Wildflowers

BIMONTHLY NEWSLETTER

June - July 2016

Vapormate trials – stage 2. Register NOW to participate Introducing the Small and Emerging Industries section Is your pine tree dying? Exotic pine nematode detected in Sydney In this issue: Wildlife licensing changes proposed in NSW Register your Dichlorvos products with ChemClear Walking on the wildside returns for 2016 APVMA releases Omethoate proposed regulatory decision RBG celebrates 200 years – botanical art, florilegium & science report – public consultation underway at the garden Rio competition theme attracts record interest Research in the spotlight – Feature flower: Doryanthes, Giant Lily, Gymea lily Waxflower breeding update Events 2016 Accessing new waxflower cultivars – an update How to contact WFA About Xylella – an exotic bacterial disease Flower industry lobbies regarding potential threats posed by Xylella

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Walking on the wildside returns for 2016 The garden covers 30 Ha and is home to an Date: Tuesday August 30 outstanding collection of from around Venue: Turpentine Estate and Noonaweena, the world with a focus on plants from Australia Kulnura, Central Coast, NSW. and the South Pacific.

This event was well supported last year when A year long program of celebrations is now well over 60 people attended the day hosted by underway. WFA member Growwild wildflower farm. ‘Sister Gardens’ are the Australian Botanic This year participants will visit Turpentine Estate, Garden at Mount Annan (home of PlantBank), where Barry, Judy and Robert Luff grow a wide and the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount range of wildflowers, including fabulous paper Turpentine Estate produces a stunning range of Tomah. daisies, grevilleas, waratahs, riceflower, cassinia, dazzling varieties of paper daisies bred by Robert Luff banksia, woolly bush and assorted fillers. There Botanical art are also propagation houses to view. Registration is essential: Full registration $110 (includes farm walk, floristry As part of the celebrations, a rare collection of 70 stunning botanical illustrations from eight Following lunch at ‘Noonaweena’ with demonstration, morning tea and lunch); $95 (WildFlowers Australia member). Bookings will be groups of works are available for the first time as awesome views over Yengo National Park, two Giclee prints. They include illustrations from the florists will share their passion for wildflowers by open very soon at https://www.trybooking.com/MAGQ Garden's first, and possibly greatest illustrator, creating a range of designs. Margaret Flockton, current illustrators and from Registrations close on August 23. the archives of the Daniel Solander Library Our floral designers will be Mel and Helen from dating as far back as 1794. A number of White House Flowers, Manly. This event is sponsored by WildFlowers Australia Ltd and East Coast Wildflowers. Australian wildflowers are included. They can be viewed at: Draft program: *For those travelling from further afield, http://www.smhshop.com.au/garden200 Meet at the farm – Turpentine Estate, 83 Collins accommodation is available on site – please Ave, Kulnura contact Noonaweena directly [phone 02 4376 1290; Florilegium is a project to coincide with the 9:30 – 10:15 am Registration and morning tea email [email protected]] 200th anniversary and celebrates the skills of 10:15 – 12: 15 pm Farm walk our botanical artists. The Florilegium Society 12:15 – 12:30 pm Drive from farm to RBG celebrates 200 years at the Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney Inc Noonaweena* (1442 George Downes Drive, Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden turned 200 in was formed to create a florilegium, a Kulnura) June. Situated at Farm Cove on Sydney collection of contemporary botanical 12:30 – 1:30 pm Lunch Harbour and opened in 1816, the garden is the paintings of some of the most significant 1:30 – 3:00 pm Floristry demonstration oldest scientific institution in Australia and one plants in the living collections of the Royal 3:00 – 4:00 pm Silent auction of designs, time for of the most important historic botanical Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust. photography, evaluation and conclusion. institutions in the world. Prior to that the land

was the site of the first farm established by Established botanical artists were invited to Governor Arthur Phillip. And before that the choose from a list of 120 significant plants and Farm Cover area was a very important paint them. Each botanically accurate work indigenous food source. has taken around 2 months to complete. Each artist has gifted the original botanical painting WildFlowers Australia newsletter 2016 and copyright to the Trust to form this unique  Over 10,000 specimens, which are The Herbarium collections are a key collection, the first of its kind for a botanical the original specimens that are linked to resource for local and international garden in Australia. names of new species researchers.  Significant collections from Australia’s Earlier this year, the Society published the 25,000 plant species, with a particular Also housed in the herbarium building is an Florilegium. It includes eighty seven focus on the 6000 species found in NSW. amazing botanical library, the Daniel Solander paintings represented as a full colour plate  Samples of species from other parts of Library, which dates back to 1852. It’s the oldest accompanied by the plant’s botanical the world. botanical research library in Australia and description and text relating it to the history includes some even older books, the oldest of the Gardens. being a 1550 edition of De Materia Medica written in Greek and Latin. Click here for the list of Florilegium paintings and artists

Florilegium: Sydney’s painted garden will showcase the original paintings as part of a major exhibition held by Sydney Living Museums at the Museum of Sydney from 30 July to 30 October 2016. The paintings will explore the role of the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney and its influence on the private gardens, public parks and landscapes of New South Wales since 1816.

