CoCoS. Containerisatie en Conditionering in Sierteeltketens. Containerization and Conditioning in Flower and Plant Chains. Summary & Recommendations

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1 CoCoS Containerisatie en Conditionering in Sierteeltketens Containerization and Conditioning in Flower and Plant Chains Summary & Recommendations

2 Colophon Authors Food & Biobased Research: Janneke de Kramer Eelke Westra Harmannus Harkema Manon Mensink Henry Boerrigter Authors Flora Holland: Henk Barendse Willem Goedendorp Chris Vermeulen Linda Schenkeveld Martin de Ruiter Authors VGB: Anton Bril Laura Badoux Wageningen Food & Biobased Research Flora Holland All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in an automated data system or made public in any form or manner, whether electronic or mechanical, by photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior written permission from the publisher. The publisher does not accept any liability for mistakes or inaccuracies in this report. CoCoS samenvatting; page 2

3 Contents Objectives of CoCoS Assumptions Cultivars Reference material Pilots General recommendations Recommendations by variety CoCoS samenvatting; page 3

4 Objectives of CoCoS Containerization and Conditioning in Flower and Plant Chains stands for: Developing and disseminating knowledge about reefer container transport of flowers and plants The logistics channel from breeder to destination Optimal transport conditions for main crops The CoCoS research conclusions described in this summary can be used by the sector to further optimize the transport of ornamentals. CoCoS samenvatting; page 4

5 Assumptions Only when the cool chain and other conditions from the breeder to the wholesaler s box are under good control, can sea transport be viable, and the quality be maintained during long transport periods. The recommendations in this summary are based on research work carried out partly by Flora Holland and partly by Wageningen UR Food & Biobased Research. Research reports available from these companies and VGB contain details of the related research work and can be used as reference for the recommendations. CoCoS samenvatting; page 5

6 Cultivars In the CoCoS project, research work has been carried out into the optimal conditioning and transport possibilities of ornamentals, emphasizing the varieties: Rosa Chrysanthemum Research has also been carried out into: Gypsophila Dianthus Alstroemeria Leucodendron Solidago Lilium Finally, sea transport of ornamentals has been evaluated in practice. These pilot shipments have been carried out with various plant and flower varieties. CoCoS samenvatting; page 6

7 Reference material The CoCoS results are described in: This summary: manual with recommendations from tests and pilot shipments Available at the project partners Research results from tests and pilot shipments Available at VGB and Wageningen UR Food & Biobased Research Various articles in journals, etc. Overview is available at VGB DP3 report Available at Wageningen UR Food & Biobased Research Study material on moisture and temperature in the flower and plant chain Available at Wageningen UR Food & Biobased Research CoCoS samenvatting; page 7

8 Import pilots 1/2 Colombia the Netherlands (via Spain): 2 import pilots: October 2008 & May 2009 In cooperation with Wesseling Export Various types of carnation bunches, uncertain origin and type of carnation Successful: logistics phase (14 days) turned out well, the majority have a good vase life; pay attention to flower opening Ecuador the Netherlands: 2 import pilots: January 2010 & February 2010 In cooperation with Oudendijk and MFI Rose (Cherry Brandy,Esperance, Freedom), Alstroemeria (Red Silhouette), Gypsophilia (Million Star, New Love) and Leucodendron (Gold Strike, Safari) Cool chain subjected to stringent controls by Oudendijk logistics centre and local breeders Successful: logistics phase (17 days) turned out well, excellent vase life; pay attention to flower opening and cutting stage CoCoS samenvatting; page 8

9 Import pilots 2/2 Kenya the Netherlands Logistics corridor examined In cooperation with Bloom Due to expected delay at the Salalah hub or the ES customs (26 days of transit time), no test shipment could be carried out reliably within the maximum number of transportation days. Israel the Netherlands 1 import pilot: May 2009 In cooperation with Agrexco Transit time: 7 days Regular import shipment of Solidago in smartbox (pallet size collapsible crate) in ship s hold with climate control. Good results. CoCoS samenvatting; page 9

10 Export pilots 1/2 The Netherlands Finland: 2 export pilots (short sea): May & August 2010 In cooperation with Fertiplant & IBH Transit time: 5 days Various plants, a few flowers, Pilot 1 with garden and potted plants, Pilot 2 with ball chrysanthemums Pilot 1: Good quality except for potted Gerbera (initial quality not good enough) Pilot 2: Test shipment with the 47ft highcube container for the 43 Danish carts (Unit 45). Good quality. Plastic around the carts releases a lot of condensation onto the product due to the high humidity in the sea container. Advisable to remove the plastic. Transport process: satisfying Can be a supplement to road transport Vaarroute Rotterdam Helsinki CoCoS samenvatting; page 10

