FV - April 2009

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April 2009 Volume 65, No. 4 Editor Margaret Land mland@annexweb.com 519-429-5190 888-599-2228 ext. 269 Advertising Manager Sharon Kauk skauk@annexweb.com 519-429-5189 888-599-2228 ext. 242 Sales Assistant Mary Burnie mburnie@annexweb.com 519-429-5175 888-599-2228 ext. 234 Production Artist Krista Misener Group Publisher Diane Kleer dkleer@annexweb.com President Mike Fredericks mfredericks@annexweb.com PUBLICATION MAIL AGREEMENT #40065710 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO CIRCULATION DEPT., P.O. BOX 530, SIMCOE, ON N3Y 4N5 e-mail: lmorrison@annexweb.com

Fruit & Vegetable Magazine is published seven times a year (January, February, March, April, May/June, September/October, November/ December) by Annex Publishing & Printing Inc., P.O. Box 530, 105 Donly Dr. S., Simcoe, ON N3Y 4N5 Printed in Canada ISSN 1488-7959

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Contents Volume 65 • April 2009 • No. 4

Specialist updates growers on seed piece treatments By Myron Love .................................................................................................................... 8

Raspberry variety selection helps with disease control By Hugh McElhone ............................................................................................................ 12

Researcher examines use of Apogee in strawberry production By Dan Woolley ................................................................................................................. 14

Berry flavourful? ........................................................................................................................................ 16

Alternative markets a viable option for Alberta producers ........................................................................................................................................ 18

Berries can help the brain By Hugh McElhone ............................................................................................................ 20

Rotting vegetables in P.E.I. warehouses a concern By Kathy Birt ..................................................................................................................... 22

Growing berries for optimum health benefits ........................................................................................................................................ 30

Subscription Rates Canada – 1 Year $ 12.72 (includes GST – #867172652RT0001) U.S.A. – 1 Year $ 40.00 From time to time, we at Fruit & Vegetable Magazine make our subscription list available to reputable companies and organizations whose products and services we believe may be of interest to you. If you do not want your name to be made available, contact our circulation department in any of the four ways listed above. No part of the editorial content of this publication may be reprinted without the publisher’s written permission. ©2009 Annex Publishing & Printing Inc. All rights reserved. Opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the editor or the publisher. No liability is assumed for errors or omissions. All advertising is subject to the publisher’s approval. Such approval does not imply any endorsement of the products or services advertised. Publisher reserves the right to refuse advertising that does not meet the standards of the publication.

Departments Editorial ................................................................................................................. 4 Fruit & Veggie Online ............................................................................................ 6 Coming Events ................................................................................................... 19 Briefs .................................................................................................................. 24 New Products ..................................................................................................... 26

www.fruitandveggie.com FRUITANDVEGGIE.COM, APRIL 2009

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Buying local – Are Canadians convinced?

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or the past three-plus years, it’s been the buzz phrase of foodies and farmers alike – buy local. Spawned in part by Alisa Smith and J.B. MacKinnon’s yearlong experiment in local eating – described in the bestselling book The 100-Mile Diet – the buy local movement has led to an increased interest in local farms and farmers’ markets. And, hopefully, an increase in farmers’ returns. But just how many Canadians are following this food philosophy? According to the Vancouver Sun, the buy-local food trend is nearing “fad status,” adding that “consumers have suddenly begun to care” about where their food is from and how it is grown. It’s also led to the formation of a plethora of magazines and newspapers – such as Edible Toronto – dedicated to informing readers about local food, including farmers, chefs, food artisans and farmers markets. A recent study out of Alberta, conducted by Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development in September 2008 (see article on page 18), shows that 90 per cent of Alberta households say they have purchased local food in the past 12 months and nearly one-third plan on doing the same this year. The study also showed that farmers’ markets in the province have increased sales by 63 per cent to $380 million annually since 2004 and revenue from farm activities is up by 21 per cent. Only one area showed a drop in sales, direct farm retail, which is down five per cent to $181 million annually. In Ontario, the buy local movement has been catching on as well and, in some cases, is gaining support from big business. In 2008, Kraft Canada Inc. hosted 12 strawberry festivals across the province, a clever marketing ploy for its Cool Whip product. Recently, during the Ontario Berry Growers’ Association’s (OBGA) annual general meeting, it was announced Kraft would be expanding its number of berry festivals to 45 during the 2009 strawberry season. The company would also be handing out 150,000 two-litre baskets to Ontario berry growers to help package the strawberry crop. “They’re realizing buy local is big,” said PAGE 4

Margaret Land OBGA executive director Kevin Schooley. A recent benchmarking and opportunities study conducted by the Ontario Farm Fresh Marketing Association (OFMMA) showed that the majority (72 per cent) of on-farm markets (which is estimated to be about 750 in the province) have reported an increase in the number of customers visiting their on-farm site during the past two years. This increase in customer visits has translated into gross sales of about $210 million in 2008. In light of this increased interest in local farms, the OFMMA study reported that more than one-third of Ontario’s on-farm markets are considering additions, expansions and/or renovations to their operations. About 16 per cent are considering additional events and/or entertainment. OFFMA is also reported the largest number ever of new members joining the organization. Since the beginning of the year, more than 50 farm operations have joined the industry association for the first time, part of a membership campaign and an outreach program by existing members to other on-farm marketers. The increase in membership is described as “phenomenal.” Meanwhile, in Prince Edward Island, some aren’t convinced buying local is the way to go. In 2008, the P.E.I. Federation of Agriculture approached the province’s government, urging them to purchase local food. According to a report from CBC News, provincial government representatives were lukewarm to the idea. “We’re not completely sure (we’d be) getting the best

bargain for the province, the taxpayers, in that case,” Bob Smith, the acting manager of procurement services at the time, told the CBC News. There was also concern voiced about jeopardizing trade agreements and retaliation from other provinces, which could affect P.E.I. lobster and potato sales. P.E.I. Federation of Agriculture representatives didn’t feel buying from local growers would be all that expensive for the government, citing improved quality, safety and support for local growers as important incentives. South of the border, the buy local movement still has a way to go. A recent poll by Mintel showed only one in six adults (17 per cent) in the U.S. buy local products and services as often as possible. About 30 per cent of American shoppers say they would purchase local but “don’t know where to find it.” A further 27 per cent couldn’t care less where their food came from. “We found that although the ‘buy local’ mantra has gotten strong media coverage and government support, most Americans haven’t yet incorporated it into their lifestyles,” said Krista Faron, a senior analyst with Mintel. It would appear Canadian consumers are well ahead of American ones when it comes to supporting local agriculture and farmers. Bravo. ❦

Can cherries relieve pain? Pain relief for millions of people who have osteoarthritis just may come with a cherry on top. According to researchers with the Baylor Research Institute in Dallas, Tx., tart cherries – in pill form – may be a promising pain-reliever. More than half of the patients enrolled in a 2007 study at the institute experienced a significant improvement in pain and function after taking the cherry pills for eight weeks. Made from Montmorency tart cherries, the preparation consisted of ground whole cherries and was given as a soft gelatin capsule (CherryFlex®). FRUITANDVEGGIE.COM, APRIL 2009

Introducing a new Titan for potatoes. TM

New Titan seed-piece treatment gives your potatoes an almost mythical ability to resist insect pressure – including suppression of damage from wireworm in low to moderate pressure and control of other major aboveground pests.* And when you no longer carry the weight of the world on your shoulders, there’s plenty of room for higher yield.

bayercropscience.ca or 1 888-283-6847 Always read and follow label directions. Titan™ is a trademark of Bayer. *Titan is also submitted for registration to control Colorado potato beetles, leafhoppers, aphids and flea beetles. Bayer CropScience is a member of CropLife Canada. 9289-1208

Read these stories and more at www.fruitandveggie.com

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS NEW PRODUCTS •

Canada, New Zealand create new raspberry variety

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Veggie shipments to U.S. are COOL

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Minimum wage increases June 1 and Oct. 1 in P.E.I.

