Protea Newsletter International An e­Newsletter for the International Protea Industry and Scientific Community to Promote Communication, Cooperation and the Advancement of Science, Technology, Production and Marketing (and to promote the Hawaii Protea Industry)

Volume 2, Number 1, April 2009

Editor: Ken Leonhardt Chairman, lnternational Protea Working Group (IPWG), International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS) Professor, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii USA

Contents: A visit to South Africa ...... 2 International Horticulture Congress announcement ...... 3 New protea poster from the University of Hawaii...... 4 A message from the Hawaii State Protea Growers Corporation ...... 4 A message from the Zimbabwe Protea Association ...... 5 Protea night­life ...... 6 Proteaceae cultivar development and uses ...... 6 Sample costs to establish and produce protea ...... 6 Research funding awarded by the IPA...... 7 New cultivar registrations...... 7 Recent books on Proteaceae ...... 7 More protea web sites of interest...... 7 Acta Horticulturae Proceedings of past IPWG Symposia...... 8 PNI Vol. 1, No. 1 (archive) ...... 8 Abstracts of hard to find protea research articles ...... 9 Protea associations around the world...... 18 International horticultural events taking place ...... 19 Join ISHS...... 23 2 A Visit to South Africa, by Diana Roy, Resendiz Brothers Protea Growers, Summer 2008 Newsletter. Shown below is the first page of the newsletter. Go to this link for the full text and pictoral review. It is excellent. http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/leonhardtk/v2n1/summer08.pdf (1.2 MB) 3

Start planning for IPA and IPWG 2010 28 th International Horticultural Congress 14 th International Protea Association Conference 10 th International Protea Working Group Symposium Lisboa, Portugal, 22­27 August 2010 www.ihc2010.org

Call for abstracts 10 th IPWG Protea Research Symposium Tentative deadline for abstract submission is 31 December 2009 Convener, Maria Jose Leandro, [email protected], and [email protected] 2 nd Convener, Ken Leonhardt, [email protected]

Scientific Committee Ken Leonhardt, Chairman, USA Maria Jose Leandro, Portugal Moshe Reuveni, Israel Guijun Yan, Australia Lynn Hoffman, South Africa Juan Alberto Rodriguez­Perez, Spain Audrey Gerber, Australia

Anticipated sessions include Botany, Biodiversity and Conservation Crop Management Strategies Nutrition and Irrigation Management of Flowering by Pruning Plant Growth Regulation Plant Protection Disease and Pest Management 4

Variety Improvement Genetics and Breeding Genetic Engineering Postharvest Physiology and Technology Marketing, Promotion and Economics Regional Reports

Poster Session General Membership Meeting of the IPA General Membership Meeting of the IPWG Farm Tours Opening Ceremony and Closing Gala Event

New Poster Depicting the 101 Leucospermum Introductions by the University of Hawaii Grouped by early­season, mid­season and late­season flowering, this colorful poster will be an attractive addition to your sales office wall. Unfortunately, it has not been printed for lack of funds, but you are welcome to print your own. www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/leonhardtk/Proteaposter.pdf (8 MB)

A Message from the Hawaii State Protea Growers Corporation By Tony Bayaoa Aloha, It has been 11 months since our volcano opened her vents with sulfur dioxide (S0 2) emissions that wiped out 95% of the protea fields here on the Big Island. However, for the last 2 months the emissions have slowed down, and the winds have changed direction at last.

While in South Africa at the IPA Conference and IPWG Symposium, I spoke with several researchers from different countries that have volcanic activities, and their suggestion was to use charcoal in our fields and around our trees as it acts as an absorbent. We had been making applications of Keligreen and Leafshield for a couple of months, the local recommendations, to shut the stomates to inhibit S0 2 intake, but the plants seemed to be going dormant. 5

We decided to try the charcoal and we have seen great results; the trees do not have any tip burn from the S0 2 and it is very cost effective. To make sure, we applied the charcoal to newly planted protea and left some of the bushes in cinder with no charcoal, for a control. It is now 4 months since we started this little project and a few voggy days have come and gone, and our plants have not been affected by the S0 2. We have also noticed that the new growth is very healthy. This could indicate that not only is the charcoal acting as an absorbent, but may also be giving the plants some well needed nutrients, since our soils are bereft of nutrients. Thank you to those who suggested the charcoal. It does work!

Mahalo Nui Loa, Tony Bayaoa, Flowers by Kona Scent LLC, Hawaii Delegate to the IPA, nzthirtytwo@e­mailhawaii.net

A Message from the Zimbabwe Protea Association By Martyn Cook, Zimflora LTD Zimbabwe Protea Association Zimbabwe Protea growers continue to produce a quality crop, even with continuing money shortages (availability from banks), food shortages (needed for labour), labour shortages, electricity cuts (resulting in water shortages) and land invasion threats, plus the shortage of inputs such as chemicals and fertilizers. We live in hope that the Unity Government will bring the change that we all so desperately look forward to, in order to get back to our core business – FARMING. Unfortunately, we lost one of our top growers to land invasions at the end of 2008, however, there is still a glimmer of hope that this grower may get their farm back and once again be a quality, viable, protea producer. The Mozambique and Zambian growers are producing top quality proteas and this should be a good season for them.

