming.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current
Status
------------------------------------------------------------------------
INDUSTRY
According to the Statistics
of Hawaiian Agriculture, the anthurium industry
in the State showed steady growth until 1980, when 2,532,000 dozens were
produced and marketed at a gross value of $6,878,000. In 1981, however,
2,104,000 dozens valued at $5,295,000 were produced and marketed, which
was
a decrease of 23% (in gross value) from the previous year and the first
decrease since statistics began to be recorded 12 years ago. As shown
below,
yearly marketings since 1980 have shown decreases as well as an increase.
From the beginning of
the commercial industry, the Big Island of Hawaii has
always produced and marketed more than 90% of the totals for the State.
The
size of the industry in terms of the number of farms, flowers marketed,
and
gross value of sales are shown below from 1977 to 1983. The figures for
1984
have not yet been reported (only the export figures were available)
Year
No. of Farms Dozens of Flowers Sold Wholesale Value
1977
165
1,549,000 $3,372,000
1978
187
1,925,000 5,017,000
1979
180
2,111,000 5,568,000
1980
228
2,532,000 6,878,000
1981
235
2,104,000 5,295,000
1982
225
1,984,000 5,633,000
1983
210
2,054,000 6,035,000
DECLINE
The
reasons for the lower marketings since 1980 are attributable to the
decline in foreign sales and the emergence and continuation of a very
serious problem in production; the bacterial blight which causes a decline
in productivity. The bleaching of flowers, which decreases the percentage
of
marketable flowers, significantly in many cases, insect pests, and other
diseases such as anthracnose, have also caused the decline in production.
EXPORTS
Several years ago, the
industry began to concentrate marketings in the
readily accessible U.S. mainland and Foreign markets. For the past few
years, more than three-fourths of the total State production have been
exported. The table below indicates that, while mainland U.S. sales have
increased, exports to foreign markets have declined after attaining a
high
in 1980. From 1977 through 1984, mainland sales have more than doubled
while
foreign sales have declined from a high of 1,430,900 dozens in 1980 to
895,000 in 1984; a decrease of 535,900 dozens or 37%. Despite the decline
in
foreign marketings, the significant increase in mainland U.S. sales boosted
the combined export figures for 1984 above that for either 1982 or 1983.
Mainland U.S. sales were nearly equal to that for foreign markets for
the
first time in 1984.
YearDozens
of Flowers Exported Destination Percent of Total
1977 388,800
U.S. 25
1977 819,800
Foreign 53
1978 430,400
U.S. 22
1978 1,065,500
Foreign 55
1979 413,700
U.S. 20
1979 1,299,000
Foreign 6
1980 1,430,900
Foreign 57
1981 527,700
U.S. 25
1981 1,254,200
Foreign 60
1982 647,000
U.S. 33
1982 1,096,700
Foreign 55
1983 720,300
U.S. 35
1983 999,800
Foreign 49
1984 895,000
Foreign --
Exports to the U.S.
mainland are highest during the winter months while that
to foreign markets are highest during September through November. About
one-third of the exports to the mainland U.S. are sold in the Pacific
region
while only about 3 percent are sold in New England and the Mountain region.
Twenty percent, 10 percent, and 20 percent are marketed in the Mid-Atlantic,
South Atlantic, and Central regions, respectively.
Export figures also
indicated that the once lucrative foreign market is
harder and harder to penetrate. The increase in the value of the U.S.
dollar
and the price of Hawaiian anthuriums have caused the closing of the German
market and the softening of the Italian market. Other factors such as
high
tariffs, high air freight rates, and increases in production of low-priced
flowers from other countries have had, and are continuing to have an adverse
effect on the Hawaiian industry. Japan, Italy, and Switzerland, in that
order, are the highest importers of Hawaiian anthuriums. Exports to Japan
have been steady, but the most favorable months for Hawaiian anthuriums
are
July and August while the least favorable months are January and February.
