SFF Project Summary
Evaluating organic seed and organic seed production systems in NZ and informing growers of the outcomes
Sustainable Farming Fund Search Results
I am sorry, but your search for "grant number = ^02/103" matched no projects in the database , please try again.
| Website: | www.organicseed.co.nz |
| Quarterly Update: | to March 2005 |
| Final Report: | Final Report |
| Updated: | 02 October 2008 |
Problem/Opportunity that the project is addressing
Currently organic certification standards require the use of organically grown seed as a basic principal, but where these are not available then non-organic sources are permitted. In practice, because there are only limited quantities of organic seed, in a small range of cultivars, at high prices available most growers are reliant on non-organic sources. However the organic standards of the European Union and following this lead Bio Gro in New Zealand state that it will be compulsory from December 311' 2003 for certified organic crops to be grown from certified organic seed. This creates a major challenge for growers to be able to source suitable seed to meet this proposed requirement.
At the same time this shortage of suitable seed provides the opportunity for companies and growers to develop organic seed production to meet the requirement for organic seed domestically and for the expanding international market, particularly in Europe.
Project Description
The purpose of this project is to facilitate the development of organic seed production in New Zealand. It has brought together a group of organizations that have the wide range of expertise needed to undertake this task, including; Koanga Gardens Trust, Kaiwaka Homestead Gardens Trust, Coromandel Lawson Organic Farms, Hawkes Bay Bristol Plants & Seeds, Wanganui Biological Husbandry Unit (BHU), Lincoln University, Canterbury Centre for Plant Reproduction and Seed Technology (CPRAST), Massey University, Palmerston North
The main focus of the project is vegetable seed. Other crops that are important in organic production systems; i.e. green manure crops, herbs & flowers that are beneficial plants will be included. As well cereals, grasses, seed for oil & eating will be included in the research part of the project.
The project will involve the following four interrelated areas of work:
A. Research
- An annual assessment will be made of the existing and potential supply of certified organic seed in NZ, with consideration of its quality and appropriateness in New Zealand conditions.
- A review of existing knowledge on organic seed production will be undertaken and its usefulness in a NZ context evaluated. 0 An ongoing review of crops/cultivars that may provide the best opportunities for production in NZ will be undertaken.
- An ongoing process to determine the availability of suitable cultivars for seed production that are also suitable for organic production systems will be undertaken.
B. Production Trials of Seed for Selected Crops
Trials will be undertaken at 5 sites at locations throughout NZ. Issues to be addressed include seed health & certification, plant nutrition for seed production, pest & diseases, weeds, harvesting, processing, appropriate technologies and economical scales of production & processing will be considered The seed produced will be assessed through a range of tests carried out by CPRAST, Massey University.
C. Grow Out Trials
Small Grow Out trials of available organic seed and seed produced in the production trials will be undertaken at 3 locations; i.e. BHU (for South Island), Lawson Organic Farms (for lower North Island) & Homestead Gardens (for the Upper North Island). Comparative assessments will be made of the cultivars in relation to their effectiveness in organic production systems, yields, disease resistance, nutritional value, etc.
D. Development of a breeding program of cultivars suitable for organic seed production.
A framework for a long term breeding program will be developed. With consideration of the results from Parts A, B & C crops will be identified for inclusion in a breeding program to meet the needs of New Zealand conditions.
Quarterly Update
1st January to 31st March 2005.
"Evaluating organic seed and organic seed production systems and informing growers of the outcomes"
Summary of Project Progress
The focus for this quarter has been the final harvesting of seed crops for the project. The grow out trials at Homestead Gardens and BHU have been completed. A report on each site follows in the milestones section.
Progress in other aspects of the project has been made as outlined below.
Part A. Research
2. Organic Seed Production Issues:
This remains an ongoing process, as results are analysised and issues identified.
Part B. Seed Production Trials
Harvesting and some processing of the final biennial & annual crops occurred through this quarter. (See Milestones section.)
Part C. Grow Out Trials
Grow Out trials of seed grown by the project and some lines from other sources have been completed at the BHU and Homestead Gardens. Crops include leeks, onions, tomato, beans, lettuce, corn, pumpkins, and spinach have been trialed.
The major grow out trial at Lawson Organics had to be cancelled, as although a number of seed companies agreed to provide seed, by the time the orders arrived from their European sources, it was too late in the season to undertake the trial.
Part D. Breeding Program
No significant work was undertaken in this area during this quarter.
Progress against milestones
Work Program to complete Project
1. Complete Seed Production & Grow Out Trials
1.Biological Husbandry Unit
Weather
There have been several unfavourable weather periods since the wet December. This has further supported the desirability of protected growing (e.g. tunnel houses) for intensive seed production crops.
Seed Production
In addition to general seed collection and onion seed production an experiment on arable pea production for seed crop was assessed related to soil nutritional condition. This crop has been harvested and will be forwarded for seed quality analysis.
Growing Out Trials
Growing out trials are almost completed and will be reported in the next quarter.