The Zimbabwe Protea Association remains strong, under the Chairmanship of Clive Wakefield and a determined Executive Committee. A long awaited Zimbabwe Protea Association Field Day was held at Piedmont Farm in Mtepatepa (home of Clive & Heather Wakefield) on Wednesday 19 th November, 2008. What a brilliant day, and it was so nice to see such a turn out of 33 ZPA members and associates, including a Mozambique grower and a guest from Hilton in Natal (South Africa). Agenda: • Tour of the Protea Plantation • Discussion on Composting – led by Clive Wakefield • Presentation on the recent IPA Conference (Katy Percival and Martyn Cook) There was a lot of discussion on composting which is of growing interest throughout the protea growing fraternity and was articled in the previous newsletter. 6

The various varieties grown on Piedmont were of great interest to all growers (many of these varieties are not grown elsewhere in Zimbabwe). A power point presentation of the recent IPA Conference was delivered by Zimflora, and there was a lot of discussion on quality, irrigation and freight.

On Wednesday 25 th March, 2009, the ZPA held another Field Day in the Darwendale farming area. Contacts: Chairman & IPA Rep – Clive Wakefield ­ [email protected] Secretary – C. Price – [email protected]

Protea night­life: Ecological and commercial significance for soil hydraulics. This article by Heidi­Jayne Hawkins, Hans Hettasch and Michael D. Cramer was presented by Heidi at the recent IPWG Symposium in Stellenbosch. Since it was submitted for publication in Functional Plant Biology, it will not be included in the Acta Horticulturae proceedings of our Symposium, so it is included here for your information and use. http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/leonhardtk/v2n1/IPWG.pdf (2.7 MB)

Proteaceae floral crops; cultivar development and underexploited uses. This article by Ken Leonhardt and Rich Criley was published in 1999 in the Proceedings of the Fourth National Symposium on New Crops and New Uses (edited by J. Janick), Purdue University. Since most protea growers would not have access to this proceedings, this link was created for your convenience. http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/leonhardtk/v2n1/leonhrdt.pdf (104 KB)

Sample costs to establish and produce protea University of California Cooperative Extension Service. 2007. http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/leonhardtk/v2n1/proteasc07.pdf (555 KB) 7

Research Funding Awarded by the IPA in 2008 K. Bezuidenhout – Fusarium Wilt of Proteaceae in Southern Africa: USD 4,000

L. Hoffman & K. Bezuidenhout ­ Post harvest control of Botrytis cinerea in selected Leucospermum and Leucadendron species: USD 2,000

Abstracts of progress reports and final reports will appear in future issues of PNI

New Cultivar Registrations International Protea Registry Director: Joan Sadie, [email protected] www.nda.agric.za/docs/Protea2000/contents2000.htm

Australian Cultivar Registration Authority [email protected]

Recent Books on Proteaceae Proceedings of the Eighth International Protea Research Symposium San Diego, California, USA Acta Horticulturae, 805 Leonhardt, K.W. 2008, Editor

Proteaceous Ornamentals: Banksia, Leucadendron, Leucospermum, and Protea Scripta Horticulturae No. 5, ISHS, Sedgley, Criley, Coetzee, Littlejohn, Ben­Jaacov and Silber, 2007.

Proceedings of the Seventh International Protea Research Symposium Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Acta Horticulturae 716 Gerber, A. and K.W. Leonhardt, 2006, Editors

More Protea Web Sites of Interest Aloha Protea Farms, www.proteas.com Aloha Tropicals, www.alohatropicals.com/Proteas.html 8

Anuhea Flowers, www.anuheaflowers.com Arnelia, Proteaceae, www.arnelia.co.za Australian Native Plant Forum, www.au.gardenweb.com/forums/oznative California Protea Management, www.californiaproteamgmt.com Eureka Farms, www.eureka­farms.com/growing_proteaceae.htm Fine Bush People, www.finebushpeople.co.za Island Flower Designs, www.sendtropicalflowers.com Kula Farm Flowers, www.kulafarm.com Maui Floral, www.mauifloral.com Maui’s UpCountry Protea Farm, www.upcountryprotea.com Protea Iberica, www.proteaiberica.com Protea Postharvest Technology, www.postharvest.ucdavis.edu/Produce/ProduceFacts/Orn/protea.shtml Proteaflora, www.protea.com.au (The Bookshop) Proteas of Hawaii, www.proteasofhawaii.com Rainbow Protea, www.rainbowprotea.com/home.html Resendiz Brothers Protea Growers, www.resendizbrothers.com Silverhill Seeds and books, www.silverhillseeds.co.za Sunrise Protea Farm, www.sunriseprotea.com Timber Press, www.timberpress.com Valley View Protea Farm, www.valleyviewprotea.com Wild Ridge Organics & Proteas, www.wildridgeorganics.com Volcano Flowers, www.volcanogallery.com/Protea.htm

Acta Horticulturae Proceedings of Past IPWG Protea Research Symposia View tables of contents and order these books from ISHS on line, using these links. I, Capetown, 1986, www.actahort.org/books/185/index.htm II, San Diego, 1990, www.actahort.org/books/264/index.htm III, Harare, 1995, www.actahort.org/books/387/index.htm IV, Jerusalem, 1997, www.actahort.org/books/453/index.htm V, Tenerife, 2001, www.actahort.org/books/545/index.htm VI, Wailea, Hawaii, www.actahort.org/books/602/index.htm VII, Melbourne, www.actahort.org/books/716/index.htm VIII, San Diego, www.actahort.org/books/805/

Protea Newsletter International, Vol. 1, No. 1, November 2008 www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/leonhardtk/PNI1_1.pdf 9

Abstracts of Protea Research in Journals and Proceedings not easily accessible by growers. Compiled by Dr. Richard Criley, Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Hawaii

