SEPTEMBER 2018 CELEBRATING 139 YEARS AS CANADA’S PREMIER HORTICULTURAL PUBLICATION THEGROWER.ORG

THE PATH TO INNOVATION Tomberries: the next ‘little’ thing in greenhouse produce

Thanks to NatureFresh Farms and breeder Eminent Seeds, this is the debut year for the world’s smallest tomato: the Tomberry. The path to innovation is years in the making according to Isaac Braun, greenhouse grower for 60 acres of peppers and tomatoes in Leamington, Ontario. Pictured in the lace-like canopy, he’s one member of a team that’s commercialized this unique produce item with exclusive rights for Canada and the United States. Photos by Glenn Lowson.

KAREN DAVIDSON spindly plant and to harvest a deleaf this plant and stress it for it to label owned by Loblaw. marketable product. As head grower for perform. It’s also more susceptible to For now, the Tomberry is grown from Timbits, move over. The Tomberry 60 acres of peppers, organic peppers and fungal diseases.” mid-March to mid-November. From has arrived. specialty tomatoes for NatureFresh It took two years of trials -- one in planting to ripening, Braun counts on 11 This pearl of a snacking tomato is part Farms, he’s up to the task. Wageningen, Netherlands, the heart of weeks until hand harvesting. The of the trend towards pint-sized produce. “The Tomberry is not your typical greenhouse research and another year at bottom cluster is plucked off the bush Think mini-peppers or cocktail tomato,” says Braun. “It’s more of a wild the Leamington, Ontario headquarters and shaken to release the tomatoes. cucumbers. berry plant. When I first saw this skinny before launching the Tomberry to They are then graded and placed in 4.5 The surprise is that the Tomberry plant, I worried that it would be too Canadian and American markets in ounce pack. grows on a tangled, lacy bush. It’s the weak for high summertime spring 2018. In Canada, it’s exclusively responsibility of Isaac Braun to tame the temperatures. You have to aggressively available under the President’s Choice Continued on page 3

The future of gene editing PG 9 Focus: Greenhouse innovation PG 14 Watch-outs for irrigation water PG 20

Volume 68 Number 09 P.M. 40012319 $3.00 CDN @growernews PAGE 2 –– SEPTEMBER 2018 THE GROWER AT PRESS TIME… of the following options: reliably segregate bankruptcies NEWSMAKERS TFWP deadline extended 1. Provide written submissions impacting the fruit and Rick Mercer will be the to September 30 by completing the submission vegetable sector because the headliner for the Grape template and sending it to: NC- segregation stops at food and Growers of Ontario Celebrity Employment and Social TFWP-PTET- beverage. From the govern - Development Canada has Luncheon on September 12. REVISION_POL_ ment’s perspective, bankruptcy The 35th annual event in St. extended the deadline for AGRICULTURE_REVIEW- is not a significant cause of commenting on the Primary Catharines marks the open - [email protected] financial losses in the fruit and ing of the Niagara Grape and Agriculture Review of the 2. Participate in an online vegetable industry based on the Temporary Foreign Worker Wine Festival. Born in St. survey facts they have access to. John’s, Newfoundland, Program (TFWP). The For more information on the “As such, I have a special Canadian Horticultural Council Mercer has won more than 25 Primary Agriculture Review, request,” says Webber. “ Please Gemini Awards for his top- encourages all stakeholders to contact the Sector Policy take a few moments to list share their insight, ideas and rated CBC series’ The Rick Rick Mercer Division of the TFWP at: NC- Canadian firms you are aware of Mercer Report, Made in experiences on four key TFWP-PTET-REVISION_ who have filed bankruptcy in themes: Canada, and This Hour has 22 Minutes. He is also an author of POL_AGRICULTURE_REVI the last three years, including three national bestsellers and was made an Officer of the Order • Program Eligibility and [email protected] city and province. If you are not Structure of Canada in 2014. Tickets are available by contacting the GGO sure of those details, simply board office at 905-688-0990 ext 224. Explore the definition of prima - indicate the name and we will ry agriculture and the use of the More bankruptcy data follow up further. Our objective national commodities list in the Saskatchewan’s premier announced on August 15 that David needed in developing the list is to Marit will assume the portfolio of agriculture minister. He has context of the Temporary demonstrate the inaccuracy and Foreign Worker Program, as The Dispute Resolution served the southwestern riding of Wood River since 2016. deficiency of existing Previous to that, he was president of the Saskatchewan well as the structure of Primary Corporation (DRC) has identi - government bankruptcy data. Agriculture Stream. fied the need for additional Association of Rural Municipalities from 2006 to 2014. The We will not, nor is there any announcement came on the heels of the resignation of Lyle • Wages and Deductions bankruptcy data to quantify the reason, for us to disclose the Discuss the current wage struc - measure of harm to horticulture. Stewart who has had the role since 2012. He is focusing his source of the names.” energies on fighting colon cancer. ture for the Primary Agriculture President Fred Webber is “This is not just about a loss Stream and how it relates to the asking for leads to buttress you have had yourself. We need needs of the agricultural sector. anecdotal information. Stokes Seeds has hired to tell the story of the impact on Fraser Hetherington as • Housing in Primary “Bankruptcy and other the sector, your region, and your Agriculture insolvencies continue to be a executive vice-president to community. Horticulture may oversee the company’s Explore the current require - challenge and we continue to be a small constituency, but it is ments for housing provided to pursue development and marketing, product and one with a huge national supplier strategies. He has temporary foreign workers and implementation of a PACA-like impact. We need your help to the impact of creating a national trust in Canada,” says Fred worked with several com tell that story. A few minutes of panies in the agricultural housing standard for the Webber, president, DRC. “The your time will make the Primary Agriculture Stream. biggest challenge we continue machinery, field seed and difference in moving a PACA- ornamental plant categories • Labour Market Impact to face is the lack of good data like trust in Canada over the Fraser Hetherington Assessment (LMIA) Processing on the frequency and extent of with experience in both the finish line.” U.S. and Canada. He will be headquartered at Thorold, Ontario. Discuss the current system for industry losses due to If you have had a loss processing of LMIA bankruptcy.” Stokes Seeds is bullish on the potential of the vegetable seed yourself and would like to share market over the next several years. As such, the company has 16 applications, including possible Unfortunately, government details, please contact DRC at measures to improve efficiency data and statistics related to sales representatives and plans to introduce new varieties from 613-234-0982. The goal is to world-class vendors to markets across eastern U.S. and Canada. and service standards; and the bankruptcies lack the compile a list that can be potential impacts of an LMIA granularity and detail needed to compared with and supplement Best wishes to brothers fee. persuade officials of the need government data. Growers can participate in for financial protection. Jordan and Alex McKay who these consultations through one Government data cannot will be participating in this year’s Outstanding Young Farmers Regional Event at the September 11-12 Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show. Their Port Perry- Ontario business, Willow Tree Farm consists of a farm market, vegetable growing Jordan McKay and producing meats.

After 10 years growing the family business at Orangeline Farms, Jordan Kniaziew has left his marketing role to pursue post- graduate educational goals. In a note to stakeholders, he indicated the move will help prepare for business challenges of the future. He and his brother Duffy founded Orangeline Farms Sales Limited, Leamington, Ontario in 2013.

Okanagan Specialty Fruits, based in Summerland, British Columbia, has announced the retirement of its co-founder Louisa Carter. Neal Carter, president of the company, praised his wife’s 20-year tenure as chief financial officer. Andrew Hofer, a chartered accountant who hails from a British Columbian orchard, has been hired as her replacement. J.F. Gamelin has joined the senior management team as director of sales, responsible for leading sales operations for Arctic apples and ApBitz dried apple snacks. Joel Yeager has been hired as facility operations manager, to oversee a centralized fruit receiving, storage, processing, packing and shipping facility in Washington State.

Congratulations to Owen Roberts who was re-elected president of the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) at a July 11-14 congress in Wageningen, Netherlands. For the next two years, he will continue focusing the organization on professional development, youth development and global outreach. The Grower is proud to publish his column every month. SEPTEMBER 2018 –– PAGE 3 THE GROWER COVER STORY Tomberries: the next ‘little’ thing in greenhouse produce

The Tomberry is not your“ typical tomato. It’s more of a wild berry plant. When I first saw this skinny plant, I worried that it would be too weak for high summertime temperatures. “ ~ ISAAC BRAUN

concentrated with consistent Continued from page 1 access to labour to collect samples. It’s an ideal place to The miniature tomato is not showcase progress to various The tangled plant architecture of the Tomberry is unique in the 2.5-acre Discovery Centre at that new according to Benny seed companies and retailers NatureFresh Farms, Leamington, Ontario. Teichroeb, head of research while retaining confidentiality and development for of specific lines.” NatureFresh Farms. Eminent For Peter Quiring, founder Seeds developed the plant in and owner of NatureFresh Europe where it’s been widely Farms, the Discovery Centre is seen in trial development. For a natural progression. His own some, a brix level that averaged 20 years in the greenhouse six wasn’t exciting enough. vegetable industry has been an True, it’s not super sweet intense timeline of discovery. compared to other snacking Originally, his South Essex tomatoes. Fabricating business built What piqued the interest of greenhouses before he decided NatureFresh Farms was how it to become a grower himself. could be marketed as the The Leamington headquarters world’s smallest tomato, not consist of several phases that just directly to consumers, but comprise 130 acres with another more importantly to the food- 32 acres under construction. A service industry. The tip-off to 45-acre facility grows specialty that insight was the in-house tomatoes in Delta, Ohio. chefs who cook at NatureFresh. The Discovery Centre allows “The Tomberry is versatile the science of growing and the in salads or as a fresh snack,” art of marketing to come says Teichroeb. “You don’t together under one roof. For have to cut it up. And for example, all the yield and brix high-end restaurants, it’s ideal test results are available for garnishes. The taste is good, throughout the entire growing but the unique size is the cycle, but so are the consumer tipping point.” taste panel results. Benny Teichroeb shows off a display of tomato and pepper varieties under trial. The identities of the For the produce industry, “We market to consumers,” seed companies are numbered and confidential in archived boxes to the side. He’s head of research the heft of foodservice grows says Quiring. “The retailer is and development, NatureFresh Farms. every year. Consider that in the middle person.” 2017, the sector was valued at Quiring expects to be $29 billion according to trialling melons, strawberries, Foodservice and Hospitality blueberries and lettuce in the Magazine. Commentators say next couple years. that one trend is towards “With the Tomberry, we unique, plant-based items. realize that it’s a cool item, but With the thumbs-up from it’s not a high-volume item,” chefs and further accolades says Quiring. “We’ll grow on a from retailers at the 2017 bigger scale next year, about Produce Marketing Association four acres.” show in New Orleans, NatureFresh committed to For a “Behind the Scenes” commercializing the Tomberry. podcast with Peter Quiring visit The operation’s 2.5 acre www.thegrower.org/podcasts Discovery Centre was key in marshalling the resources. Now in its third year of operation, the Discovery Centre has 12 nutrient-feeding zones, a testing laboratory, a set-up for consumer taste panels and an air-conditioned boardroom showcasing all varieties under investigation. “This has been an amazing resource,” explains Teichroeb. “What was once scattered all over 130 acres is now Phyliss Regular weighs and records samples of trial tomato cultivars in the Discovery Centre. PAGE 4 –– SEPTEMBER 2018 THE GROWER CROSS COUNTRY DIGEST BRITISH COLUMBIA Scorching temperatures, wildfire-tainted skies make for long summer