Inspite of the large
percentage increases in yearly exports to the U.S.
mainland, the stability and growth of the industry would definitely be
affected if this market is not further expanded, especially in regions
other
than the Pacific Coast. A more aggressive marketing strategy for more
direct
sales would be very desirable. At the present, many of the importers in
the
Pacific region are in the floral business with outlets in different regions
of the U.S. Depending on demand, these importers may hold onto the flowers
for a period of time before shipping them, which could result in low quality
flowers of questionable shelf-life.
Although the problems
relating to marketing and its effective development
are cirtical, the industry is concerned primarily with the minimization
of
the bacterial blight problem. These, as well as other problems, must be
overcome in order for the industry as a whole to realize stability and
growth and for individual growers, processors, and wholesalers to have
efficient and profitable operations.
Hawaii Anthuriums--Mainland
& foreign exports. Agricultural Statistics
Service
Hawaii Anthuriums--Hawaii flowers & nursery products annual summary.
Hawaii
Agricultural Statistics Service
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Diseases
------------------------------------------------------------------------
BACTERIAL BLIGHT
Since 1980, bacterial
blight has been a major concern of the industry.
Bacterial blight is caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. dieffenbachiae
(Xcd) and is currently established in most of the commercial anthurium
producing areas. The impact of the disease varies from extremely severe
to a
mere nuisance. Because of the systemic nature of the disease, it has proved
difficult to control, especially if preventive and sanitary measures are
not
implemented early. Once the organism infects the stem, it cannot be
controlled and the plant is considered a loss and must be eradicated in
a
sanitary manner to prevent transmission.
The known means of transmission
of bacterial blight are:
1. Infected planting material;
2. Contaminated cutting tools;
3. Splashing rain and irrigation water; and
4. Rain clothes rubbing against infected plants first then healthy
ones.
The ability of an organism
as small as a bacterium to spread by any and all
mechanisms is certainly possible but the probability of spread by air
currents, footwear, and insects and the distribution of the bacterium
from
potential sources of inoculum is not known.
SANITATION
A
control method has been developed employing sanitation measures (removal
of systemically infected plants and leaves) and chemical sprays using
streptomycin sulfate and oxytetracycline, both of which have been registered
for the control of anthurium bacterial blight. The method has proven to
be
effective when done as directed, but some growers feel that the sanitation
measures are too expensive in time and labor. Also, farmers should realize
that resistance to streptomycin and oxytetracycline has occurred in almost
all other bacterial diseases for which it was registered.
ANTHRACNOSE
Anthracnose
is another disease of major significance to the industry.
Uncontrolled, this disease could render up to 50% of the flowers
unmarketable. Mancozeb (Manzate 200) and benomyl (Benlate) are registered
for anthrocnose control. Laboratory, greenhouse, and field testing for
anthracnose control showed that mancozeb (Manzate 200 and Ditane M45)
was as
effective as 13 highly regarded new fungicides, including compounds such
as
Tilt, Bayleton, Baycor, and Prochloraz.
BLEACHING
Bleaching
of flowers was a serious problems a few years ago, but the
seriousness has now subsided. Although the cause of bleaching has not
been
positively identified, there is considerable circumstantial evidence that
it
is a physiological disease involving drought, high temperatures, and
nutritional imbalances and is precipitated by the return to normally cool
and wet weather. Further research is needed to determine the exact cause(s)
and develop preventive measures.
NEMATODES
Nematodes
also cause economic losses to farmers. Excellent control of yield
decline caused by nematodes can be obtained with applications of Nemacur
15G. In fact, yield increases of more than 50% could be obtained by treating
with this chemical. The effectiveness of this nematicide, and the constant
association of burrowing nematodes with yield decline has been the
circumstantial basis for the implication of this oragnism as the causal
agent. Preliminary direct evidence for the causal relationship has been
obtained and conclusive data are anticipated shortly.
Nemacur
15G has a State label for pre- and post-planting applications on
anthuriums. CTHAR is conducting research for alternative nematicides for
pineapple. Studies on pineapple nematode control show that, thus far,
there
is no chemical better than Nemacur.
EXTENSION
Extension's efforts
in helping farmers have included numerous grower/public
educational meetings in Hilo, Keaau, Pahoa and Mountain View; an illustrated
brochure (an updated version is being completed); numerous farm visits
to
assist growers in identifying diseased plants and to explain control
measures in detail; and providing diagnostic services.