Many specimens from Australia’s early explorers, Science at the Garden including those collected by Joseph Banks and Wildflower growers will be interested to know that an A cornerstone of the long scientific tradition Daniel Solander in 1770 on Cook’s first voyage to early volume printed in 1793 includes illustrations the Pacific are housed in the Herbarium. They at the garden is the Herbarium, one of (copperplate prints then hand coloured) of NSW are kept under lock and key! Australia’s biggest reference collections of Christmas Bush and also waratah. Above are the pressed plant specimens. Used to study the waratah pages - in those days its ecology, evolution and classification of  Internationally significant collections of was Embothrya speciosissimum rather than Telopea, plants, and providing an accurate record plant specimens including algae, and it was described thus: ‘The most magnificent through time and space, the Herbarium bryophytes, cycads and the which the prolific soil of New Holland affords is, dates back to 1853. Today it houses over 1.2 plant families Asteraceae, by common consent both of Europeans and Natives, million specimens and represents one of the Casuarinaceae, Cyperaceae, the Waratah. It is moreover a favourite with the latter, upon account of a rich honeyed juice which they sip most significant botanical resources in the Fabaceae, Lamiaceae, Myrtaceae, from its flowers’. Southern Hemisphere. It includes many Orchidaceae, Poaceae and important collections: Restionaceae. There’s also a very early Dictionary of Horticulture, published in 1739 and today’s florists will be intrigued by the book ‘Floral 3 | P a g e

Decorations for Dwelling House’ by Annie pollinated and dispersed in nature and finally in an area are more attractive to potential Hassard, published in 1875. The library collection growing new plants and replanting them to re- pollinators. includes over 250,000 items about botany, plant establish them in the wild through community , ecology, horticulture, horticultural planting events. history and management, gardens, and gardens history. The library also includes documents recording early explorations of Australia and its plants. Anyone can visit the library, preferably by appointment.

Researchers at the Garden focus on a range of disciplines, including evolutionary ecology, germplasm conservation and horticulture, plant diversity, plant pathology and wildlife ecology. Focal areas of interest include: urban ecology, spatial ecology and demography, invasion A wild population of P. pauciflora (photo courtesy of biology and management, ecological citizen rd Nathan Emery) science and ecological and conservation WIN members with Dr Nathan Emery (3 from right) visiting PlantBank. literacy within the community. There are also Hand pollination experiments indicate the plant plant identification and disease diagnostic Furthermore, what is learnt about P. pauciflora is preferentially outcrossing – meaning self- services. See more at can later be applied to other Persoonia as they pollination is unlikely to produce viable seeds. https://www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/Science- are all notoriously difficult to grow and many Conservation/Our-Work-Discoveries are rare or endangered. A small fleshy fruit with a hard woody shell

(endocarp) surrounds the seed. Research has Research in the spotlight – Persoonia What has been learnt so far? looked at the relationship between its weight Members of the Wildflower industry Network of A lot, but there are still questions to be and whether or not it is likely to contain a viable NSW (WIN) learnt a great deal about current answered. seed. When are the fruit mature? How is the research on Persoonia or Geebungs during their seed dispersed in the wild? At the Australian visit to the Australian Botanic Garden, Mount There are only about 1000 plants in the wild, in Botanic Garden cameras were used to pin Annan in May. an area of only 29 Ha. This area is under threat point why fruit were disappearing from the

from land clearing and development that will plants in the nursery – the culprit was a satin Dr Nathan Emery discussed his research which is cause further fragmentation of the population. . What role do these birds play in the focussed on the critically endangered North wild as possible dispersers? Rothbury Persoonia (P. pauciflora). This project It is unknown how genetically diverse the clearly demonstrates how several disciplines are natural population is. Natural seed germination is very slow and being combined at the gardens to work out erratic. Extracting the naked seed from the fruit how to conserve this species: research into Observations in the wild have determined that requires the fruit to be cracked open in a vice, reproductive biology and various propagation native bees are important pollinators. Larger which may damage the seed! Tests are techniques, mapping the distribution of individual plants are more likely to be visited by underway to discover how long seeds remain individual plants in their (very restricted) natural the bees than smaller plants. Also, more plants viable in nature and what processes stimulate habitat, working out how the plants are seed germination, for example, the role of fire. WildFlowers Australia newsletter 2016