On August 15, the British with cooler temperatures,” said Columbia government called a Pierce. “If we have a surge of state of emergency to gain hot weather, then they will access to all the resources progress faster. But it still looks necessary to combat serious like a red harvest for end of wildfires. At mid-month, about October.” 605,000 hectares of land had TIME winery contracts been burned with weather about 200 tons of grapes from alternating between vineyards north of Kelowna temperatures in the high 30°C stretching down to the U.S. range and hazy skies. Both of border. As of August 20, there these conditions have presented had been no smoke effect on management challenges to grapes. an August 21 interview from his midnight, equipping harvesters that high daytime temperatures growers. “It’s not all gloom and doom, Oliver, BC orchard. “It’s been with head lamps. Other growers are trapped and normal cooling For Graham Pierce, director but we do need some clear air,” really smoky in the Okanagan have instituted 4 am start times, at night does not happen. The of winemaking at TIME said Pierce. Valley.” finishing by 11 am. hope is for cooler night winery, Penticton, the season Those sentiments were For cherry growers, the For stone fruit growers, the temperatures for the proper has been unpredictable. The echoed by Pinder Dhaliwal, quality and sizing have been hazy skies have prevented the colouring of apples. Despite pace of grape growing has been president of the BC Fruit good because there have been sun’s rays at high temperatures these conditions, the apple crop at times fast, then slowed by Growers’ Association, which no significant rain events. from causing sunburned fruit – is predicted to be up 17 per overcast, hazy skies. represents tender fruit and However, the 36°C to 40°C an unexpected positive. Apple cent from last year. “The whites (varietals) are apples. temperatures have forced growers are in a different doing all right, but the reds “It’s been crazy for the last changes in harvesting times. situation. The heavy, thick (varietals) have slowed down 11 to 12 days,” said Dhaliwal in Some growers have started at smoke acts like a blanket so

ALBERTA Open house at University of Lethbridge highlights research potential

State-of-the-art potato summer 2019. The Potato research activities and toured research will be housed at the Growers of Alberta (PGA) held the university’s new soon-to-be- University of Lethbridge’s new its Field Day Open House at opened Science and Academic Destination Project, with the site on August 17, 2018. Building. Cavendish, the PGA, construction to be completed by The event showcased potato McCain Foods and Lamb Calling All Growers to the

Advanced Farm Management Program The University of Lethbridge is the site of the new Destination Project.

Weston fund the research chair Lethbridge will entice future and potato program at the students to enroll in potato university. These groups made research at the university. a $1 million investment over The lab is currently located five years to establish the in the Alberta Water and program. Environmental Science “We are very grateful to Building but will move to the them for their support,” says science building next summer. The Advanced Farm Management Program is designed to help you research chair Dmytro Yevtushenko says his team’s think strategically about your business, build a strong Management Yevtushenko. mission is to conduct Action Plan, and provide you with practical knowledge and insights “Potato growers in Alberta fundamental studies of potato are very advanced and very biology that present practical to improve the everyday management of your operation. proactive in the scientific interest to the potato industry approach to growing potatoes, and establish a comprehensive which is very good,” says research program in potato   Assess and manage risk Build a Human Resources plan Yevtushenko. research biology for Canada: His research plans include locally, provincially nationally  Think strategically about the  Develop a scorecard to monitor improvement of tuber yields and internationally. future of your business and track financial performance through epigenetic enhance- “In addition, the program is ment of current potato cultivars to translate the scientific           and using innovative methods knowledge into agricultural to amp up the potato breeding practices for current potato process. management,” he says. “The Yevtushenko hopes that the fundamental studies are program and the Open House applicable to across Canada and tour at the University of even globally.” SEPTEMBER 2018 –– PAGE 5 THE GROWER CROSS COUNTRY DIGEST QUEBEC Political tides might change in Quebec on October 1 Voters in Quebec’s provincial Communications and an observ- dairy and poultry. For Quebec election, slated for October 1, er of the agricultural sector. producers, the election presents could overturn 15 years of “Legault leads a coalition of a quandary given the current Liberal rule in favour of the disaffected Liberals as well as uncertainties of the NAFTA party known as Coalition Avenir those from the Parti Quebecois negotiations and the unknowns Quebec (CAQ). Like Ontario, which has collapsed. What do of the CAQ’s position regarding the electorate seems ready for they stand for? That’s a good agriculture. outreach to consumers. budget of any province in change. question.” As recently as spring 2018, Maynard questions whether this Canada. On the website of the “If the polls are correct, The CAQ is in favour of less the Liberals issued an Agri- policy might be under the knife L’Union des producteurs agri- there will be a new premier – state intervention, which puts Food Policy that supported as CAQ promises budget cuts. coles, government funding is Francois Legault,” says Hugh the party in the cross-hairs of more local food production, Quebec producers benefit listed at $1 billion. Maynard, president of Quanglo supply-managed sectors such as organic production and more from the largest agricultural

NOVA SCOTIA Orchard tour demonstrates latest research On August 2, the annual a statistically similar result as the company that supplies Nova Scotia Fruit Growers’ the untreated control, maintain- metamitron and growers are Association Orchard Tour ing significantly more fruit on interested in its potential. attracted 150 visitors including the trees than Sevin and A more systematic approach several from out of province: Fruitone. All other metamitron to crop load management than New Brunswick, Prince Edward applications were statistically estimating crop load is to count Island and Ontario. Tour guide comparable to both the and record the average crop Michelle Cortens, tree fruit untreated control and load. Known as ‘precision man- specialist, Perennia, shared Sevin/Fruitone. Weather around agement,’ this approach is more details on a new chemical the time of application was time-consuming but Phil thinner metamitron (Brevis) for sunny and cool, leading to Schwallier explained how it can crop load management in the difficult-to-thin conditions. give more confidence to Annapolis Valley. The active Metamitron applied at decision-makers and help them ingredient has not yet been 1.1L/ha at both application achieve consistent, annual crop registered for use in Canada. stages yielded comparable loads. It is practical to use this Tour attendees saw the results to the untreated control approach on uniform, high- results of the trial at Eisses’ for number of fruit per cluster. density trees. Farms, Centreville. Metamitron applied at 2.2L/ha Precision crop load Metamitron was tested at at the 8mm and 13mm stages management is a way to reach nothing” approach. Precision • Sequential chemical thinning two different application stages, were statistically similar to the target crop load using a crop load management involves to reduce the flower number to early (8 mm) and late (13 mm) Sevin and Fruitone, and had multi-step process through the three steps: approach the target crop load fruitlet stages in the typical significantly fewer fruit per bloom, petal fall and fruitlet • Precision pruning to leave a • Hand thinning to the target thinning window. It was also cluster than the untreated stages rather than the “all or target bud count on the tree crop load tested at a low (1.1 L/ha) and control. There were no concerns high (2.2 L/ha) rate. These about phytotoxicity in the treatments were compared to an current year’s study. untreated control and to the Yet to be determined, says standard control of Sevin at high Cortens, is marketable and total label rate (2L/ha) tank mixed yield in late September/early with Fruitone at 7.5 ppm. October as well as per cent As Cortens explains, a colour and size grading in limited number of products are October. available to chemically thin “This research will help apple fruitlets, and popular determine the efficacy of options such as Sevin XLR metamitron for chemical (carbaryl) will continue to thinning and crop tolerance on undergo review and risk Honeycrisp,” says Cortens. discontinuation. A new “Chemical thinning chemical thinner, metamitron, is recommendations with the new a photosynthesis inhibitor that product metamitron could be could adjust the crop load in made immediately for orchards favour of increased fruit size in Nova Scotia, when a product and fruit quality. However, the with metamitron is registered in thinning activity of metamitron Canada.” – like all chemical thinners – Guest speaker Dr. Phil depends on many factors. Schwallier, a Michigan State “Studies on metamitron are University researcher, has seven needed to understand its years of experience with usefulness in the Annapolis metamitron. The product Valley if the product will soon behaves like other thinners, he become registered in Canada,” said, with variable results says Cortens. “Brevis is depending on the year. It is no registered in more than 20 silver bullet. countries, including New At the Minor Use Meetings Zealand and the U.S and the in 2017, crop load management company Adama intends to add was selected as an ‘A’ priority to more each year.” streamline a product through In the study, metamitron the registration process in applied at 1.1L/ha when Canada. Metamitron was listed fruitlets were 13mm in size had as a potential solution, meaning PAGE 6 –– SEPTEMBER 2018 THE GROWER INTERNATIONAL

UNITED STATES UNITED KINGDOM ARIZONA EUROPE ASIA Mann’s launches Robotic raspberry picker Update on Drought affects Trend for snacking ‘Caulilini’ for food in trials contaminated romaine European potato crop vegetables service lettuce

Mann’s Packing Company University of Plymouth’s Investigative work is far European potato growers are Dutch breeding company, along with Aruba Seed have spinoff company Fieldwork from over as U.S. authorities dealing with drought which will Rijk Zwaan, will be presenting developed a new cauliflower Robotics is partnering with a seek the source of E. coli- affect both potato supply and a variety of snacking tomatoes variety. “Caulilini” features prominent U.K. soft-fruit grow- contaminated romaine lettuce markets. The Northwestern at Asia Fruit Logistica in Hong long edible stems and blonde, er, Hall Hunter Partnership that killed five and sickened European Potato Growers Kong from September 5-7. Its finger-like florets. (HHP) to test harvesting more than 200 in the spring of represent the five largest grow- Silky Pink range of tomatoes is The company is launching robots. The next hurdle is 2018. A cattle feedlot near the ing countries with estimated available as either cocktail, its proprietary Caulilini testing in fields and poly- canal that provides water to the acreages as follows: Germany cherry or beefsteak versions. Sweetstem Cauliflower along tunnels under different climatic Yuma, Arizona region is now (437,000 acres); France The company is also intro- with Kale Cabbage Blend and and light conditions. under review. (337,000 acres); Great Britain ducing the Sweet Palermo Sweet Potato “Fettuccine” for This high-volume grower The Food and Drug (253,000 acres); Belgium pointed pepper and new let- food service. produces 14,000 tonnes of Administration is researching (239,000 acres); Netherlands tuce varieties suitable for “Caulilini is as striking on raspberries, strawberries, black- the theory that dust from such (189,000 acres). hydroponics and plant factories. the plate as it is on the palate. berries and blueberries for a feedlot could be a vector for The largest market in Trade visitors will be treated to It adds texture and high-end major retailers in the U.K. spreading the E. coli bacteria to Germany is experiencing a sweet Golden Emerald melons, visual appeal to everything “HHP has always led the growing fields and surface “tense market for potatoes of attractive for their short produc- from veg-centric entrees to soft fruit industry in pushing water. fry manufacturing quality.” tion cycle and disease resis- creative appetizers, and is forward productivity and A Leafy Greens Food Safety France’s acreage is up 3.6 per tance. already creating a lot of buzz quality standards on our farms Task Force is reviewing cent and could still deliver a For more information on the with chefs,” said Rick Russo, and nurseries,” said David growing practices, including the reasonably large crop, but trade show, go to: VP of sales, marketing and Green, chief operating officer. suggestion of tripling an indus- drought could bring yields www.asiafruitlogistica.com product management at try-imposed 400-foot buffer down. Great Britain is expect- Mann’s. Source: University of Plymouth zone to separate fields of leafy ing a 16 per cent reduction in Source: HortiDaily.com The new product debuted at August 6, 2018 news release greens from animal feedlots. harvest, citing a cold wet spring PMA’s Foodservice Conference. and late planting.

