Mrs Eka Kokadir is a retiree and avid gardener in Melbourne, Australia. Mrs Kokadir enjoys gardening in her backyard and sharing about beautiful wildflowers for fellow gardeners.

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March 2014 newsletter1
In this issue we cover the following events, reports and news:
Silicon and plant susceptibility to pests and diseases
2014 National Student Floristry Competition- meet our sponsors
Stage 2 communications project submitted to RIRDC
Update on What Cut Flower is That?
Free trade agreements
Flower of the month - Leucadendron ‘Safari Sunset’
Diary dates 2014
How to contact WFA
Access NTS products and services at great prices through WFA – including Si!
9th
Australian Wildflower Conference program
1
This newsletter is an activity funded by the RIRDC project Capacity Building and Communications Enhancement of the Wildflower industry.
It has been compiled by Bettina Gollnow, the Communications & Extension Manager, also funded by this project.

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Silicon and plant susceptibility to
pests and diseases
Audrey Gerber*
With respect to effects of nutrients on pest and
disease susceptibility, perhaps no other element has
received more recent attention than Silicon.
Although not yet widely considered an essential
element, Si content of many crops affects resistance
to fungal infections, insect attacks and also confers
resistance to even multiple abiotic and biotic stresses
(Locke et al., 2004; Epstein, 2005; Fauteux et al., 2005;
Datnoff et al., 2005; Dordas, 2009; Mattson & Leatherwood,
2010; Frantz et al., 2011). Abiotic stresses include water
deficit, high temperature, high light and ultraviolet
levels, salinity, nitrogen excess, high free aluminium
levels in soils, freezing.
In modern production systems, the issue of plant
stress is significant, since it has been shown that
many agrogenic (farmer-caused) inputs derange
plant metabolism, resulting in suboptimal health,
increased susceptibility to pest and disease attack,
and arguably, to increased stress of plants. Stress
results from any significant deviation from the
optimal conditions for life. It might be seen as a
condition of imbalanced metabolism or deranged
plant physiology resulting from the effect of one or
more stressors.
One might accept that there is no place in existence
totally free of stress; thus moderate stress might be
regarded as part of life. Plant stress is broadly
categorised as abiotic: those caused by non-living
stressors, such as climate (temperature, light, wind
energy, precipitation, humidity); soil (chemical and
physical properties); atmospheric (gases and
pollutants), and biotic: those caused by living or
biological stressors; pathogens (bacteria, fungi,
viruses, and others); pests (invertebrate and
vertebrate) or other plants.
Note that man’s activities often constitute biotic
stresses on plants in terms of agrogenic inputs such
as use of chemicals. A key element of any farming
strategy is to manage controllable factors, and take
practical steps to mitigate the effects of stress factors
not under one’s direct control (e.g. planting of
effective windbreaks to minimise destructive effects
of wind energy). So a practical way of reducing stress
and hence improving the chance that plants will
achieve true health, in terms of achieving their full
genetic potential, is to avoid adding biotic, agrogenic
stress to the abiotic stresses already existing in the
field.
The precise mechanism by which Si confers disease
resistance is as yet not completely understood.
Silicon deposition (as biogenic opal microliths) in
dermal cells creates a physical barrier (Epstein, 2005;
Datnoff et al., 2005; Dordas, 2009; Crooks & Prentice, 2011)
but also elicits the production by plants of defensive
compounds such as diterpenoid phytoalexins (Datnoff
et al., 2005; Dordas, 2009; Crooks & Prentice, 2011) and the
accumulation of flavonoid antifungal compounds
(Dordas, 2009). Datnoff et al. (2005) proposed that Si
influenced the following individual components of
plant resistance to pathogens:
• The latent period: Si prolongs the length of time
between the appearance of symptoms and when the
lesions begin to sporulate, inferring that Si slows the
growth rate of the pathogen in the host. Even a small
increase in the latent period can significantly
decrease the epidemic rate.
• Infection efficiency and infection rates: high Si
content of leaves leads to reduced numbers of
sporulating lesions. Hyphae did not develop in leaf
areas with thick Si deposits. Note that frequency of
infection refers to the number of sporulating lesions
per unit area of the host leaf; which accumulates over
the host developmental stages.