Waxflower breeding update breeding, where the progeny are the seeds Researchers at the Botanic Gardens and Parks produced after crossing two parents. Authority in WA (Kings Park) are making great progress with a breeding project ‘Advanced Somatic fusion has now created novel biotechnology systems for propagation and waxflowers, hybrids between Chamelaucium breeding of Australian plants’. This work was first and Verticordia. introduced via an article in Australian Flower Industry back in March 2013. It is funded by The rate of success of this cross using RIRDC project PRJ-009978 and industry partners: conventional techniques is extremely low and WAFEX and its sub licensee Helix Australia. As a the resulting progeny are sterile. This represents result, some exciting new varieties are a dead end for breeding because the expected in the coming years. researchers need to be able breed further

Details: http://www.rirdc.gov.au/research- generations to introduce the red flower colour Propagation by cuttings has up to 60% success project-details/custr10_NPP/PRJ-009978 from the Verticordia to waxflower. rate, but the mother plant chosen is critical

(with some plants the successful strike rate is In conventional breeding, there are many In waxflower, the colour pathway that much less). Tissue culture (see above) also works barriers to success and generally, the more produces the pink/magenta colour is dominant but is more expensive than propagation from distant the botanical relationship between the over the pathway that produces red. seed or cuttings. parent species, the greater the number of Therefore, no first generation (F1) hybrid will barriers present. have red flowers. Breeders need the F1 generation to be fertile to get the next (F2) Somatic fusion (also called protoplast fusion) generation, where recombination of the can overcome these barriers and allow genome will eventually express the red. distantly related plants to be used as source parents for hybridisation. The resulting hybrid is So the benefit of fusion technologies is that the called a somatic hybrid to distinguish it from a breeders can hybridise widely related plants at hybrid developed in a conventional breeding higher rates, and in addition the progeny will program. have some level of fertility due to their tetraploid nature. The first fused hybrid plants Somatic hybrids are created by fusing are growing in pots outside, waiting for protoplasts taken from the selected parent flowering! Persoonia pauciflora plants have been propagated plants. A protoplast is the living material of a successfully in the nursery at the Australian Botanic plant cell after the cell wall has been removed, Using the same techniques, the researchers Garden. Here they are showing off the fantastic lime- and protoplast (somatic) fusion technologies have also created fertile Pearlflower hybrids for green foliage! (Photo courtesy of Nathan Emery) have been used in a range of breeding the first time. This is a big step for the team, as all

programs including orchids, potatoes, brassicas, the past hybrids have been sterile. This should The community planting event held so far rice, tomato and citrus. This approach can allow them to get some significant variation in attracted 40 locals who planted 120 plants in 90 result in progeny that are very different to those form and flowering through sibling crossing, out minutes. which are possible through conventional sexual crossing and back crossing. And there’s more. 5 | P a g e

The researchers also have some tetraploid About Xylella – an exotic bacterial disease Pearlflowers coming through their system, which Xylella fastidiosa is an invasive bacterial plant haven’t yet flowered. Tetraploid waxes have pathogen that causes significant environmental bigger flowers than normal, up to 30 mm and economic impacts overseas. Many across. So they are hoping this will add to their commercial and ornamental plant species are ornamental appeal, as well as giving them susceptible to this pathogen and every year another breeding path. tests show more plant species are capable of being infected. Flowering of these hybrids and tetraploids is being eagerly awaited as that is when the Xylella is spreading around the world. While not researchers will really have a handle on what present in Australia, it is of major concern to has been achieved by their painstaking Australia’s plant industries and preventing its breeding work. That may not be until next year. entry to Australia is vital. This is because it infects Waxflower ‘Pirouette’ is a new cultivar about to be a wide range of commercially important hosts. released by Helix Australia. It is a sport of ‘Mullering * A hybrid created by conventional crossing Brook’, developed by Brian Jack from Western Flora Currently, there are no treatment options once involves controlled pollinations involving two but now owned by Helix Australia. Although it has no a plant has been infected, meaning that parent plants in a breeding program. parentage links to ‘Dancing Queen’, its attractive susceptible plants will eventually die. There is no double pink form inspired its ‘ballet theme’ name. evidence of Xylella being successfully Some hybrids are fertile, meaning they can eradicated once it has become established. reproduce by producing viable seed (but any Helix Australia currently has over 8 registered Overseas where it occurs, this aggressive offspring may not resemble the parent), or they waxflower varieties with another 40 hybrids disease has caused significant environmental may be sterile (unable to produce viable seed). under commercial assessment and trial and economic impacts on susceptible plant In conjunction with Kings Park Botanic Garden, species. Many are susceptible and it is To retain the desirable characteristics of the Helix Australia is about to release two new recorded as infecting 89 families of plants hybrid, more plants can only be derived from varieties of Boronia – Boronia Plum Bells and including crops such as banana, peach, the original hybrid plant using a vegetative Boronia Magenta Stars. Click on the pdf below avocado, citrus, macadamia, plum, wine and propagation technique, such as cuttings or to see the plant label. table grape as well as a number of commercial tissue culture. cut flower and foliage crops.