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Pests reduced, yields increased in organic research

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CHC re-brands food safety program

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Colour test enhances tomato analyzer software

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Thinning technology can produce economic benefits for growers

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Biodegradable mulch films on the horizon

XPdius Elite VFS

WEB EXCLUSIVE

Growing peppers: Does hotter mean healthier? Phytophthora blight, caused by Phytophthora capsici, is a major plant disease that affects many crop species worldwide. Farmers’ observations suggested that Phytophthora capsici caused less damage in pepper crops of the hot pepper varieties than low-heat pepper varieties. A study published in the October 2008 issue of HortScience by the research team of Mohammed B. Tahboub (postdoctoral researcher), Soumaila Sanogo (plant pathologist and team leader), Paul W. Bosland (chile pepper breeder), and Leigh Murray (statistician) set out to determine whether or not the severity of Phytophthora blight would be greater in low-heat than in hot chile peppers. The most effective means for controlling Phytophthora blight are chile pepper cultivars that are genetically resistant to the disease. Some resistant lines have been identified, but currently there are no cultivars that are resistant to the blight in all environments. Chile pepper fruit become infected during prolonged periods of heavy rain and high humidity in flooded and poorly drained fields. Prior to this study, there had been no systematic assessment of the relationship of chile pepper heat level to chile pepper response to Phytophthora capsici. If such a connection could be found, information might have been revealed that would assist breeding programs intended for developing diseaseresistant cultivars of pepper.

Read more online at www.fruitandveggie.com PAGE 6

February 25, 2009 – WeighPack Systems Inc. has re-designed the XPdius brand of high-speed vertical form fill seal machine to include new features and benefits that greatly improves cleanability and the serviceability of vertical bagging technology. The machine is ideal for packaging a variety of applications including snack foods, fresh and frozen produce, baked goods and more.

New Titan™ seed-piece treatment February 25, 2009, Guelph, Ont. – Canadian potato growers have a new tool to reduce the damage caused by wireworm with Titan (clothiandin), now available from Bayer CropScience for the 2009 planting season. Titan is the only seed-piece treatment registered for suppression of the damage caused by wireworm.

New formulation for Vapam HL soil fumigant February 25, 2009, Dorchester, Ont. – Growers can control a host of soil-borne diseases, insects, nematodes and weeds before planting with a new formulation of Vapam HL® liquid soil fumigant. The new formulation contains more than 30 per cent more active ingredient than previously. Vapam HL, with the active ingredient metam sodium, is a soil fumigant used as a soil treatment before planting. While registered for a long list of vegetable and floral crops, Vapam HL is most widely used in Canada in tomatoes, potatoes and ginseng crops. Read more about these products online at www.fruitandveggie.com FRUITANDVEGGIE.COM, APRIL 2009

ADVERTORIAL

Don’t put up with resistance Make sound choices for early blight control As you plan inputs for this year’s potato crop, be sure resistance management planning is on the list. It was just two years ago that potato growers across Canada first learned about the reduced sensitivity of Alternaria solani (fungus causing early blight) to strobilurin fungicides in Manitoba. The reduced efficacy of strobilurins to control early blight resulted from a mutation in the fungus known as F129L. And the mutation appears to be spreading across Canada. Preliminary results from a cross-Canada leaf sampling program show widespread presence of the mutation – more than 80% of 113 isolates collected during the summer of 2008 tested positive – in Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario. The results confirm what many experts expected – the reduced sensitivity to strobilurins of the early blight fungus is a widespread issue affecting many potato-growing areas of Canada. “Reduced sensitivity doesn’t mean strobilurins don’t work at all,” says Andrew Dornan, Field Development Representative, Horticulture with Bayer CropScience. “Strobilurins just don’t work as well as they used to at controlling early blight, and growers need to keep this in mind as they plan their blight prevention program for 2009.”

Study tracking reduced sensitivity The recent tracking study grew out of the initial reduced sensitivity to strobilurins identified in Manitoba potato fields. “We wanted to help the industry get a handle on the extent of the reduced sensitivity issues with strobilurins,” says Dornan.

“We want the industry to get a handle on the extent of the reduced sensitivity issues with strobilurins.” Andrew Dornan, Field Development Representative, Horticulture, Bayer CropScience

So during the summer of 2008, Bayer CropScience sales representatives, coordinating with provincial potato specialists, gathered leaf samples from potato fields in Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario and Prince Edward Island with early blight lesions caused by Alternaria solani. Samples are being processed by Dr. Rick Peters, Research Scientist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in Charlottetown, PEI – who also processed the early Manitoba samples and has been testing PEI samples for the last several years for the presence of fungi with reduced sensitivity to strobilurins. “This is a very critical program because growers may be using products that aren’t effective, and this is important information for companies and the entire potato industry,” says Dr. Peters. The early results from the sample program reinforce the importance of continued, diligent use of sound fungicide resistance management programs in potato fields across Canada.

Strength of Scala® A critical part of any fungicide management program is product rotation. And for early blight control in potatoes, Scala fungicide brings three key benefits to managing the disease in a sound resistance management program. Scala is the only Group 9 fungicide registered in potatoes for control of early blight. Scala has a unique mode of action that’s different than strobilurins. And Scala is registered as a tank mix with Bravo® providing two modes of action for stronger resistance management. Watch for more information about the results of the leaf sample study to track reduced sensitivity to strobilurins in potato crops across Canada at www.bayercropscience.ca

bayercropscience.ca or 1 888-283-6847 Always read and follow label directions. Scala® is a registered trademark of Bayer. All other products are trademarks of their respective companies. Bayer CropScience is a member of CropLife Canada. 9413V2-0309

Specialist updates growers on optimizing seed piece treatment By Myron Love

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en Lingley knows a lot about potato spraying, including the use of seed piece treatment applications to enhance the viability and performance of the potato set as it grows. A specialist in crop spraying with OnTarget Sprayer Services based in Prince Edward Island, Lingley was recently in Brandon, Man., to update potato growers on optimizing the application of their seed piece treatment. Historically, most potato seed treatments have been fungicidal dusts that help to protect the seed piece during germination and early growth, explained Lingley. Dusts can be applied straight from the manufacturer’s container. The labels generally recommend thorough coverage of the seed piece. If a part of a seed’s surface PAGE 8

Potato seed piece treatment application can help to enhance the viability and performance of the potato set as it grows.

has no treatment on it, the potential for disease pest problems increases. For dust formulations, Lingley said there are two basic types of treatment methods – the auger and the drum. Both methods use relatively simple machines. For auger treatments, the capacity is determined by the width of the auger and the speed that it rotates, he said. “The speed of the auger should be adjusted so that it runs close to, but not completely, full,” he said. “This should give good interaction and tumbling of the seed pieces as they move up the auger.” For drum treatments, Lingley said the capacity is determined by the angle that the

drum is inclined, as the rotational speed is constant. Keep the incline as low as possible to maximize tumble, he added. Since the dust is applied at a constant rate, Lingley recommends that the rate of potatoes going through the duster also be kept as constant as possible. “Potato flow variations can come from numerous sources,” he said. “Using a variable speed drive on the unloading bin feeding the cutter can help keep the potato flow constant.” Liquid seed piece treatments with insecticidal properties have been registered since 2004, said Lingley, adding new liquid treatments with fungicidal properties FRUITANDVEGGIE.COM, APRIL 2009

Introducing Movento® New two-way systemic aphid control for tree fruit, grapes and vegetables Put an end to hide-and-seek There’s nowhere for insect pests to hide with Movento, a revolutionary new systemic insecticide. Movento travels up and down to protect leaves, roots and new growth, controlling pests above and below ground. Movento protects apples and grapes from a broad range of sucking insect pests – including hard to control pests like woolly apple aphid and grape Phylloxera. And Movento’s new class of chemistry, Group 23, provides a different mode of action for better resistance management and rotation options. Movento – there’s no hiding from this new two-way insecticide.

bayercropscience.ca or 1 888-283-6847 Always read and follow label directions. Movento® is a registered trademark of Bayer. Bayer CropScience is a member of CropLife Canada.