Cramer. M. D,; Gerber. A. I. Jacobs. G. 2004. Causes of leaf­tip scorch in the cultivated Protea hybrid 'Sylvia'. Scientia Horticulturae 103(1): 65­77. Department of Botany, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7702, South Africa. Email: [email protected] Soil and leaf samples were analysed in an attempt to identify the causes of leaf­tip scorch commonly observed in cultivated Protea susannae and Protea eximia hybrid 'Sylvia'. Leaf­tip scorch was hypothesized to be caused by nutritional problems. Soil and leaf mineral contents were measured and compared between healthy plants and those suffering from leaf­tip scorch. Leaf­tip scorch was found to be associated with increased electrical conductivity, total cation concentration and the concentrations of Na, K. Ca, Mg. Mn and B in the soil. It was concluded that failed attempts of growers to remedy the problem by foliar spraying of micronutrients might have artificially increased the levels of Mn and B. Leaf­tip scorch was associated with decreased foliar concentrations of Fe and increased concentrations of Na and Mn. No association between leaf­tip scorch and either δ1 3C or δ 15N was found. It was concluded that changes in water relations and N acquisition were not associated with the symptoms. The significant decrease in the Ca concentration in the tips of leaves showing advanced leaf­tip necrosis indicated that a deficiency of Ca in the leaf tips may have been the proximal cause of the pathology. Ca deficiency in the leaf tips may in turn be caused by high soil EC.

Denman, S.; Clous, P. W.; Sadie, A; Wingfield, M. J. 2000. Evaluation of fungicides for the control of Botryosphaeria protearum on Protea magnifica in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. Australasian Plant Pathology 33(1): 97102. Department of Plant Pathology, University of Stellenbosch. P. Bag XI, Matieland 7602, South Africa. Email: [email protected]. A range of fungicides was tested in vitro for their effect on mycelial inhibition. Selected products showing potential for disease control were then further tested under field conditions (Western Cape, South Africa). The most effective fungicides in the in vitro tests were tebuconazole, benomyl, prochloraz mc, iprodione and fenarimol. In field trials, a 25­85% reduction in the occurrence of stem cankers caused by Rotryosphaeria protearum was achieved if fungicides were applied or sanitation pruning was implemented, The best control was obtained with treatments of prochloraz mc alternated with mancozeb. Applications of bitertanol and fenarimol also significantly reduced the occurrence of cankers. 10

Mortimer, P.; Swart, J. C.; Valentine, A.J. Jacobs, G.; Cramer, M. D. 2003. Does irrigation influence the growth, yield and water use efficiency of the protea hybrid 'Sylvia' (Protea susannae X Protea eximia)? South African Journal of Botany 69(2): 135­143. Department of Botany, Institute of Plant Biotechnology, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag XI, Matieland 7602, South Africa, Email: [email protected] The response of the protea hybrid Sylvia (Protea susannae× Protea eximia) to irrigation was investigated in field and glasshouse trials to determine the water requirements of this commercial floriculture crop. The field experiment was conducted in Western Cape, South Africa, The effects of the irrigation regimes were determined by measuring the δ1 3C , δ 15N , gas exchange characteristics, biomass accumulation, yield and root development. The plants in the glasshouse were exposed to watering regimes maintaining water at 20, 40 and 60% of field capacity in sand­filled pots. Higher water supply resulted in increased growth of the roots in particular, but also of the shoots, reaching a maximum at 40% of field capacity. There were no significant changes in the gas exchange characteristics of the plants associated with this increased growth. In the field trial, the intensity of irrigation dry­land. normal and double­irrigation) did not influence the vegetative or reproductive biomass accumulation. Although the water content of the upper 30 cm of soil was significantly different between treatments, there were no differences in δ 13 C, relative water contents or in elemental compositions of the leaves. The gas exchange characteristics of the plants were only slightly influenced by the irrigation intensity maintaining very similar water use efficiencies between treatments, concurring with δ 13C results. However, the development of cluster roots was strongly increased by irrigation. Dryland plants had extensive sinker roots penetrating the deeper (>1 rn) soil layers. It was concluded that the dimorphic and deep roots of Sylvia allow access to water deep in the soil profile once the root system is established. Although maintenance of cluster roots for nutrient uptake is important, management practices should take cognizance of the fact that surface soil water contents only par­ tially determine the availability of wafer for these deep­touted perennial shrubs, if at all.

Pharmawati, M.; Yak, G.; Sedgley, R.; Finnegan, P. M. 2004. Chloroplast DNA inheritance and variation in Leucadendron species (Proteaceae) as revealed by PCR­RFLP. Theoretical and Applied Generics 109(8): 1694­1701. School of Plant Biology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Western Aus­ tralia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia. email pharmm01@tartarus. uwa.edu.au The inheritance of chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) in Leucadendron species was studied by polymerase chain reaction­restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR­ RFLP) analysis. A total of 100 progeny from five interspecific crosses involving seven parental species were tested, and MI progeny exhibited the cpDNA restriction fragment pattern of the female parent, indicating that cpDNA in Leucadendron is maternally inherited. PCR­RFLP was also employed to study cpDNA variation among 21 Leucadendron species. Parsimony analysis using a heuristic search resulted in a phylogenetic tree that showed limited agreement to the taxonomic classification of Leucadendron species, based on morphological characteristics. The incongruence between 11 cpDNA phylogenetic arid taxonomic groupings in Leucadendron may be due to reticulate evolution involving a combination of hybridization and introgression, convergent evolution and/or lineage sorting at the interspecific, intersubsectional and intersectional levels.