11 Export pilots 2/2 The Netherlands Turkey 1 export pilot: September 2010, various plants In cooperation with IBH Transit time: 10 days; incl. custom/phytosanitary 12 days Successful transportation of potted rose plants Transportation of various other varieties was not successful. Further research is desired to find suitable packaging. The packaging should be adjusted to better fit the method of climate control, in order to improve the micro climate at the plant level. Good results from flowering tests of Anthurium and Phalaenopsis after 10 days of transport simulation. The Netherlands Russia Exploration of the logistic corridor Good harbor facilities at St. Petersburg and Kroonstad, professional connections to the hinterland. No test shipment because of complex custom and phytosanitary situations. Transit time for Short Sea is 4 5 days. road transport takes 3 days. CoCoS samenvatting; page 11

12 CoCoS Containerisatie en Conditionering in Sierteeltketens Containerization and Conditioning in Flower and Plant Chains Recommendations

13 General recommendations 1/4 Cool down quickly and keep product cold Temperaturedaysum low > flowers have better storage life Priorities: 1. temperature, 2. dehydration, 3. condensation Cool down quickly after harvest (rule of thumb: min.) to or near (max C) the transport temperature Use e.g. vacuum cooling or Forced Air Cooling CoCoS samenvatting; page 13 Wageningen Food & Biobased Research

14 General recommendations 2/4 Vacuum cooling Cooling by moisture evaporation Rapid cooling > drying effect > short cooling time (30 min. per batch) No significant extra dehydration when cooler is used normally Rule of thumb for dehydration: about 1 2 % of initial weight; however, no significant weight difference was found in the (chain) test carried out. Forced Air Cooling Cooling by air flow along surface of product Rapid cooling > less differences > shorter cooling time Prolonged air streams = shrinkage Place boxes closely against the wall and avoid packaging which blocks air flow CoCoS samenvatting; page 14 Wageningen Food & Biobased Research

15 General recommendations 3/4 Temperaturedaysum: = temperature of product during transport x number of transport days Both time and temperature of transport can affect quality Keep temperaturedaysum as low as possible The temperaturedaysum gives a good indication of the impact of transporation on the quality Illustration: Air transport: 3 days x 10 degrees Celsius on average = 30 dc; Sea transport: 20 days x 1 degree Celsius on average = 20 dc. Quality of flowers transported by sea can be better than those transported by air CoCoS samenvatting; page 15 Wageningen Food & Biobased Research

16 General recommendations 4/4 Air disinfection: Not needed when normal hygienic measures are taken: infected flowers are not a source of Botrytis during storage (in cooler or refrigerated transport). As long as infections do not form spores, the flowers do not release extra spores into the air; disinfecting is therefore not necessary Decontaminants kill organisms in the air; not the germinated spores. X air flow Test batch Source? CoCoS samenvatting; page 16 Wageningen Food & Biobased Research

17 Recommendations for Rosa 1/3 Choice of cultivar: Select cultivars less susceptible to Botrytis (and avoid Botrytis infection during cultivation). After harvesting: Dipping the buds in Switch, Medallion or Chlorine will reduce the chances of Botrytis infection. Test the dip: Switch and Chlorine may damage certain cultivars. Pre treatment with Chrysal RVB and AVB may improve flower opening (for specific cultivars). Packaging: Best packaging: dry in sleeve and box To store for long periods, dry storage results in better quality (less Botrytis during the vase life) than storage in water. Sleeves protect against dehydration. CoCoS samenvatting; page 17 Wageningen Food & Biobased Research

18 Recommendations for Rosa 2/3 Pre cooling The product has to be at the right temperature (0.5 2 C) before transporting. Transportation Use a set point of 0.5 C (does not cause frost damage). Temperatures up to 2 C are suitable for transport; a temperature variation of +1.5 C is normal in a container or a truck. Selected cultivars can endure a transport period of at least 14 days. After transportation Hydrating after dry transportation enables recovery to above the original weight. Vase life Keep the temperaturedaysum as low as possible. The temperaturedaysum between harvesting and sale is a direct indication for the remaining vase life (for roses without Botrytis). Use cut flower nutrients in the vase. CoCoS samenvatting; page 18 Wageningen Food & Biobased Research

19 Recommendations for Rosa 3/3 Cultivars in WUR experiments: Avalanche + Happy Hour Sphinx Passion Akito Aqua Grand Prix Red Naomi Freedom Esperance Cherry Brandy Aubade Classic Cezanne Versilia Cultivars in Flora Holland experiments: Catch Red Horizon Upper Gold Valentino CoCoS samenvatting; page 19 Wageningen Food & Biobased Research

20 Recommendations for Chrysanthemum 1/3 Choice of cultivar: Selected cultivars can endure dry transportation of 3 weeks. Select cultivars less susceptible to transportation stress (N.B. This is partly influenced by season and breeder). The two tests below, taken together, give the breeder insight into transportation suitability: 20 C test: indicates leaf problems (yellowing) within 4 days Hotbox test: indicates Botrytis infection (flower problems) Packaging: Sleeves can prevent dehydration. The best packaging: dry in sleeve and box CoCoS samenvatting; page 20 Wageningen Food & Biobased Research