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may be available for next spring. “Because these products have very strong systemic action, full coverage of the potato set has not been required to get good field performance,” he said. “To obtain good performance with the new liquid fungicidal products, complete coverage of the set is required.” If an auger treatment is used, the liquid insecticidal seed piece treatment can be sprayed directly into the inlet hopper, he said. Owners of drum dusters can apply the liquid treatment in a “wet” auger before the sets enter the drum. A wet auger is similar in concept to an auger except it does not have a dust metering mechanism. Manufacturers of drum dusters also build drums specifically for the application of liquid seed treatments, Lingley explained. “Currently, these are being recommended to apply the new liquid fungicidal products.”

Safety

Dust containment structures around the seed piece treatment equipment are important and the use of exhaust fans can help improve ventilation.

Lingley reminded growers that potato seed piece treatments are pesticides and, as such, are regulated under numerous federal and provincial statutes. Seed piece treatments need to be registered through the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) before they can be applied to potato seed pieces and product labels must be followed, he said. If the label states that a respirator must be worn, failure to wear it could result in adverse health effects to the applicator, Lingley stressed. In addition to conveying information about applicator safety the label also addresses environmental, food and workplace safety issues. From a provincial perspective, growers from P.E.I. face significantly more provincial regulatory requirements than those in Manitoba, Lingley explained. “Everyone who applies an agricultural pesticide in-field requires an applicator certificate, which can only be obtained by passing a written examination,” he said. “Additional applicator certificates are required by those handling and transporting pesticides, greenhouse applications, or fumigation applications. In the spring of 2007, new P.E.I. regulations requiring an applicator certificate for applying seed piece treatments came into effect. For the most part, these were put in place to address our provincial regulators concerns about the health and safety of the cutting crew in the seed treatment area.” Also, in 2007, he noted, farms in P.E.I. became subject to the provincial Occupational Health and Safety Act after the death

of a young farm worker. Island growers are required to follow a Farm Safety Code of Practice. To identify what personal protective equipment is required when making a seed treatment application, Occupational Health and Safety enforcement personnel refer to the product’s Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), not the federal PMRA product label. “This does present some confusion at the farm level,” Lingley said. “Growers need to be aware of the differences in the regulatory systems.” The precautions section of the product label will indicate the type of personal risk possible from using the product and the personal protective equipment that users should use to mitigate this risk, Lingley explained. Most seed piece treatments require the user to cover their legs and arms, and to wear chemical-resistant gloves, goggles or a face shield, and a dust mask, he said Some treatments (specifically those with an insecticidal component) require additional protection such as the use of a NIOSH-approved respirator, he added. “It’s important to read the label for each seed piece treatment that you apply and follow all label instructions,” Lingley said. For almost all potato operations in P.E.I., potato seed piece treatments are done inside a building to protect workers and the seed from the weather, he said, adding that working inside a building does introduce an array of safety concerns, specifically air quality

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Good air quality can be characterized as no visible cloud of dust in the air and minimal pesticide related smell, Lingley explained. Potential worker exposure to seed treatments can also be reduced by locating the treatment equipment away from the set cutter, he said. Installing a conveyer belt between the set cutter and the treatment area provides a buffer zone for the workers on the set cutter, he said, adding current liquid potato seed treatment labels require that a shielded spray system be used to prevent spray droplets from drifting in the treatment area. Lingley also recommended installing dust containment structures around the treatment equipment. A simple wooden stud frame with a tight poly coating is an effective way of containing the dust, he said. “The use of exhaust fans will also improve ventilation but the structure is the first step,” he said. “The safe use of seed treatment also involves maintaining good work site practices,” Lingley added. “Keep the work sites clean and tidy. If a seed treatment product is spilled, clean it up immediately. Check the label for specific instructions on decontamination procedures. Dispose of empty pesticide containers in the manner recommended by provincial authorities. Ensure that all protective shielding on the cutting line is properly installed. And, at the end of the treatment season, wash and lubricate the application equipment before storing it.” ❦ FRUITANDVEGGIE.COM, APRIL 2009

A MESSAGE BROUGHT TO YOU BY The Farm Safety Association wishes to thank the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs for their support and assistance in promoting health and safety to Ontario’s agricultural community.

Raspberry variety selection helps with disease control By Hugh McElhone

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he key to a productive, healthy raspberry planting is disease control. One way to help control the spread of disease is through fall pruning, says Mike Ellis, a plant pathologist with Ohio State University. “Getting the canes cut, then mowing them with a flail (mower), is the best for sanitation plus it adds organic matter to the soil,” he says. Timely lime sulphur sprays are also important for controlling anthracnose on the canes. Ellis has recently worked with Sulforix, a different formulation of lime sulphur, and had good results. “There’s better penetration, and you need less,” he explains. One gallon of Sulforix is equal in strength to four gallons of lime sulphur, Ellis says, although lime sulphur is still cheaper per acre despite needing to apply more volume. Cost effectiveness is best determined by the grower, who may want to spend a little more and save time covering more acres with fewer tank loads, he says. Botrytis fruit rot in raspberries is best combated with timely fungicide sprays, especially during a wet season, says Ellis. “The new chemistry fungicides are amazing in their control,” he notes. Still, they need to be used in rotation to fight botrytis resistance, and growers should be mindful of the pre-harvest interval so there is no residue on the fruit, he says. If the crop is not sprayed and botrytis moves in, Ellis says the canes will soon shut down and dry up while the fruit will rot quickly. Fruit that appears clean, but is picked from an infected area, should be moved immediately to the cooler and shipped to market within 24 hours of picking. Ellis has found that raspberry vulnerability to leaf spot and powdery mildew can tend to be variety specific. For example, Ellis has found that Nova has higher resistance to both diseases compared to other varieties, such as Titan. “Variety selection is very important,” he says. “If the variety you have is susceptible to both diseases, get rid of it. It’s too much work and too costly to spray.” PAGE 12

The key to a productive, healthy raspberry planting is disease control, either through maintenance, sprays, or variety selection.

Some varieties are also good indicators of phytophthora root rot being present in the soil. While no variety is resistant, one variety may be more apt than another to catch it. “Good drainage is so important,” Ellis stresses, adding that raspberry canes may need to be planted in beds raised 10 inches or more to prevent “wet feet.” Timely fungicide sprays will also offer protection, he says. Certain varieties are highly susceptible to orange rust, also known as leaf rust, explains Ellis. Orange rust moves systemically through the plant and will infect the leaves, buds and fruit, he says, adding the disease will slowly but steadily spread to other plants and the fruit will be unsaleable. Because it is systemic, Ellis says the best remedy is to remove the infected plants, roots and all. “Nova has demon-

strated good control and resists orange rust but it can’t stop it.” He adds the variety should be removed if infected. No variety is resistant to winter injury, says Ellis. Long, cold winter temperatures can damage canes, and those on windblown knolls are most susceptible. Sudden temperature drops in the spring to as low as minus 10 degrees Celsius can damage or kill buds. “Nice primocanes with dead tips are from winter injury,” says Ellis. “You can also have one cane alive and the next one dead. “There is nothing I know of to spray to help (plants) overwinter. Good nutrition is generally the key to helping them.” Ellis does caution, however, that applications of nitrogen late in the growing season are “the kiss of death,” and will guarantee winter injury. ❦ FRUITANDVEGGIE.COM, APRIL 2009

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Researcher examines use of Apogee in strawberry production By Dan Woolley