Pharmawati, M.; Yan, GuiJun; Finnegan, P. M. 2005. Molecular variation and fingerprinting of Leucadendron cultivars (Proteacae) by ISSR markers. Annals of Botany 95(7): 1163­1170. School of Plant Biology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Western Australia. 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, 6009 WA, Australia, Email: [email protected] Background and Aims: There are more than 80 species of Leucadendron and most are used as cut flowers. Currently, more than 100 cultivars are used by industry and many of them are interspecific hybrids. The origin of most cultivars is unclear and their genetic diversity and relationships have not been studied. This investigation was carried out to evaluate the genetic variation and relationships among 30 Leucadendron cultivars. Methods: ISSR markers were applied to determine the genetic variation and to discriminate among Leucadendron cultivars, Sixty­four ISSR primers were screened and 25 primers were selected for their ability to produce clear and reproducible patterns of multiple bands. Key Results: A total of 584 bands of 305­2400 bp were amplified, of which 97% were polymorphic. A dendrogram generated using the Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Average based on a distance measure of total character difference showed that the Leucadendron cultivars clustered into two main groups. Twenty­four of the 30 cultivars can be unequivocally differentiated, but identical profiles were observed for three cultivar pairs, ‘Katie’s Blush’ and ‘Silvan Red’, ‘Highlights’ and ‘Maui Sunset’, and ‘Yellow Crest’ and ‘Yellow Devil’. Conclusions: ISSR profiling is a powerful method for the identification and molecular classification of Leucadendron cultivars. A fingerprinting key was generated based on the banding patterns produced using two ISSR primers (UBC856 and UBC857). In addition cultivar­specific ISSR bands were obtained for 17 of the 30 Leucadendron cultivars tested,

Schiappacasse, F.; Vico, V.; Yañez, P.; Hettich, W. 2003. Evaluation of Leucadendron sp. cv. Safari Sunset for cut flower production in an interior dryland coastal valley of the VII Region, Chile. (Evaluacion del cultivo de Leucadendron sp. cv. Safari Sunset para flor cortada en un valle interior del secano costero de la VII Region, Chile). Agricultura Técnica 63(4): 436­442. Instituto de Investigaciones Agropecuarias Universidad do Talca, Facultad Ciencias Agrarias, Casilla 747, Talca, Chile. Email : [email protected] 12 Leucadendron sp. 'Safari Sunset' is a hybrid of the species L salignum and L. laureolum. It is commercially utilized as a cut flower or decorative foliage. The plant requires acid soils with low P levels, does not tolerate severe frosts, and has relatively low water consumption, These characteristics make the coastal area of the Seventh Region of Chile a suitable area for its cultivation. The main aim of this study was to evaluate different rooting treatments and the plant phonology of Leucadendron sp. 'Safari Sunset' in a field located in Lien, Curepto. Rooted cuttings were planted in December 1998. Phenology, stem length, yield and rooting of cuttings were evaluated. With respect to phenology, it was observed that bud growth started in October, The sprouts were in active growth throughout the summer, increasing in length until the end of March, when flowering started. In the second year, the stem length was, on average, 70 cm and the number of sprouts per plant was approximately 17, of which 5.7 were of commercial quality. The best rooting percentage was obtained with subterminal cuttings, with 74% of rooted cuttings, when 4000 mg IBA kg ­1 was applied in liquid form.

Stephens, I.A.; Meyeer,G.; Holcroft, D. M.; Jacobs, G. 2005. Carbohydrates and postharvest leaf blackening of proteas. HortScience 40(1): 181­184. Department of Horticultural Science. University of Stellenbosch. Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa. Flower­bearing shoots of "Brenda' (Protea compacta x P. burchellii), 'Cardinal' (P. eximia x P. susannae), 'Carnival' (P. compacia x P. neriifolia), 'Ivy' (P. lacticolor), 'Pink Ice' (P. compacta x P. susannae), ‘Sheila’ (P magnifica x P. burchellii), 'Susara' {P. magnifica x P. susannae) and ‘Sylvia’ (P. eximia x P. susannae) were obtained from commercial protea farms near Stellenbosch, South Africa. Glucose, fructose, sucrose and starch concentrations were determined in leaves and inflorescences of protea cutflowcr cultivars soon after harvest and at the onset of leaf blackening while standing in water. At the onset of leaf blackening, sugars. and starch were lower in both inflorescences and leaves. Proportionately. sugars and starch decreased more in leaves than in inflorescences. Flower­bearing shoots of 'Sylvia' were pulsed individually with 5% glucose solution until each shoot had taken up 10 ml solution. Water was used for the control treatment Flowers were then stored for 21 days at 1ºC. After pulsing and cold storage, groups of flowering shoots were separated into inflorescence, leaf and stem components, and glucose. and starch content were determined. Glucose content after pulsing was significantly greater in all components of shoots pulsed with glucose compared with nonpulsed control shoots. Glucose content of leaves was significantly greater after storage for pulsed shoots than control shoots. Starch content or leaves after pulsing was significantly greater in shoots pulsed with glucose than that of controls. There was a significant decrease in starch convent for all tissue types during 21 days of storage. Pulsing flower stems of 7 protea cultivars before 3 weeks cold storage significantly reduced the incidence of leaf blackening when assessed both on day 1, and again on day 7 after 3 weeks of cold storage. Supplementing holding solutions with 1 or 2% glucose reduced leaf blackening of proteas pulsed with glucose and cold stored for 3 weeks, 13

Wu, H. C; Toit, E. S. Du. 2004. Reducing oxidative browning during in vitro establishment of Protea cynaroides. Scientia Horticulturae 100(1/4): 355­358. Department of Plant Production and Soil Science, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa. Email: postino.up.ac.za Oxidative browning is one of the reasons why Protea cynaroides is not being extensively propagated via tissue culture techniques. The reduction of oxidative browning was best achieved by stirring the explants for 1 h in an antioxidant solution mixture containing 100 mg l ­1 ascorbic acid and 1500 mg l ­1 citric acid before inserting them into the medium. In combination with this antioxidant solution, in vitro establishment was highly successful where 100% bud growth was achieved by explants growing under 16 h photoperiod.