• Pathogen colony and lesion size: Si seems to affect
colony and lesion size (both of which determine the
effective sporulating area of the pathogen) in some
studied plant pathosystems. Si might affect the
growth rate of the pathogen as well as spore
production. Note that since Si also affects leaf size,
when interpreting these results, one needs to
consider leaf area rather than leaf number.
• Conidial production: Si probably decreases conidial
production, although this effect is not solely
attributable to Si content.
• Rate of lesion expansion: Silicon has a number of
effects in soils, improving soil physical, chemical and
biological function, reducing losses of nitrogen,
phosphorus and potassium, and proving more
effective at detoxifying high soil levels of aluminium
than application of lime (Epstein, 2005; Crooks &
Prentice, 2011). Matichenkov & Calvert (1999; 2002) and
Matichenkov et al. (2001) reported a wide range of
beneficial effects of Si on soils: increased soil water
holding capacity and cation exchange capacity
(especially sandy soils); improved soil air and water
conditions; increased stabilisation of organic matter;
optimisation of soil pH; increased soil
microbiological function; decreased toxicity from
high levels of Al, Mn, Fe, Zn and Cu and decreased
toxicity from organic soil pollutants.
Plant uptake of Si is as monosilicic acid, and
commonly used forms of silica include potassium and

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sodium silicates, basic slag and diatomaceous earth
(Locke et al., 2004; Epstein, 2005; Fauteux et al., 2005;
Mattson & Leatherwood, 2010; Frantz et al., 2011). In
ornamental plant species (New Guinea Impatiens and
Reiger begonia) Si was taken up from soil drenches
and deposited in the hydathode regions of leaf
margins (Locke et al., 2004). Crooks & Prentice (2011) note
the importance of Si fertilisers (especially of low-
cristobalite, diatomaceous earths) as components of
sustainable agriculture: in particular, the deposition
of Si in plant tissues enhances their strength and
rigidity, improving the light-receiving posture of
plants, and thereby enhancing photosynthesis and
growth. Mattson & Leatherwood (2010) reported that 100
mg/l Si solutions from potassium silicate applied
weekly as soil drenches to Petunia x hybrida and
Argyranthemum frutescens affected plant height,
diameter, fresh mass, dry mass, flower diameter and
leaf thickness. Frantz et al. (2011) conclude that
silicon’s inclusion into (floricultural) fertility
programmes should be more broadly considered than
current practices. Finally, high N levels suppress the
uptake of Si (Dordas, 2009).
In copper-stressed snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus)
and Zinnia elegans, supplemental Si applications
resulted in reduced stress and mineral nutrient
concentrations more similar to healthy, control
plants than plants exposed to copper toxicity. Note
that copper toxicity is a significant concern in
floriculture, with an average total rate of Cu use of
just under 1.9 kg/ha in floriculture and nurseries
alone (Frantz et al., 2011). Copper fungicides are
amongst the most toxic and persistent fungicides,
and, although they are considered acceptable to
organic farming principles, their application warrants
strict regulation, as does use of some animal
manures, municipal composts and especially
biosolids, all of which can contain high levels of
copper (Bünemann et al., 2006).
* Extract from the final report on the Farm Plus project submitted
to RIRDC by Dr Audrey Gerber.
References cited:
Bünemann, E.K., G.D. Schwenke & L. Van Zweiten. 2006.
Impact of agricultural inputs on soil organisms - a review.
Austral. J. Soil Res. 44: 379-406.
Crooks, R. & P. Prentice. 2011. The benefits of silicon
fertilisers for sustainably increasing crop productivity. In:
The Fifth International Conference on Silicon in
Agriculture, Beijing, China. 18 pp.
Datnoff, L.E., A.M. Brunings & F.A. Rodriguez. 2005. Silicon
effects on components of host resistance: an overview of
implications for integrated disease management. Pages 19-
25 in: III Silicon in Agriculture Conference, 22-26 October,
Federal University of Uberlandia, Brazil.