S

ince the early 1990s, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada research scientist Dr, Julia Reekie, based at the Atlantic Food and Horticultural Research Centre in Kentville, N.S, has been examining various growth regulators in a bid to control the height of strawberry transplants. Last year, she decided to shift her research focus to include Apogee, a growth regulator commonly used in apple production. She hoped the product could be used as an height regulator for strawberry transplants produced in Nova Scotia that are marketed principally to growers in the southeastern U.S. states. During the recent 2009 Hort Congress, hosted by Horticulture Nova Scotia, Dr. Reekie discussed her research with growers. She explained that Apogee affects a plant’s morphology by reducing its height while, at the same time, increasing its root-to-shoot ratio. It does this by accelerating root development while reducing the number and length of runners, plus decreasing specific leaf areas. With more roots, she said, growers will get sturdier transplants, a higher rate of phoPAGE 14

Research findings from the 2008 season showed that strawberry plants treated with Apogee produced fewer runners than untreated controls. Exaggerated effects were observed when the concentration of the Apogee application was increased, including a larger crown size and a much higher fruit yield per plant.

tosynthesis and increased drought resistance. Dr. Reekie is also examining Apogee’s effects on growth suppression of stolon (runner) formation in strawberries as well assessing its effects on fruit production. Jennifer Smith, a research assistant with Dr. Reekie, described the research trials conducted in 2008. Two strawberry varieties were used in the trials – Jewel and Darselect – with 96 plants of each variety placed in groups of 12. The transplants were placed in growth cabinets from June 1 to Sept. 30. At three-week intervals, two concentrations of Apogee were applied along with any necessary plant nutrients required. All stolons (runners) were hand removed. Smith said the transplants were then harvested and weighed to assess the plant growth. In general, plants treated with Apogee produced few runners than the untreated

controls, with Jewel having 19 per cent fewer and Darselect 11 per cent less, she said. Smith added that increasing the concentration of Apogee applied resulted in an even greater reduction in runner length. In trials involving field application of Apogee to the strawberry variety Seascape, similar results were observed, said Smith. Fewer and shorter runners resulted and more exaggerated effects occurred after increasing the concentration of the Apogee application, she said. Smith also said plants treated with Apogee had fewer daughter plants but a larger crown size and a much higher fruit yield per plant when a double application of Apogee occurred. Research will continue in 2009 examining increasing fruit size using Apogee, Smith said. ❦ FRUITANDVEGGIE.COM, APRIL 2009

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Berry flavourful?

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resh strawberries – just the mention of this iconic spring and early summer fruit can elicit mouthwatering memories of shortcake, fruity drinks and sweet desserts. Researchers interested in learning more about this evocative fruit have determined that “sensory quality” of strawberries, a strong influence on consumer preferences, is the result of a complex balance of sweetness, aroma, texture, and appearance. The goals of a recent study by a research team from the University of Florida’s Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Wimauma, Florida and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in Winter Haven, Florida, were to reveal factors affecting the “eating quality” of promising strawberry selections in the University of Florida breeding program, as well as the impact of harvest date on the fruits’ chemical and sensory characteristics. According to lead author Anne Plotto of the USDA-ARS, the researchers evaluated five selections and one cultivar of the University of Florida breeding program as well as two new cultivars from Australia (Rubygem and Sugarbaby). The sensory study took place at the University of Florida’s Gulf Coast Research and Education Center during 2006 and

2007. Participants were employees from, and visitors to, the center. In 2006, 50 and 51 panelists participated in the February and March panels, respectively, with 62 per cent to 63 per cent female panelists. In 2007, 60 to 66 panelists (36 per cent to 52 per cent female panelists) participated in the taste panels. Panelist ages ranged from younger than 26 to older than 65 years old, with the majority of panelists between 36 and 55 years old. The sensory evaluation showed that tasters determined a high variation among strawberries in terms of flavour, sweetness, and tartness preferences. Festival, the main strawberry cultivar grown in Florida, had low ratings for flavour and sweetness in January and March. Selection FL 00-51 (now named Florida Elyana) and Rubygem had relatively high and consistent ratings for flavour and sweetness compared with the other selections. “This study shows that aroma volatiles and sugar levels must be balanced to ensure a flavour appealing to consumers,” said Plotto. “Although germplasm strongly influenced volatile composition and perceived flavour, harvest date and season were also found to be an important factor influencing strawberry composition. Genotypes with low flavour ratings were most often judged as ‘not sweet enough’ by the

Sensory evaluation surveys conducted by researchers with the University of Florida showed that tasters determined a high variation among strawberries in terms of flavour, sweetness, and tartness preferences.

panelists, thus linking flavour to sweetness preference.” The complete study and abstract of this study are available on the ASHS J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. electronic journal web site at http://journal.ashspublications.org/cgi/ content/abstract/133/6/859. ❦

You’re 365 sleeps closer to Costa Rica The 2008-2009 Hot Potatoes® rewards program is at the halfway point. There’s lots of time to keep collecting valuable reward points when you buy horticultural crop protection products from Bayer CropScience and Dow AgroSciences. Every dollar spent earns one reward point. Hot Potatoes remains the hottest rewards program for Canadian fruit, vegetable and potato growers. Points are redeemable for gift certificates, trips and clothing. But you might want to save them all up for the one-week group trip to Costa Rica. Keep track of your point balance, and all the great reward options, at www.hot-potatoes.ca or at 1-877-661-6665.

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Alternative markets a viable option for Alberta producers

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ccording to a new study, 90 per cent of Alberta households indicated that they had purchased local food in the past 12 months and nearly one-third of Alberta households say they will buy more local food in the next year. The study, undertaken by Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development and conducted in September 2008, surveyed more than 1,000 randomly selected Alberta households. The study looked at three market types where food that is grown, made or processed in Alberta is made available to consumers: Farmers’ markets – a place or space that is open on a • regular basis where customers can buy produce, meat, processed food products and plants from farmers and growers; Direct-farm retail – customers buy produce, meat, processed • food products and plants at an on-farm or ranch store or greenhouse, roadside stall, you-pick farm, etc.; and Farm or ranch activities – paying visitors to a farm or ranch • engage in things such as corn mazes, farm tours, horseback riding or staying in a farmhouse or at a guest ranch activities. Results from the study show that all three areas have experienced impressive growth or showed great potential. For example: over the past four years, farmers’ markets awareness has •

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PAGE 18

Over the past four years, consumer awareness about farmers’ markets in Alberta has increased by 12 per cent.

increased by 12 per cent and there have been modest gains in awareness for farm direct and farm or ranch activities; between September 2007 and August 2008 an estimated • 847,000 Alberta households purchased from a farmers’ market, 433,000 Alberta households purchased from direct farm retail outlets and 142,000 Alberta households purchased farm activities; currently, farmers’ markets have an estimated $380 million in • annual sales (up 63 per cent from 2004), revenue from farm activities is estimated at $62 million (up 21 per cent) and direct farm retail is valued at $181 million (down 5 per cent); 90 per cent of Alberta households indicated that they had pur• chased food grown or made in Alberta in the past 12 months; one-third of Alberta households say they will buy more Al• berta made or grown food in the next year; approximately $4 out of every $5 dollars spent at farmers’ • markets and farm retail is spent on food grown or made in Alberta. “Albertans surveyed indicated that the top three benefits of buying food grown and made in Alberta were taste and freshness, supporting the local economy, and supporting the local farmers,” says Bill Reynolds, co-leader of Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development’s local market expansion initiative, Edmonton. “The results of this survey were very encouraging. Average spending per visit to farmers’ markets increasing by 30 per cent to $45 from $35 in 2004; per visit spending on farm activities rose 40 per cent to $174 from the 2004 estimate of $124; and, a seven per cent increase in spending for direct farm retail up from $109 to $116 per visit.” For more information on this survey and for information about Alberta’s farmers’ markets, farm direct outlets and farm activities, visit Alberta Agriculture’s website at www.agriculture. alberta.ca. ❦ FRUITANDVEGGIE.COM, APRIL 2009