The growing out trial areas were shown to the public as part of a wider BHU Open Day (3 April 2005) and seed saving techniques were discussed. 220 people were in attendance.
Onion Seed
Umbels have been harvested and it is intended to compare yield, germination and quality (including Botrytis seed-borne disease load). Yield was significantly down on last year (though still commercially viable) possibly related to bulb quality as discussed in previous report.
2. Bristol Plants and Seeds
Weather
The weather patterns were stable over the summer allowing for good seed harvest. However the cold wet spring has affected the final seed yields & quality.
Status of Crops at Dave Aislebie's Farm:
Biennials: 2nd Trials of Beetroot, Broccoli, Carrots, Onions, Spring Onions, and Leeks were all harvested
Comments
There were some further losses due to birds on the broccoli crops & the carrots were affected by disease. Final assessment awaits processing & testing of the seed.
3. Homestead Gardens
Weather
The weather went from one extreme to the other, with a change in early January over a few days from cold & wet to hot & dry. The weather has then remained hot & dry for the 3 months. This is the Status of Crops:
Biennial 2nd Trials of Silverbeet, Garlic were harvested.
Grow out Trials of Lettuce, Spinach, Tomato, Corn were completed
Comments
Both the Silverbeet and garlic were seriously affected by the weather conditions
The grow out trials undertaken through the summer were successfully completed. Results from these will now be analysised and included in the final reporting.
4. Lawson Organic Farms
Weather
The weather patterns were stable over the summer allowing for good seed harvest. The impact of the cold wet spring appears to be less of an issue.
Status of Crops
Biennial 2nd trials of Broccoli, Silverbeet, Onions, and Garlic were harvested
Comments
Good harvests have been achieved. Processing and testing will now be undertaken so that final assessments can be made.
5. Massey University
Weather
The weather patterns were stable over the summer allowing for good seed harvest.
Status of Crops
Biannual 2nd trial of cauliflower has been harvested. The celery has flowered & seed is setting.
Comments
The cauliflower harvest was good, but with some disease present. Processing & testing will now to be undertaken.
A reasonable rate of bolting has occurred for the celery and a harvest that will allow for some reasonable data to be obtained will be possible.
6. Glasshouse
Status of Crops
Biennials of Beetroot, Cauliflower, and Onion & Leeks have been harvested.
Annuals of Lettuce, Capsicum & Tomato have been harvested.
Comments
All crops have performed well, confirming the value of this approach. The hearting lettuces that failed in the first trials, were this time successful. Processing & testing will now be undertaken for final assessments to be made.
2. Production Trials Reporting
All data from the third year trials is now being compiled.
4. Seed Companies Review:
a. Current Organic Seed supply
b. Support for Organic Production
This review has been completed. The summary of available organic seed will be made available on the upgraded website in the next quarter.
Report on Meetings
The North Island partners met in January at Massey University to finalise the work program to complete the project and the changes in the budget to achieve this.
The project manager visited Canterbury in February too meet with the BHU and key growers to obtain their input on the completion of the project.
Expectations for the next quarter
1. All outdoor annual & biennial crops and the glasshouse crops will be processed and testing at Massey University will be undertaken.
2. All data from the project will be collated and analysis of it will be undertaken.
3. The North Island partners will meet in June at Massey University, to review all the data collected and begin the preparation of the final reports.
4. The Growers Survey will be undertaken
5. Work on Seed Treatment options will be undertaken
6. Discussions will be held with individuals & companies who have an interest in Organic Seed Production and Plant Breeding, as background to producing the Strategy documents.
1st October to 31st December 2004
Summary of Project Progress
The focus for this quarter has been the maintenance and monitoring of the biannual crops as they flower & set seed. Also the grow out trials have begun. A report on each site follows in the milestones section.
Progress in other aspects of the project has been made as outlined below.
Part A. Research.
2. Organic Seed Production Issues:
This remains an ongoing process, as results are analysised and issues identified.
Part B. Seed Production Trials
Maintenance of biannual crops and the plantings of the final annual trials occurred through this quarter. (See Milestones section.)
Part C. Grow Out Trials Grow
Out trials of seed grown by the project and some lines from other sources have been planted at the BHU and Homestead Gardens. Crops include leeks, onions, tomato, beans, lettuce, corn, pumpkins, and spinach.
Part D. Breeding Program
No significant work was undertaken in this area during this quarter.
Progress against milestones
Work Program to complete Project
1. Complete Seed Production & Grow Out Trials
1.Biological Husbandry Unit 2003-04 seed
All seed from last season has been sent to Massey for assessment and we are awaiting results on some seed lines.