Wu. R C.; Toit, E. S. Du; Reinhardt. C. F. 2007. A protocol for direct somatic embryogenesis of Protea cynaroides L. using zygotic embryos and cotyledon tissues. Plant Cell. Tissue and Organ Culture 89(213): 217­224 Dordrecht, Netherlands; Springer Science + Business Media [En, 24 ref.] Department of Plant Production and Soil Science, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa. Email: [email protected] We describe a protocol for somatic embryogenesis of Protea cynaroides, with potential for high frequency production of this important horticultural species. Somatic embryos fonned directly on both P. cynaroides mature zygotic embryos and excised cotyledons cultured on MS medium without growth regulators. The addition of growth regulators such as naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) (5; 13 and 27 J.1M) and 2,4­ dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4­D) (5; II and 23 J.1M), in combination with thidiazuron (TDZ) (1 J.1M), benzylarninopurine (BAP) (I J.1M) or kinetin (1 J.1M) suppressed the formation of somatic embryos. After eight weeks in, culture, fonnation of somatic embryos was observed. Zygotic explants fonned the most embryos when cultured in a 12­h photoperiod in comparison to explants cultured in the dark. Up to 83% of these embryos germinated after transferal to the germination medium containing 0.3 J.1M GA3' Significantly fewer embryos germinated in MS medium with no growth regulators, or supplemented with higher concentrations of GA3, while low germination percentages were also observed in MS media containing casein hydrolysate and coconut water. The germination of normal somatic embryos (two separate cotyledons and a single radicle) was observed only in media containing either no growth regulators, 0.3 J.1M GA3 or I J.1M GA3' All embryos that germinated in high concentrations of GA3 were malformed.

Wu. H. c.; Toit. E. S. Du; Reinhardt. C. F.; Rimando. A. M.; Kooy. F. Vander; Meyer, J. J. M. 2007. The phenolic, 3,4­dihydroxybenzoic acid, is an endogenous regulator of rooting in Protea cynaroides. Plant Growth Regulation 52(3): 207­215 Dordrecht, Netherlands; Springer Science + Business Media [En, 40 ref.] Department of Plant Production and Soil Science, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University 14 of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa. Email: [email protected] Analysis of stem extracts identified large quantities of 3,4dihydroxybenzoic acid and other similar phenolics. The exogenous application of 3,4­dihydroxybenzoic acid on Protea cynaroides explants in vitro significantly increased the root mass at 100 mg I­I, but not at lower concentrations, while root inhibition was observed at 500 mg I­I. HPLC analysis of cuttings during vegetative propagation showed a considerable increase in 3,4­dihydroxybenzoic acid levels from initial planting to when root fonnation took place, indicating for the first time that 3,4­dihydroxybenzoic acid may be an important phenolic compound in regulating root fonnation in P. cynaroides cuttings. HPLC analysis also identified caffeic, ferulic, gallic and salicylic acids in the cuttings.

Wu. H. c.; Toit, E. S. Du; Reinhardt, C. F. 2007. Micrograftlug of Protea cynaroides. Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture 89(1): 23­28 Dordrecht, Netherlands; Springer Science + Business Media [En, 22 ref.] Department of Plant Production and Soil Science, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa. Email: [email protected] The inability to induce rooting of in vitro­established Protea cynaroides microshoots has prevented the production of complete plantlets. A successful shoot­tip micrografting technique was developed using in vitro­germinated P. cynaroides seedlings as rootstocks and axenic microshoots established from pot plants as microscions. Thirty­day old seedlings, germinated on growth­regulator­free, half­ strength Murashige and Skoog medium, were decapitated and a vertical incision made from the top end. The bottom ends of microshoots established on modified Murashige and Skoog medium were cut into a wedge ('V') shape, and placed into the incision. The micrografted explants were cultured in a growth chamber with the temperature adjusted to 25:t2°C, with a 12­h photoperiod. Best results were obtained by placing the microscions directly onto the rootstock without any pre­treatments. Dipping the explants in anti­oxidant solution or placing a layer of medium around the graft area led to the blackening of the microscion.

Wang Qi; Hu Xiu; Fan Xianxi, Duan Xiaomei; Huang Meijuan; Fan Guosheng; Deng Lilan. 2006. A study on tissue culture of Leucadendron floridum. Acta Agriculturae Universitatis Jiangxiensis 28(5): 665­668 Nanchang, China; Jiangxi Agricultural University [Ch, en, 7 ref.] Faculty of Landscape Architecture, Southwest Forestry University, Kunrning 650224, China. Email: [email protected] In an experiment conducted to determine the optimum conditions for in vitro­ culture of Leucadendron floridum, germination rate was 5% higher in solid culture media than that in liquid culture media. The best medium for axillary shoot proliferation was halfstrength MS media + 1.0 g benzyladenine/litre + 0.01 g NAA/litre + 15 g B9 [daminozide]/litre + 30 g sugar/litre. The best medium for plumule elongation was half­ strength MS media + 1.5 g benzyladenine/1itre + 0.01 g NAN/litre + 5 g B9/litre + 30 g sugar/litre. The best root induction medium was half­strength modified MS medium + 30 g sugar/litre. 15