Accessing new waxflower cultivars – an update WAF023 Boronia While native to the Americas, the disease has Plum Bells.pdf Growers interested in buying plants of recently spread to Europe with recent detections in Italy released waxflower cultivars are advised to and France. It is also present in other countries contact Helix Australia, a breeding, licensing Helix Australia has established a global including the Caribbean and Taiwan. and marketing company specialising in new customer base of licensed growers in Australia, and improved varieties of waxflower (and also South Africa, the USA, Italy and Germany. Xylella fastidiosa is a xylem-limited bacterium, boronia) for cut flower and landscape/nursery which means that virtually all sucking insects applications. For further information contact Adrian Parsons that feed on a host plant’s xylem fluid are Email: [email protected] or potential vectors for it, including sharpshooters, Mobile 0418 399 539 spittlebugs and related leafhoppers. While Website: www.helixaustralia.com.au major vectors identified overseas do not occur in Australia, evidence from other countries WildFlowers Australia newsletter 2016 indicates that many sucking insects already These include restrictions on importing nursery At the meeting, industry reps stressed that present in Australia could be vectors and would stock and plant material from regions where potential risks are greater than regulators may be able spread the pathogen should it be Xylella is known to occur and a requirement assume. One reason is that movement and use introduced here. that the material be tested and certified of cut flowers on arrival in Australia is not offshore by the government of the exporting restricted only to indoors. Another is that Disease symptoms vary between hosts and can country. Plant families currently regulated by imported cut flowers are mixed with other be easily confused with water stress or the Australia for Xylella include those represented in horticultural and agricultural products at a presence of other pathogens. The main the wildflower industry - , Rutaceae, number of points along the supply chain. symptoms are scorching of leaves, browning Pittosporaceae and Xanthorrhoeaceae. and loss of leaves, stunting of young shoots, As a next step, the Flower Growers Group of gradual reduction in fruit size over time, WFA joined other flower industry representatives NSW will be hosting a tour including the Sydney dieback and eventual death of the plant. in May to meet face to face with officers from Flower Market on July 1 to better acquaint the Federal Departments of Agriculture and government representatives with aspects of the Some plants can be infected with Xylella but Water and Plant Biosecurity. Industry had cut flower supply chain. not show any symptoms or significant effects. requested this meeting to learn more about These may become reservoirs for further Xylella fastidiosa and express concerns about From mid 2016 a complete review of cut flower distribution to cultivated hosts. This has been the the risks associated with current unrestricted import pathways is to be undertaken by federal experience in the USA where X. fastidiosa is importation of cut flowers and foliage from authorities. prevalent in certain climatic regions of the countries known to have the disease. Import country. pathways today are quite complex and may The cutflower and foliage industry welcomes involve movement of plant material through formation of an industry consultative In addition to insect vectors, Xylella is spread by several countries. committee/group to provide input into the human assisted movement of infected plant upcoming review of cut flower import propagative material. It is not carried on, or The cutflower industry is concerned that an processes. spread by, seeds. incursion of Xylella fastidiosa presents an unacceptably high risk, not just for the flower It would also like to see the following: Information adapted by Bettina Gollnow from industry, but also for other important Australian * A review of the restrictions on the importation industry submissions and the factsheet available at horticulture industries. It is keen to help of cut flower species known to be hosts of X. http://www.agriculture.gov.au/pests-diseases- weeds/plant/pests-disease-list/xylella authorities ensure that there are effective and fastidiosa from the areas where it is known to This factsheet includes useful photos of infected practical procedures in place to minimise the exist. This would include a review of the efforts plants. risks of importing this pathogen to Australia. being made by the governments at the country of origin to monitor, control and limit its Flower industry lobbies regarding potential Because this disease is difficult to identify in potential spread. threats posed by Xylella plant material, it’s not feasible to identify the * An increased inspection regime in Australia for Late last year Australian authorities have acted pathogen based on host symptoms upon the insect vectors on cut flowers from all swiftly to put in place a number of emergency arrival. Instead efforts to protect against an countries or regions that continue to send measures to protect Australian agriculture from incursion would be best focussed on the flowers to Australia. Xylella fastidiosa. potential vectors and improving the traceability * Restriction of off-shore certification schemes to of product. product sourced from screened 7 | P a g e