Resistant varieties
are generally recognized as the best means of plant
disease control. However, since suitable resistant cultivars require a
long
period of time to develop, the industry wants to see the CTAHR participating
in active research and extension programs to develop interim control
measures that are effective and, at the same time, economical.
A sensitive and accurate
detection system for Xcd is still lacking.
Plant disease pathogens--anthuriums,
Knowledge Master, CTAHR
Hawaii Pesticide Information Retrieval System, CTAHR
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Insects
------------------------------------------------------------------------
PESTS
Insects such as thrips,
whiteflies, coffee twig borers, aphids, Katydids,
scales and mites such as false spider mites, spider mites, and broad mites
are pests of anthuriums. The coffee twig borer, which infests a wide range
(200-300) of host plants, could kill the anthurium plant and there is
no
effective means to control it. Insect damage is apparently greater at
lower
elevations than it is at higher elevations.
Insects and other pests--anthuriums,
Knowledge Master, CTAHR
INSECTICIDES
The
following chemicals are registered for use on anthuriums:
1. Diazinon 4E and 50% wettable powder for the control of thrips, mainly,
and other insects.
2. Orthene can be used for the control of thrips and aphids on
certain
varieties only. Certain obake and pastel-colored
varieties (e.g.,
"Anuenue" and "Sea Pearl") can be damaged if
Orthene is used.
3. Temik for the control of thrips and mites.
4. Metasystox-R can be used for aphid control and may be effective
in
controlling thrips and whiteflies.
TESTS
The problem growers
face regarding the insect pests is the inadequate number
of registered chemicals. In tests involving seven cultivars and conducted
on
commercial farms in Hawaii, seven insecticides--Cygon, Diazinon AG500,
Lannate, Metasystox-R, Pydrin, Sevin, and Vydate--were found to be
non-phytotoxic (safe) when sprayed at rates as high as four times the
normal
application rates.
In a small-pot experiment,
Cygon and Lannate were found to be effective in
controlling flower thrips. However, large-pot tests using mist blowers
and
chemigation application methods must be conducted before these chemicals
can
be registered.
Emulsifiable concentrate
formulations of Dursban, Kelthane, and Isotox 200
(lindane) were found to be harmful to plants of some cultivars when applied
at four times the normal application rates.
The industry would like
to see work initiated to obtain registration for the
following:
1. Diazinon AG500 (liquid) for the control of thrips (registration is
being pursued).
2. Kelthane 18.5% EC for the control of mites. Research supported by the
GACC has produced data which indicate that it
may not be possible to
register this formulation because of the flower
damage, which is
induced at high (4X) use rates.
3. Cygon for the control of thrips. Research supported by the GACC has
produced data which suggest that registration
of Cygon on anthurium is
possible. Data showing efficay on flower thrips
may be needed to
support registration.
Once an effective chemical
is found, it takes about one year to obtain a
State label and approximately 3 to 5 years or more to obtain a Federal
registration.
Tests are needed to
find a chemical that will effectively control Katydids.
Methods of applying
insecticides and the use of overhead spinkler irrigation
systems for the application of insecticides need to be investigated. The
requests for the registration of chemicals need to cover the application
of
the chemicals through the irrigation system.
Hawaii
Pesticide Information Retrieval System, CTAHR
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Land
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Although
anthuriums do not require land with soil, farms should be located
in easily accessible areas which have somewhat flat terrain.
AGRICULTURAL PARKS
All of the lots in Phases
I and II in the Pahoa and Panaewa Agricultural
Parks have been leased. The State is considering taking back lots which
have
not been put into production (the leases require that 50% of the parcel
must
be put into production within 5 years). The industry feels that the
Agricultural Park regulations are not being enforced in some cases. To
date,
however, the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), which is
responsible for administering the operation of Agricultural Parks, has
not
cited any violations, principally because of the lack of personnel.
The industry believes
that most of the land it requires for expansion could
be satisfied by the Agricultural Parks in Pahoa and Panaewa and lands
privately owned.
