Rhino Plastics

Combating Pythium and Phytophtora- Prevention and Protection!

christena — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 13:53:52 +0000

Article by: Gavin Olsen

These two cryptogrammic diseases are extremely common and with such a prevalent nature it is no surprise that it is the biggest reason to low plant populations and or replanting large areas of a greenhouse or field – unfortunately this affects the farmer`s bottom line as less plants produce less fruits per hectare! How does the grower overcome this common disease to ensure healthy plants remain for the entire production period? There are some simple rules but the main one to start with is to consider the nature of the problem .What conditions do they thrive in?

They both belong to the family of Oomycetes which are known as the slimy moulds and as such are in need of free water for the completion of their life cycle. Where farmers are not necessarily

looking at vapour pressure deficit the plant can essentially slow down dramatically owing to increased humidity in the atmosphere yet the irrigation cycle is still on full cycle causing rapid increase in free water in the root zone and if for extended periods can reach field capacity and displace most oxygen from the root zone. The other common problem in greenhouses is an unstaked micro tube emitting water directly onto the plant instead of unto the medium and consequently this constant moisture at the stem causes the outbreak, especially for Pythium.

The diseases are found all year round but are most active in the autumn and spring when there is still free moisture around and humidity and temperature is still good but not to warm. The grower must ensure good drainage away from the root zone as well as proper management of the irrigation as the first step. When growing in a greenhouse environment where soilless media such as Coco Peat are used make sure that for you climate you have good water holding capacity but very importantly at least 35 % air fill porosity to ensure good drainage and aeration, especially for Phytophtora. Rhino Agrivantage have the Rhino Growsoil Base which is in this aeration capacity. Where medium is being reused then a drench with benomyl/previcur or even one of the Quartenary Ammonium Compounds are good at cleaning up any high spore levels before planting again.

The next step is protection of the root system and the plant and this should have a three level approach 1 Nursery treatment before the plants arrive 2 Transplant treatment and 3^rd Maintenance and control. Growers nowadays are told of the effect of Trichoderma and Mychorizza have on roots and crops so inoculating with these beneficial fungi in the trays is a very good idea, insist on this with your nurseryman. When this is not common practice then a 14 day application of Codamin Radicular which contains amino acids for root stimulation as well as a lot of Potassium Phosphite will easily control the diseases. This can be applied continuously every 21 days from transplant and when this is complemented with foliar applications of Codaphos Zinc and Codaphos Calcium every 14 days then plants will be assisted in fighting the diseases. Phosphite has an effect on the plants immune system and accordingly the plant elevates it`s production of Phenolic compounds to prevent attack of these diseases. The phosphites were found to be very effective against these pathogens at a very low impact to the environment as well as being safe to use on plants. Plant material should always be scrutinised before transplanting as these can be the source of many outbreaks.

Dalgin Active and Plandak are also two new products from Rhino Agri which are highly effective at increasing the plants natural defences against diseases such as Pythium or Phytophtora. Please feel free to contact Gavin Olsen at 0825822838 or at gavino@rhinoagriculture.co.za

Molybdenum – Technical Bulletin

strang — Wed, 05 Sep 2012 12:27:19 +0000

Nitrogen especially in the form of Nitrate is the most assimilable form and plants take up large volumes of this essential nutrient to build more matter yet it`s conversion by means of the Nitrate reductase enzyme Molydopterin to Ammonium NH4 nitrogen is critical.
Plants are highly dependent on this the 42nd most abundant element in the universe. So little is needed but it packs a real punch in plant biology. Molybdenum is used in many other areas especially ferroalloys where it imparts incredible physical and thermal qualities to metals.
Molybdenum is reasonably rare as a metal compared to say iron but there are already over 50 known enzymes that contain molybdenum and as such, although small in quantity it punches way above its weight in importance.

MOLBYDENUM AVAILABILITY

There is the classic table of availability of nutrients where all are more or less highly available at pH 5,5 to 6,5 and metals such as iron and manganese are even more so at lower pH`s or acidic environments. Molybdenum is the only nutrient that becomes far more available with an increase in pH or alkalinity. This is owing to its affinity for H+ ions and Molybdenum is only absorbed by the plant as molybdate Mo4- anion and so acidity or too low ph in the root zone can effectively prevent or block molybdenum uptake. Liming is critical for Molybdenum !!

Articles

christena — Wed, 05 Sep 2012 11:31:52 +0000

Technical Bulletins and other Articles are periodically written by Gavin Olsen, one of South Africa’s most respected agronomists & Managing Director of Rhino AgriVantage, whether for distribution to our growers, or for publication in various Journals.

These are also available for download per the links below.

Technical Bulletin- Calcium
Technical Bulletin- Molybdenum
Technical Bulletin- Sulphur
Technical Bulletin -Zinc
Tomatoes under cover or in the open

T-Tape Drip Irrigation

strang — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 07:20:06 +0000

Since 1977, thousands of growers around the world have chosen t-tape drip irrigation systems, properly managed t-tape drip irrigation systems can lower maintenance and operating cost, and provide substantial savings throughout the year, by placing water, fertilizer and crop protection materials precisely where plants need them. T-Tape drip irrigation can increase crop quality and yields while minimizing waste.

Advantages

Turbulent flow emitter technology that provides a high level of watering uniformity
Slit outlet that reduces insect damage, impedes root intrusion and virtually eliminates start-up pluging from external contaminants
Each outlet is part of a true drip emitter, providing true drip flow without squirting or jetting
The turbulent flow regulating channel allows large pathways making the dripper even more resistant to clogging
Product information is printed directly on the tape for easy identification
A wide range of flow rates, emitters spacing and wall thickness make it possible to tailor a system for varied applications soils and crops

Specifications

506-20-380	506-30-340
508-20-380	508-30-340
506-20-381	510-30-340
515-20-380	515-30-340
520-20-380	520-30-340

Accessories

strang — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 07:15:14 +0000

Valves

Catalogs

Filers

Catalogs

Controllers

Catalogs

NDJ Irrigation Controllers

Residential & Landscape

strang — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 06:56:00 +0000

Driplines

Catalogs

Micro-sprinklers

Catalogs

Pop-up Sprinklers

Catalogs

Sprinklers

Catalogs

Accessories

Catalogs

Irristand

strang — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 09:37:13 +0000

Stand Systems

Catalogs

Amirit Systems

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Accessories for IrriStand System

Catalogs

Micro Sprinklers

strang — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 08:40:39 +0000

Overhead Sprinklers

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Misters & Foggers

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Accessories for Micro-sprinklers

Catalogs

Tools For Sprinklers

strang — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 07:34:21 +0000

Application

NaanDanJain offers a selection of stands, punches, drills, spanners, and other necessary accessories for the installation of IrriStand and Amirit systems.

Please contact your NaanDanJain representative for additional details.

Technical Data

Tools Catalog

Opal

strang — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 07:29:29 +0000

APPLICATIONS

Sprinkler with silicone motioncontroller, 1/2” or 3/8” male thread and female Acme thread

For irrigation of orchards, nurseries, greenhouses and open-field vegetables

MAIN FEATURES

Optimum water distribution with 9°, 15° and 24° trajectories for a wide range of applications
Unique swivel for protection against snails
Low impact droplet and low application rate
Recommended pressure: 2.0 – 3.5 bar
Flow range: 65- 490l/h
High resistance to breakage, corrosion, UV radiation and fertilizers

TECHNICAL DATA

Opal Catalog