Rural Industries Research & Development Corporation

The New Rural Industries
A handbook for Farmers and Investors

Welcome to the KANGAROO PAW chapter of RIRDC's major new publication (contents page here) on nearly 100 new rural industries.

Kangaroo paw

Introduction

Kangaroo paws (Anigozanthos and Macropidia species) have attractive blooms that are in demand for cut flowers, landscaping and flowering pot-plant use. They are in the top three of the commercially grown native cut flowers in Australia. It is only through innovation that Australia will maintain or expand its share of the world market. Australia has been the major source of new varieties, although Israel is now also producing them. There is a need for higher yielding, more disease resistant clones, especially of the brighter colours, particularly yellow, and to extend the flowering season. The introduction of PBR (plant breeders rights) has made it possible to receive royalties for Australian-developed plants grown overseas. Few successful new varieties have been developed in recent years.

There is now a trend to produce more flowers under protected cultivation. The unique Macropidia, with only one species in the genus (which is closely related to Anigozanthos), is in high demand but difficult to propagate and grow. Potential for the expansion of the industry mostly lies in overseas markets, especially Japan. However, there is increasing competition from other countries. The largest cost is transport. Any savings have the potential to dramatically reduce costs.

Both horticultural (growing and harvesting–packaging) and marketing skills are very important in the production of kangaroo paws. They are not considered a difficult crop to grow compared with many other cut flowers, especially the flavidus hybrids. However, proper scheduling of harvesting and marketing is quite important.

Markets and marketing issues

In 1994, about 53% of flowers were sold domestically: 15% locally, 15% in flower markets and 23% to wholesalers. Australia supplies 94% of Anigozanthos imported into Japan (4.6 million stems in 1995) Other smaller markets are the USA, Europe and, increasingly, Southeast Asian countries.

The biggest expansion in markets will be for export sales. However, there is keen competition for the overseas markets from other large producers, such as California and Israel. Major competition for the European market is from Israel. Whilst Israeli production is ‘off-season’ to ours, Israel’s closeness to Europe and relatively low freight rates means it can sell at a lower price than us and achieve a satisfactory return. This tends to ‘stabilise’ returns from Europe to that for a generic commodity. Zimbabwe is also emerging as a major competitor for the European market. The USA and Canada take only small volumes of flowers in the 60–90 cm stem-length range.

There are currently few new plantings of kangaroo paws for cut flowers in WA although the position in the eastern States seems brighter. Part of the reason for this is that there have been few new high-performing cut-flower varieties released in recent years and the industry largely relies on varieties developed many years ago. Competitors such as Israel are undertaking breeding and development programs.

Flowers may be directly exported by larger growers, or through agents. In Japan, flowers may be sold at auction or directly by arrangement through importing agents. Different markets may have different preferences. For example Japan prefers longer stems (up to 150 cm) and flowers with ‘clean’ vibrant colours, especially yellow. The strongest market is in September–October. In contrast there is a niche market in Europe at Christmas time—mainly for red kangaroo paws 70–100 cm long—with smaller volumes in the New Year. Colour preference changes frequently.

Production requirements

Soils must be well drained, with slightly acidic sandy loams preferred. Some varieties are particularly sensitive to phosphorus and a soil test is recommended, especially for previously cultivated areas. Sites should be frost free. Although the foliage may not be damaged, flowers may be severely degraded by a light frost (i.e. –0.5°C), even in the bud stage. Plants may be grown in well-ventilated greenhouses for earlier flowering and to protect them from weather damage. However, high temperatures may result in severe flower fading, especially of the red varieties. High summer temperatures limit production areas to approximately south-eastern Queensland and south in the eastern States and the south-west of Western Australia. A. flavidus and its hybrids are generally much hardier.

The approximate limits of commercial production are given in the accompanying map. However, many microclimates in this area may not be suitable for the reasons outlined above. Similarly, it may be possible to grow plants in other areas. This can be determined only by trial plantings before starting full-scale production.

