Preventing botrytis In 2012 the Knowledge Centre Product Quality conducted extensive research into the effects of botrytis on vase life. Tests revealed that 15% of the stems did not flower due to botrytis. This is a confirmation of the importance of paying attention to the prevention of botrytis. Therefore, the market plan contains the following actions which should contribute to a solution: preparing a Code of Practice, chain research on botrytis prevention and development of a vase life index. The results of these actions are expected this year.
Diagnosing botrytis
To increase buyers faith in roses it is essential to admit clearly when botrytis is found in the supply. In the past year 'only' 0.75% of the roses traded on the auction clock had an inspection code for botrytis. Given the impact on the image of roses, buyers and the product committee are asking for a check for botrytis.
FloraHolland's Quality department suggests tightening the inspection policy on 2 points:
- Clarity; when confirming botrytis, use only codes 602; for damage to the flower (other than botrytis), code 110 should still be used.
- Diagnosis; adhere closely to the margins agreed in the product specification. When confirming botrytis in 0 - 5% of the stems, inspection code 602 is used, and the lot is auctioned in the B-block. For lots with more than 5% botrytis, inspection code 603 should be used and the lot will be destroyed.
Planning
The FPC Rose discussed this tightening of policy. Given the objectives of the market plan, this step was supported by the FPC by setting up a pilot project. The wish expressed by various members of the FPC to enforce zero tolerance of botrytis was also considered. It was agreed that the results of this pilot would be used as the basis for a follow-up.In addition, the proposal to tighten the use of inspection codes was considered in the Ethiopian and Kenyan Regional Advisory Committees (RAC). The policy was also supported by them. There were remarks made about the involvement of the RAC in the design of this proposal and in evaluating the individual consequences for suppliers. For this reason, the timetable agreed earlier with the FPC was abandoned, and we are starting now with a broader base of communication.
The implementation is now planned for August/September. Agreements will be made about this in consultation with FPCs and RACs.
More information?
For more information, please contact the FloraHolland customer service