glasshouse/protected cropping facilities from an opportunity to fine tune details to ensure They are a point of contact in government— countries that are free of X. fastidiosa. everything is ready on the trial date. creating linkages between industry and * A reassessment of the risk levels using relevant areas of government, and seeking out modelling based on a more current and Contact details: Please wait until after July 25 as opportunities that may interest small and practical understanding of the Australian cut Emily is currently travelling overseas on her emerging industries. flower and foliage industry. Nuffield Australia Farming Scholarship and will * Research to improve current practises and have limited email access during this time. Team members look forward to working with reduce risks, for example, design and integrity Emily Rigby the wildflower industry to improve its of packaging of imported flowers, and disposal Research Manager sustainability, productivity, competitiveness and of unsold imported flowers. Cedar Hill Flowers & Foliage Pty Ltd profitability into the future. Phone: 07 5442 3055 Vapormate trials – stage 2. Register NOW to Mobile: 0400 008 161 As a first step, they met with WFA participate Email: [email protected] representatives Lodi Pameijer and Bettina As outlined in the update report in the June Gollnow, together with Shane Holborn from issue of Australian Flower Industry, the project About the fumigant: FAQI last month. Lodi, Bettina and Shane were Improved export market access for Australian Vapormate® is a fast acting, broad spectrum in Canberra to attend a meeting to discuss the Wildflowers through disinfestation with fumigant with non-ozone depleting active potential impact of the exotic disease Xylella Vapormate is proceeding to stage 2. ingredient ethyl formate. It appears to be a on the Australian cut flower industry (see news better solution than Insectigas and Pestigas that item on previous page). Emily Rigby from Cedar Hill Flowers and Foliage were used by some growers previously, and has will run more comprehensive trials to assess the the potential to reduce disposal costs of Cislin For further information, you can contact the suitability of the BOC Gas’ product and Rovral insecticide dipping solutions. If Small and Emerging Industries team on (02) Vapormate® for fumigation of cut flowers and found to be an effective process for disinfesting 6272 5084. foliage, testing up to 12 products. cut flowers, Vapormate is less hazardous to the operator, environment and buyer than the Such trials are important to determine what current practices. concentrations and durations of treatment This research is being funded from the Package provide effective insect pest disinfestation Assisting Small Exporters (PASE) program. without damaging the product. Introducing the Small and Emerging Industries They will commence in August. If you would like section to be involved, you need to be able to donate The Small and Emerging Industries section is a the product to be tested, in sufficient quantities, new team in the Australian Government The Small and Emerging Industries Team, from left to and ship it to the testing facility at Cedar Hill’s Department of Agriculture and Water right: Steve, Carly, Cheryl, Laura and Christie. fumigation facility (Woombye, Queensland) by Resources. the required date. The project can cover freight costs if required. This team contributes to developing

government policy for small and emerging If you have any questions or would like your agricultural industries who work with the Rural product(s) to be included in this trial please Industries Research and Development contact Emily to discuss further. This will also be Corporation (RIRDC). This includes wildflowers. WildFlowers Australia newsletter 2016

Is your pine tree dying? Exotic pine nematode It tells you more about pine nematodes and One of the purposes of the draft Bill is to replace detected in Sydney exotic pine nematodes. Also how you can help the wildlife provisions currently contained in the by checking pine trees in your area. And it National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 (NPW Act) includes a list of susceptible conifers (mainly with a new, risk based framework for managing pines – Pinus species). wildlife activities.