Adequate irrigation using high quality water is usually necessary for maximum production and to extend the flowering season, although production areas with high summer rainfall on the east coast may have little need for irrigation. Extended periods of wet weather will also exacerbate disease problems. Provided that the area is well drained, and flood and frost free, flatter areas are preferred for ease of cultural operations and harvesting. Availability and cost of transport to market or export airports should also be considered.

Varieties

Most plants cultivated today are hybrids or selected clones, usually produced by tissue culture in a number of laboratories in Australia. A. flavidus hybrids are especially popular, especially in the more humid areas of the eastern States due to their resistance to most of the common pests and diseases. There are at least 100 varieties available.

Taller (approximately 1 m) varieties with clear bright colours, especially yellow, are favoured for cut-flower production. However, smaller varieties may have a place in the mixed bouquet market. The most commonly grown cut flower varieties are ‘Yellow Gem’, ‘Big Red’, A. pulcherrimus (orange and yellow forms) and the ‘Bush Gem’ series, especially ‘Dawn’, ‘Noon’ and ‘Sunset’, with smaller amounts of A. manglesii and Macropidia. Some other cut flower varieties are ‘Bush Ranger’, ‘Bush Emerald’, ‘Bush Haze’, ‘Gold Fever’, ‘Bush Harmony’, ‘Bush Ruby’, ‘Ruby Delight’; A. rufus, A. bicolor, ‘Regal Claw’, ‘Orange Cross’ and ‘Royal Cheer’ .

Agronomy

After a suitable site is selected and drainage installed , if necessary, a basal dressing of fertiliser or chicken manure is incorporated into the beds, especially in poor sandy soils. In the field, the distance between beds (usually 3–4 m) will depend on the equipment to be used for cultivation and transport of flowers. Failure to allow for free movement will greatly increase production and picking costs. Within beds, there may be up to three rows 1 m apart, and plants are usually spaced 1 m apart within rows. Break rows every 50 m or so to allow for efficient vehicle movement. Beds are often raised to provide better drainage, especially in the eastern States, where the use of weed mats and mulches is also common. Planting in spring/autumn to avoid very hot weather is preferred, especially on black weed mat. Applying fertiliser through the irrigation system is the most satisfactory method of fertilising kangaroo paw, especially if weed mats or mulches are used. Fertilising should be carried out during the growing season, especially from mid autumn to mid spring.

Plants will first flower about 6 months after planting, then at their normal time each year. Full production will be achieved in the second to third year. The number of flowers will increase beyond this but the quality will be reduced, necessitating severe pruning (slashing). Some species, such as A. manglesii, are best treated as annual or biennial crops. The most time and labour-critical operation is harvesting. Flowers must be harvested at the right stage for maximum quality, and processed, packed, cooled and transported to market promptly. Most varieties have flushes, therefore a mixture will help to even out production over a greater period.

Basic equipment and facilities required are a processing shed with facilities to treat flowers with fungicide/insecticide and to grade, bunch and box flowers, forced air cool room, buckets, chemicals, good quality water, tractor/ transport vehicles for site preparation and movement of flowers, slasher, spray equipment for pest and disease control, an irrigation system and access to refrigerated transport.

Pest and disease control

Ink disease of kangaroo paws (blackening of the leaves and flowers) is a widespread problem, especially in the more humid areas (e.g. coastal NSW) and under protected cultivation. Some varieties are much more susceptible than others. Ink spot is a response to a wide range of stresses e.g. insect damage, nutrient imbalance and pathogens (esp. Alternaria). Rust (Puccinia haemodora) is also a serious disease which causes typical rust pustules (blisters) on the leaves. Development of rust is favoured by hot, wet conditions, as are a range of crown and root rots caused by a variety of fungi (e.g. Pythium, Fusarium, Phytophthora, Sclerotinia, and Rhizoctonia). Young plants in poorly drained soils are especially at risk. Petal blight or grey mould (Botrytis cineria) may also be a problem, especially in cool damp conditions. Severity of infection of these diseases can be minimised by the use of resistant clones (usually flavidus hybrids), avoidance of environmental stresses, good air circulation and trickle irrigation to avoid wetting of foliage, and use of fungicides. An annual slash or slash and burn may be effective in removing infected material. Disease-free planting material is also essential.