Dordas, C. 2009. Role of nutrients in controlling plant
diseases in sustainable agriculture: a review. Agron.
Sustain. Dev. 28:33-46. DOI: 10.105/agro:2007051.
Epstein, E. 2005. Silicon in agriculture: a historical review.
Pages 8-11 in: III Silicon in Agriculture Conference, 22-26
October, Federal University of Uberlandia, Brazil.
Fauteux, F., W. Remus-Borel, J. G. Menzies & R.R. Belanger.
2005. The role of silicon in plant pathogen interactions:
towards a universal model. Pages 28-34 in: III Silicon in
Agriculture Conference, 22-26 October, Federal University
of Uberlandia, Brazil
Frantz, J.M., S. Kandekhar & S. Leisner. 2011. Silicon
differentially influences copper toxicity response in silicon-
accumulating and non-accumulating species. J. Amer. Soc.
Hort. Sci. 136(6): 329-338.
Locke, J.C., D. Pitchay & J.M. Frantz. 2004. Effect of
nitrogen, potassium and silicon nutrition on disease
susceptibility of various ornamental crop species. USDA
Agricultural Research Service. University of Toledo, OH,
USA. 1p.
Matichenkov, V. V. & D.V. Calvert. 1999. Silicon fertilisers
for Citrus in Florida. Proc. Fla. State Hort. Soc. 112: 5-8.
Matichenkov, V. V. & D.V. Calvert. 2002. Silicon as a
beneficial element for sugarcane. J. Amer. Soc. Sugarcane
Technol. 22:21-30.
Matichenkov, V.V., E. Bocharnikova & D. Calvert. 2001.
Response of citrus to silicon soil amendments. Proc. Fla.
State Hort. Soc. 114:94-97.
Mattson, N.S. & W.R. Leatherwood. 2010. Potassium silicate
drenches increase leaf silicon content and affect
morphological traits of several floricultural crops grown in
a peat-based substrate. HortScience 45(10:43-47).
For more about Si products, see page 9 of this
newsletter.
2014 floristry competition – meet our sponsors
Platinum sponsor
Freshflowers.com.au is one of the biggest and
freshest online floral companies in Australia. At
Freshflowers.com.au, you can’t get fresher than us.
We have an extensive network of growers where we
are able to source the highest quality of flowers for
some of our most popular bouquets and
arrangements – ensuring fresh, quality supply all year
round. Our belief is that all flowers are not created
equal and at Freshflowers.com.au, you’ll discover a
massive difference that includes new, never-been-
seen before floral gifts including celebratory cupcakes
and personalised products. We have an amazing
product range that goes beyond quality to offer you a
fresh perspective on the way flowers and gifts are
presented and packaged.
We deliver to most capital cities, territories,
metropolitan and regional areas in Australia,

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however there are some areas within Australia which
are not covered by our standard delivery service. We
also pride ourselves on our reliable same day delivery
service. So, by placing your order prior to 1.pm
weekdays, Australian Eastern Standard Times
(AEST), we get your bouquet made and delivered to
the recipient by 5.00pm (business address) and to
residential addresses by 7.00pm.
You can contact us on: Phone: 13 37 37 or
customercare@freshflowers.com.au
Platinum sponsor
Operating as both a grower and a wholesaler, East
Coast Wildflowers is one of Australia's leading
suppliers of Australian Native and South African
Wildflowers, supplying high quality seasonal flowers
and foliages all year round. East Coast Wildflowers
has long had a reputation for supplying high quality
products, including many more unusual products not
generally available.
Active in the industry for years, promoting and
educating people on the incredible diversity and
range of products available, Craig Scott of East Coast
Wildflowers can assist students in the competition
with information on what products are generally
available month by month. The full listing is available
at
http://www.eastcoastwildflowers.com.au/availability
_order.htm
Don't hesitate to contact East Coast if you want to
obtain specific products on the list. Contact details
are: Market Phone (02) 9325 6774 and Fax (02) 9325
6046.