Some in the industry
feel that there is total inequity in the design of
meter size in relation to lot size in the Agricultural Parks.
COSTS
The
cost of acquiring land for anthurium production ranges from $5,000 to
$10,000 per acre on Hawaii. Additional costs for clearing and levelling
must
also be incurred for a new farm. The cost of leasing land ranges from
$28
per acre per year in the Pahoa Agricultural Park to $650 per acre per
year
on privately owned land.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Marketing
------------------------------------------------------------------------
HISTORY
Up
to 1977, the industry funded small promotional programs and some
individuals have been, and still are, involved in market development and
promotion, but in a diversified manner. The Hawaii Anthurium Council,
organized in 1979 to represent the industry in government and industry
affairs, was dissolved in 1981. The following year, the Hawaii Anthurium
Product Promotion Committee was formed to represent the industry in
promotional and market development activities.
HAPPC (Hawaii Anthurium Product Promotion Committee)
Since
its formation, the HAPPC has been very active. A voluntary assessment
program has been developed, and a private consultant has been working
with
the committee for the past two years on promotional programs. The Hawaii
Anthurium Industry Association and the Hilo Florist and Shippers Association
are members of the organization and have contributed and displayed support.
Because of the small budget ($50,000), HAPPC feels that promotional and
market development programs should be concentrated on the U.S. mainland
to
expand current markets and to open new ones. It feels there is need for
broader industry participation and support, together with the cooperation
of
the Department of Agriculture and the County of Hawaii in its efforts
to
develop the markets for its products.
DOA (Department of Agriculture)
On July 1, 1982, the
DOA entered into a contract with the County of Hawaii
to undertake a promotional program for anthuriums. This contract covered
the
publication of printed materials, participation in trade events, and trade
journal advertisements. Developed under the terms of the contract were:
1. 250,000 brochures;
2. 10,000 posters;
3. exhibits for DOA booths in the Society of American Florists'
Show in
Seattle, Florists Transworld Delivery (FTD) Show
in Honolulu; and
4. advertisements in "Florist" and the "Flower News trade journals.
The HAPPC has been invited
to participate with the DOA in the following
programs:
1. l984 SAF Exposition in Washington, D.C.;
2. l984 l6th Osaka International Trade Fair in Osaka, Japan;
3. l985 l6th Tokyo International Trade Fair in Tokyo, Japan; and
4. l985 SAF Exposition in San Antonio, Texas.
In July, 1983, the DOA
published a magazine-catalogue (Magalog) which
showcased Hawaiian anthuriums, dendrobiums, proteas, and potted nursery
products. This publication was mailed out to 37,000 mainland retail and
wholesale handlers of floricultural products. Response to advertisements
in
this publication was excellent, and the DOA is in the process or printing
a
second publication.
A contract was executed
between the DOA and HAPPC on July l, l984 and
expires on December 30, l985. This contract is for a $45,000 program with
the DOA contributing $27,000 and the HAPPC $l8,000. The industry, however,
has questioned the distribution process--it wants to be an integral part
of
distribution as well as production, along with representatives of other
floral industries.
A private firm (MPI)
has completed two studies, one of the European markets
and the other of the U.S. mainland market for the DPED on Hawaiian
floricultural products. One study included the examination of the following:
1. The market potential for anthuriums in Europe.
2. Consumer (retailers and wholesalers) acceptance of Hawaiian
anthuriums.
3. Grades and Standards -- How do Hawaii's grades and
4. Hawaii's Competitive Position -- Where does Hawaii stand in
the market
place relative to its competitors?
The other study included:
1. The determination of the U.S. mainland market for anthuriums.
2. The determination of the most efficient and effective method
to develop
the U.S. mainland market.
3. The determination of how foreign producers have penetrated the
U.S.
mainland market.
These studies are included
in one report and cover several areas of
marketing floricultural products.
COMPETITION
In
general, Hawaii anthuriums (cut flowers) compete favorably with those
produced in other countries. The bulk of its sales within the floral trade
is the traditional red anthuriums. However, importers and consumers are
always looking for novelty products (different shapes and colors).