Zion, B.; Weisblum, A.; Reshef, L.; Regev, R.; Levi, M.; Cohen, M.; Steinmetz, Y.; Lev, M. 2007. Mechanical harvesting of leucadendron flowers. Applied Engineering in Agriculture 23(4): 425­431 St Joseph, USA; American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers [En, 3 ref.] Agricultural Research Organization. Institute of Agricultural Engineering, P.O. Box 6, Bet Dagan, 50250, Israel. Email: [email protected] A unique mechanical harvester for Leucadendron cut flowers has been developed. A tractor­mounted harvester was developed initially and tested in commercial farms. It holds the flowers gently before they are cut from their plants, cuts them at a desired height, and conveys them away from the cutting line to a collecting bed. It is operated by a driver and two additional workers. Compared with manual harvesting, the mechanical harvester saves work in the field but adds some work in the packinghouse because it harvests more substandard ('cull') flowers, which will have to be rejected. Detailed work studies showed that the mechanical harvester is beneficial in labor saving and is economically viable for farms of at least 8 ha. A self­propelled harvester was developed for improved harvest height control, stability on slopes, and maneuverability.

Silber, A.; Levi, M.; Cohen, M.; David, N.; Shtaynmetz. Y.; Assouline, S. 2006. Response of Leucadendron 'Safari Sunset' to irrigation and fertilisation levels. Journal of Horticultural Science and Biotechnology 81(3): 355­364 Ashford, UK; Headley Brothers Ltd., The Invicta Press [En, 25 ref.] Institute of Soils, Water and Environmental Sciences, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel. Email: [email protected] Leucadendron 'Safari Sunset' is the most important cultivar in the Protea industry worldwide. The commercial product consists of long branches that terminate in a female inflorescence ("head") surrounded by large, deep­wine­red leaves. The objectives of the present study were to assess the response of 'Safari Sunset" plants to different levels of deficit irrigation and to various fertilization strategies [e.g., constant concentration (fertilization doses decreased or increased as irrigation rates decreased or increased, respectively), and constant quantity (nutrient concentration decreased or increased as irrigation rates increased or decreased, respectively)]. The impact of irrigation treatment on soil water content was apparent, and deficit irrigation significantly increased soil water tension, especially in soil layers below 20 cm, and diminished the volume of soil that was suitable for root development. The horizontal extent of the root volume followed the wetted zone and was almost congruent with the spatial distribution of water content. The majority of the root system was located in the 0­60 cm layer, but the layer 25­45 cm below the plant had the lowest water content indicating that the main zone in terms of active water uptake was situated within these limits. Irrigation rate had a domi­ nant influence on biomass production, and a significant linear regression was obtained between plant fresh weight (FW) and soil water content. Linear regression analysis indicated that 95% of FW variation could be attributed to differences in soil water content. Deficit irrigation management diminished head dimensions and, consequently, reduced the commercial quality of 'Safari Sunset' plants. However, non­water­stress treatments induced excessive vegetative growth, mainly in the form of too­long branches, and an important part of the biomass produced was redundant. In the case of water scarcity and the application of deficit irrigation treatments, constant nutrient concentration should be applied. 16

Liu, H.; Yan, G.; Finnegan, P.M.; Sedgley, R. 2007. Development of DNA markers for hybrid identification in Leucadendron (Proteaceae). Scientia Horticulturae 113(4): 376­382 Amsterdam, Netherlands; Elsevier [En, 34 ref.] School of Plant Biology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia. Email: [email protected] A rapid and reliable method to accurately identify hybrids at an early age is essential to the success of Leucadendron breeding programs because identification based on morphology can be difficult or impossible when the seedlings are young. DNA based PCRRFLP and random amplified microsatellite polymorphism (RAMP) markers were developed for this purpose. Unexpected non­parental fragments appeared during the PCR­RFLP analysis of the nuclear ITS region of L uliginosum 05 x L procerum 04 hybrids. Mixing DNA from both parents in a single PeR also produced the non­parental fragment, suggesting that PCR recombination had introduced a novel restriction site into the products from the hybrids. Sequencing of individual amplified ITS products from the hybrids confirmed this conclusion. To avoid this complication, RAMP markers were developed for accurate hybrid identification in Leucadendron. RAMP analysis generated a considerable number of polymorphic products, and showed more discrimination in identifying Leucadendron hybrids than did PCR RFLP.

Criley, R.A 1. , Leonhardt, K.W 1. , Oka, D 2. and Shingaki, P 2. 2008. Extending the flowering period of Leucospermum hybrids through disbudding. Proc. Intern. Symp. Ornamentals, Now! Acta Horticulturae 766: 183­186. R. A. Criley (Editor). International Society for Horticultural Science, Leuven, Belgium. 1 Department of Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii 96822 USA e­mail: [email protected] 2 Maui Agricultural Research Center, P.O. Box 269, Kula, Hawaii 96790 USA Some recent Leucospermum hybrids from the breeding program of the University of Hawaii have periods of flowering that are only 4 to 8 weeks in duration (Acta Hort. 545: 55­60, 2001). Since previous South African research established that deheading of Leucospermum could delay flowering, this approach was used in an effort to extend the flowering (and marketing) period of ten cultivars. Twenty distal axillary buds on mature plants growing at the Maui Agriculture Research Center (@ 1000 M elevation) were removed at each of three dates during fall 2004, and the return flowering from the next axillary bud was compared to non­disbudded controls. Flower harvests were made weekly. Plants disbudded 18 October mostly flowered at the same time as non­disbudded plants with similar stem lengths and flower diameters. Disbudding on 15 November delayed the average time of flowering by a few days to a month, depending on cultivar. Disbudding 15 December delayed the average time of flowering by 2 weeks to a month or more, depending upon the cultivar, and flower head diameters were similar to controls. ‘High Gold,’ a commercial cultivar developed in South Africa, began flowering two weeks later than the controls when disbudded in December and finished out two weeks later. Late disbudding also provided information about the time the top axillary bud required to develop into a mature flower head. Such information provides a guideline about how late disbudding can be done and still return a marketable flower head since day lengths <12 hr are needed for much of the development period. 17