Gold sponsor
The Flower Association of Queensland Inc (FAQI) is
a non-profit organisation based in Brisbane,
Queensland, Australia. The association aims to
support the sustainable future growth of the
Queensland Cut Flower & Foliage industry, but it also
provides a broader level of support to the national
industry, through the extension of project results,
facilitating communication between key national
players and acting as a conduit of knowledge and
information.
As Queensland’s peak State body, FAQI represents
floriculture greenhouse growers, tropical flowers and
foliage, in-ground native and wildflower growers.
Members also include equipment and installation
suppliers, wholesalers, exporters, florists, specialist
consultants and advisors, researchers and educators.
FAQI’s broad objective is to proactively addresses
common challenges faced by the industry, implement
solutions and represent its members to government,
technical agencies and other industry groups.
FAQI is also the publisher of the Australian Flower
Industry magazine. Each issue contains interesting
articles and valuable information for everyone in the
industry, written by recognised industry experts, and
specifically addressing the needs of floriculture
businesses. An award-winning national publication,
focusing on the whole of the supply chain from
breeder to retailer, it is dedicated to giving advice
and expertise to stay competitive in today’s changing
market.
Published quarterly – in March, June, September,
December – it is the only trade flower magazine
reaching over 1500 professionals around Australia,
New Zealand & Asia Pacific.
The AFI magazine carries news and information on
the National Floristry competition yearly, including
the names and photos of the winning designs.
To subscribe to the magazine go to
www.australianflowerindustry.com.au and fill out the
subscription form or follow the AFI business card QR
link to the website.
Gold sponsor
Sydney Flower Market is Australia's largest flower
market for fresh cut flowers. The diverse group of
growers at the Sydney Flower Market primarily
supply florists in the Sydney area, regional NSW and
the ACT. It is estimated that the Sydney Flower
Market has an annual turnover in excess of $150
million and accounts for approximately 75% of the
wholesale cut flower trade in NSW. Potted plants and
florist supplies such as ribbon, wrap, foam and other
sundries are also sold.
Approximately 170 traders hold stands in the hustle
and bustle of the Sydney Flower Market at
Flemington. NSW is very fortunate as it has a wide
range of climates within the state, meaning that a
wide variety of flowers can be locally grown, with the
main flower growing areas being on the Central
Coast, around Horsley Park and Leppington, and in
the Hills area at Dural and Glenorie. All these areas
are within 2 - 3 hours travel of the Sydney Markets
and fresh cut flowers are brought in from these farms
each day.

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The Sydney Flower Market is open from 5:00am –
11:00am Monday through to Friday with most of the
flowers being snapped up before 8am daily.
Silver sponsor
Apack Pty Ltd has grown from humble beginnings in
Victoria in 1994, establishing itself as the preferred
supplier of floral sundries to florists, educational
facilities and associated businesses today.
With its head office and Superstore in Melbourne,
the word spread and now Apack can proudly service
your sundries needs from Superstores in NSW, Qld
and SA, as well as conveniently located stores at the
Melbourne and Sydney flower markets.
With a growing range of innovative, quality products
sourced from Europe, Asia, the UK and Australia just
to name a few, Apack is always adapting to
worldwide trends in the industry.
Service, competitive pricing, and staff with a desire to
exceed our customers' expectations have driven us to
our respected place in the industry.
In your state, contact us on:
Vic.: 03 9706 6277
NSW: 02 9646 4800
Qld: 07 3274 5577
SA: 08 8443 6558
Visit our webpage at www.apack.net.au for further
contact details and to request our catalogue.
Silver sponsor
Premium Greens Australia and Australian Flora
Corporation are the marketing arms of the “Cedar
Hill Corporate Group”. Based on the Sunshine Coast
in Southeast Queensland, they are Australia’s leading
supplier of unique, native foliages. They also operate
online for direct purchase by Australian florists and
designers.
Working closely with the Australian government and
various environmental agencies, they ensure all
products are treated in an environmentally friendly
way. One of the main aims is to develop a number of
these unique products from Australian forests and
adapt them to plantations for the cut flower and pot
plant industry. To achieve this goal, they operate
their own tissue culture laboratory and tube stock
nursery dedicated to these unique species.