There are photos of what to look for and what Under this approach, it is anticipated that some to do next, if you see symptoms of concern. A low risk activities may be exempt from licences, reporting sheet has been developed and codes of practice may be developed for authorities would like reports of healthy trees as medium risk activities, and high risk activities will well, as this allows them to know where continue to be licensed or prohibited. At this surveillance has occurred. point in time, the release of the draft Bill is an opportunity to comment on broad issues such The nematodes move through infested trees via as the risks associated with the various wildlife the xylem, or water transport system. Initial activities and how these may be best visible signs of infection are arrested growth and managed. More detailed discussions relevant foliage colour fading to green or yellowish, to the wildflower industry will not take place followed by wilting and browning. Tree until mid 2017. branches become dry and brittle and break off Information is available at

View large image (JPG, 574.49 KB) Dieback of radiata easily. Most pine nematodes are carried to new www.landmanagement.nsw.gov.au pine infested with pine nematodes host trees by various vector beetles. The draft Biodiversity Conservation Bill 2016 General information on pine nematodes can An infestation of an exotic pine nematode includes changes that will affect 'protected be found in this Primefact: (Bursaphelencus species) was discovered in the native plants' as listed in the draft document – http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_ wood of a single dying pine tree (Pinus species) starting on page 180. This list includes all file/0007/654658/Primefact-Pine-nematodes.pdf in Sydney in March 2016. The infested tree and cultivated and wild picked native flora (Information adapted from NSW Primary Industries harvested and sold for floristry. two other suspect host trees close by were Biosecurity). removed and destroyed. The New South Wales NPWS realises that to successfully shift the Government is conducting surveillance of pine Wildlife licensing changes proposed in NSW current licensing system toward a risk-based (Pinus species) host trees across New South NSW growers and those who trade in Australian approach will take time and that changes will Wales to determine any further infestations. species sourced from NSW (whether cultivated need to be developed and introduced or wild harvested) are reminded of proposed carefully. Overseas, this nematode has caused severe changes included in the draft Biodiversity losses in commercial pine forests. Conservation Bill and supporting products. They emphasise that until any revised These were released on 3 May 2016 for an eight regulations are finalised, existing arrangements More information is available in this Factsheet week public consultation period ending on and rules for wildlife activities will continue and http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/content/biosecurity June 28. are enforceable. /plant/pine-nematodes

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The draft Bill introduces the broad framework for What if you’re not in NSW? register their product before January 2017 for the future regulation of wildlife interactions, It’s a complicated picture! You would be free disposal. Anyone storing chemicals however precisely how existing wildlife activities required to comply with your relevant state containing the product after this time can still will be managed under the new Bill still needs to legislation (if it has such legislation in place – register them with ChemClear, but the service be resolved. Over a period of up to two years, Qld and WA do) in regard to what you grow will attract a fee per litre for disposal.” NPWS therefore intends to consult with key and harvest for sale. It doesn’t help that state stakeholders to revise the rules and standards legislation seems to vary quite a bit around Visit www.chemclear.com.au to download an applying to wildlife activities in order to align Australia. The NSW legislation may affect you if Inventory Form and record any unwanted with the risk based framework outlined in the you source plants or cut flowers from someone products. Interested persons can then either draft Bill. The NSW Government plans to start the in NSW to grow/sell or export. register on the same site, call 1800 008 182 or full legislative changes from 1 July 2017. email the form back to Register your Dichlorvos products with [email protected]. The NPWS anticipates that our primary area of ChemClear interest will be in relation to how the existing The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary ChemClear has collected and disposed of licensing system for the commercial use of Medicines Authority has cancelled the more than 501 tonnes of surplus agvet native plants will transition under the new registration of any product containing the chemicals across Australia since the start of the legislation. The NPWS will not commence this chemical Dichlorvos following a suspension and program in 2003. aspect of the reforms before July 2017, at which phase out period. The chemical is an (Information reprinted courtesy of Infopest News time industry input will be crucial. Hopefully organophosphorus insecticide and was mainly published 29/4/16) NPWS will then release a more concise and used as a fumigant or spray. ‘plain English’ version of the changes proposed APVMA releases Omethoate proposed for the wildflower industry. The cancellation was in response to a review of regulatory decision report – public consultation the chemical by the APVMA that identified underway NPWS is inviting WFA to nominate a concerns relating to trade, public and The Omethoate proposed regulatory representative/s with whom they can continue occupational health and safety, environmental decision report is available for public to liaise as they plan the consultation process. impacts and residues of this active constituent. comment from 4 May 2016 to 4 August