Compared with many exotic flower crops kangaroo paws are relatively free of pests. However, for the production of high-quality blooms a pest-control program may be necessary, especially if flowers are to be exported. It is essential to reduce insect populations to low levels before harvesting because most disinfestation treatments are only partly effective at levels that do not damage the flowers. Some problem insects are aphids, leaf miners, bud worm, thrips and small, leaf-chewing caterpillars. Most of these pests are relatively easily controlled by the application of an appropriate insecticide. Slugs and snails may also be a serious pest, especially of young plants in the greenhouse and in cooler areas. Susceptibility of species/clones to slugs and snails varies widely, with A. flavidus and hybrids generally being more resistant. Control is by good hygiene and spray or pellet application of a molluscicide

Birds may cause extensive damage to flowers by breaking stems and biting off flowers, especially if other flowers are scarce. Control is by netting or human presence.

Weeds may become a major problem, especially in the eastern States. Mechanical control on a large scale is often difficult due to the herbaceous nature and habit of the plant. Plastic weed mat or mulches are very popular with commercial cut-flower growers in summer rainfall areas, especially to control broadleaf weeds. Care, however, must be taken with black weed mats due to elevated temperatures that occur under the mat. Small plants are especially vulnerable. Mowing or knock down herbicides are used for inter-row weed control. Grasses can be controlled with post-emergent herbicides. Some herbicides may cause damage to, or reduce the growth rate of kangaroo paws. Phytotoxic effects may vary with the rate, method of application and clone. Check to ensure that the herbicides you want to use are registered in your State for the intended purpose.

Harvest, handling and postharvest treatments

Flowers are usually harvested when the first one to three florets on the spike have opened. Harvesting at an earlier stage (in bud) may cause a condition known as ‘bent neck’. Some growers leave at least 20 cm of the stems of A. flavidus hybrids to allow development of secondary flower spikes. However, the resulting flower stems may be small and dry spikes are a danger to pickers. As soon as possible after harvesting, flowers should be placed in water or a preservative solution to prevent wilting . Flowers must also be cooled as soon as possible.

After harvest, stems are usually re-cut to the desired length and bunched into five-stem units (10 stems if short, i.e. < 70 cm). Bunches are then usually sleeved into a micro-punched flower sleeve. Flowers are then disinfected by complete immersion in a Cislin®, Rovral® (or similar) mix to kill insects and to control Botrytis. Some growers, especially in WA, disinfest with the above mixture and dry the flowers before sleeving. Currently, insecticidal dips such as Cislin® would appear to offer the most effective means of disinfesting flowers. Treatment of kangaroo paws with aerosols, such as dichlorvos or pyrethrin, is moderately effective. Some growers use a combination of insecticidal dip followed by aerosol treatment. Before using pesticides check that they are registered for use on flowers in your State.

Freedom from live insects is necessary for the export of flowers from Australia, especially to countries with strict quarantine requirements, such as Japan and the USA. Live insects on flowers will require fumigation or destruction of the flowers in these markets. Fumigation may damage the flowers and will cause a reduction in auction prices, delays in selling and a reduction in consumer confidence. Insect contamination causes similar problems on the domestic market.

Use of pulsing solutions containing sucrose after harvest can extend the vase life of kangaroo paws. However, considerable variation exists in current recommendations, which range from 2–20% sucrose and above. Acidification of the solution with citric acid at 200 ppm and a wetting agent may also improve vase life. Other chemicals, such as HQS (hydroxyquinoline sulfate) at 200 ppm, may also be effective. Individual growers should check that chemicals are registered for the intended use and experiment with rates and times (usually 12 hours) to find the best treatment under their conditions with the varieties grown. Use clean buckets and water at all times.