At present, any forest-harvested product is done so
on a sustainable and environmentally sound basis,
following the rigorous rules laid down by the State
and Federal governments. They take great pride in
knowing they are bringing the beauty of Australian
forest into the homes of the world with minimal
impact on our beautiful Australian environment.
For further information, please contact their Sales
Manager, Paul Bruce, or visit their websites -
www.afc-greens.com / www.sunfloral.com.au
Silver sponsor
The family Proteaceae has seventy three genera and
more than 1500 species occurring predominately in
the Southern hemisphere. Proteaceae naturally occur
in temperate and sub-tropical climates on acidic
sandy soils with low fertility. Australia has the
greatest diversity with forty-two genera and over 850
species. South Africa has fourteen genera and
more than 330 species. Other regions with native
Proteaceae include South America, China, southern
India, south-east Asia, Madagascar, New Caledonia
and other Pacific islands.
The International Protea Association
(IPA http://www.ipa-protea.org/) was formed in
Melbourne in 1981, after a meeting hosted by the late
Peter Mathews of Proteaflora Nurseries. The IPA
represents all links in the Value Chain of global
commercial protea production. The IPA offers
researchers, propagators, producers, marketers,
breeders and educators an open forum of
communication and friendship to promote and
expand the industry for the benefit of all.
The first joint meeting between international protea
growers and researchers was held more than twenty
years ago, in 1986. Growers, breeders, technical
advisors and marketers are represented by the
International Protea Association and researchers and
educators by the International Protea Working
Group (IPWG). The IPWG is a specialised group of
the Ornamentals Section of the International

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Society of Horticultural Scientists (ISHS). Since this
first joint meeting communication between growers
and researchers has continued, with thepublication
of 8 Acta Horticulturae reporting proceedings of
IPWG symposia (www.actahort.org ).
The IPA currently has over 100 members,
representing protea producers, marketers and
researchers from Australia, Chile, China,
Columbia, Ecuador, France, Holland, Israel, New
Caledonia, New Zealand, Peru, Portugal, South
Africa, Spain, USA and Zimbabwe. The participation
of other countries is welcomed as the industry
expands.
Silver sponsor
Established in 1990, WAFEX is one of Australia’s
leading flower exporters, in addition to having a
strong domestic presence in the distribution of
wildflower and foliage products across all major
capital city markets. WAFEX operates dedicated
warehouse, cool storage and packing facilities in both
Perth and Melbourne. A dedicated grower base of
over 200 quality focussed growers, located across a
wide range of climatic zones, allows WAFEX to offer
its export and domestic clients a wide range of
products in addition to extended flowering seasons.
WAFEX currently exports both fresh and dried
flowers to global markets including Japan, the
Netherlands, Canada, the USA, Taiwan, Hong Kong,
Korea, Switzerland and China.
The WAFEX web site (www.wafex.com.au) details
WAFEX company history, product range and media
profile articles in recent years. There you will also
find details of various programs aimed at improving
product quality and customer satisfaction, including
packaging initiatives and a quality assurance
program.
WAFEX is owned by Craig Musson, Managing
Director and Adrian Parsons, Eastern States Director.
Contact WAFEX at sales@wafex.com.au
Bronze sponsor
Civil and Structural Engineering Design Services Pty
Ltd provide a wide range of services to cover all your
Engineering, Design and Construction requirements.
Such services include, Commercial & Industrial
Engineering, Structural Design of Swimming Pools,
Site Plans, Storm Water Detention (OSD) and
Retention Basins, Minor roads Design, Driveway and
Car park Design, Retaining walls and shoring,
Certification & Site investigation.
Our Company is privately owned and operated by
Edward Bennett.
Civil & Structural Engineering Design Services Pty.
Ltd.
ABN: 62 051 307 852
3 Wanniti Road BELROSE NSW 2085
Tel: 02 9975 3899 Fax: 02 99751943
Email: hited@bigpond.net.au
Web: www.civilandstructural.com.au
Stage 2 communications project submitted to
RIRDC
A full project proposal has been submitted to RIRDC
for the 2014 funding round. It aims to continue and
further develop activities and strategies developed by
the current project which ends in June. These provide
direct communications like this newsletter to all
industry members - current and future growers,
marketers (domestic and overseas), florists and allied
industry members.