Nevertheless, foreign competitors have penetrated the European and Japanese
markets. Also, Holland and Central American countries have penetrated
the
U.S. markets with different varieties of inconsistent quality.
STATISTICS
Because of these developments,
the industry would like to receive production
and marketing statistics of tropical flowers and ornamentals from countries
that are, or could be, competitors of Hawaii's floral and ornamental
industries for foreign markets. The Hawaii Agriculture Reporting Service
has
requested separate statistical breakouts for specific cut flowers from
the
Committee for Statistical Annotation of Tariff Schedules. This request
specified that separate tabulations for anthuriums and dendrobium orchids
were justified on the basis of suspected imports of $l million annually
for
each of these items.
Additional consideration
for separate tabulations was requested for Bird of
Paradise, Red Ginger, and Helaconia, although impressions from several
industry leaders indicate that imports probably do not reach the $l million
minimum value required for a separate breakout. The response received
from
the Committee on June 24, l985 indicates that this request will receive
a
review by their members with the decision forthcoming at a later
(unspecified) date.
The DOA feels that the
Anthurium Industry is in a better position than the
Hawaii Agricultural Reporting Service to maintain a current file on foreign
production of cut flowers. Trips made by industry representatives are
likely
to generate more reliable information than piecemeal data reported by
foreign production of cut flowers. Additionally, the American Embassy
officials do not have cut flowers in their reporting program and are not
adequately staffed to undertake an extensive fact finding program without
additional funding.
Some shippers are using
grades and standards which are higher than the
official grades and standards. However, during periods of high demand,
some
shippers in the industry loosen the grades and standards they normally
apply. Anthurium grades and standards set up in 1959 have never been
reviewed or revised. The DOA recommends, and some in the industry desire,
a
review and revision process that would reflect current needs.
Hawaii Anthuriums--Hawaii
flowers & nursery products annual summary. Hawaii
Agricultural Statistics Service
Hawaii Anthuriums--Mainland & foreign exports. Hawaii Agricultural
Statistics Service
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Postharvest
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Although the industry
has no major packaging problem, it is very much
concerned with the shelf-life and the quality of flowers upon arrival
at the
markets.
FLORAL INJURY
Factors such as the
mode of transportation, conditions during transport and
while in storage at the distributors, time lag from shipment to ultimate
sale ("Chain-of-Life") are very important in the maintenance of quality
and
extending shelf-life. The industry believes that most of the abuse suffered
by the flowers occur after the flowers leave the packing shed and before
they arrive in the markets. Flowers sometimes freeze in transit during
the
winter. During the summer, flowers are damaged while they are stored in
containers left in the open at airports where the temperature within the
containers could reach 120oF or higher.
WATER QUALITY
The
quality of the water in which flowers are held after harvest affects the
quality of the flowers.
POSTHARVEST LIFE
The industry would like
to see if proper nutrition and other cultural
practices could pre-condition flowers to withstand post-harvest handling
and
transportation abuses better. Reduced post-harvest life is apparently
associated with clogging of the vascular tissue in the stem by a
flower-produced material. Silver nitrate (together with distilled water)
treatment of the stem reduces this blockage and helps maintain water
conducting tissue, thereby increasing post-harvest life by up to 50%.
Initial results indicate that surface shipping of anthuriums and
accumulation of flowers for peak demand with air shipment is feasible
using
dry packing procedures and silver nitrate treatment.
Reduced water loss from
the flower by wax coating also increases
post-harvest life up to 30%. The best wax of those tested was a carnauba
base wax (FMC-819). Both of these treatments (silver nitrate and wax)
have
commercial possibilities with the wax treatment being the easiest to use.
Some growers who have used the wax treatment say that the added sheen
is
very attractive.
CTAHR investigators
are currently working on the pre-harvest factors
affecting post-harvest life. So far, they have found significant
enviromental and fertilizer effects. This study is scheduled to be completed
in 1985.
Experiments with hypobaric
and controlled atmosphere storage are not
encouraging. The very small increase in total post-harvest life could
more
easily be obtained with less costly alternatives.