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cleaanfarms.a ca SEPTEMBER 2018 –– PAGE 7 THE GROWER BITS AND BITES Canada’s apple crop estimates look positive in quality and volume

about the hot and dry weather KAREN DAVIDSON in July have been alleviated by timely rains in August. Some So far, so good for the growers experienced hail, but Canadian apple crop estimate at those situations were isolated. 17.9 million bushels, up 14 per Quebec’s apple crop is cent from the 2017 crop. Don estimated to be 5.7 million Werden, sales and logistics bushels, up 4.9 per cent from a manager, Norfolk Fruit year ago. The McIntosh variety Growers’ Association, based in still dominates the mix at 57 per Simcoe, Ontario shared the cent of the crop. estimates ahead of his New Brunswick has a small presentation to the U.S. Apple crop, estimated at 200,000 Outlook Conference in Chicago bushels. Like Nova Scotia, on August 23. yields were affected by Photo by Glenn Lowson “Overall, this looks like a untimely frosts. clean crop,” said Werden. In Nova Scotia, the big news “Canada is up four per cent in has been the early June frosts. boxes for 2018. That translates started in Washington state. India has placed 50 per cent volume based on a five-year The crop is estimated at 1.38 into a two per cent drop from British Columbia has kicked off tariffs on U.S. apples and may average.” million bushels which translates last year, however improved the season with the early-matur- increase by another 25 per cent While wildfires and hot to a 30-50 per cent drop in sizing is expected. ing variety, Paula Reds, soon to by mid-September. Given the temperatures have dominated volume from the previous year. The Gala variety dominates, be followed by Gala and Ginger promixity to Asia, British the news in British Columbia, Frost damage is variable comprising 24 per cent of the Golds. Columbia apple growers might apple growers there are depending on orchard eleva- mix. It’s followed by Red Weather is crucial in find an export opportunity anticipating the crop to be 3.3 tions in the Annapolis Valley so Delicious with 21.5 per cent of determining these estimates, there. For Ontario and Quebec, million bushles – up 17 per cent the final tally won’t be known the mix. Honeycrisp makes up but trade winds also play a role the freight barriers are too high. from last year. “There hasn’t until all varieties are harvested. 10.8 per cent of the mix. More in the outlook for future market However, the uncertainty in been a real concern about the The Canadian apple market organic apples will come to the pricing. Questions remain about traditional markets means that wildfires,” said Werden. “Size always has an ear tuned to the marketplace, comprising 14 per the impact of the U.S. trade all eyes should be on potential will be up significantly Washington State estimates cent of the mix or 18.9 million wars with China as well as India new partners. compared to last year.” which set the stage for pricing. boxes. and the ripple effect on “There could be an opening Moving eastward, Ontario’s The Washington State Tree These estimates may well be dislocated markets. for Canadian apples in Mexican crop is estimated at 7.3 million Fruit Association released its revised at the U.S. Apple While the U.S. trade war markets,” said Werden. “It bushels, up 25 per cent estimates on August 7, Outlook Conference. Its timing with India has been under the could be much more accessible compared to last year. Concerns predicting 131 million 40-pound is propitious as harvest has radar, it’s significant in that than in the past.” Fairness for growers campaign puts spotlight on access to labour

Ontario’s horticultural approximately 1,450 Ontario continue to grow fruits and into less labour-intensive crops, agriculture altogether. industry has launched a digital farms. vegetables. Some would move while others would abandon campaign to demonstrate public But the federal government support for a long-running may change that. Federal program that allows growers regulators who oversee the affected by a chronic labour program are implementing more shortage to hire workers from and more regulations, and some Mexico and the Caribbean on a growers are concerned about the seasonal basis. program’s future. The Fairness for Growers These changes could threat- campaign uses a web portal, en the livelihoods of thousands www.fairnessforgrowers.ca, to of farmers, making it harder for provide information about the local growers to get the workers 3ƫƨƭƞƜƭ<<ƨƨƮƫ ,ƧƯƞƬƭƦƞƧƭ benefits of the Seasonal they need to operate effective- Agricultural Workers Program ly. These changes could also )ƫƨƦ)ƫƨƬƭ 'ƚƦƚƠƞ ưƢƭơ ƭơƞ (SAWP) and to help consumers significantly reduce access to to directly email their Members local fruits and vegetables on of Parliament, voicing support store shelves, put Canadian jobs for the program and the at risk and hurt thousands of &2/'$,5 '5$,1 importance of continued access seasonal workers who want to fresh, local food. these jobs to provide a better The campaign was initiated standard of living for the in May. As of June, 1,400 families. Canadians had used The Seasonal Agricultural fairnessforgrowers.ca to send Workers Program is a letters of support for SAWP to “Canadians first” program, their MPs. which means supplementary The labour program was seasonal farm labour is hired established in 1966 to respond from partner countries only if to a severe shortage of domestic farmers cannot find Canadians agricultural workers. It contin- willing to take the same jobs. ues to serve the same role 52 It’s estimated that at least years later, enabling Ontario two jobs for Canadians are y a FREE Frost Analysis! farmers to stay in business. This created in the agri-food industry year, more than 18,000 workers for every seasonal worker from Mexico and the Caribbean employed through SAWP at 471 Industrial Ave. • Ripon, CA 95366 are expected to fill vacancies on Ontario farms. 209.253.5921 • www.jackrabbit.bz a seasonal basis — up to a Without the program most maximum of eight months — at Ontario farmers simply couldn’t PAGE 8 –– SEPTEMBER 2018 THE GROWER CHAIR’S PERSPECTIVE Greenhouses today computerized functions in labour activities on the farm. It their loads in the packing pest control balance indoors. almost every aspect of the is basic to record workers’ start houses. Jobs that once could All these tools are just the modern greenhouse farm. This and stop times to assist in only be performed manually can enabler for the greenhouse has empowered greenhouse calculating their hours worked now easily be taken over by farmer to grow a better crop. growers to produce more per day but now it is possible to machines eliminating some of We should not forget the product at a lower cost, record the time spent picking the heaviest jobs and reducing people, the men and women supplying fresh quality product each row, the yield in that row, labour costs. who spend long hours adopting to consumers at increasingly and the cost per unit harvested. Environmental performance the available technologies to the competitive prices while Using this data, employers can has also been improved with growing system. Greenhouse improving their environmental evaluate the performance of advanced technologies in water owners, consultants, seed footprint. each employee to ensure they and nutrient management. breeders, marketers, suppliers’ Computers today control are paid appropriately for their Water that once was discarded technical staff, greenhouse every aspect of the greenhouse performance. These tools also is now captured, treated and manufacturers, computer tech- JAN VANDERHOUT climate by optimizing the provide the ability to evaluate blended with fresh water and nicians, irrigation equipment CHAIR, OFVGA amount of heating, venting, each row’s production to inform re-used repeatedly. designers and especially the CO2 dosing, air circulation and choices to improve overall Technologies such as UV growers who put all the pieces shading that is applied to each production and productivity. sterilization and pasteurization together play a key role in Greenhouses have been area of the greenhouse. Automation is the area that is may be replaced by bio-filters ensuring that new innovations modernizing since they began Computers also control the likely to have the most and intense oxygenation of will be developed and adopted. being built for commercial watering times, volumes and significant impact in the coming nutrient feed water. Intricate Using these technologies, production. My grandfather amount of fertilizer being added years as rising labour costs and sensors and monitors empower applying the settings to the could explain all about growing to the crop according to the declining labour availability growers to manage their water equipment to create the grapes in the greenhouse as this grower’s prescribed recipe. become more challenging. very well. optimum growing environment was one of the initial crops on Monitoring the levels in all the Vineland Research and Pest control has changed in the greenhouse is key to the the greenhouse farms in south water tanks allows for a very Innovation Centre, right here in significantly over the last success of any innovation. Holland almost 100 years ago. smooth control of the southern Ontario, is also decades with increasing use of Through careful monitoring of Much has changed since those recirculation systems in use working to develop improved beneficial insects in all all the systems the best growing early days with the switch to today. Computers manage the technologies in the areas of greenhouse-grown crops. It conditions can be achieved. I floral and vegetable crops and to operation of boilers as well and harvesting and handling of would have been difficult to hope that the greenhouse sector an increasingly high-tech tell the boilers how hard to run product. Other technologies imagine even 20 years ago the can continue to innovate for method of greenhouse to supply the necessary heat will be imported from around extent to which the years to come and continue to production. and carbon dioxide. the world particularly in the greenhouse’s dependence on make “good things grow in The innovation is apparent Labour management is Netherlands. Many greenhouses pesticides has been reduced to Ontario.” through history from manually another area that is supported as well as outdoor horticulture situations of extreme pest operated everything to today’s by high tech computer systems producers are using more and outbreak and that a host of world of automated and monitoring and recording the more automation to lighten beneficial insects maintain the

WEATHER VANE

August 3 was a cooker of a day when this potato harvesting crew was photographed near Leamington, Ontario. That’s where Harry Bradley and sons were taking off 300 acres of processing potatoes destined for the Frito-Lay plant in Cambridge. Photo by Glenn Lowson.