Activities proposed include bimonthly newsletters,
technical reports, regular email communications, and
coordination of the national student floristry
competition and development of new website based
information. Unfortunately with a reduced budget
compared to stage 1, frequency of communications
will be slightly reduced.
An annual industry conference or conference plus
workshop will be held, where possible taking
advantage of being part of a wider industry
conference being organised by others, including an
international conference planned for Perth in August
2015.
All these activities were rated highly in the June 2013
member survey.
A strong focus would remain on current and recently
completed R&D projects to ensure that industry
members are made aware of opportunities and
results.

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Update on ‘What Cut Flower is That?’
After 3 months, the sales and download
figures are:
115 hard copies have been dispatched
Downloads
Dec 2013 294
Jan 2014 323
Feb 2014 262
 To download the publication or to order a
print copy go to:
https://rirdc.infoservices.com.au/items/13-
079 or call 1300 634 313.
 Generous discounts apply for bulk orders.
Please contact RIRDC direct for more
information.
New members who join WFA between now and
the end of June will have the chance go into the
draw to win a complimentary copy of ‘What cut
flower is that?’
Free trade agreements
Free trade agreements between Australia and various
trading partners have been in the news in recent
months. In fact, WFA received an eager enquiry from
a South Korean flower importer looking ahead to
more favourable business opportunities because of
the upcoming FTA with Australia, which was
announced in early December last year.
RIRDC has just published a new report on the subject
for those wanting to know more...
The impact of free trade
agreements on Australia - A model-based analysis
Authors: Catherine Tulloh, Tingsong Jiang, David
Pearce
142 pages
Code: 14-002
Published: 11 Feb 2014
ISBN: 978-1-74254-619-3
This report examines the implications for Australian
agriculture of recently implemented and potential
future free trade agreements (FTAs).
The report presents the findings of a project which
aimed to provide estimates of the potential economic
impacts of a range of prospective FTA outcomes.
In particular, the project was concerned with the
cost to Australia of FTAs already agreed between
trading partners, where Australia is not included.
Read more at
https://rirdc.infoservices.com.au/items/14-002
Flower of the month
Leucadendron ‘Safari Sunset’
Botanical name: Leucadendron ‘Safari Sunset’
(Leucadendron salignum red form  L. laureolum
female form).
‘Safari Sunset’ is probably the most important
Leucadendron grown around the world for the cut-
flower market and is an important crop for Australian
growers, for both domestic and export markets. It is
almost an all-year-round product, saleable at
different stages of maturity.
Origin: Like most proteas, Leucadendron originates
in South Africa and bears separate male and female
flowers on separate plants. However, ‘Safari Sunset’, a
female selection, was bred in New Zealand and is
vegetatively propagated.

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Description: Large flower heads (30–50 mm wide;
up to 10 cm across when fully opened) develop at the
tips of very long, upright stems clothed with oblong,
dark green leaves. Each flowerhead features glowing
wine-red bracts spirally arranged around the small
central flower cone.
At the earliest stage marketed, the bracts are clear
red and firm, and tightly enclose the small central
cone, giving the flower head a slender tulip shape. As
the flower head matures, it develops a deep wine red
to purplish colour (in winter), becoming more goblet
shaped, and finally the bracts reflex to reveal a
prominent woody central cone.
By early spring the bracts have become cream to
yellow in the centre and bronze to red on the outside.
Late-season product with the cone at its final size is
also a popular product, but not if there is a lot of
bypass growth.
Cultivation notes: ‘Safari Sunset’ is fast growing and
a very high-yielding plant under intensive cultivation,
with plants producing marketable yields within 2
years of planting. Adequate irrigation is important for
good stem length and quality. Plants need a well
drained, acidic soil with a pH not exceeding 5. Like
proteas, Leucadendron is susceptible to Phytophthora
root rot.
Once established, ‘Safari Sunset’ is drought resistant
and will tolerate light frost. Hard pruning is needed
after flowering to promote long straight stems for the
next crop. Removing the first flower head early in the
season forces the growth of more flowering stems to
create a ‘multi-head’, which is accepted by some
markets.