Coming Events April 15, 2009 – Ontario Apple Grower Workshop, Marsh Street Community Centre, Clarksburg, Ontario. Visit www.omafra.gov.on.ca for more information. April 16, 2009 – Permit to Take Water Workshop, OMAFRA Simcoe office, Simcoe, Ontario. Call 519-426-4920. April 16, 2009 – Ontario Apple Grower Workshop, Keeler Centre, Colborne, Ontario. Visit www.omafra.gov.on.ca for more information. May 5-7, 2009 – PackEx Toronto, International Centre, Toronto, Ontario. Visit www.packextoronto.com. May 6-8, 2009 – 84th Annual Canadian Produce Marketing Association Convention & Trade Show, Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Toronto, Ontario. Visit www.cpma.ca. May 7, 2009 – Permit to Take Water Workshop, OMAFRA Simcoe office, Simcoe, Ontario. Call 519-426-4920. July 13-16, 2009 – Plasticulture 2009, Ramada Conference Center & the Pennsylvania State University Research Farm, State College, Pennsylvania. Visit www.plasticulture.org. June 17-18, 2009 – Food Meets Function Conference, Best Western Lamplighter Inn and Conference Centre, London, Ontario. Visit www.foodmeetsfunction.ca. June 23-25, 2009 – 2009 International Potato Processing and Storage Convention, delta Prince Edward island, Charlottetown, P.E.I. Visit www.potatoconvention.com.

July 7, 2009 – Potato Growers of Alberta Annual Field Day, bus tour of the St.Mary’s headworks. Visit www.albertapotatoes. ca for more information. July 8, 2009 – Potato Growers of Alberta Annual Golf Tournament, Paradise Canyon Golf Course, Lethbridge, Alberta. Visit www.albertapotatoes.ca for more information. July 19-22, 2009 – 6th Annual World Congress Industrial Biotechnology & Bioprocessing, Montreal, Quebec. Visit www. bio.org/worldcongress/. September 12, 2009 – 2009 Stratford Garlic Festival, Old Stratford Fairgrounds, Stratford, Ontario. Visit www.stratfordgarlicfestival.com. September 15-17, 2009 – Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show, Canada’s Outdoor Park, Woodstock, Ontario. Visit www.outdoorfarmshow.com for more information. October 15, 2009 – Permit to Take Water Workshop, OMAFRA Simcoe office, Simcoe, Ontario. Call 519-426-4920. November 17-19, 2009 – Potato Growers of Alberta 2009 Annual General Meeting, Kananaskis Country, Alberta. Visit www.albertapotatoes.ca for more information. November 19, 2009 – Permit to Take Water Workshop, OMAFRA Simcoe office, Simcoe, Ontario. Call 519-426-4920. December 17, 2009 – Permit to Take Water Workshop, OMAFRA Simcoe office, Simcoe, Ontario. Call 519-426-4920. ❦

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Berries can help the brain By Hugh McElhone

Recent studies suggest that adding berries to the diet may improve people’s motor and cognitive ability and help them to lead healthier and more active lives.

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esearch shows that fruits and vegetables rich in colour have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may lower the risk of developing ailments, such as Parkinson disease and Alzheimer disease. Recent studies also suggest that adding berries to the diet may improve people’s motor and cognitive ability by lowering oxidative stress and improving communication between neurons. This work is important because never in Earth’s history has the planet had so many people 65 years of age and over, says Dr. James Joseph, a brain researcher with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service in Boston. “We’re living longer,” he says, and as a result, the incidence of age-related disease and various forms of cancer are on the rise. Dr. Joseph, who spoke recently to fruit producers in Michigan, says the human body experiences and counteracts oxidative stress PAGE 20

every day. He explains that aging occurs when these stressors are no longer counteracted by natural function. The human brain is the only part of the body that does not resist oxidative stress. For the average person, the brain uses only 20 per cent of the body’s oxygen, Dr. Joseph says, adding for athletes, farmers, and others who use physical and mental skills simultaneously during the course of the day, this increases to 50 per cent. When people are younger, the brain sends and receives messages throughout the body at lightening speed, he explains. But as people age, and oxidative stress accumulates, memory starts to flag and message transmission slows. “The brain eventually goes from the latest high tech machine with super fast Internet, to a stand-alone computer,” he said. Reading through a list of colourful fruits and vegetables that help in the fight against

disease, Dr. Joseph notes many contain flavonoids and polyphenols that occur naturally in such fruits as blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, cranberries, cherries and currants. “Some of the top 20 anti-oxidants are red … (and) we know cherries are good for arthritis,” he says, adding, “We eat too much brown,” eluding to the North American diet of fast food French fries and greasy burgers. This is why alarming rates of Type 3 diabetes occur as people get older, he says. “Fruits and vegetables fight aging, so let’s eat them.” In recent research with rats, one test group was fed a blueberry, strawberry and blackberry supplement, while the control group received a regular diet. At the end of eight weeks, both groups were put through a series of motor function tests. They found the group fed the berry supplement performed significantly better than the control group. FRUITANDVEGGIE.COM, APRIL 2009

Dr. Joseph attributes the performance to improved lipids, which he explains are a key part of motor function. “They make one neuron talk to another but they become rigid with age. Berries seem to work on these nerves,” he adds, and somehow keep them talking. Similar results were found for rats put on a diet of regular feed that also contained two per cent blueberries. Running the experiment for eight months this time, the group nibbling the blueberries again outperformed the control group. The control group was then put on the blueberry regime and their performance also improved. In this case, researchers found the dendritic spines had increased significantly. Dr. Joseph says these spines look like large spider webs under the microscope and they function as an elaborate communication network between nerve cells. In a study involving human subjects, researchers tested the verbal skills of a group of seniors before giving them regular drinks of Welch’s Concord grape juice. Dr. Joseph explained that all participants were suffering mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which generally occurs before the onset of Alzheimer disease.

When the testing time frame had elapsed, the participants repeated the verbal skills test. “We found a huge improvement in their verbal testing,” says Dr. Joseph. “We repeated the study with blueberry juice too, and while significant, it wasn’t as strong a response.” Berry consumption also helps with radiation effects, as NASA researchers discovered early on, says Dr. Joseph.

Rats exposed to radiation, then fed a diet containing two per cent berries, lived longer than the control group and had better cognitive and motor function. For astronauts, who are exposed to radiation while in space, a diet rich in berries has helped lessened the sickness often associated with radiation exposure, he says. Berry consumption appears to help the body scavenge and remove free radicals, and stop the neural sensors from creating COX-2, the enzyme responsible for inflammation, says Dr. Joseph. This enzyme results, and accumulates, when the body is unable to counteract oxidative stress, and is linked to arthritis and some forms of cancer. “There are three things we need to do to protect our brain and our heart – eat right, exercise your body, and exercise your brain,” recommends Dr. Joseph. He also suggests that when buying groceries, not to buy anything in a box or a bag, unless it is frozen fruit or vegetables. Also read product labels so you are aware of what it going into your body. “Start your kids on this routine too,” he urges. “Start them early, and train them well.” ❦

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Rotting vegetables in P.E.I. warehouses a concern By Kathy Birt