2016. The report outlines the APVMA's The representative/s will be expected to Any reseller or customer still holding stores of reconsideration of the approvals, provide expertise on the relevant wildlife Dichlorvos product should register them with registrations and product labels interaction being discussed. He or she should ChemClear for responsible disposal as soon as associated with the insecticide and be in a position to reflect the input of the possible. National ChemClear Program miticide, omethoate. commercial wildflower industry and to provide Manager Lisa Nixon said, “ChemClear is the feedback to the industry on the progress of right program for the safe collection and The scope of this review was to assess discussions. Industry representatives must be disposal of products containing Dichlorvos in the toxicological, occupational health nominated by 12 July 2016. If you are interested Australia. We have 121 participating and safety, residues and dietary in representing the interests of the industry in this manufacturers in the ChemClear scheme and it exposure and trade risks associated way, please contact Bettina as soon as is our policy to accept their products up to two with the active approvals, product possible. years from deregistration with the APVMA.” registrations and associated label She continued, “Given the two year limit, it is approvals for omethoate. The important that those holding stocks of Dichlorvos from any of our manufacturers WildFlowers Australia newsletter 2016

reconsideration is due to be finalised in omethoate, the registrations of Feature flower: Doryanthes, Giant Lily, Gymea early December 2016. products and the varied label lily approvals of products containing The APVMA has assessed the available omethoate. information and concluded that the use of omethoate products according What are the current registered to their current instructions does not ornamental uses of omethoate? meet the safety criteria listed in Crops: Carnations, chrysanthemums, section 5A of the Agvet Code for pelargoniums, roses, Callistemons, continued registration and approval. Eucalyptus spp., Grevillea spp., paperbarks, wattles. The APVMA is proposing to vary the Pests: Aphids, lacebugs, mealybugs, instructions for use contained in mites, thrips and whiteflies. approved labels of all products containing omethoate. Invitation for submissions The APVMA invites persons and Botanical name: Doryanthes excelsa The proposed label variations detailed organisations to submit their comments in Appendix A of the report include and suggestions on these proposed Origin: Native to the coastal areas of the (those in green are the most likely to decisions from 4 May 2016 to 4 August Sydney region impact on wildflower growers): 2016. This includes relevant information  >deletion of all horticultural, pasture, from growers and other user groups Description: Giant lily plants are grown both for grain legume, cereal and home that may be helpful to refine the their huge, spectacular flower heads and for garden uses, that may result in residues findings or to propose changes to the their large, flat green leaves. Each globular of omethoate on edible crops instructions for use, e.g. to identify flower head can be up to 70 cm across. It is  >retention of the use of omethoate on important uses that could be included. composed of a mass of red flowers each 10 cm ornamental plants See the details at: across and characterised by green pollen on  >retention of the use of omethoate as http://apvma.gov.au/node/20151 the anthers. The undeveloped flower spikes a barrier spray against red-legged  (known as spears) are also in demand for the earth mite around broad-acre crops Rio competition theme attracts record floristry market.  >amendments to the safety directions interest and first aid instructions for all product 220 students are ‘ready to samba’ The stem grows up to 4 m long, making these labels having submitted their entry forms for massive flowers popular for corporate displays.  >addition of re-entry intervals to this year’s WildFlowers Australia Flowers can also be used individually. The protect workers re-entering treated National Student Floristry Competition. sword-shaped leaves may be up to 2 m long areas. They come from 9 colleges located in and are very versatile for floristry. Those grown Qld, NSW, the ACT, Victoria and WA. under shade are of better quality. The APVMA is then proposing to affirm the active constituent approvals of  11 | P a g e