Cold weather tends to improve the intensity of colour
in the bracts, making ‘Safari Sunset’ a major winter
crop in some areas.
Preharvest pest management is important for
minimising insect chewing damage to the bracts.
Flowering season: February to December,
depending on location
Typical vase life: 7 to 21 days
Sold as bunches: Typically 10 stems. Multi-headed
stems are usually bunched in 5s.
Typical stem lengths: 40 – 100 cm
When to harvest:
Flower head fully formed and at final size. Bracts firm
(leathery at tips and not soft) and fully coloured.
Avoid harvesting when the young bracts are too soft.
Handling tips: Pick when it is cool, preferably
straight into buckets of clean water or a reputable
commercial postharvest solution, and hold in the
shade. Move cut stems promptly to a cool, shaded
packing area. Cool quickly to remove field heat.
Tips for florists: Recut stems and place into fresh
water containing cut-flower food or a registered
biocide.
Avoid storing or marketing this product for too long
– do not market product with dull or dried-out bracts
or leaves, or brown tips on the bracts or leaves.
Ethylene susceptibility: No
(Information reproduced with acknowledgement from the RIRDC
quality specification for Leucadendron ‘Safari Sunset’– available at
https://rirdc.infoservices.com.au/items/10-045; photograph
courtesy of NSW DPI)
Diary dates 2014
June 19-20, 2014. Know it to Grow it Commference.
FAQI conference, Gold Coast , Qld.
The national conference for the whole industry.
Learn how to Attract, Brand, Communicate and the rest of
the marketing alphabet
 Communication, promotion & marketing, from entry-
level to expert, for grower and retail businesses like
yours…. How to brand, when to brand, and why it
matters
 Word of mouth & networking
 How to reach print, online and broadcast media
 Making social media pay
 Using analytics to help drive business growth
 Why you need to promote, even if you’re 100% sold
Last day to receive the discounted registration rate as
a WFA member is March 31.
June 21, 2014. 9
th
Australian Wildflower
Conference, Gold Coast Qld.
Details of the program, the venue and local
accommodation along with the registration rates and
form are available at:
http://www.flowersqueensland.asn.au/index.php?id=
98
Early bird registrations must be received before
March 31.
The program is on page 10 of this newsletter.

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Trade Show Display Spaces are available – please
book using the registration form via the link on the
previous page.
August 17-22. Brisbane.
Details at: www.ihc2014.org
October 15 – 17. IFEX 2014 (11th International Flower
Expo Tokyo)
Venue: Makuhari Messe, Japan. Organised by:
Reed Exhibitions Japan Ltd.
Web: http://www.ifex.jp/en
>>The IFEX 2014 Brochure is available at:
http://www.ifex.jp/en/doc/BRC14/
How to contact WFA
Mail: PO Box 8046
Gundaroo NSW 2620 Australia
Bettina Gollnow (Communications and Extension
Manager):
management@wildflowersaustralia.com.au
Mobile: +61 4 3426 5817/0434 265 817
Sylvia Gleeson (Secretariat):
secretariat@wildflowersaustralia.com.au
Mobile: +61 4 2736 8109
If you wish to join WFA to receive the newsletter,
weekly update emails and other member’s only
benefits, please go to the website -
www.wildflowersaustralia.com.au.
Access NTS products and services at great prices
through WFA – including Si!
Nutri-Tech Solutions (NTS) is an Australian company
specializing in the relationship between soil health,
animal health and human health. They have become
a recognized world leader in biological farming and
have developed over 300 products, which are
exported to over 40 countries.
Included in the product range are several that
include silicon:
Potassium Silicate:
http://www.nutritech.com.au/downloads/product_information_sh
eets/Liquid%20Fertilisers/Potassium%20Silicate.pdf
Dia-Life:
http://www.nutri-
tech.com.au/downloads/product_information_sheets/MMS%20-
%20Micronised%20Mineral%20Suspensions/Dia-Life.pdf
Photo-Finish:
http://www.nutri-
tech.com.au/downloads/product_information_sheets/Liquid%20F
ertilisers/Photo-Finish.pdf
NTS offers a range of other products and services –
please refer to their website for all the details.