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ast summer’s wet weather in Prince Edward Island left some vegetable growers in a bind. Heavy rains in August 2008 left fields and crops waterlogged and, over the winter season, some of those crops rotted in storage. Environment Canada reported 20 days of rain in August 2008 in P.E.I., with a total of 223.8 mm of rain. This fell just four millimeters short of the all-time high recorded in July 1979 of 227.9 mm. This wet weather did not allow for good growing conditions in a province where agriculture is the number one industry. In fact, some potato growers received compensation for leaving the worst hit crops in the field. As for other vegetable growers, some had minimal crop insurance while others had none. Hence, some crops were harvested “on a wing and a prayer.” Gerald Dykerman of Brookfield Gardens, grows about 150 acres of carrots plus some cabbage, turnips, broccoli and cauliflower. He and his brother, Eddy, experienced a “little bit of a problem” with last season’s weather. The pair did not have crop insurance. Dykerman said there was about a 20 per cent yield reduction due to the heavy rains. He said some of these vegetables, such as cabbage, did not mature and were just left in the field. Willard Burke and his daughter, Crystal, of Fortune Bridge in eastern P.E.I., did not fair as well as Brookfield Gardens. They grew 280 acres of turnips and lost the entire crop. The pile of rotting turnips that had been placed in their warehouse for winter storage had to be carted away by a neighbour to be used as cattle feed. Crystal said they have local crop insurance and have also applied for compensation under Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Agri-Recovery insurance program. “Ottawa has to see that it was a disaster, but they haven’t done anything yet for vegetables growers,” she said. “They have for potato growers, but not other vegetable growers.” She indicated she and her father will apPAGE 22

Willard Burke and his daughter, Crystal, of Fortune Bridge in eastern P.E.I., grew 280 acres of turnips, similar to these, and lost the entire crop.

ply under the Agri-Stability program, but noted, “That’s not a cheque in your hand.” The Burkes also had 10 acres of cabbage and 30 to 40 acres of carrots that ended up being mostly “not harvestable.” Crystal said if they do get some funds from crop insurance, it wouldn’t cover the cost of growing the crops. “We have no cash flow now and there is a lot of expenses involved with growing and harvesting,” she said. “As far as putting in another turnip crop, we’re not sure.” The farm family has also been left with the added expense of cleaning and disinfecting their storage facilities. “We’ll clean out the warehouses and probably get them disinfected,” Crystal said. According to Stephanie MacDonald, Agriculture Innovation Officer with P.E.I.’s Department of Agriculture, it’s advisable for growers who are removing rotted vegetables to take precautions. “After removing rotting vegetables, clean out all the organic matter, including all plant material,” she said, adding that all

The turnips had to be used as cattle feed after they went bad in storage. It’s uncertain whether the family will grow the crop again this season.

crevices should be cleaned out thoroughly. Once an area is cleaned out, a solution of chlorine bleach and water should be used to sanitize the warehouse, she said. “It’s important to get the warehouse dried out during the summer months before more vegetables go in,” MacDonald said. “It’s just a good practice to clean every year anyway.” Fungus can spread in many different conditions so “the drying is crucial,” she added. For the next storage season, MacDonald said close monitoring of the crop in storage and quick removal of product showing early signs of spoilage could prevent losses. FRUITANDVEGGIE.COM, APRIL 2009

“This could mean more frequent grading and marketing the crop earlier.” She added that a cooling system can help to slow down the process of spoilage but “The cooling system won’t remove moisture. (Spoiling in) storage depends a lot on keeping a dry environment, good air circulation and minimizing the plant material going into storage with the vegetables,” she said. Wayne MacKinnon, communications officer with P.E.I.’s Department of Agriculture, pointed out that most potato warehouses in the province are equipped with fans and cooling systems. He said this might have been advantageous to some growers in drying out waterlogged potatoes. “There are steps growers can take in drying down piles,” he said, but added there are limits to that. And, even with these systems in place, losses can – and did – occur. On P.E.I., crop losses varied, depending on which end of the Island a grower lived. According to David Aiton, a spokesperson with the P.E.I. Department of Agriculture, eastern growers either lost the crop or sold it off early to avoid spoilage in the warehouses. But they may have sold

the crop at a loss, as the price of potatoes varied wildly in late 2008. Some growers may have sold their crops at about seven to eight cents a pound, while the price in December and January 2009 rose to 24 to 25 cents a pound. It was a different story in the western end of the Island where less rain meant less loss. Potato growers in this area of the province were able to take advantage of a better market value for their crops.

Crop insurance MacKinnon indicated that crop insurance payouts for 2008 are estimated to be one of the highest. “Payouts could be as high as $20 to $30 million,” said MacKinnon. Aiton noted that the 2008 growing season was disastrous. “We had unprecedented rainfall with unprecedented damage in the fields,” he said. In the potato sector, Aiton said there was 91,000 acres grown on P.E.I. and 56,000 acres of that was covered by insurance. “So 62 per cent of the crop was underinsured,” he said, adding that if potato crops ended up being left in the field, crop insurance covered it. “Some

The Burkes also had 10 acres of cabbage and 30 to 40 acres of carrots that ended up not being harvestable. The family will get some funds from crop insurance but it won’t be enough to cover the cost of growing the crops.

took a gamble and transferred their losses from the field to the warehouse,” he said, noting that potato crops were also covered for storage losses. Aiton indicated that 234,000 acres of crops, including grain, potatoes, and other vegetable crops, were insured across P.E.I. to a value of $136 million. He said most of the insurance claims had been paid out by the end of February. Payouts were expected to be about $25 million, Aiton noted. ❦

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PAGE 23

Briefs Toro launches drip irrigation website In an effort to further educate on the benefits of drip irrigation, the Toro Company recently launched a new website aimed at members of the agricultural, landscape and greenhouse business communities. Visitors to www.dripirrigation.org can access testimonials, illustrations, software, videos and links that seek to answer questions about drip irrigation technologies – ranging from the most basic to the very advanced. Website topics include drip irrigation basics, design and installa-

Dow Chemical reaches agreement to acquire Rohm & Haas Dow Chemical Company recently announced it has reached agreements with Rohm and Haas and its shareholders that permit Dow to close the acquisition of the company in April 2009. The acquisition creates one of the world’s leading specialty chemicals and advanced materials company, combining the two organizations’ technologies, broad geographic reach and industry channels. “Dow has taken the time and steps necessary to close this transaction on substantially improved financial terms to the company, despite the continuing financial and economic uncertainty facing our world,” said Andrew Liveris, chairman and CEO of Dow. “The strategic benefits of the acquisition of Rohm and Haas have never been in question; just the path to completing the deal. “Rohm and Haas is a strong operational and strategic fit for Dow and is a critical component of the company’s long-term transformational strategy,” Liveris added.”As a combined entity, we will form a world-class platform with significant long-term growth potential. Additionally, we are a strong company with a history of strong operating performance and a passionate commitment to our shareholders.” PAGE 24

tion, operation and maintenance, research and related articles, monthly questions, and tips and trends. In addition, testimonials and case studies of real world drip applications are presented in grower success stories and crop solutions. In addition, the website was designed to encourage input and networking, and actively seeks “Questions for our Experts,” and to register participants as “Local Experts.” To promote the website launch, www. dripirrigation.org is hosting a giveaway drawing for the chance to win a new

Early blight testing tracks presence of mutation Preliminary results from a cross-Canada potato leaf sampling program involving provincial potato specialists and Bayer CropScience show widespread presence of a mutation in the fungus Alternaria solani, the cause of potato early blight. More than 80 per cent of the 113 isolates collected tested positive for F129L, a mutation that results in reduced sensitivity to strobilurins. Early blight leaf tissue samples were collected during the summer of 2008 in Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario and Prince Edward Island through collaborative efforts of Bayer CropScience sales representatives and provincial potato specialists. “Initial results confirm that mutant strains are widespread in Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario, which is not surprising given the widespread distribution of mutant strains of the early blight fungus in the United States,” says Dr. Rick Peters, research scientist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in Charlottetown, P.E.I. who is overseeing the testing of the recent samples. “To date, P.E.I. is the only area that we’ve surveyed where all samples were still sensitive to strobilurins, likely due to the less frequent use of strobilurins in this province.” The message to potato growers is clear, based on the results of this recent sampling program. “We’re putting our heads in the sand if we ignore this growing issue with reduced sensitivity to strobilurins,” says Manitoba potato pest specialist Dr. Tracy Shinners-Carnelley.