Consult your state’s native flora management distance transport and export, stems are plans to determine whether approval to grow Sold as single stems (flowers) and bunches packed in extra-long boxes and carefully or sell giant lily is required. In the wild, plants (leaves): secured within the box with ties or export hooks often grow at high densities, and intensive Flowers: Spear - usually <11 cm in diameter. so they will not move and be damaged. For management, such as providing water and Developed flower head – 11 to 35 + cm in long-distance transport, protect the heads with fertiliser, will improve quality. diameter. shredded paper or bubble plastic. Leaves: Generally marketed in 3 lengths: There are other Doryanthes species, but these Short (minis): up to 60 cm Tips for florists: Handle with care - the large are less suitable for the cut-flower market Regular: 60–140 cm flower head is easily bruised. Avoid flower Tall: >140 cm. heads with folded, creased or torn bracts. Cultivation notes: Giant lily will grow successfully Ensure individual flowers not blemished, bruised in a range of coastal climates from Brisbane to When to harvest: or broken and have minimal bract browning. Perth. It will grow in cooler environments, but Flowers: Flower head fully formed and at final Avoid blooms with chilling injury (apparent as the flowers and foliage are susceptible to size; symmetrical. Size (diameter) and length discoloration and watery breakdown of the heavy frost. A plant can take 5 to 20 years to proportional to stem length. Flower head follows bracts; the critical temperature for this to develop, but a system of burning to simulate in a straight line from the stem (and is not offset develop is unknown but likely to be <0 °C). bushfires can encourage synchronised from the stem at >15°). emerging from flowering. the bracts but no individual flowers opened, as Avoid blooms and leaves showing wilting. nectar and pollen can cause serious transport Recut stems and place into fresh water The plant is extremely tough and tolerant of problems. containing a registered biocide. Store flowers drought, although watering is needed at the upright to stop them bending themselves early establishment stage and for good growth Avoid stems with pests, disease or blemishes upwards, causing misshapen heads. rates. The plants are gross feeders requiring such as sunburn, frost damage or mechanical regular fertilising. damage. Ethylene susceptibility: Doryanthes does not appear to be ethylene sensitive. Plants are relatively resistant to pests and Leaves: Fully mature, crisp and medium to dark Adapted with acknowledgement from the Australian diseases, but mealy bugs can be a problem on green. Not dull or wilted. Straight and relatively Wildflower Quality Specification for Gymea Lily, the stems and flowers. Use preharvest flat (not curled). Leaves entire (no insect November 2010. Available to download or purchase insecticide sprays to reduce the pest feeding damage). at https://rirdc.infoservices.com.au/items/10-059 Photo courtesy of Ross Worrall and NSW DPI. population at harvest. Postharvest treatment: Cool as soon as possible Events 2016 Harvest and market flower heads before after harvest and hold in clean potable water. July 23. Talk: ‘Taming the Wildflowers with Angus individual flowers have opened to minimise the This will stop the flowers from continuing to Stewart’. This is an activity of the Foundation entry of insects. open. Store flowers upright to stop them and Friends of the Botanic Gardens. bending themselves upwards, causing Venue: Meet at the Acacia Education Centre, Flowering season: Mostly June to September, misshapen heads. the Australian Botanic Garden, Mt Annan, NSW. with some spikes from April and late flowers to Time: 10:00 am to 12:30 pm February. Leaves available all year round. Owing to their size, Giant Lily flowers are Price: $30 (Foundation & Friends Member), $35 generally transported to local markets standing (non-member). Includes morning tea Typical vase life: Flowers - up to 4 weeks. Leaves up in buckets of water, with the stem tied to an More info: 02 9231 8182 - over 2 weeks upright support within the truck. For longer- WildFlowers Australia newsletter 2016

Angus Stewart is an Honorary Research [email protected] ) or visit the Associate at the Australian Botanic Garden. website: http://flowerexpo.pl/ Much of Angus’s work at the Australian Botanic Garden has focused on preserving our rarer October 12-14 IFEX – Japan’s largest flower wildflowers through cultivation. The event will industry trade show. include a talk followed by a tour of the facilities Venue: Makuhari Messe, Japan. and a walk through the stunning Connections See http://www.ifex.jp/en/ Garden. Bookings are essential. Go to: https://www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/What-s- Coming up next issue… On/Taming-the-Wildflowers Industry survey results – what’s the story in 2016? The next newsletter will include analysis and September 1-3 Flower Expo Poland feedback from the industry survey conducted Poland’s capital Warsaw is set to host a trade during April. show focussed on cut flowers and pot plants. International traders and growers of horticultural How to contact WFA products as well as Polish growers and traders Bettina Gollnow (Communications and Extension will get the opportunity to present their Manager): companies and products. The organisers feel [email protected] this expo presents a great opportunity for Mobile: +61 4 3426 5817/0434 265 817 Australian flower and plant growers to get into the Polish market with their products. Secretariat (Wendy Ketter) P.O. Box 327

Cleveland Qld 4163 About the Polish market: The economy is the Phone: 07 3821 3350 fastest growing in the EU, with a corresponding Fax: 07 3286 3094 increase in demand for luxury products. The cut flower market in Poland has grown by 23% in The advice provided in this newsletter is intended as a source of the last 2 years. Poland has nearly 38 million information only. WildFlowers Australia Ltd does not guarantee that consumers and people are really fond of the newsletter is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for error, flowers and indoor plants. That creates strong loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any and sustainable demand for products. As well information in this communication. as being an interesting market in itself, Poland is This newsletter is an activity funded by the RIRDC project PRJ-009045 Capacity Building and Communications for the also an important transfer market to surrounding Wildflower industry stage 2. countries. Buyers from Russia, Belarus, Ukraine It has been compiled by Bettina Gollnow, the and the Baltic states are coming in increasing Communications & Extension Manager, also funded by this numbers and with substantial orders. project.

Anybody interested in presenting their company and products can get more information from Anna Małcużyńska (mobile: +48 604 577 814, email:

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