STAFF OFFICE ONTARIO FRUIT AND VEGETABLE GROWERS’ OFVGA SECTION CHAIRS Publisher: Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association 355 Elmira Road North, Unit 105 ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2018 Editor: Karen Davidson, 416-557-6413, [email protected] Guelph, Ontario N1K 1S5 CANADA Crop Protection Charles Stevens, Newcastle Advertising: Carlie Melara 519-763-8728, [email protected] MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE Tel. 519-763-8728 • Fax 519-763-6604 Chair Jan VanderHout, Waterdown Environment & Digital marketing, [email protected] The Grower is printed 12 times a year and sent to all Vice-Chair Bill George Jr., Beamsville Climate Change Mike Chromczak, Brownsville members of the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Fruit Director Norm Charbonneau, Port Elgin Property Brian Gilroy, Meaford The Grower reserves the right to refuse any advertising. Any Association who have paid $30.00 (plus G.S.T.) per year for Veg Director Mike Chromczak, Brownsville Labour Ken Forth, Lynden Director John Thwaites, Niagara-on-the-Lake errors that are the direct result of The Grower will be compen- the paper through their commodity group or container fees. Safety Nets Mark Wales, Alymer sated at our discretion with a correction notice in the next issue. Others may subscribe as follows by writing to the office: No compensation will be given after the first running of the ad. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Client signature is required before insertion. Apples Charles Stevens, Newcastle $30.00 (+ HST) /year in Canada Fresh Vegetable - Other Kenny Forth, Lynden The Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association is the sole $40.00/year International Tender Fruit John Thwaites, Niagara-on-the-Lake owner of The Grower. All editorials and opinions expressed in ON Asparagus Grws’. Mkg. Brd. Mike Chromczak, Brownsville The Grower are those of the newspaper’s editorial staff and/or Subscribers must submit a claim for missing issues within GGO/Fresh Grape Growers Bill George Jr., Beamsville contributor, and do not necessarily reflect the view of the associa- four months. If the issue is claimed within four months, but Fresh Vegetable - Muck Jason Verkaik, Bradford tion. not available, The Grower will extend the subscription by ON. Potato Board Shawn Brenn, Waterdown All rights reserved. The contents of this publication may one month. No refunds on subscriptions. Small Fruit/Berries Norm Charbonneau, Port Elgin ON. Ginseng Growers’ Carl Atkinson, St. Williams not be reproduced either whole or in part without the prior Greenhouse Jan VanderHout, Waterdown written consent of the publisher. P.M. 40012319 Greenhouse George Gilvesy, Tillsonburg SEPTEMBER 2018 –– PAGE 9 THE GROWER URBAN COWBOY No-tech decision widens gap between Europe and everyone else

be able to afford it, and that only crops with the highest returns will be involved. The story is much different here. Elsewhere in The Grower (pg 13), you’ll read that J.R. Simplot Company, one of North America’s largest potato, avocado and strawberry processors, has announced it’s pursuing gene-editing technology. It says such technology OWEN ROBERTS could reduce potato bruising U OF GUELPH and browning, and cut some of the 3.6 billion pounds of potato A new blow has been dealt food waste annually. Other to European farmers hoping to advantages it cites are higher use advanced agricultural yields on less land, meaning technology, a decision that fewer pesticides, water and could have implications for labour. farmers here in Canada. And it has support from the A European high court has United Potato Growers of ruled new gene editing Canada. technology, initially designed “I’ve followed their research for plants, will be dealt with in very closely,” says the the same regulatory manner as organization’s general manager the transgenic technology that Kevin MacIsaac. “The science consumers in North America is there; it’s now more about have come to accept, but getting the acceptance in the Europe despises. consuming public and the retail That’s huge. Many scientists chains to recognize that.” say gene editing – sometimes Agriculture is trying to get called by the acronym CRISPR out in front of this so gene (Clustered Regularly editing doesn’t get lambasted Interspersed Short Palindromic like transgenics did when they Repeats) -- is much different. were introduced a few decades Here’s why. ago. It’s harvest time. Gene editing involves To that end, the Coalition Be safe. For your families and your employees. disabling, removing or inserting for Responsible Gene Editing genes that are responsible for in Agriculture, which has varied specific traits, related to the stakeholder interests (mainly likes of taste, appearance, and industry), is developing a performance, among others. framework that it says will With advances in scientists’ “provide assurance to the food understanding of genetic system and other stakeholders make-up, identifying certain that those using gene editing genes’ roles and manipulating within the framework are doing them is easier than ever. so responsibly.” Transgenic technology, on The public strokes its beard the other hand, involves about all genetic modification, transferring genes from one but more so in Europe, where species into another, that would the hangover from genetic not occur in nature. In the plant experiments in World War II world, the textbook case here is with humans still remains, and Monsanto’s Roundup-Ready more so yet with transgenics. soybeans. They contained a Europeans think technology gene that made them tolerate is fine in many arenas, and have the herbicide glyphosate (trade developed superb products as a name Roundup), also made by result, such as automobiles. Monsanto. It effectively killed Ironically, some of the weeds, but not the glyphosate- companies that champion new tolerant soybeans growing technology in agriculture are beside them in the same field. based in Europe, or have a The science community strong presence there. hoped regulators worldwide Progressive thinkers in the would take a softer line against European ag sector know gene-edited organisms. And technology makes a difference indeed, the United States did to producers. They know how so earlier this summer, which is yields have grown thanks to not surprising, given how North breeding technology. They America has pioneered know how traits such as disease genetically modified crops. resistance have led to greater But in late July, the profitability. European court ruled that crops For Canadian farmers, the created using gene editing bottom line is that they’ll have would be subject to the same technology available to them stringent testing as genetically that Europeans don’t – again. modified crops. It’s estimated Whether consumers accept it such testing costs around $35 and trust it will depend greatly million per crop. That means on how the industry rolls it out. only the biggest companies will PAGE 10 –– SEPTEMBER 2018 THE GROWER MAKING MOVES Managing greenhouse gas emissions COMING EVENTS 2018

Sept 5 Garlic Workshop “Production and Pest Management of Ontario Garlic,” Conference Rooms 2 & 3, OMAFRA office, Guelph ON

Sept 5-7 Asia Fruit Logistica, Hong Kong

Sept 8-9 Stratford Garlic Festival, Rotary Complex, Stratford, ON

Sept 12 Grape Growers of Ontario Celebrity Luncheon with Rick Mercer, Club Roma, St. Catharines, ON 11:30 am

Sept 18 Berry Growers of Ontario Summer Tour, Willowtree Farms, Port Perry, ON

Photo by Glenn Lowson. Sept 11-13 Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show, Woodstock, ON 65mph. cut down on the amount the Sept 16 Toronto Garlic Festival, Artscape Wynchwood • Use cruise-control when truck idles. When those are not Barns, Toronto, ON possible - using cruise control an option, there is technology can reduce fuel consumption as available that monitors the Sept 18-22 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo, Pain it keeps the truck going at a temperature of the cab, the Court, ON consistent speed. engine and the outside and will • Use progressive shifting turn on the engine only when Sept 24 United Fresh Washington Conference Global techniques - changing gears necessary to keep temperatures Trade Symposium, Washington, DC upward as early as possible reasonable. when accelerating, makes over- Idle time can also stack up at Sept 25-27 CART 2018, ALT Hotel Airport, Halifax, NS all acceleration slower but there a shipper or receiver. is increased fuel efficiency and Sometimes there are long wait Sept 26-27 Canadian Food Law and Policy Conference, less wear on the engine. times and depending on weath- University of Laval, Laval, QC • Maintain proper tire inflation er and how often the trucker is pressure - properly inflated tires asked to move around, this can JENNIFER MORRIS Oct 3-4 Canadian Greenhouse Conference, Scotiabank are safer and last longer, while also contribute to increased Convention Centre, Niagara Falls, ON improperly inflated tires can emissions that could be avoided Transportation of goods is reduce fuel efficiency by 0.5-1 with proper planning. Oct 4-6 Canadian Society for Horticultural Science one of the largest contributors per cent. National Conference, Marriott on the Falls, to Canada’s greenhouse gas • Decrease tractor-trailer gap as Off-sets Niagara Falls, ON (GHG) emissions at 10.5 per much as possible - a gap of 18 cent of the national emissions inches or more between the Sometimes emissions are Oct 11-12 Biocontrols East Conference & Expo, Rochester profile. Trucking alone tractor and trailer can lead to unavoidable even with the best Riverside Hotel, Rochester, NY accounts for approximately 83 increased air resistance. equipment and driver per cent of Canada’s Narrowing the gap can decrease strategies. So there are ways to Oct 15-16 Advancing Women in Agriculture Conference, transportation GHG emissions. fuel usage by up to 2 per cent. look at off-setting the emissions Niagara Falls, ON With this in mind, many caused by transport. carriers and brokers are taking Adjustments to equipment Oct 18-20 Produce Marketing Association Fresh Summit & steps to reduce or offset their • Tree planting - pretty straight Convention, Orlando, FL contributions to the emissions. Multiple parts on trucks and forward, logistics companies and Since 2012 in Canada, the trailers can be swapped out their staff can plant trees or Nov 2-11 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, Enercare Centre, SmartWay Program has been from steel or iron to aluminum contract a company to do it for Toronto, ON running to help companies to help reduce weight (up to them. It does take a lot of trees increase efficiencies and 2000lbs). Many newer vehicles to offset the amount of carbon Nov 5-7 Canadian Produce Marketing Association Fall decrease emission levels. have these aluminum parts emitted by logistics companies Harvest Meetings on the Hill, Ottawa, ON Smartway is a program that already along with smaller but every new tree helps. includes representatives from lighter motors (up to 700lbs • Investing in off-set projects - Nov 7 PPEC Annual Fall Seminar, “Cutting through the all across the industry, including lighter). A lighter truck takes there are a lot of companies/ Greenwash,” Islington Golf Course, Etobicoke, shippers, trucking companies, less fuel to move or there could charities that take monetary ON 8 am-noon rail carriers, truckstops and even be more product moved than donations and put them towards dealer service centres. The before with a traditionally offset projects, such as solar, Nov 6-9 North American Strawberry Growers’ Association innovative collaboration heavier truck. wind and thermal energy and European tour, Netherlands & Belgium between Natural Resource At highway speeds, the improved cooking-stove pro- Canada (first done by the EPA) majority of the energy grams in developing nations. Nov 9 Ontario Produce Marketing Association Annual and the freight industry was set consumed is to move air out of Managing GHG emissions is Gala, Universal Event Space, Vaughan, ON up to increase energy efficiency the way. The use of aerody- something carriers should be and significantly reduce GHG namic accessories can help doing to keep our planet Nov 13-14 Canadian Centre for Food Integrity 2018 Public and air pollution. reduce drag and save significant healthy. Have you discussed Trust Summit, Hilton Hotel Lac Leamy, Here are some of the things amounts of fuel. Additionally, options with your carrier and Gatineau, QC that can be done to help the use of low rolling resistance broker partners? manage Canada’s GHG tires saves an estimated three Nov 13-15 Potato Growers of Alberta Annual General emissions: per cent of fuel consumption. Jennifer Morris is president of Two Meeting, Marriott Resort River Cree, Edmonton, Roads Logistics based in Toronto, AB Driver training for fuel Managing idle time Ontario. She is an international efficiency shipping and logistics consultant Nov 19-20 Ontario Federation of Agriculture Annual General A truck can have an average with 15 years of experience in Meeting, Hamilton Convention Centre, Hamilton, Driver training is of 1800 hours per year of idle produce transportation. Her ON recommended as a way to time, using approximately 5600 passion for helping small and educate drivers on fuel litres of fuel. Sometimes trucks innovative businesses is a welcome Nov 19-22 Canadian Weed Science Society meeting, Niagara efficiency strategies and why idle for driver needs, heat in the addition to the Education Falls, ON they are important. winter, cooling of the cab in the Committee of the Canadian Techniques such as: summer and other cab related Produce Marketing Association. Nov 27-28 Grow Canada Conference, Ottawa, ON • Limit speed where possible - equipment. For these needs, She holds a degree in psychology traveling at 75mph consumes 27 there are auxiliary power units from the University of Windsor. per cent more fuel than going and direct fire heaters that can SEPTEMBER 2018 –– PAGE 11 THE GROWER RETAIL NAVIGATOR Only three retailers view Canada as a market