Junior MAX controller. The next winner will be chosen May 1, 2009. To register, visit www.dripirrigation.org. “When the risk for early blight is high, look at the tools available and use them appropriately in a planned program. And if strobilurins are part of that program, they must be tank mixed with a protectant fungicide.”

Functional food conference coming to Ontario in June The science and business of functional foods is the focus of a conference in June 2009 with one of the main speakers bringing the Australian experience to Canada. The Food Meets Function Conference is scheduled for June 17 and 18, 2009, at the Best Western Lamplighter Inn and Conference Centre in London, Ont. Professor of human health, Dr. Linda Tapsell of the University of Wollongong, Australia, will be a guest speaker during both days of the conference. She has extensive experience establishing the links between science, practice and the commercial environment. She is also a fellow of the Dieticians Association of Australia; editor of Nutrition and Dietetics; and a member of the editorial board of Nutrition Today. The Food Meets Function Conference is aimed at the value chain of functional foods starting with the producer and ending with the consumer. Numerous speakers will cover topics such as: new advances in functional foods, • beneficial bacteria, • the benefits of functional foods of • animal origin, and consumer, processing and retail trends. • Among the speakers is Dr. Ariel FenFRUITANDVEGGIE.COM, APRIL 2009

ster of McGill University who will speak about the value of food versus supplements in Food or Supplement? What should you be putting on your plate? Dr. Fenster is a founding member of the Office for Science and Society, an organization that disseminates information about food, food issues, medications, the environment and health. An evening functional feast banquet will feature Anita Stewart, gastronomer, culinary activist, cookbook author, CBC radio host and founder of Cuisine Canada for culinary professionals. Conference registrants will have the opportunity to participate in a pre-conference tour of livestock farms and processing facilities that produce functional foods in the area. Complete program information is available at www.FoodMeetsFunction.ca.

Monsanto completes regulatory submissions for drought product Monsanto Company recently announced it has completed regulatory submissions in the U.S. and Canada for the world’s first biotech drought-tolerant corn product, developed together with BASF.

The company applied for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) approval of its drought-tolerant corn product following its submission to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) last December. It also has completed submissions to the relevant Canadian agencies. Regulatory submissions in key import markets such as Japan, Mexico, and Korea, will be made in the next several months. Drought-tolerant corn is designed to provide farmers yield stability during periods when water supply is scarce by mitigating its effects on a corn plant. Drought-tolerant corn technology is part of Monsanto’s research and development and commercialization collaboration in plant biotechnology with Germany-based BASF. The two companies are jointly contributing $1.5 billion over the life of the collaboration, which is aimed at developing higher-yielding crops and crops more tolerant to adverse environmental conditions such as drought. The companies hope to launch drought-tolerant corn around 2012, pending regulatory approvals. It is not known whether the technology will be introduced to sweet corn seed.

Nunhems announces new business approach in North America Nunhems recently announced the company is implementing a new distribution strategy for the U.S., Canada and Mexico to maximize value for the vegetable seed industry and throughout the produce supply chain. Currently, dealers and distributors make up the majority of Nunhems’ customers. Under the new strategy, Nunhems plans to collaborate with selected strategic dealers and key customers directly. “It is about developing relationships and collaborative opportunities while delivering the best possible vegetable genetics,” explained Ko Remijnse, Nunhems’ managing director of marketing and sales. Nunhems has shared this new approach with their strategic dealers, including senior managers from Stokes Seeds Ltd. and Siegers Seed Company Inc. The new strategy will be implemented in April 2009. Nunhems customers will be contacted shortly by Nunhems and their partners for any further information. For more information, visit www.nunhems.com or www.nunhemsusa.com. ❦

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PRIMARY ACTIVITY - circle all that apply FRUIT VEGETABLES Apples Muck Crops Tender Fruit Potatoes Grapes Cucumbers Berries Leafy Greens Melons Pepper Pears Cole Crops Other (Please Specify) Other (Please Specify) ______________ _______________

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0409FV

Valent Canada has registered flumioxazin, the new active ingredient in several of its new herbicides, with Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency. Flumioxazin is a member of the protox inhibitor type of herbicides (Group 14), which offers new management options for weeds resistant to Group 2 & 5 herbicides. However, unlike some other Group 14 herbicides, flumioxazin provides residual weed control and enhanced burndown when tank mixed with glyphosate. Flumioxazin works by inhibiting production of an enzyme important in the

synthesis of chlorophyll. Flumioxazin’s weed control is complemented by flexible rotational intervals. Products containing flumioxazin will include Chateau®, SureGuard®, BroadStar™, and Payload™ (all distributed by Engage Agro Corporation) plus Valtera™ (sold by Valent Canada). Chateau provides residual weed control in orchards (pome fruit & stone fruit), grapes, strawberries, highbush blueberries, potatoes, asparagus and dry bulb onions. For more information visit www.valent.ca or www.engageagro.com.

Massey Ferguson 8600 Series Massey Ferguson recently introduced the Massey Ferguson® 8600 Series high-horsepower tractor. The MF8600 Series is available in 270 to 350 hp models and features the AGCO Sisu Power® 8.4L engine. The series includes the MF8650 with 205 PTO hp/270 maximum engine hp; the MF8660 with 225 PTO hp/295 maximum engine hp; the MF8670 with 250 PTO hp/320 maximum engine hp; and the MF8680 with 275 PTO hp/350 maximum engine hp. It also sports a new chassis-rail frame and a new sculpted front axle support. Other features include: High capacity rear 3-point linkage • with more than 22,760 lbs (10,323 kg) lift capacity and an optional Integrated Front Linkage System with more than 11,000 lbs (5,000 kg) of lift capacity; An optional factory-installed, • front PTO; • A 46 gal/min auxiliary hydraulics sys• tem with up to six hydraulic remotes. The machines also feature a new heavyduty Dyna-VT™ continuously variable transmission (CVT) with Dynamic Tractor Management (DTM) that turns the MF8600 Series into “Smart Tractors” that automatically coordinate the engine and transmission to minimize RPMs, maximize power to the ground and optimize fuel efficiency. The DTM is activated with the push of a button, and ground speed is selected using the Dyna-VT transmission. Automatically, the DTM will set the most efficient engine

speed, hold the ground speed and maintain power under a load. Because DTM technology allows the engine and transmission to work as one, it helps prevent engine wear while optimizing engine power, fuel efficiency and productivity. The MF8600 Series cab features a picture window view 65-inches wide with 28 per cent more interior space than the MF8400 Series. A four-post design and 67-square-feet of glass provides increased visibility. The tractor’s OptiRide™ fourcorner cab suspension, when combined with the QuadLink Suspended Front Axle system, reduces vibration by 50 per cent. A seat-mounted, central command arm houses the key controls, including up to six hydraulic control valves. Headland Management allows multi-function operation of up to 35 tractor and implement commands and SpeedSteer™ allows adjustment of the steering ratio and selection of the number of steering wheel turns required for a given amount of front-wheel turn. www.masseyferguson.com/8600series FRUITANDVEGGIE.COM, APRIL 2009

Netafim NMC Pro System Manager Netafim USA has introduced a new addition to its crop management technologies line – the NMC Pro System Manager. The system does more than just open and close irrigation valves – it integrates all of the control features in one easy-to-use unit. From one central location, growers can operate, monitor and maximize the performance of their irrigation system. Advanced features like fertilizer and EC/ pH control can be accessed if and when needed. The NMC Pro System manager

provides the control necessary to optimize irrigation efficiencies and fertilizer injection functions. Additional features inlcude: • Program memory back-up key – Programs are backed up to a memory key that is removable for safe storage; • Large graphic LCD display – Easy to read with simple programming and readable in direct sunlight; • Real-time and historical records – Graphic data and event logging appears on the LCD screen in graph or text formats; • Choice of power sources – Adaptable to the farm environment with AC or DC power supplies The NMC Pro System Manager is affordable for growers with small or large operations. Flexible and expandable control outputs and inputs allow modification of the system to accommodate growth. www.netafimusa.com

Netafim Scan-Kleen Screen Filters Netafim USA has introduced a new line of easy to clean screen filters – Scan-Kleen Screen Filters.