Kangaroo paws should be stored at low temperatures (~2°C ) and a high relative humidity (95–98%), including during pulsing. Forced air cooling should be used to reduce flower temperatures as soon as possible after harvesting, and again after flowers are packed into cartons. Flowers should be at less than 5°C at dispatch. The vase life of kangaroo paw flowers is reduced by cold storage and storage on the farm should be limited to no more than a few days. The maximum total storage time should be no more than about two weeks, and preferably less than one week over the entire marketing chain.

Economics of production

The ‘typical’ estimated start-up costs for one hectare, not including land, machinery, clearing, labour, fencing or structures, is about $18,000 in NSW and south-eastern Queensland. This includes operating costs for one year. With little mechanisation, up to one years labour could be required to establish 2000 plants. It is emphasised that costs will vary widely from site to site, even in the same locality.

The kangaroo paw export industry has reached a relatively mature stage with significant quantities having been exported for a number of years. There are also a number of competitors on the international market. A ‘typical’ gross margin analysis is presented below for flowers exported to Japan. It should be emphasised that the net return to the grower (after sales and freight) can vary considerably with variety (over a twofold difference) and time of year (over a fivefold difference). As can be seen from the gross margin figures, if other sale prices are substituted, both a profit and loss are possible, depending on variety and time of year. Marketing knowledge and skills are needed to maintain profitability. It may also be very difficult to sell certain types at particular times of the year. Any change in the sale price, freight costs and the Yen/$AUD exchange rate, all of which are largely outside the control of the grower, will also have a dramatic effect on the gross margin. Due to these risks, and to spread costs and labour, it is recommended that kangaroo paws be grown in conjunction with other crops and that a range of varieties be grown.

Processing, packaging, and sales and freight costs will be very much reduced for the domestic market due to the less stringent quality requirements. The sale price is also often much lower and the market relatively small.

Key contacts

Ross Worrall
Horticultural Research and Advisory Station
NSW Agriculture
Gosford, NSW 2250
Phone: (02) 4348 1900
Fax: (02) 4348 1910

Ken Young
Ebonybrook Pty Ltd
P.O. Box 338
Gatton, Qld 4343
Phone: (07) 5466 5402
Fax: (07) 5466 5408

Flower Enquires Officer
NSW Agriculture
Locked Bag 11
Windsor, NSW 2756
Phone: (02) 4577 0628
Fax: (02) 4577 0630

Plant Research and Development Services
Agriculture WA
Baron-Hay Court
South Perth, WA 6151
Phone: (08) 9368 3333
Fax: (08) 9368 1205

Flower Export Council of Australia (FECA)
Ken James
Executive Officer
P.O. Box 137
Nedlands, WA 6009
Phone: (08) 9327 5583
Fax: (08) 9327 5683
Email: feca@iinet.net.au
Home page: http://www.iinet.net.au/feca/

Australian Native Flower Growers and Promoters
c/- Craig Scott
P.O. Box 9
Kariong, NSW 2250
Phone: (02) 4374 1018

Australian Flora and Protea Growers Association (AFPGA). Beverly Karpinski, Secretary, AFPGA
c/- Spring Valley Flowers
Spring Valley
via Frogmore, NSW 2586
Phone/fax: (02) 6385 6222

Key references

Worrall, R.J. (1996). Anigozanthos and Macropidia (kangaroo paws). In: Johnson, J. and Burchett, M. (eds.). Native Australian Plants, Horticulture and Uses. University of NSW Press, Sydney.

Gollnow, B. (1995). Getting Started in Native Cut Flower Production. NSW Agriculture, Orange.

Many State Departments of Agriculture, especially WA,
have numerous publications on Australian native cut flowers in general, and kangaroo paws, in particular.

Suppliers of tissue cultures, especially in WA and NSW, may also supply cultural notes.

Numerous articles also appear in Australian Plants (Sydney) and Australian Horticulture.

*About the authors