Leonhardt, K.W 1. , Shingaki, P 2. , Nalao, P 2. and Oka, D 2. 2005. Screening for Warm­ Temperature Tolerant Leucospermum (Proteaceae) Hybrids for Cultivation in Low­ Elevation Climates in Hawaii. Proc. Fifth Intern. Symp. On New Floricultural Crops. Acta Horticulturae 683: 223­232. International Society for Horticultural Science, Leuven, Belgium. 1De partment of Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii 96822 USA e­mail: [email protected] 2M aui Agricultural Research Center, P.O. Box 269, Kula, Hawaii 96790 USA The University of Hawaii’s protea breeding program has initiated studies to develop warm­temperature tolerant Leucospermum (pincushion) hybrids for commercial production as cut flowers or potted plants. Such hybrids would enable Hawaii’s protea industry to expand to low elevations where agricultural land is abundant due to the decline of sugar plantations. In this preliminary investigation, pincushion species and hybrids were field­ or pot­grown at two sites close to sea level on the island of Maui. Mean temperatures at treatment sites were 6.5˚C higher than at the control site in the usual protea production area (930m elevation). All pincushions flowered normally at the high elevation site. Five of the six species and 18 of the 38 hybrids tested flowered at one or both low elevation sites. Some hybrids displayed foliar and stem disorders at low elevation sites but these foliar responses were not correlated with failure to flower. Data linking species composition of hybrids with their ability to flower at warm temperatures are inconclusive; however, the influence of taxonomic sections is more recognizable. Five of seven hybrids (71.4%) with 50% or more influence from species in the section Cardinistylus flowered at low elevation, while only one of eight hybrids (12.5%) with 50% or more influence from species in the section Crassicaudex flowered. Leucospermum ‘Spider’ and three of its four progeny tested flowered at low elevation. These trends suggest opportunities for future breeding for warm­temperature tolerance in pincushions.

Miguel, T.P., Leonhardt, K.W. and Kunisaki, J.T. 2005. In Vitro Establishment of Protea ‘Venus’ and Protea aristata. Department of Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences. CTAHR Student Research Symposium. Post harvest leaf blackening of Protea presents a major problem for the cut flower protea industry. P. ‘Venus’, a hybrid of P. repens and P. aristata does not exhibit the leaf blackening condition, and could be a useful plant in breeding. However, it is highly infertile and has not produced seeds. Fertile polyploid individuals of P. ‘Venus’ may be produced by treating embryogenic tissue with colchicine. Micropropagation of P. ‘Venus’ and P. aristata and polyploid conversion in Proteaceae are unreported. The purpose of this experiment was to develop a protocol for the micropropagation of P. ‘Venus’ and P. aristata and obtain embryogenic tissue for future colchicine treatments. Cubed explants of 3 to 5 mm from dissected meristematic tissues, and shoot tips were obtained from cuttings and disinfested in 2%, 5% and 10% bleach solutions for 10, 15 and 20 minutes. Explants were soaked in filter sterilized ascorbic acid, and kept in a 18 dark refrigerator for 12 hours. They were then aseptically transferred to either solid or liquid modified Murashige and Skoog medium containing sucrose, ascorbic acid, citric acid, coconut water and benzylaminopurine. Liquid cultures were maintained on a rotary drum at 3 rpm. Shoot tips planted on solid medium were maintained under 24­hour fluorescent lighting. At eight weeks, several P. aristata and P. ‘Venus’ axillary bud explants showed embryogenic callus formations. Shoot tip explants established on solid medium showed new growth and leaf development at eight weeks. In vitro establishment of P.‘Venus’ and P. aristata is possible when using the protocols developed in this study. Once multiplication of plant tissues is achieved, colchicine may be applied to produce polyploids of P. ‘Venus’ and P. aristata.

Alexandra Faye Freebairn. 2008. An Examination of the Horticultural Potential of the Genus Grevillea. Master of Science Thesis. Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, University of Sydney This thesis makes original contributions to the knowledge of Grevillea hybridizing and tissue culture. Additional treatments include taxonomy, ecology and horticulture.

Protea Associations Around the World; Officers and Contacts

International Protea Working Group (IPWG), a research committee of the International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS) Chair Ken Leonhardt, Hawaii, USA, [email protected] Vice­chair Audrey Gerber, Melbourne, Australia, [email protected] Sect Lynn Hoffman, Stellenbosch, South Africa, [email protected]

International Protea Association (IPA) Chair. Rua Petty, California, USA, [email protected] Vice­chair Audrey Gerber, Melbourne, Australia, [email protected] Web site www.ipa­protea.org

Hawaii State Protea Growers Corporation (HSPGC) Pres Daniel Wegner Vice Pres Lew Nakamura Sect Eleanor Shannon Treas Tony Bayaoa, nzthirtytwo@e­mailhawaii.net Dir David McElhaney IPA Rep Tony Bayaoa 19

South African Protea Producers and Exporters (SAPPEX) Chair Peter Dorrington, [email protected] Sect [email protected] Web site www.sappex.org.za

