paw

Product: Kangaroo paw Botanical name: Anigozanthos species : ‘Big Red’ angaroo K

Quality specifications for Australian wildflowers Other productsthis which to applied: specification can be generally Other, of Anigozanthos hybrids species and including A. pulcherrimus and A. flavidus. Flowering season: Flowering December to (other August times). or at different round all year postharvest life: Typical 10–15 days. especially Export the vase life, can reduce if the transport the not cold, conditions are product dries out, or transport takes too long. Do not cut stems too early – unless the stem at at stem the unless – early too stems cut not Do 1–3 least at and firm is spike flower the of tip the and wilt will the open, are flowers individual transit. in open will florets More open. not stem flowering the shake Gently test’: ‘floppy The is tip the near stem the of any If tip. the observe and not should and immature still is stem the floppy, still picked. be the on hairs fine the to allergic are people Some respiratory and skin suffering florets, and stems botrytis) against protect (to Dipping irritation. Sensitive hairs. free the of most removes usually of quantities large handling those especially workers, clothing, protective wear should flowers, undipped a perhaps and hands, and forearms the on especially mask. dust Kangaroo paws can show partial or total loss of of loss total or partial show can paws Kangaroo bleached a florets giving pigmentation, flower to susceptible most are cultivars Red appearance. and summer late in happen to seems This bleaching. hidden still is inflorescence young the when autumn are stems flowering all Not tip. shoot the within aborts. inflorescence entire the Sometimes affected. including suggested, been have reasons Many light low of combination a (e.g. weather adverse imbalance nutritional a and temperature) high and toxicity. or proposed) is deficiency (copper paler be may cover under grown on Flowers such cultivars Red . light UV of absence the to owing prone. especially are Red’ ‘Big as in result can °C <1 temperatures to Exposure flowers. deformed the to applies specification this in information The AA or market, the in grade acceptable minimum of full is sleeve the of 50% to 40% where grade, higher a market, export the on compete To flowers. of full is sleeve the of 60% where AAA, – grade interest. market more command may – flowers Lack of cooling and overheating are the the are overheating and cooling of Lack quality. poor of causes main after harvest, and kept well well kept and harvest, after end the to through hydrated especially is Red’ ‘Big consumer. prone to wilting. Because Because wilting. to prone flowering stems of ‘Big Red’ are very are Red’ ‘Big of stems flowering placed in water as soon as possible possible as soon as water in placed branched, you must sleeve bunches bunches sleeve must you branched, become water stressed and should be be should and stressed water become needs to be firm, and 1–3 flowers per stem stem per flowers 1–3 and firm, be to needs will stems the Otherwise open. be to need wilt, producing a condition known as ‘bent ‘bent as known condition a producing wilt, neck’, and the flowers will fail to open. Generally Generally open. to fail will flowers the and neck’, At harvest, the top part of the flowering stem stem flowering the of part top the harvest, At before hydrating, because the flowers can be fragile fragile be can flowers the because hydrating, before turgid. very are stems off) the break if (florets life, vase maximum for needed is pulse sugar A ‘Pulsing’). (see cultivar on dependent rate the with and blackening cause can sugar much too But flower. the of drying stems are marketed without foliage. without marketed are stems to allowed if wilt quickly will paws Kangaroo A wide range of new cultivars and hybrids with with hybrids and cultivars new of range wide A been have forms and colours flower varying are Plants overseas. and Australia in developed which culture, tissue from derived commonly now given a of flowers) (and plants all that means type. to true are cultivar flares that tube narrow a of consists flower Each fine, of cover dense Its end. star-like a form to open colour. the creates hairs velvety domestic the both on marketed are paws Kangaroo Strong Japan. especially markets, overseas and Israel, in producers lower-cost from competition has Africa South and America South USA, the Japan, share. market Australian reduced the in early available cultivar, tall a is Red’ ‘Big for example an as selected been has and season, specification. this export the on compete to wishing Growers over cultivars of range a offer to need may market main The months. 6 lasting season extended an spring. is season cropping flowers native few the of one are paws Kangaroo of months 6 within yield marketable a offering successful However, summer. in planted if planting, crop of understanding good a requires marketing each suit to cultivars of selection and scheduling of selection the for advice reputable Seek market. target major and area your to suited best cultivars markets. diseases, fungal to prone more are cultivars Some blackening, and spotting leaf severe cause which mould Grey conditions. humid under especially cause can and flowers, the affect may (botrytis) market. to transport during decline product Because of their striking and unusual unusual and striking their of Because kangaroo stems, flower candelabra-like native Australian first the of one were paws and cultivation, into brought be to flowers flower. cut major a remain they

Product: Kangaroo paw Botanical name: Anigozanthos species Cultivar: ‘Big Red’ Product: Kangaroo paw Cultivar: ‘Big Red’ STGSFN A E O OPE ING

Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Immature Slightly Prime stage: immature: stage for unacceptable to markets early harvest stage; preferred by only a domestic markets and some export (all florets closed) few markets, especially export markets (2 florets per branch open (1 floret per branch fully open) and 1 almost open) Common defects

Common defects to avoid at market entry: n W ilting n S hrivelled, unopened, deformed or damaged florets n F rost damage n P oorly coloured florets n B orer holes due to caterpillars on Immature florets and not Poor handling – broken branch Bent stem florets and stems enough florets set n Insect or snail damage to stems n D amaged florets due to bird feeding n O vermature florets n B ent, twisted, broken or discoloured stems n F lorets missing on one side of flowering stem (caused by the stem falling over during development)

Poorly fitting sleeve Small deformed florets Very overmature – replace before marketing – discard – do not market The stages shown apply to the product at market entry. Pay attention to the weather, time of year, and mode and duration of transport, because the flowers will continue to open during transport. You must consult with your target market to ensure that the flowers arrive at the desired stage.

Stage 4 Stage 5 Stage 6 Late stage: Latest stage to Overmature suitable market: ready stage: mainly for domestic markets for immediate end customer use unaccepted by many markets.

Cold or frost has caused Bird feeding damage – discard deformed florets – discard

Slug or snail damage on stems Insect chewing damage on stems Typical bunches with and without sleeve – do not market Product: Kangaroo paw

FLOWERS GRADING AND BUNCHING

Appearance Well-defined, uniform, deep claret red; not faded. Processing Processing can be done before pulsing (in the packing Flowers arranged symmetrically around the stem and shed or in the field for large volumes) or while the pointing upwards. stems are pulsing. Reject any contaminated stems. When to Export: 1–3 individual flowers open per stem; top part Sort stems according to length and thickness. harvest of stem firm and not floppy. Prepare bunches to buyer requirements. Domestic: at least 5 flowers open. Recut stems. Avoid harvesting when flowers are wet. Tie bunches. Add sleeves. Damage No wilting. Return bunches to pulsing solution to complete pulse. No damaged or broken flowers. No bird or snail damage to flowers or stems. Stem length According to market demand.

Contamination Product free of grit and soil, weeds or weed seeds, living Bunching The number of stems per bunch varies, and is or dead insects, and signs of live insects or spiders, such determined by their length and by market and buyer as webbing. requirements. Long stems are usually sold in bunches of 5. Different markets require different bunches. Pests and No insects, insect damage or disease. Especially for export, stems should be approximately diseases the same diameter within a bunch, with the ends aligned. Use 1 tie near the base – keeping all ties the same distance from the base of the bunch improves presentation, as does the use of green bunching tape. Appearance No leaves on marketed stems. Use the sleeve to support the bunch. Ensure the finished bunches will fit into the box STEMS without the heads touching the end. Trim the stems if necessary. Rigid and strong enough to support blooms. Appearance FOR EXPORT Bend <10°; no twisting. Stems per Stem length (cm) Av. no. of stems per bunch Trim off lower flowering branches so the lower 40 cm bunch of stem is clean – this makes it easier to assemble and 110 5 tie bunches. 100 5 Ensure stem ends are neatly cut. 90 5 Length Cut stems at least 10 cm above ground level, making a <90 As per market requirements horizontal cut. (Angled cuts result in pointy stubs that FOR DOMESTIC MARKET are dangerous to the next harvester.) Stem length (cm) Av. no. of stems per bunch RECOMMENDED HANDLING AT HARVEST 90 6 70-80 5 Minimise drying out and exposure to heat – pick when it is cool. 60 9 Some growers pick straight into pulsing solution and carry out grading, bunching and sleeving during the pulsing process. Others move stems 50 10 quickly to the packing shed to be graded, trimmed, bunched and sleeved 40 10-15 before placing the bunches into buckets of pulsing solution (dry stems are easier to trim and bunch). In large plantations, flowers are cut, graded and Sleeves Sleeves are essential, as it is almost impossible to pack bunched in the field. unsleeved kangaroo paws. Sleeves help maintain Move cut stems into shade promptly and then to a cool packing shed. quality and reduce drying out while improving product appearance. Use microperforated sleeves, which help prevent the formation of condensation. Select the sleeve size to suit the size of the bunch – e.g. for export, long, narrow sleeves are preferred. Use looser sleeves for domestic product to improve presentation. HOLDING AND STORAGE LABELLING AND DOCUMENTATION