for different products. Statistics Canada-Detailed food spending per household Again, using Statistics Canada information, there are Food expenditures 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Total more than six million change Canadians (16% of population) Total Food 7,760 7,934 8,109 8,629 8,784 13.2% with Asian and Middle-Eastern origins and more than 70 per cent of these people were Food purchased from 5,564 5,718 5,880 6,126 6,176 11.0% foreign-born. We know when stores people move from one part of Fruit, fruit preparations & 696 698 719 755 781 12.2% the world to another, they are nuts most likely to search for familiar Vegetables and vegetable 578 652 675 710 718 24.2% foods when they immigrate. preparations This does change over time as PETER CHAPMAN they are exposed to different Food purchased from 2,195 2,216 2,229 2,502 2,608 18.8% products and is also influenced restaurants We are starting to explore the by availability. different markets in our food As you can see from the improving your overall saleable follow what they are doing. You are important in the market and distribution network, starting table, expenditures per product. Costco moves produce should understand the offering, if you want to service the with the biggest market: the household on food grew by through warehouses and does ad pricing and regular pricing national market you need to entire country. more than 13 per cent from direct warehouse delivery. This from the leaders. understand the 37 million There are only a handful of 2012 to 2016. There are many will depend on the item, consumers and the three retailers who really treat Canada factors that impact this number. availability of supply and the How food gets to consumers retailers who are trying every as a market. They are: Walmart, Inflation, currency, tonnage, warehouses you are servicing. week to grow their share within Costco and Whole Foods. We product mix, population, Whole Foods are only in National market retailers all this population. do have other national retailers consumer confidence and many Ontario and British Columbia sell in bricks and mortar and If you have any questions such as Loblaw and Sobeys other metrics will influence and they run their stores as part on-line. Your products must about selling your products however they still operate expenditures per household. of regions in the U.S. For B.C. work in both to be successful. please give me a call at (902) regions such as Quebec When you are looking at the suppliers, the office is in We know Amazon owns Whole 489-2900 or send me an email at separately. national market, this is what Bellevue, Washington and for Foods and they will continue to [email protected]. It is important to note that happened so retail customers Ontario it is in Chicago, Illinois. drive change in how food is supplying a retailer who looks at would be trying to keep pace or They have a portal on their distributed and sold. Watch Peter Chapman is a retail Canada as a market does not exceed these numbers. Retail website for potential suppliers them carefully as they will lead consultant, professional speaker mean you have to supply the stores are losing share to food to submit items and create a change. The other retailers will and the author of A la Cart-A needs of the entire market as service, however fruits and profile. be watching carefully as well. suppliers’ guide to retailer’s they see it. No doubt they vegetables exceeded the retail (www.wholefoodsmarket.com/in priorities. Peter is based in Halifax prefer fewer suppliers as it store total. formation-potential-suppliers) The national market N.S. where he is the principal at simplifies their business and Looking at the national GPS Business Solutions and a reduces costs, but they also market you need to understand Your competition While only three retailers partner in SKUfood.com, an on know that it is not realistic in a how consumers are changing really see Canada as a market, line resource for food producers. lot of categories to have one and how this will impact the Supplying the national they are also experiencing Peter works with producers and supplier across the country. It is products they are looking to market is a challenge for under- growth. Many people are processors to help them navigate also a risk for them to have only buy. It can result in opportuni- standing competition. There are surprised when they consider through the retail environment with one vendor if there are issues ties for new items or it can also many and you could spend too these three retailers represent the ultimate goal to get more of their and it also prevents them from decrease the required volume of much time on this. Select the close to 30 per cent of food sold items in the shopping cart. having some choice which can the products you have been leaders in your category and to households in Canada. They [email protected] be defined as leverage. producing. You might also Consumers in Canada are consider education to help new changing and if you want to Canadians understand the supply national retailers you products you do produce. need to understand the market they are operating in. According Customers influence the buying to Statistics Canada, the decision Canadian population surpassed 37 million on April 1, 2018. This As we discussed earlier there is an increase of 1.4 per cent are really only three food retail- Here’s to the from the same date in the ers who see Canada as a market. previous year. Your customers It is not hard to understand why relate population change to the they have this view with their GROWER growth the market should be home offices in the U.S. and the delivering in tonnage. Food is knowledge that Canada From all of us at FCC, thanks complicated but one parameter represents a smaller market for making Canadian agriculture so amazing. that is always the best starting than California. point is population change. If Walmart will focus on limited the population is growing, listings driving the greatest #HeresToCdnAg overall food consumption possible sales. Their perishable should be growing at a similar departments have improved the fcc.ca rate. offering and the shopping You should also understand experience. We know they are the source of population growth, focused on value and if you as it will impact products want to supply them you need consumed. In the first quarter of to be too. Walmart has a limited 2018, according to Statistics number of warehouses for fresh Canada, the country had the produce where you must meet highest ever increase as a result or exceed their standards. of immigration. More than Costco will look for different 88,000 people were added as a sizes with a higher average price result of immigration whereas point. They will be looking to the natural increase (births deliver better overall value or minus deaths) was at a historic price per unit than their compe- low with only 15,037. The tition. One benefit of Costco in population is growing and these produce is they do consider dif- consumers are likely searching ferent sizes, which helps with PAGE 12 –– SEPTEMBER 2018 THE GROWER GARLIC PRODUCTION Looking for garlic cultivars for this year’s trial

TRAVIS CRANMER

As consumers become more aware of the different tastes and culinary uses of unique garlic types, the demand for specific cultivar types will grow, and name recognition of various Figure 1. Dry yield of garlic cultivars tested in the 2017-2018 growing season. cultivars will increase. Last year we put out a request for garlic cultivars to be used for a trial to ‘Music’ was mellow while assess different growth ‘Newfoundland’ was dull but parameters. We received six then had a spicy finish. hardneck and three softneck Of the softneck cultivars, cultivars, which were then Thermadore performed the best planted in Mount Forest, but not significantly better than Ontario, on October 19, 2017. Messadore or Saba Gold. While We harvested the trial July the yield of many hardneck 19, 2018 and out of the nine varieties may be superior to that cultivars, we found ‘Music’ to of softneck cultivars, the storage be the top cultivar when it came length of softneck cultivars is to early spring emergence, generally better than many mid-season height, mid-season hardneck varieties. Knowing leaf count, as well as plant more about cultivar perfor- weight, circumference, bulb mance will allow us to make fresh and dry weight at harvest. more educated decisions in the The cultivar ‘Newfoundland’ future when it comes to trying was a close second when it different cultivars for large-scale came to dry yield and most commercial production. An Figure 2. Garlic cultivars tested from left to right: Music, Georgian Fire, Ivan, Newfoundland, Russian other variables assessed. This overview of the entire trial can Red, Yugoslavian Red, Saba Gold, Messadore and Thermadore. cultivar was sourced from be found on the ONvegetables Newfoundland and the traits blog at: different soil types as well as 2018-2019 cultivar trial, please be seeded in late September to that were assessed were very www.onvegetables.com/2018/08/ increase the number of cultivars contact Travis Cranmer at 519 early October. similar to ‘Music.’ During a 16/garlic-cv-trial/ in the study. If you have a 826-4963 or e-mail blind taste test, four out of Our hope is to expand the named garlic cultivar that you [email protected] as Travis Cranmer is a vegetable seven individuals noted that trial to multiple locations with would like to include in the soon as possible as the trial will crops specialist with OMAFRA.

GREAT LAKES

FRUIT, VEGETABLE & FARM MARKET MICHIGAN GREENHOUSE GROWERS EXPO Dec. 4-6, 2018 Grand Rapids, Michigan DeVos Place Convention Center and the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel The PREMIER show for fruit and vegetable growers, greenhouse growers and farm marketers!

Registration opens October 1 www.GLEXPO.com Registration covers both conferences and the trade show SEPTEMBER 2018 –– PAGE 13 THE GROWER BITS AND BITES J.R. Simplot acquires gene-editing license

One of North America’s largest potato processors, J.R. Simplot Company, plans to reduce food waste with new varieties of non-browning and non-bruising produce through gene-editing technology such as CRISPR-Cas9. On August 6, the company announced that it had executed Sciences. “These pioneering techniques, the company interested in growing these new traditional ones but it’s all about a joint intellectual property tools may enable growers to previously commercialized two varieties because of their better educating the consumer. licensing agreement with achieve higher yields on less generations of its Innate-brand- traits, but they need to be able “I’ve followed their research Corteva Agriscience, Agriculture land resulting in fewer ed line of potato varieties by to offer a sellable product to the very closely,” says MacIsaac. Division of DowDuPont, and pesticides, water and labour adapting genes only from wild retailer, which is a big factor “The science is there; it’s now the Broad Institute of MIT and needs while extending the and cultivated potatoes. The currently, according to Kevin more about getting the Harvard for foundational quality of a consumer’s potatoes feature reduced bruis- MacIsaac, general manager of acceptance in the consuming CRISPR-Cas9 and related favourite foods.” ing and black spots, reduced the United Potato Growers of public and the retail chains to gene-editing tools. The Each year, 35 per cent of natural asparagine and protec- Canada. recognize that.” technology provides Simplot fresh potatoes worth $1.7 billion tion from late blight pathogens. “Most of the public is with another avenue to bring is lost because of waste from The U.S. Department of interested in knowing where Source: H.R. Simplot August 6, desirable traits forward in poor storage or shelf life accord- Agriculture (USDA) recently food comes from and how it’s 2018 news release certain fruits and vegetables and ing to the Journal of Consumer issued a statement providing made. Any time there’s new advance products to the market Affairs. Avocados, strawberries clarification on plants produced technology involved in food Editor’s note: Here’s the status of in the United States to benefit and other fruits and vegetables through innovative new production they have questions Innate potato trials in Canada. both farmers and consumers. have similar losses and breeding techniques, which they want answered.” “We are currently growing test acres Simplot provides a line of fresh, gene-editing technology such as include CRISPR-Cas9 genome He says it’s a matter of in Quebec, Ontario and Manitoba,” frozen and chilled products that CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing editing techniques. Under its having enough time to present says Doug Cole, marketing and include potatoes, avocados and tools may be able to reduce that biotechnology regulations, the scientific evidence that’s biotech affairs, Simplot Inc., Boise, strawberries. significantly. USDA does not regulate or have out there now and to get it into Idaho. “Based on interest from “We’re excited to add Using gene editing technolo- any plans to regulate plants that the hands of people that are growers, we hope to have a limited CRISPR-Cas9 technology to our gy such as CRISPR-Cas9, bruis- could otherwise have been actually buying the product. amount of fresh potatoes with platform of tools aimed at ing and browning of potatoes developed through traditional On the issue of food waste, reduced bruising, lower acrylamide providing more sustainable can be reduced, eliminating breeding techniques as long as MacIsaac says the new potato when cooked and late blight disease produce for the industry,” said some of the 3.6 billion lbs. of they are not plant pests or varieties will greatly reduce resistance to sell in supermarkets Susan Collinge Ph.D., vice potato food waste each year. developed using plant pests. waste and the non-browning and restaurants within the next president of Simplot Plant Using different genetic Growers are certainly varieties will outlast more year in Canada.” PTI Leadership Council encourages further industry collaboration as focus on traceability and blockchain grows