California Protea Association (CPA) Pres Lawrence Kellar Sect/treas Gwen Tubach Member/Programs Dawn Shobe Events Allan Sprankle Dir Kenneth Hancock Dir Richard Price Dir Diane Solle Web site www.californiaprotea.org Contact [email protected]

Growers and Exporters of Flowers and Plants from the Canary Islands (ASOCAN) Pres/Chairman Lennart Loven, [email protected] Manager Antonio Lopez, [email protected] Web site www.asocan.net

Wildflowers Australia (WA) Pres Audrey Gerber, [email protected]

New Zealand Protea and Flora Growers Association (NZPFGA) Pres Gavin Jeffcoat, [email protected] Sect. Kay Garvey, [email protected] IPA Rep Geoff Jewell, geoff@tehoro­protea.co.nz

Zimbabwe Protea Association (ZPA) Chair & IPA Rep Clive Wakefield, [email protected] Sect. C. Price, [email protected]

International Horticultural Events Taking Place March 19 to May 21, 2009, The Netherlands Keukenhof Holland, Lisse T: (31) 252­465­555, F: (31) 252­465­565 [email protected], www.keukenhof.nl 20

April 23 to May 10, 2009, Korea International Horticulture Goyang www.flower.or.kr

April 20 to 24, 2009, The Netherlands European Pack Trials www.fleuroselect.com

May 5 to 7, 2009, Israel Agritech 2009 Tel Aviv www.agritech.org.il

May 19 to 23, 2009, United Kingdom Royal Horticulture Society, Chelsea Flower Show www.rhs.org.uk

June 9 to 12, 2009, The Netherlands Flower Trials of pot plants and bedding plants Aalsmeer and Westland Region www.flowertrials.nl

June 14 to 19, 2009, Canada GreenSys 2009, Quebec City International Symposium on High Technology for Greenhouse Systems T: (1) 418­658­6755, F: (1) 418­658­8850 [email protected], www.greensys2009.com

July 11 to 14, 2009, USA Ohio Florist Association Short Course, Columbus, Ohio T: (1) 614­487­1216, F: (1) 614­487­1216 [email protected], www.ofa.org

July 29 to 31, 2009, USA Mid­Pacific Horticultural Conference and Trade Show Hilo, Hawaii T: (1) 808­969­2088 [email protected]

August 26 to 29, 2009, The Netherlands Plantarium, Boskoop T: (31) 172­235­400, F: (31) 172­235­450 [email protected], www.plantarium.nl 21

September 3 to 6, 2009, Russia XVI International Exhibition “Flowers’ 2009” All­Russian Exhibition Center, Moscow www.expoflowers.ru

September 9 to 9, 2009, United Kingdom Four Oaks Trade Show, Macclesfield T: (44) 1477­571392, F: (44) 1477­571314 Four­oaks­[email protected], www.fouroaks­tradeshow.com

September 20 to 22, 2009, United Kingdom Glee 2008, National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham T: (44) 20­8277­5813, F: (44) 20­8277­5894 [email protected], www.gleebirmingham.com

September 23 to 24, 2009, Canada Can West Hort Show, Vancouver, British Columbia T: (1) 604­574­7772, F: (1) 604­574­7773 [email protected], www.canwesthortshow.com

September 23 to 26, 2009, USA Society of American Florists (SAF) 125 th Ann Convention Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort, Phoenix, Arizona [email protected], www.safnow.org

September 24 to 26, 2009, Ecuador Florecuador Agrifor T: 31­20­662­2482 www.hppexhibitions.com

September 24 to 27, 2009, Germany 15 th European Orchid Congress, Dresden Exhibition Centre, Dresden T: (49) 05207­920607 DOG­[email protected]

September 30 to October 2, 2009, Colombia Proflora 2009, Bogota [email protected], www.proflora.org.co

September 30 to October 4, 2009, USA International Plant Propagators’ Society (IPPS) 50 th Anniversary Event of the Western Regional Meeting San Diego Crowne Plaza Hotel Circle www.ippswr.lorg 22

October 2 to 4, 2009, India 4 th International Landscape & Gardening Expo 2009 Exhibition Grounds, Necklace Road, Hyderabad, New Delhi T: (91) 981­115­2139/931­240­7851, F: (91) 112­668­2045/112­668­1671 [email protected], [email protected], mediatoday­[email protected] www.mediatoday.in

October 7 to 8, 2009, USA 2009 Green Industry Conference and Trade Show Neal Blaisdell Exhibition Hall Honolulu, Hawaii www.landscapehawaii.org

October 7 to 8, 2009, Canada Canadian Greenhouse Conference, Ontario T: (1) 905­945­9057, F: (1) 905­945­8643 [email protected], www.canadiangreenhouseconference.com

October 7 to 8, 2009, The Netherlands International Horti Fair, Amsterdam T: (31) 297­344­033, F: (31) 297­326­850 [email protected], www.hortifair.nl

October 14 to 16, 2009, The Netherlands FloraHolland Trade Fair, Aalsmeer www.floraholland.com

November 18 to 20, 2009, Japan International Flower Expo Tokyo Makuhari Messe, Tokyo T: 81­3­3349­8511, F: 81­3­3345­7829 Ifex­[email protected], www.ifex.jp/english 23

Join the International Society for Horticultural Science www.ishs.org

The ISHS, dating from 1864 and formally constituted in 1959, has more than 7000 members representing some 150 countries. It is the world's leading independent organization of horticultural scientists and publishes Acta Horticulturae, Chronica Horticulturae, and Scripta Horticulturae.

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