Weather
The weather this season has continued to elude the term climate. This season has been even less predictable than usual with adequate rain i.e. no need for irrigation and few sunshine hours. This appears to not have affected any of the seed crops directly, as none have yet matured, but we will have to wait for final harvests. This Year's Growing Out Varieties The following seed lines are being grown out at the BHU and are currently in the ground. An open day is planned for late February for the public to view these plants and discuss seed saving.
| Species | Variety | Code | Comment | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leeks: | Musselburg | Mu04BH | ||
| Onion: | Crusader | Cr04BH | sown late | |
| PLK | PL04HG | sown late | ||
| Pumpkin | Whangaparoa crown | Seed from 8 BHU fruit | ||
| WC04HS | ||||
| Buttercup Squash | Burgess Buttercup | BHU | ||
| BHU hybrid | BHU | |||
| Sweet Mama | Terranova | |||
| Other Squash | Waltham Butternut | BHU | ||
| Lettuce | Joer | Jo04LH | 1st unsuccessful | |
| Lollo Bianda | LB04HG | 1st unsuccessful | ||
| Lollo Rossa | LR04HG002 | 1st unsuccessful | ||
| Greenway | GH04HG001 | 1st unsuccessful | ||
| Green Oakleaf | GO04HG002 | 1st unsuccessful | ||
| Tomato | Potentate | Po04HG003 | 1st unsuccessful | |
| Ponsonby Red | PR04LH | 1st unsuccessful | ||
| Earliana | Southern Seed Exchange (SSE) | |||
| Slava | SSE | |||
| Burbank | SSE | |||
| VF 145-21-40 | SSE | |||
| Grunstovj | ex Larry Tanchetk |
unfortunately the first planting of lettuce and the tomato cv's "Potentate" and "Ponsonby Red" succumbed to aphid and whitefly while in the glasshouse and were discarded. the lettuces were replanted.
Onion Seed for Yates New Zealand Ltd. Bulbs were regarded and planted on Sept 22, 2004. Progress of growth good but uneven with many bulbs slow to start growing. Inflorescence number is low at approx 10/m2 in some areas and inflorescence size is low. This low fecundity may be a reflection of the size of the bulbs (smaller than last year) or the nature of the season they were grown in with the agronomic issues associated with a wetter than usual harvest season.
2. Bristol Plants and Seeds
Weather
Again the weather pattern for this period had an extreme event, with December being exceptionally cold & wet. This was during flowering for the biannuals and so we will have to see how this affects the final seed harvest.
Status of Crops at Dave Aislebie's Farm: Biannuals: 2nd Trials Beetroot Flowering Broccoli " Broccoli (second site) " Carrots (second site) " Onions " Spring Onions " Leeks "
Comments
All crops at Dave Aislebies are progressing well. Basic weeding & maintenance has been occurring. The second site crops have been progressing well.
3. Homestead Gardens
Weather
The weather remained wet and changeable through spring, with yet again an extreme event, with December being exceptionally cold & wet. This was during flowering for the biannuals and so we will have to see how this affects the final seed harvest.
Status of Crops: Biannual: 2nd Trials Silverbeet Flowering Garlic Bulbing up
Grow out Trials Lettuce Planted Spinach " Tomato " Corn " Pumpkin "
Comments
The combined effects of the weather pattern have seriously affected the Silverbeet trial. The garlic has also preformed poorly. The grow out trials are progressing well.
Lawson Organic Farms
Weather
Again the weather pattern for this period had an extreme event, with December being exceptionally cold & wet. This was during flowering for the biannuals and so we will have to see how this affects the final seed harvest.
Status of Crops Biannual: 2nd trial Broccoli Flowering Silverbeet " Onions " Garlic Bulbing up
Comments
All crops are progressing well and seem to have coped reasonably well with the weather conditions.
5. Massey University
Weather
Again the weather pattern for this period had an extreme event, with December being exceptionally cold & wet. This was during flowering for the cauliflower and so we will have to see how this affects the final seed harvest, but at this stage it looks like its impact was minimal.
Status of Crops Biannual: 2nd trial Cauliflower Flowering Celery Maintenance
Comments
The cauliflower has a good seed set. The celery has recovered from its late planting and plants are of a good size. We will have to wait to see how this has affected its rate of bolting. The PhD student has been given a 6 month suspension, which means they are unavailable to work on the project during its completion phase, so alternative arrangements for the work planned for the student will now have to be made.
6. Glasshouse
Status of Crops
Biannuals
Beetroot Flowering Cauliflower Flowering Onion Maintenance Lettuce Planted Leek " Capsicum " Tomato "
Comments
The cauliflower & beetroot are looking very good. The onions and all the spring planted crops are performing well.
2. Production Trials Reporting Seed Testing has been completed for the 2nd year crops.
Expectations for the next quarter
1. Biannual crops will be harvested and processing begun on them
2. The remaining outdoor annual trials, and glasshouse trials will be harvested.
3. The summer grow out trials will be completed
4. The report on available organic seed will be completed
5. Planned meetings.
a. The North Island partners will meet in January at Massey University to finalise the work program to complete the project and the changes in the budget to achieve this.
b. The project manager will visit Canterbury in February to meet with the BHU and key growers to obtain their input on the completion of the project.