The Produce Traceability traceability, and being able to to our supply chain about the effort with IBM and other awaits implementing regulations Initiative (PTI) Leadership track produce’s “last mile”, said need for and value of industry members working to for both the U.S. Food Safety Council convened recently to PTI Leadership Council traceability.” harness blockchain digital Modernization Act and, prior to reinvigorate industry discussions co-chair Doug Grant of The FDA deputy commissioner ledger technology to provide a their recent release, Canada’s as current events have put a Oppenheimer Group. “The Stephen Ostroff has stated farm-to-store view of the food Safe Food for Canadians new spotlight on traceability, U.S. Food and Drug publicly on several occasions supply chain. A pilot test traced Regulations. Recognizing that including recent foodborne Administration’s (FDA) romaine that PTI labels would have fresh-cut mangoes back to their FDA’s limited authority means illness outbreak investigations, outbreak investigation, improved that agency’s source in seconds rather than industry must take the lead in release in Canada of the Safe combined with an increasing traceback investigation. “I’d days. The Walmart blockchain meeting the demands of the Food for Canadians Regulations number of fresh produce recalls, like to think that [PTI labels] project also leverages global marketplace, PMA and United and projects exploring the highlight the need to be able to would’ve made the tracebacks GS1 Standards – the same f Fresh have both urged FDA to benefits of blockchain for the trace our products through to that we were engaged in not oundation PTI labeling leverage PTI as it builds food supply chain. the retail level. And having only considerably easier but also requirements are based on for traceability regulations. The PTI Leadership more buyers step up and considerably faster,” said case-level traceability. Council’s discussions included implement PTI at distribution Ostroff. Industry progress to Source: Canadian Produce the importance of ongoing center and store level will also Other topics discussed by the implement the voluntary PTI Marketing Association August 16, industry collaboration on send a strong vote of confidence council included a Walmart-led has slowed as the supply chain 2018 news release

OUR EXPERTS ARE HERE TO HELP!

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Paul Banks Laura Leah Erickson Rob Hovius Marc André Bridget Visser Henry Zomer F: 1-800-272-5560 (ON/NS) Caralampides (QC) (BC/AB) (ON/PEI/NB) Laberge (QC) (ON/MB) (ON/MB/SK) 905-688-4300 514-984-0662 604-957-2359 519-580-3231 514-984-4589 905-715-8595 905-308-4396 www.StokeSeeds.com PAGE 14 –– SEPTEMBER 2018 THE GROWER FOCUS: GREENHOUSE INNOVATION A living case history of fighting the nasty pepper weevil

“Fundamentals are neighbouring greenhouses are KAREN DAVIDSON important,” Kniaziew says, doing.” stepping back to share some The pepper weevil was the Orangeline Farms has been company history. catalyst for the investment of free of pepper weevil in 2018, Five years ago, the company $40,000 per acre. As Kniaziew but it was not without cost. The created the Zing!HealthyFoods points out, the entire boutique, pepper-focussed brand to encompass a holistic greenhouse operation had to be company suffered damage along approach to farming and food. covered to ensure the best with most other greenhouse That brand is carried out in possible outcome. operations in the Leamington, myriad ways, but no action was At this point, any pests Ontario area in the two previous so immediate as the response to inside are manageable. Spider years. The industry losses are pepper weevil. To remain as mites, for instance, are a legacy estimated at more than $100 chemical-free as possible, the issue. But with beneficial million. company invested more than a insects such as thrips-eating Pepper weevil is a pernicious million dollars to install insect Orius laevigatus, the potential is pest, destroying blossom buds exclusion netting on the rooftop there to lower pest pressure on and immature pods of the vents. plants. The goal is not to totally Solanaceae plant family. Adults “There is a limitation as to eradicate bad bugs, because can overwinter if they find a what protected environments then there wouldn’t be a hospitable habitat – warm mean,” says Kniaziew. “But the balance. Beneficial insects need greenhouses – and continue to vent screens give us a fighting some pests to survive. proliferate because the species chance to protect us from the With the large capital invest- do not experience diapause. pollen and insects from field ment of insect exclusion netting Naturally, this is not the crops in our area.” in 2017, Orangeline Farms has headline news that owner Duffy In essence, the installation of sought to recoup some of that Kniaziew wants to share, but insect exclusion netting is a live money in reducing crop rather the success of his newly experiment. The invasion of protection costs. In consultation branded Zing! chocolate pepper weevil into southern with third-party service peppers. But he should be Ontario was as recent as the providers, the company has equally proud of the nuanced, summer of 2016. discovered a new practice: integrated pest management “Even if a few pests come in, ornamental peppers planted as a program for the company’s 32 they likely have friends,” says host for beneficial insects at the acres. Otherwise, he wouldn’t Kniaziew. “It’s an extremely end of each row. Duffy Kniaziew, president, Orangeline Farms, is as committed as have the new product to difficult pest to scout for and ever to the Zing!HealthyFoods brand with an integrated pest market. you can’t control what Continued on next page management program. Photos by Glenn Lowson. SEPTEMBER 2018 –– PAGE 15 THE GROWER FOCUS: GREENHOUSE INNOVATION A living case history of fighting the nasty pepper weevil

Insect exclusion netting on rooftop vents at Orangeline Plant waste is disposed into Orangeline Farms’ fleet of Ornamental pepper plants as well as mullein are hosts Farms, Leamington, Ontario have successfully kept out dedicated bins that are exclusive to the farm, and never for beneficial insects. pepper weevil in 2018. The netting is washed with visit other locations. This is to prevent the remote high-pressure water on an annual basis, to remove chance that any infested, fallen fruit might cross- collected pollen and dust, which improves air exchange contaminate other greenhouse operations. capacity.

than the commercial greenhouse peppers, producing enhancing the physical space and constantly improving Continued from last page more pollen. Beneficial insects get a faster start living its integrated pest management. Kniaziew and his team in this host plant. The ornamentals are situated on the are more committed than ever to the Planted at the same time as the greenhouse pepper sidewalk aisle for easy monitoring. Zing!HealthyFood brand. crop, the ornamental peppers flower more frequently With these assorted practices, Orangeline Farms is

Pepper weevil or pepper maggot?

Figure 1: Pepper weevil vs. pepper maggot eggs

while pepper weevil feeds AMANDA TRACEY mostly on the outside of the placenta (Figure 2). Pepper With the damage caused by maggot is straight, tapered pepper weevil in 2016 and 2017 (thicker on one end), has two still fresh in our minds, Ontario small reddish dots on the thick- greenhouse growers are on alert er end and can be up to 12mm for the first signs of this pest in long (Figure 3). Pepper weevil their crop. However, there are is more C-shaped, has a yellow- other pests that can be easily light brown head capsule and confused with pepper weevil. has a maximum size of 6mm Most recently, pepper maggot (Figure 3). has been found in a Kent Pepper maggot is generally a Figure 2: Pepper weevil and pepper maggot larva County location. minor pest and does not require Pepper maggot and pepper control, while pepper weevil weevil have many similarities. can devastate a crop and the Both lay their eggs in young detection of just one adult or peppers leaving a small dimple larva warrants the use of with a brown plug (Figure 1) registered insecticides. and both have small white Pepper weevil is a larvae that feed on the inside of community pest that can cause the fruit. However, there are a great deal of damage if it is some key differences that can not detected and treated early. help you determine whether If you suspect pepper weevil, you have pepper weevil or please contact me at pepper maggot. [email protected] or at When looking at the damage 519-674-1699. Your details will inside of the fruit, pepper mag- remain confidential. got tends to create tunnels in the pepper walls and placenta Amanda Tracey is a vegetable (the part that holds the seeds), crops specialist with OMAFRA. Figure 3: Pepper weevil and pepper maggot damage. Pepper maggot photos by Amanda Tracey. PAGE 16 –– SEPTEMBER 2018 THE GROWER FOCUS: GREENHOUSE INNOVATION Biodegradable clips curb greenhouse plastic use “ Our clips are made with a new biocomposite resin

that combines biodegradable plastics with

agricultural residues, such as soy hulls or oat hulls. ~ PROF.“ MANJUSRI MISRA

polypropylene plastics contaminate the organic waste that is collected for composting,” she says. Greenhouse workers separate the small plastic parts from plant waste, but according to Misra, that process is tedious and impractical, and is both physically and financially difficult for greenhouse operators to manage. Misra’s team is addressing the problem by developing comparable supports made from plastic components that can be Photo source: AgInnovation Ontario Photo source: A.M.A. Plastics composted along with the plant, using bio-based, renewable materials, beginning LISA McLEAN with tomato clips. “Our clips are made with a Ontario’s greenhouse sector new biocomposite resin that has made significant advances combines biodegradable plas- in water, nutrient and energy tics with agricultural residues, technology to manage the such as soy hulls or oat hulls,” year-round, high-efficiency says Misra. “The resin must production of crops such as provide the same form and tomatoes, peppers, herbs, function as traditional plastic, berries and a wide variety of with a competitive price.” green vegetables. To date, Misra’s team has Yet, despite its positive developed fully compostable environmental track record, the resins through careful process sector remains a high user of engineering and have success- plastic, especially in the form of fully produced tomato clip small clips that support tomato prototypes in partnership with plants in the greenhouse. Competitive Green Those clips are an integral part Technologies in Leamington. of greenhouse tomato According to Statistics Canada, production, but often end up in Canada produced more than landfill because they can 276,000 metric tonnes of green- contain tomato vine residues. house tomatoes in 2016, and Now, new research at the Ontario is the largest grower of University of Guelph aims to greenhouse tomatoes in the substitute plastic clips with country. bio-based biodegradable ones – “Tomato clips seemed like a enabling easier composting of logical place to start,” says tomato vines and other crops at project co-investigator Prof. the end of their life span, Amar Mohanty, director of the reducing land filling and Bioproducts Discovery and lowering the greenhouse Development Centre at the sector’s carbon footprint. University of Guelph and a “Currently, polypropylene is professor in plant agriculture the main plastic used to and engineering.  produce these support Next, Misra’s team will focus structures, but this is a on optimizing the formulation        petroleum-derived plastic that to achieve the best balance of is non-renewable and cost and performance in order              non-biodegradable,” says Prof. to have a competitive and com- Manjusri Misra of the mercially successful product.      University of Guelph’s The project is supported by the  biological engineering and plant Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, agriculture departments. Food and Rural Affairs –      ! "! # $ %  “At the end of a growing University of Guelph  season, when greenhouse crops Gryphon’s LAAIR program, are harvested and the plants are Agriculture and Agri-Food removed to allow for replanting Canada and Competitive Green for the next season, the Technologies. SEPTEMBER 2018 –– PAGE 17 THE GROWER FOCUS: GREENHOUSE INNOVATION Biopesticides and biostimulants: friends with benefits