When cleaning the filter, there is no need to manually disassemble, clean the screen and reassemble the filter. Just open the flush valve and turn the handle to rotate the dirt collector. The combination of rotation and linear movement scans and cleans the whole internal screen surface. Water flow to the field is not interrupted during the cleaning process. Scan-Kleen Screen Filters are available in angle or twin styles, several sizes and screen mesh options. Additional features: Corrosion-proof, high-density poly• propylene will not rust or corrode like metal filters Operates efficiently at varied flow • rates The Scan-Kleen Screen Filter is used as a primary filter for well water with small amounts of sand, center pivots and reservoir water with small amounts of algae. The stainless steel screen provides strength and long life durability. www.netafimusa.com. ❦

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THE FOUNDATION OF BROWN ROT CONTROL

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1-866-613-3336 (R) Topas is a registered trademark of a Syngenta Group Company.

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ADVERTISER’S INDEX A. Koolmees .............................. 25 A.M.A. Plastics .......................... 23 Arysta LifeScience ..................... 31 Atlantic Packaging Products ................................. 15

SEEKING FRUIT We are a Toronto-based organic home delivery company looking for certified organic tree fruit growers to sell us Ontario grown apples, pears, nectarines, peaches, apricots and plums. During most of the year we require approximately 30 to 40 cases of apples/week. The other items are required in less quantity and are subject to seasonal availability. If you are a grower and you want a stable and fair market for your product, call us today at 416.201.3000 – ask for Angela.

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Microsatellites have major benefits for berry research Good things often come in small packages, so it’s not surprising that microsatellite genetic markers developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) have major benefits for berry research. The markers are being used throughout the U.S. for research on blueberries and cranberries. Microsatellites are collections of short, repetitive, noncoding DNA sequences that can be used to compare species and varieties. Useful microsatellites show considerable sequence variation among individuals. This variation can be used to track genetic diversity and greatly accelerate breeding for improved agronomic, quality and nutritional traits. They have been used to enlarge genetic maps, identify berry cultivars and establish relationships between berry varieties. In a study partially supported by the Northwest Center for Small Fruit Research, Nahla Bassil, a plant geneticist with the ARS National Clonal Germplasm Repository at Corvallis, Oregon, has worked with geneticist Jeannine Rowland at

FRUITANDVEGGIE.COM, APRIL 2009

the ARS Genetic Improvement of Fruits and Vegetables Research Unit in Beltsville, Mdaryland, to generate several DNA sequences for blueberries. The scientists developed microsatellite genetic markers from those DNA sequences, and established that these markers could be used to identify not only blueberry varieties, but cranberry and rhododendron varieties as well. A different type of DNA-based marker had previously been developed for cranberries by plant pathologist James Polashock, formerly with Rutgers University and now with the ARS Plant Sciences Institute in Beltsville. Bassil and Polashock are collaborating to identify the strengths and weaknesses of each marker system for use in identifying cranberry varieties. In related work, Rowland and Bassil are collaborating on an international effort to develop more genetic markers for blueberries, to be used for improving traits such as cold hardiness and fruit quality. ❦

PAGE 29

Growing berries for optimum health benefits

B

lack raspberries contain cancerfighting properties, but how much those compounds benefit the consumer may depend on environmental factors and cultural practices, according to Ohio State University research. Small-fruit specialists with the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center analyzed four common black raspberry cultivars at eight production sites throughout Ohio and found varying levels of antioxidants. The findings suggest that phytonutrient properties may be influenced by how the crop is grown and harvested and by the environmental and soil conditions present at the growing site. The study, “Antioxidant Capacity and Phenolic Antioxidants of Midwestern Black Raspberries Grown for Direct Markets Are Influenced by Production Site,” was published in a recent issue of the journal of HortScience. Joe Scheerens, OARDC horticulture and crop science researcher, said the findings might help growers produce berries with optimum cancer-fighting compounds, both for use in medical studies as well as for purchase by the general consumer. “If you are going to create clinical products used to treat degenerative diseases, one of the things that becomes paramount is to have a consistent supply of berries with a reproducible amount of bioactive ingredients,” said Scheerens, who is part of a “crop to clinic” research project at Ohio State using berries to prevent or slow the development of certain cancers of the mouth, throat and digestive tract. “In addition, if we understand how the plant reacts to cultural or environmental stresses, we can couple this information with current medical research to guide farmers on how to produce berries that provide the optimum health benefits.” Schereens and his colleagues speculate that environmental stresses such as heat, light and water availability play a big role in antioxidant production and at what levels. “The plants don’t produce the antioxidants for us. Anytime the plants feel stressed, they make antioxidants,” said Scheerens. “But how a plant like the black PAGE 30

Research at Ohio State University suggests that phytonutrient properties of black raspberries may be influenced by how the crop is grown and harvested and by the environmental and soil conditions present at the growing site.

raspberry reacts to environmental conditions is complex and involves the regulation of genes that control the production of plant products like antioxidants. It’s this process we are still trying to learn more about.” Too much stress, however, can be a bad thing. Researchers found that at production sites where the soil temperature was consistently high, antioxidant levels were the lowest. “It could be that the stress from consistently high soil temperatures is too much for the plant to overcome and antioxidant accumulation is actually inhibited,” said Scheerens, whose team is currently conducting research to verify its preliminary findings. Researchers also found that the state of fruit “ripeness” has an impact on antioxidant content, suggesting that harvest timing is important in determining levels of phytonutrients available in the fruit. “Site to site variability in antioxidant levels also seemed to be related to differences in fruit ripeness at harvest as estimated by the levels of sugars and acids we measured,” said Scheerens. “When we explored this relationship with additional research, we found that anthocyanins, the

pigments that are the primary antioxidants in black raspberries, increased as much as 15 per cent as the berries progressed through the last two stages of ripening.” Scheerens said that these two stages were separated by 48 hours or less and could be distinguished only by the “finger force” required to remove the berry. “Agricultural scientists now have ample evidence that relationships among cultivars, growing conditions, cultural practices, and post-harvest conditions affect the antioxidant levels in many fruit and vegetable crops,” said Scheerens. “It will take several years of research to obtain a clear picture of these events, but we know from our initial studies that it will be important to do so. In black raspberries, we are just beginning to unravel this story, and it will be an interesting journey.” The cultivars Bristol, Jewel, MacBlack, and Haut were used in the study. To learn more about functional foods and how they can enhance health and quality of life, log on to Ohio State University’s Center for Advanced Functional Foods Research and Entrepreneurship (CAFFRE) at http://fst.osu.edu/caffre/. ❦ FRUITANDVEGGIE.COM, APRIL 2009

Not a knife. Not a sword. Not a harpoon. Not a spear. Not a slingshot. Not a cannon. Not a booby trap. Not a karate chop. Not a light saber. Not a phaser. Not a torpedo. Not a missile. Not a stick of dynamite. Not a box of kryptonite. Nothing eliminates mites like KANEMITE.® KANEMITE® Miticide provides fast knockdown and excellent control of European red and two-spotted spider mites with a single rate of application in pome fruit. Plus, the unique mode of action makes it perfect for your resistance management program. So, next time you battle mites, make sure you use KANEMITE. To learn more, visit www.arystalifescience.ca/kanemiteca or call 1-866-761-9397 toll free.

Might Versus Mites™

Always read and follow label directions. KANEMITE and the KANEMITE logo are registered trademarks of Arysta LifeScience North America, LLC. Arysta LifeScience and the Arysta LifeScience logo are registered trademarks of Arysta LifeScience Corporation. ©2009 Arysta LifeScience North America, LLC. KANC-047