As a Master Distributor for NTS products, WFA can
offer NTS products (including the Si products above)
at very competitive prices to WFA Members,
members of WFA Member Groups, prospective WFA
members, as well as your friends and neighbours. The
price of each product is the WFA price plus a small
handling charge. In addition, attractive discounts are
available for WFA members and members of
associations which are WFA members.
Please note that WFA is not qualified to provide
advice, and interested parties are encouraged to
contact qualified technical staff for any assistance
required.
How to order:
You (as the purchaser) decide what you want to order
(product name, product code and pack size) by
researching the product information on the NTS
website. You may also choose to contact a NTS
agronomist for advice on what to use (see their
website).
The WFA Secretariat will advise the cost of your
order, invoice you and then submit your order to
NTS. You are responsible for freight and delivery
charges, which may be arranged through NTS.
Please contact Sylvia Gleeson at the WFA Secretariat
to find out more –
secretariat@wildflowersaustralia.com.au
WFA reserves the right to amend or change the
above arrangements in order to keep improving the
value and service to our members and customers.
NTS Contact details:
Address: 7 Harvest Road, Yandina, QLD, Australia,
4561
ABN: 83 010 472 590
Telephone: 07 5472 9900
FAX: 07 5472 9999
E-mail: info@nutri-tech.com.au
Website: http://www.nutri-tech.com.au

10. 9th Australian Wildflower Conference
10 | P a g e
Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition
Centre
Conference theme: Wildflowers - new directions for SUCCESS!
Draft Program
8.00am - 8:45 am Registration
8.45 - 9.00 am Official opening and welcome – Rural Industries Research &
Development Corporation
Session 1. Growing successfully and profitably
9:00 - 9:30am Keynote speaker: ‘The Pest & Disease Triangle – back to the future’
Gary Leeson, Organic Crop Protectants Pty Ltd and Chair Bio-Inputs Australian
Organic Ltd
9.30 – 9.40 am Q&A
9:40 - 10:00 am Irrigation scheduling – how does it work? Dr Rachel Poulter,
Research Scientist, Flora Earth & Water Pty Ltd
10:00 – 10.20 am Irrigation scheduling – putting it into practice gives great
results! Lodi Pameijer, Top of the Range Flowers and President of the Flower
Association of Qld. Inc.
10.20 – 10.30 am Q&A
10:30 – 11:00 am Morning Tea
11.00 – 11.20 am An update on myrtle rust and new research directions. Peri
Tobias, the University of Sydney
11.20 – 11.40 am Wildflowers for floristry – what do florists want? Del Thomas,
Flowers by Delwyn, florist and teacher.
11.40 – 12.10 pm Exporting Wildflowers – market trends, opportunities,
customer expectations and requirements. Nick Hutchison, Cedar Hill Flowers &
Foliage Pty Ltd
12.10 – 12.20 pm Q&A
12:20 – 1:30 pm Lunch/view trade show
Session 2 Panel discussion - Selling wildflowers to Aussies...
1:30 – 3:00 pm
Several speakers will present a range of views and perspectives followed by a
question and answer session involving all conference delegates.
3:00 – 3:30 pm Afternoon Tea
Session 3 R&D advances
3.30 - 3:50 pm Farm-based methods for control of flowering in waratahs - Dr
Robyn McConchie, The University of Sydney
3.50 – 4.10 pm Improved Market Access for Australian Wildflowers through
Ecolabelling - Dr Emily Rigby, Cedar Hill Flowers & Foliage Pty Ltd
4.10 – 4.40 pm Breeding programs to create novel new plants - Digby Growns,
Kings Park & Botanic Garden
4.40 – 5.10 pm Marketing new varieties and protecting the associated
intellectual property - Adrian Parsons, WAFEX
5:10 – 5.30 pm Q&A and Conference wrap-up
There will be no formal conference dinner but delegates may choose to meet for
an informal get together over dinner at their own cost near the conference
venue.