“It’s a little bit like the Wild KAREN DAVIDSON West out there in terms of the biostimulant market,” says The concept of a greenhouse Brownbridge. “As an industry, as a controlled environment we are faced with decisions on does not mean a perfect what to use and how to environment. It’s a mini eco- differentiate between products system of plants pushing for that actually deliver benefits light and nutrients midst pests and those that don’t.” pulling for a foothold. The problem is that there is Greenhouse growers are no acknowledged protocol for further challenged by external measuring performance. In forces, not the least of which is some cases, growers who use the regulatory environment. biostimulants may reduce some This means that Canadian inputs or see other benefits. In growers have a limited access to others, they may not be so effective pesticides as older obvious. It’s harder to tell in a chemistries come off the market greenhouse environment than and there aren’t many replace- in an open field environment. ments. Add pest resistance to Four years ago, Vineland’s the mix and negative consumer researchers started to look at perceptions around the use of bioinoculants. They are chemicals, and now, crop microbial biopesticides and protection must evolve. extracts which provide There has been a move protection against root diseases, towards a greater use of stimulate growth or induce a biological control and with it, an stress response in plants that in increased use of biopesticides. some cases affect pest By nature, biopesticides, population development. challenge the traditional sense “We’re only just beginning of crop protection where a pest to understand how to reduce is identified and a product the susceptibility of plants to Dr. Michael Brownbridge is pictured with researcher Taro Saito in Vineland’s pre-commercial applied to take care of the pests and disease,” says greenhouse. Photo courtesy of Vineland. problem – identify pest, kill Brownbridge. “That requires a pest. Instead, biopesticides are a total change of thinking in western Canada. But when There’s no guidebook yet on Editor’s note: Dr. Michael player in an integrated pest terms of how to integrate these foresters tried to replant, in the use of biopesticides and Brownbridge will be speaking about management (IPM) strategy, biological materials into IPM many cases the new trees didn’t biostimulants. But one of the biopesticides and biostimulants at best used before pests become a systems.” flourish. When soil samples most important aspects is to the Canadian Greenhouse problem. Ultimately, it’s The greenhouse industry is were taken, researchers found reframe the questions of Conference in Niagara Falls. Catch prevention rather than cure. currently fighting the pepper that the soil contained a limited whether they work and how his presentation on October 3, 9:30 Whether they are weevil, an invasive pest that microbial community and the they are evaluated. am in Room 207/208. For the full micro-organisms, plant extracts cost Ontario’s industry about microbes that seedlings needed In Brownbridge’s opinion, agenda, go to: www.canadian- or insect pheromones, $100 million last year. To date, – commonly associated with success will depend on how and greenhouseconference.com biopesticides are compatible growers are using a biosecurity so-called healthy soils – were where they are used. with other biocontrol agents. approach in terms of screening not present. Plants require They work in many different vents and avoiding bringing in microbes to survive and thrive. ways, killing pests or altering contaminated plant material their behaviour to the grower’s from offshore. advantage and all components “Biopesticides can kill the of the program collectively pepper weevil, but just because provide the desired level of pest you can kill the pest in a Petri suppression. And then there are dish, doesn’t mean you can kill biostimulants which contain the pest in real life,” says micro-organisms or other Brownbridge. “The challenge is biologically derived materials getting the active material to Join us for Canada’s that are intended to improve the pest, given their lifestyle.” the resilience of the crop while “You can go only so far with foremost event for all not necessarily controlling pests genetics and chemistry,” crops gr ownn under or diseases. Brownbridge continues. “Our cover. The Caanadian Many biostimulants are sold ability to manipulate the micro- Greenhouse Conference as crop boosters as they improve biome – microbes that live on or is thee ultimate nutrient uptake and stimulate inside plants or the roots - could connection point for other beneficial functions in the be a game-changer. The prob- growers, supppliers and plant, but may not deliver lem is that we don’t know right research paartners. increased yields in every cycle. now what constitutes a ‘healthy’ By enhancing the resilience of microbiome and are only just the crop, they help the plant beginning to scratch the surface tolerate stress – such as high in understanding how different heat or salinity – while biopesticides and biostimulants remaining productive affect microbial populations to throughout their growth. benefit the plant. We know that “If we continue to think of some microbes can have a these products in the same way tremendous impact on plant as chemistry, then we will be growth and health, but do they disappointed,” says Dr. Michael work in all settings? It’s Brownbridge, research director, fascinating to tease apart the Horticultural Production important parts, understand the Systems, Vineland Research and microbiome better and to Innovation Centre (Vineland). discover how to improve NIAGARGARARA FALLS OOCT 3&4204 20018 “Chemistry is used as a reactive productivity and sustainability.” tool, whereas biopesticides and Here’s an interesting www.CanadianGreenhouseConfeerence.com biostimulants are used as anecdote. The pine beetle has @CdnGreenhseConf preventive tools.” devastated forest stands in PAGE 18 –– SEPTEMBER 2018 THE GROWER FOCUS: GREENHOUSE INNOVATION Genome Canada funds research into broad-range disease resistance in greenhouse vegetables

Photos by Glenn Lowson

thanks to $2 million earmarked research institutions to receive University of Toronto professor through to the commercial KAREN DAVIDSON for broad-range disease funding under Genome in ecology and evolutionary release of new plant varieties resistance in greenhouse Canada’s Genomic Applications biology, are tasked with creating with improved disease An exciting phase of green- vegetables. On August 16, Partnership Program (GAPP). new varieties of vegetables that resistance, within five years of house research is starting at the Kirsty Duncan, federal minister Michael Pautler, a research will be more resistant to the end of this project. Annual Vineland Research and of science and sport, announced scientist in applied genomics at diseases. benefits of around $26 million Innovation Centre (Vineland), that Vineland was one of seven Vineland and David Guttman, a Drs. David Guttman, Darrell will start to accrue to the Desveaux, and Adam Mott of Canadian greenhouse industry the University of Toronto have within the same timeframe. discovered a previously Canada’s greenhouse ADDRESSING THE NEEDS OF BUSINESSES uncharacterized family of genes vegetable industry generates that allow plants to show more than $1 billion from retail AS WE CULTIVATE THE SEEDS FOR broad-range disease resistance sales and exports. Its top three ENERGY SOLUTIONS against bacteria and fungi. crops are tomatoes, peppers and Further, it is extremely cucumbers, produced mainly in difficult for pathogens to Ontario, British Columbia and overcome the resistance linked Quebec. In an extremely to these genes. competitive environment, plant Now Dr. Guttman and team diseases are an enormous t
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 www.agenergy.coop SEPTEMBER 2018 –– PAGE 19 THE GROWER FOCUS: GREENHOUSE INNOVATION Canadian Greenhouse Conference: Artificial intelligence and other innovations will top this year’s agenda

Nowhere will innovation be Source: Autogrow more front and centre than this year’s Canadian Greenhouse Conference on October 3 and 4. The Scotiabank Conference Centre in Niagara Falls will once again play host to more than 300 exhibitors and the world’s foremost experts on greenhouse production. Frequent flyer points go to LibLiLibeibbebererate youourseelf. New Zealand’s Darryn Keiller, CEO, Autogrow, who will deliver a keynote address on automation and artificial ;;IIKMZI ]SY -]HVS ǼI\MFMPMX] [MXL ]SYV own TS[IVTS[IIV  TPERX intelligence (AI). According to the company’s website, Autogrow wants to make it ,VS[=MIPHW 5VSǻXW [MXL E simpler to grow food as global demands increase on water, (SQFMRIH-IEX ERH 5S[IV  W]WXIQ land and labour. Keiller will 45%% EffiEfficiencyciencyy 30% CostC Saavinavingsgs Power yourr greenhouse with clean energy discuss how data will increase >990% Efficcciciencyy from natural gass and help reduce grow cycles. grower yields, cut costs, ensure EENEENERGYRGY compliance with legislation and FERTTILIZERILIZEER CO22 PACKCKAAGGED SOLUTTIONS THERMAL ENERGY support a more sustainable GRIDGRID PPOWEROWER (SQTEGXQSHYPEVHIWMKRW XIEQ LSX [EXXIV LSX SMP LSX HEATHEAATT NAATATURALTURA GAS growing environment. He will GENGENEERATOERATE OR SETT JSVIEW] WIXYT ERH UYMGO EMV ERH IRIVK] JSV GSSPMRK share examples of how data and BOILERBOILER HITPS]QIRX COST SAVINGS AI will create autonomous FLEXIBLEFLEXIBLXIBLE POPOWER 7IPMIJJSV IWGEPEXMRK YXMPMX] GSWXW farms of the future. He will 5S[IV]SYV GSQTPIXI  -IEXGETXYVIH EW F] TVSHYGX explain how new technologies STIVEXMSR[MXL IPIGXVMGMX] SJIPIGXVMGEP KIRIVEXMSR ERH such as open source, API’s and OFOFFF--GRIDGRIDSO SOOLO UUTIOTIONS YWIHMR XLI TVSGIWW virtual labs will improve the )ITIRHEFPI 7IHYRHERX OPERATIONT & MMAINTENANCE usability. *PIGXVMGMX]ƸSR HIQERHƹ [LIR  1SGEPWIVZMGI ERH VIQSXI Other key topics of the ]SYRIIH MX [MXL EFMPMX] XS VYR QSRMXSVMRK two-day program include: SYVW]WXIQW [MXL SV [MXLSYX CO2 FERTILIZATTION Integrated Pest Management, XLIKVMH ƸMWPERH QSHIƹ .QTVSZIHTPERX KVS[XL  Thrips Control Workshop, XLVSYKLI\LEYWX LIEX VIGSZIV] Strawberry Production, Pest Management in Vegetables. For those who wish to visit vegetable and floral greenhous- es in the Niagara area, the pre-conference bus tour will be held October 2. Pre-registration is required for the tour which ConC taccctus us today foor youourr FRFREERE quote! can accommodate only 80 people. No refunds or ComeComCCoommeees seeseeeu uuss inin ((88000) 434 66-919900 cancellations are allowed after BoBooBoothth ##1251#1125511 at thethhe martitint neneneeneergyggyggroup.u .ccoom September 18. CaCanaannaddiandiad an GrG eeeenhouseenhhoousse For bus tour details and conference registration, go to: ConC nfeereencce www.canadiangreenhousecon- ference.com. PAGE 20 –– SEPTEMBER 2018 THE GROWER