VASELIFE
In tests conducted on
the farm, it was found that calcium nitrate treatment
in combination with waxing at 80% relative humidity (RH) significantly
increased shelf-life of miniature anthuriums.
In experiments on refrigerated
storage, it was found that there is no
significant difference in the vase-life of flowers when stored at 55oF
and
at room temperature for 7 days.
The major limitation
to post-harvest life is apparently the clogging of the
water-conducting tissue of the stem. Until this problem is completely
overcome, other treatments may not significantly improve total post-harvest
life. However, the industry would like to see studies pursued in determining
the effect of varying RH in the "Chain-of Life" on quality and shelf-life.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Public
Policy
------------------------------------------------------------------------
PACKING SHED
Every year, farmers
have to contend with more and more rules and
regulations. An example is the County Building Code which calls for packing
sheds to be set back 100 feet on all sides. The industry does not see
any
good reason for this requirement.
BULBUL BIRD
At present, the "bulbul,"
a bird resembling the cardinal in size and body
conformation, but with dark gray to black feathers, is considered an
economic pest by certain Oahu plant farmers (this bird is not yet found
on
the island of Hawaii). Since information on the damage to anthuriums is
lacking, the industry feels that a survey should be conducted to determine
what damage, if any, this bird causes on anthuriums, and that existing
government regulations restricting the interisland movement of bird pests
such as the bulbul, should be strictly enforced.
The industry would like
to see better coordination between government
agencies to develop and implement programs which benefit the industry.
The
County says that input by industry is sorely needed to effect some of
the
changes requested.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Transportation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
AIR CARGO
Direct air cargo space
to the mainland depends on tourist flow. With the
reduction in the number of tourists visiting the Big Island, the sole
commercial passenger carrier has daily services to Hilo from Los Angeles
via
Lihue, Kauai. This flight returns to Los Angeles either directly or through
Honolulu.
Because it is uneconomical
for local air freighters to fly empty, one-way
air cargo space from Hilo to Honolulu is limited by the volume of incoming
air cargo from Honolulu. Increased outgoing cargo space could be
accomplished economically only by increasing incoming air cargo space.
COOPERATIVES
Transportation cooperatives have been suggested as a partial solution to
some of Hawaii's agricultural transportation problems. This matter was
covered in the 1980 study by MPI for the Department of Planning and Economic
Development (DPED), which explained how such a system could work to the
floriculture's advantage. The resulting organization, Hawaii Floriculture
Industry Association, pursued the cooperative concept, but interest waned
and the association died.
DISTRIBUTION CENTER
The
1982 State Legislature appropriated $500,000 to the DOA for the
establishment of a mainland distribution center for agricultural products.
The nursery industry and then the dendrobium cut flower industry expressed
interest in this project but could not enlist adequate industry
participation necessary to pursue, develop, and operate such a facility.
All
but $50,000 of the appropriation lapsed in June 1984. The $50,000 was
used
to enlist the services of a consulting firm to conduct a feasibility study
on marshalling, transporting, and distributing facilities for Hawaii's
floriculture export products. A draft report is due in late April, 1985.
EUROPEAN MARKET
The
air freight rate for anthuriums shipped across the Atlantic is high. A
specific commodity rate for cut flowers would make anthuriums more
competitive in the European market.
SURFACE SHIPMENT
Surface transportation
of anthuriums needs to be investigated to provide a
long-range solution to the industry's transportation problems. However,
it
does not seem promising presently. The industry, which is pro-tourism,
may
consider overland transport of anthuriums to Kona for eventual shipment
to
the mainland if tourism increases in the area and the number of flights
also
increases. It would also like to learn the feasibility of surface
transportation from Hilo to Honolulu for shipping their products
out-of-state.
In order to address
the concerns by Hawaiian producers regarding shipping
costs to the mainland, the Business Development Branch of the DPED conducted
a survey of 494 representative Hawaiian manufacturers (of which, 17% came
specifically from the flower industry). The statistical overview provided
by
the survey has helped create the first step in implementing efficient
and
less costly shipping methods to the mainland U.S. The follow-up
recommendations to this study will include alternative options and
opportunities to the present shipping methods.