Cooling Effective cooling soon after harvest is important to Label boxes and buckets as recommended in Postharvest Manual* or as retaining quality and maximising vase life. There are two required by customer. options: Ensure box contents are exactly the same as specified in the • Cool, process, cool – for example, remove field heat documentation and on the end of the box. by cooling flowers immediately on entry into shed to JN: 9788 • Layout by Wild Poppy Design • Edited Stevens, by Editing, Matthew ScienceScape Sydney 10 °C in buckets of solution, process flowers (bunch, TRANSPORT grade), and then cool to 2–4 °C by either forced-air cooling (if boxed) or holding overnight in a cool room. Refrigerated vehicle at <5 °C. • Process within 1 hour of cutting, and then cool to 2–4 °C by either forced-air cooling for 20–30 minutes (if boxed) or holding overnight in a cool room (if in COMMON POSTHARVEST PROBLEMS buckets). Refer to Postharvest Manual* for general advice. Forced-air cooling of packed flowers is ideal for large Use preharvest fungicide sprays during wet weather to volumes of product. Fungal decay in storage reduce the risk of botrytis disease. Temperature If necessary, hold at 2–4 °C (but not colder) in high due to Use preharvest insecticide sprays to reduce the pest and humidity relative humidity (≥95%) for up to 5 days. botrytis (grey population at harvest. mould) Dip flowers that are to be packaged and held for Pulsing Kangaroo paws need a sugar pulse to maximise vase life. any significant length of time (export product) in a The optimum sugar concentration is 20–25 g/L for ‘Big Insects (for registered fungicide or insecticide solution with added Red’. Other cultivars may require more or less. Check the export) wetting agent for not less than 1 minute, then dry optimum pulsing solution by doing your own trials. naturally for 2 hours to ensure thorough disinfestation. Use high-quality water to make up solutions. Pulse for 12 hours at 20–24 °C (packing shed), or longer at 2–4 °C. Some growers double the sugar strength and pulse for half the time. Messages for importers and wholesalers Pulse in cool room if weather is very hot. n Recut stems and place into fresh water containing a reputable Too much sugar may cause leaf blackening and flower commercial postharvest solution, or a solution containing a registered dehydration. biocide and sugar. Prepare fresh pulsing solution for each batch. n Cool product before marketing or sending on and keep it cool. Postharvest Same as pulsing solution. No extra treatments are n Maintain good hygiene and keep containers clean. solutions recommended. Longer-term Vase life is reduced by cold storage. Messages for retailers storage Aim to send flowers to market the day after they are harvested. n Recut stems and place into fresh water containing cut-flower food or a Total storage time from harvest to end customer should registered biocide and sugar. be <1 week. n Use clean buckets and containers for displays. For longer storage seek professional advice and test in the market before committing product. n Do not display flowers in areas that are exposed to full sun, draughts, high temperatures or vehicle exhausts, and preferably do not display Ethylene Kangaroo paws do not appear to be susceptible to near fruit and vegetables. Use refrigerated displays if possible. sensitivity ethylene. n Tell the customer how to care for the flowers and emphasise the need PACKAGING for cut-flower food in solutions. Give the customer a sachet of cut- flower food to take home. Pack bunches of the same size (stem number or weight, and stem thickness) together. Messages for consumers Put bunches of similar length together, and ensure all bunches meet this specification. n Keep vase filled with the correct solution of cut-flower food. Check Pack boxes according to customer requirements. daily, as flowers can use a lot of water. If cut-flower food is not used, For export, do not pack mixed cultivars in the one box, unless requested. change the water at least every second day. Always use clean vases Pack bunches firmly in boxes so the product will not move and be damaged. and clean water. Pack head to tail, or use export hooks or stem breaks to ensure the tops of the n bunches can’t move in transit, or the florets will be damaged or crushed. Do not display in areas that are exposed to full sun, draughts or high Use boxes with holes to allow forced-air cooling. temperatures. Keep as cool as possible without freezing. Cool flowers to 2–4° C before transport.

SUPPORTING INDUSTRY PARTNER: The information contained in this publication is intended for general use to assist public knowledge and discussion and to help improve the development of sustainable regions. You must not rely on any information contained in this publication without taking specialist advice relevant to your particular circumstances. The Commonwealth of Australia, Authors: Dr Ross Worrall and Bettina Gollnow. Photographs by: Dr Ross Worrall and Lowan Turton. the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC), the authors or contributors expressly disclaim, to the maximum extent permitted by law, all responsibility and liability to any person, arising directly or indirectly This publication is one of a series of Quality Specifications for Australian Wildflowers. from any act or omission, or for any consequences of any such act or omission, made in reliance on the contents of ISSN 1440-6845. ISBN 978-1-74254-002-3. RIRDC Publication No. 10/029. www.rirdc.gov.au this publication, whether or not caused by any negligence on the part of the Commonwealth of Australia, RIRDC, the *The Postharvest Manual is the manual ‘Postharvest Handling of Australian Flowers from Australian Native authors or contributors. Plants and Related Species’, 2nd edition, 2010. ISBN 978-1-74254-000-9. RIRDC Publication No.10/027. © 2010 Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation. This publication is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, all other rights are reserved. Requests concerning reproduction and rights Both publications were developed by RIRDC Project No. PRJ-000331. should be addressed to the RIRDC Publications Manager on phone 02 6271 4165.