Irrigation water quality and mitigating food safety risks

Source: Canadian Council of Conservation Authority for data REBECCA SHORTT, Ministers of the Environment in your area. KATHRYN CARTER AND November 2008 Food safety programs often DANIELLE VISSCHEDYK include the requirement of High generic E. coli counts assessing the quality of your municipal supply. value. However, the rate at Irrigation water can contain can occur in any water supply irrigation water. Taking water 3. Treat water to improve its which die-off occurs is not pathogens, micro-organisms that including streams, canals, ponds samples at your pumping quality and meet the Guideline. guaranteed. Also, the rate at cause illness or death in and lakes. These bacteria have location for microbial testing is a which other pathogens die off, humans. Every time been observed to survive for good way to get a better idea of The U.S. Food Safety may or may not be the same as contaminated water comes in days to almost a year in soil, what’s in your water. Modernization Act (FSMA), E. coli. For example, direct contact with fruit or manure and water habitats. Ready-to-eat produce, which Produce Safety Rule states that Cryptosporidium oocysts may also vegetables, there is a risk that Rain events can cause is not cooked before eating, it is possible to reduce food be present in the contaminated water and can survive longer. As a result, it is impossible to predict how long growers must wait after irrigating with contaminated water to ensure the crops are not contaminated. Studies have shown that E. coli can survive more than 25 days on lettuce. The recent E. coli outbreak in romaine lettuce has been tied to tainted Arizona irrigation canal water. This E. coli outbreak has killed five people and sickened more than 200 across 30 states. The outbreak has resulted in a significant economic impact to the romaine lettuce industry with a 45 per cent reduction of sales in May, and prices for whole heads of romaine lettuce down 60 per cent. Contamination of a food product can have wide-ranging and damaging implications for these pathogens may be significant spikes in E. coli poses a higher food safety risk, safety risks from poor quality an entire industry. The best transferred to the produce. levels. High levels of E. coli in and requires extra precaution irrigation water by establishing a way to ensure food safety is to Regulation 119/11 section 4 irrigation water are a concern as during production. If your waiting period between the prevent pathogens from coming states that you cannot harvest, they indicate fecal irrigation water is variable, or irrigation and harvest. This into contact with crops. pack, sell or transport contamination, and may be a poses higher risk due to the waiting period is known as the Additional information on contaminated produce. Every sign that pathogens are present. presence of E. coli, mitigation pre-harvest interval, or PHI. In sampling irrigation water for effort should be made to Examples of pathogens include strategies must be considered to the U.S., growers are provided food safety and interpreting the prevent contamination of Salmonella spp., the Shiga reduce the risk. the guidance that E. coli die-off results can be found at: produce by pathogens to ensure toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) So what options are available will occur at a rate of 1 log for www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/ the safety of consumers. such as E. coli 0157:H7, to growers if they have variable every two days. 1 log is equal to food/foodsafety/foodsafetypro- Campylobacter and parasites such or high-risk water due to the a reduction to 10 per cent of the grams.htm Water used for irrigation should as Cryptosporidium parvum. presence of E. coli? original value. A two-day PHI comply with the Canadian Conservation Authorities 1. Use a form of irrigation will reduce bacterial load to 10 Rebecca Shortt is an engineer, water Water Quality Guidelines have been monitoring water where the water will not per cent of its original value. A quality, OMAFRA; Kathryn Carter • Fecal coliforms (E. coli) : quality and producing water- directly contact the fruit i.e. four-day PHI will reduce is fruit crop specialist, OMAFRA Fewer than 100 bacteria per 100 shed report cards since 2012. drip irrigation or micro bacterial load to one per cent of and Danielle Visschedyk is a food mL water Many monitoring sites showed sprinklers (under tree). its original value. scientist, Food Inspection Branch, • Total coliforms: Fewer than average E. coli levels above the 2. Choose a different water This guidance extends to a OMAFRA. 1,000 bacteria per 100 mL water recommended guideline. source which meets the maximum reduction of E. coli to Contact your local Guideline e.g. a well or one per cent of its original SEPTEMBER 2018 –– PAGE 21 THE GROWER ONTARIO BERRY NEWS Other Herbicide Options to Control Group 5 Resistant Lamb’s-quarters in Strawberries Resistant lamb’s-quarters Herbicide Herbicide Herbicide Timing Strawberry Growth Stage confirmed in strawberry Group Treflan 3 Pre-plant incorporated – will con- Apply prior to planting fields trol weeds before they emerge do not include any other 2,4-D 4 Post emergent to weeds After harvest before mowing. Do not KRISTEN OBEID herbicide group they will apply after mid-August quickly select for a field full of Aim 14 Post emergent to weeds as a 2- 4 weeks after planting Lamb’s-quarters resistant to resistant lamb’s-quarters. hooded sprayer application in Group 5 herbicides (e.g. Sinbar Luckily there are some other between rows and Betamix) have been found herbicide options to control this in many strawberry fields across troublesome weed in Authority 14 Prior to weed emergence as a One application per year, anytime Ontario. As part of a pilot strawberries; however, timing is directed application to the base throughout the growing season as long project, leaf tissue from 10 always an issue. Post-emergent of the beds as the strawberries have been lamb’s-quarters plants in each herbicides need to be applied established for one full year field were tested using a recent- before the lamb’s-quarters are Chateau 14 Prior to weed emergence as a One application per year to dormant ly developed genetic quick test. 15 cm high. A good rule of broadcast spray to dormant plants plants in late fall OR Results were provided back to thumb is to always apply or a hooded sprayer application non-dormant plants as a hooded sprayer the growers within two weeks post-emergent herbicides in between rows to non-dormant application of sample collection. before any weed is 15 cm tall plants Group 5 herbicides are used and 15 cm wide. by most strawberry growers two I would like to thank Pam Reflex 14 Prior to weed emergence as a Fall or early winter, prior to snowfall or more times throughout the Fisher and Erica Pate for broadcast spray to dormant plants growing season and are needed collecting the samples and the Devrinol 15 Prior to weed emergence One application per year, anytime to control a wide range of weed MAPAQ diagnostic lab for throughout the growing season species in strawberry. Growers completing the tests. with resistant lamb’s-quarters Dual II 15 Pre-plant incorporated – will con- One application per year, prior to will still need to apply this Kristen Obeid is OMAFRA weed Magnum trol weeds before they emerge planting OR anytime throughout the group of herbicides in their management specialist – OR apply post transplanting prior growing season strawberries; however, if they horticulture. to weed emergence Raspberry CropIPM: raspberry crown and cane gall

summer. before planting. Do not plant This type of information on To identify raspberry crown new canes where there is a biology, identification, manage- and cane gall, look for deformed history of crown gall, and ment, and scouting of different plant tissue near the crown, as maintain good soil fertility. raspberry pests is available on well as swollen and deformed Avoid injury to crown and roots our new Raspberry CropIPM canes. If plants are weak and to avoid an entry way for page. Check out lack vigour, dig up the entire infection. If you find crown or Ontario.ca/cropIPM to learn crown and roots to look for galls. cane gall in your raspberries, it more about raspberry pests, how Managing crown and cane is important to remove the to identify them, and how to gall begins with planting diseased plants. Prune in dry manage them. disease-free plants. Purchase weather and disinfect tools plants from an accredited between cuts if galls are present Erica Pate is berry specialist, nursery, and inspect roots on the canes you are pruning. OMAFRA.

Raspberry cane gall

cause the plant tissue to grow ERICA PATE abnormally and subsequently form galls on infected crowns Now that the raspberry and roots. Eventually, as the season is behind us and you galls continue to grow they will have time to evaluate the inhibit water and nutrient season, a good tool to diagnose uptake, the plant becomes weak and identify pests is our online and stunted, and leaves will Raspberry CropIPM tool. turn yellow and dry up at the Raspberry CropIPM is now edges. online, and is full of information The bacteria live in the soil on different raspberry insects, and infect plants through diseases, and disorders. wounds. Wounds from winter One disease you can find on injury, insect damage or cultiva- CropIPM is raspberry crown tion can be sites of new crown and cane gall. gall infection. New galls form in Raspberry crown and cane the spring, and turn black and gall are caused by soil-borne die over the winter. Galls will bacteria that infect raspberry begin to appear as the weather roots, crowns and lower stems warms up and soil temperatures through wounds. The bacteria increase in the spring and early PAGE 22 –– SEPTEMBER 2018 THE GROWER MARKETPLACE [email protected] 866-898-8488 x 221

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ASPARAGUS

ASPARAGUS CROWNS Millennium Eclipse Sandy Shore Farms Ltd. P: (519) 875­3382 E: [email protected] www.sandyshorefarms.ca PAGE 24 –– SEPTEMBER 2018 THE GROWER MINOR USE Crop(s) Target Rate (grams Application Information PHI (days) per hectare) Delegate label Stone fruit, Peach tree borer, 420 Using a handgun or backpack sprayer, direct the spray to cover 5 (cherries), crop group 12- lesser peach tree the tree trunk and scaffold limbs from ground level to 1.5 m expanded for 09* borer above ground, particularly the graft union and any pruning cuts. 3 (plums, Thorough coverage is essential. prunes, apri- cots), suppression Target the 1st instar larvae stage, beginning 7 to 10 days after first adult trap catch. Repeat applications at 14-21 day intervals. 1 (peaches, of peach tree Apply a maximum of three applications per year. nectarines) borers Tree nuts, crop Hazelnut weevil, 420 Monitor trees and apply at the first sign of adult feeding damage. 14 group 14-11** large chestnut Repeat in 14 days if populations warrant. Apply a maximum of weevil, small three applications per year. chestnut weevil *Stone fruit, CG 12-09 includes: apricot, Japanese apricot; black cherry; Nanking cherry; sweet cherry; tart cherry; Chinese jujube; nectarine, peach, plum, American plum; beach plum; Canada plum; cherry plum; Chickasaw plum; damson plum; Japanese plum; Klamath plum; prune plum; plumcot, sloe, cultivars, varieties, and hybrids of these commodities **Tree nuts, CG 14-11 includes: almond, beech nut, butternut, chestnut, chinquapin, filbert (hazelnut), hickory nut, pecan and walnut

JIM CHAPUT

The Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) has announced the approval of a minor use label expansion registration for Delegate insecticide for suppression of peach tree borers on stone fruit, crop group 12-09 and for suppression of chestnut weevils and hazelnut weevils on tree nuts, crop group 14-11 in Canada. Delegate insecticide was already labeled for use on a wide variety of crops in Canada for control of several insects. These minor use projects were submitted by Ontario as a result of minor use priorities established by growers and extension personnel. The following is an abbreviated, general outline only. Users should be making pest management decisions within a robust integrated pest management program and should consult the complete label before using Delegate insecticide. Delegate insecticide is toxic SEE FARMING to bees exposed to direct FROM treatment, drift or residues on blooming plants. Do not apply this product or allow it to drift THE GROUND UP to blooming plants if bees are visiting the treatment area. Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show let’s you see crop technology, Delegate insecticide is also toxic to small wild mammals equipment and more through interactive, live demonstrations. and certain beneficial insects. Do not apply this product or Sept. 11, 12 & 13, 2018 Join more than 40,000 farmers to experience the latest in agricultural technology Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show allow drift to other crops or Woodstock, Ontario and innovation at the 25th annual . non-target areas or aquatic Over 750 exhibits will showcase the latest products and services through habitats when spraying or when Daily Variable Rate interactive displays and live demonstrations of machinery, crops, cleaning and rinsing spray Seeding Demonstration livestock and much, much more. Join us to mark the 25th anniversary equipment or containers. of Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show, Sept 11, 12 & 13, 2018. Follow all other precautions, Daily Tillage restrictions and directions for Demonstration use on the Delegate insecticide label carefully. For a copy of the new minor use labels contact your local outdoorfarmshow.com | 1-800-563-5441 | #COFS18 crop specialist, regional supply outlet or visit the PMRA label [email protected] Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show site: www.canada.ca/en/ @outdoorfarmshow @outdoorfarmshow health-canada/services/ consumer-product-safety/ pesticides-pest-management/ registrants-applicants/tools/ pesticide-label-search.html