The industry feels that
cooperatives and individual shippers should become
more aggressive in marketing their products more directly to ultimate
points
of consumption rather than to distributors. It also feels that freight
forwarders consider consolidation of shipments to lower costs.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Water
------------------------------------------------------------------------
DROUGHT
Although anthurium production
is centered in the high rainfall areas of
Hawaii, periodic droughts do occur. During droughts, both plant growth
and
flower production are affected and, following a drought, it requires about
2
to 3 months for plant growth and flower production to return to normal.
Without an irrigation system, a grower could suffer economic losses for
more
than 3 months, depending on the length of the drought period.
Research conducted by
the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human
Resources (CTAHR) has shown that irrigation can be beneficial. Many major
producers have installed irrigation systems. They claim that the cost
of
such a system is equivalent to the loss they would sustain from one 2-
to
3-month drought without irrigation. Some have even installed catchment
systems to use during dry periods.
RESERVOIRS
On
the other hand, most of the major producers who have not installed
irrigation systems have not done so because they do not have a domestic
water system to tap into or because they cannot get enough water through
small 1-inch meters (with an 8-inch main, a 1-inch meter is maximum).
It has
been suggested that these growers consider building reservoirs that could
be
filled during non-peak usage hours. One large grower has a reservoir with
a
capacity of 2.8 million gallons and without a catchment system. This farmer
did not suffer any losses from the severe drought of a few years ago.
RATES
On Hawaii, anthurium
growers must compete with domestic users for water. The
rates of $0.65/1000 gallons for the first 5,000 gallons per month and
$0.71/1000 gallons for the next 20,000 gallons per month that anthurium
farmers pay for water is high compared to the $0.08/1000 gallons that
farmers in Lalamilo, Hawaii and Waimanalo, Oahu pay for agricultural water.
An agricultural water
rate is available for farmers who use more than 50,000
gallons in a 2-month period--a single home farmer will be charged $0.61/1000
gallons. In order to qualify for this rate a farmer must make an application
to the Board of Water Supply. If he does not use more than 50,000 gallons
in
a 2-month billing period, however, he must pay at rates listed above.
The
anthurium farmers in East Hawaii, however, would like to have an
agricultural water rate similar to that in Lalamilo.
SCS
The Soil Conservation
Services' (SCS) study on the feasibility of catching
surface water in high elevation areas of Hilo and Puna was deemed
inappropriate because plans for the Agricultural Parks in Pahoa and Panaewa
did not have provisions for water catchment equipment.
The lack of efficient
water supply and distribution systems may limit the
development of the industry in areas where land is available.
Additional research
conducted by the College of Tropical Agriculture and
Human Resources (CTAHR) is needed to determine more precisely the water
requirements under different cultural conditions and develop efficient
systems--frequency and rate of application, design, etc. in relation to
the
meter size of the transmission line.
There is need for a
total agricultural water system, taking into
consideration the fact that the industry is spread out over a large
geographic area, that portions of the existing system is inefficient because
water is pumped for long distances, andthat the meter size is inadequate
in
certain areas.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weeds
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Controlling weeds such
as chickweed, fireweed, bittercress, drymera, ferns,
and other broad leaves and grasses is a continuing problem for anthurium
growers. However, without effective registered chemicals, the weed control
operation becomes very expensive.
HERBICIDES
Although a State registration
for using diuron (KarmexR) in anthurium
production has been obtained, alternatives to this chemical need to be
found
and registered. Promising alternatives are linuron (Lorox TR) and oxidiazon
(RonstarR), but more work is needed before conclusive data are obtained.
No
work, however, has been done during the past few years.
The industry is in need
of the technology to apply herbicides through the
overhead spinkler irrigation system.
Hawaii Pesticide Information
Retrieval System, CTAHR
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Green - Seeds Co., Ltd.
81/10B Ho Van Hue Street, Phu Nhuan District, Ward 9, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Tel: +84 (8) 847 6901 - Fax: +84 (8) 844 1392 - Email: info@green-seeds.com
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