21 Recommendations for Chrysanthemum 2/3 Pre cooling The product has to be at the right temperature (0.5 2 C) before transport. There are no differences in quality and vase life between storage at 0.5 C and at 1.5 C. N.B.: Maintain a set point of 0.5 C; flowers in boxes on pallets are warmer (+ 1 C on the average) than the set point. After transportation: Limit the shop phase as it worsens quality problems in leaves (for specific cultivars). Slack flowers recover when re hydrated. Vase life is not related to moisture loss (<11%) during transport. Vase life: Use cut flower nutrients in the vase. CoCoS samenvatting; page 21 Wageningen Food & Biobased Research

22 Recommendations for Chrysanthemum 3/3 Cultivars used in experiments: Anastasia Grand Pink Orlina Yellow Zembla White CoCoS samenvatting; page 22 Wageningen Food & Biobased Research

23 Recommendations for Dianthus Choice of cultivars: Select cultivars less susceptible to transport stress (N.B. This is partly influenced by season and breeder). Pay attention to Botrytis, flower opening and leaf damage. After harvesting: Pre treat the flowers with Chrysal AVB (STS). Pre cooling The product has to be at the right temperature before transport (0.5 2 C). Vase life >10 days of vase life is possible after 2 weeks of dry container transport. Use cut flower nutrients in the vase. CoCoS samenvatting; page 23 Wageningen Food & Biobased Research

24 Recommendations for Alstroemeria 1/2 Choice of cultivar: Select cultivars less susceptible to transport stress. Do this by simulated container transport, using a cool chamber which can be adjusted precisely, if the planned transport period is longer than 3 weeks. After harvesting: Pre treatment: standard Chrysal AVB + BVB stimulate flower opening (AVB effect) at start of vase life. Packaging: Suitable packaging : 1) dry in sleeve and box, horizontal 2) in a bucket with pre treatment solution 3) with perforated lining, vertical Do not use a closed plastic liner, this affects the leaf quality adversely. CoCoS samenvatting; page 24 Flora Holland

25 Recommendations for Alstroemeria 2/2 Pre cooling The product should be at the right temperature before transport (between 0.5 and 2 C). Transportation Optimal transport temperature: C After transportation Rehydrate with Chrysal T bag NG to prevent leaf yellowing. Vase life > 10 days of vase life is possible after a transport period of 4 weeks, with the right choice of cultivar, pre treatment method and packaging. Use cut flower nutrients in the vase. CoCoS samenvatting; page 25 Flora Holland

26 Recommendations for Lilium 1/3 Cultivar choice: Select cultivars based on simulated container transport (using a cool chamber which can be adjusted precisely). Orientals are more suitable for container transport than Asian hybrids. The longer the transportation period, the less the flowering percentage. After harvesting: Pre treatment: standard Chrysal AVB + BVB stimulate flower opening (AVB effect) at start of vase life. Packaging: Orientals: The best way is to transport in water with Chrysal Clear Professional 2 L&A T bag. Asian hybrids: More effect of pre treatment than of packaging. CoCoS samenvatting; page 26 Flora Holland

27 Recommendatins for Lilium 2/3 Pre cooling The product should be at the right temperature before transport (Asian breeds C, Orientals 4 C). Transportation Optimal transport temperature: Asian breeds C, Orientals 4 C Therefore, transport these two varieties separately. The maximum transport period is 2 weeks for Asian breeds and 4 weeks for Orientals. After transportation Rehydrate with Chrysal Clear Professional 2 L&A T bag. CoCoS samenvatting; page 27 Flora Holland

28 Recommendations for Lilium 3/3 Vase life Orientals: >10 days of vase life is possible after a transport period of 4 weeks (with the right choice of cultivar, pre treatment method and packaging). Asian breeds: >7 days of vase life is possible after a maximum transport period of 2 weeks (with the right choice of cultivar, pre treatment method and packaging). Use cutflower nutrients in the vase CoCoS samenvatting; page 28 Flora Holland

29 Recommendations for Solidago re export 1/2 Choice of cultivar: Select cultivars based on simulated container transport (using a cooling chamber which can be adjusted precisely). Packaging: Packing Solidago in a closed (plastic) lining affected the leaf quality adversely. Best packaging: dry, in (plastic, open) sleeve and box Pre cooling The product should be at the right temperature before transport (0.5 2 C). CoCoS samenvatting; page 29 Flora Holland

30 Recommendations for Solidago re export 2/2 Transportation The transport period (for re export) can be prolonged by a maximum of 7 to 14 days, depending on ripeness and branch weight. Setpoint: 0.5 C (up to. 1.5 C. There is no difference in vase life between 0.5 C en 1.5 C for simulated container transport lasting 21 days.) Vase life Use cut flower nutrients in the vase. Vase life (after a recovery phase of 3 days in the shop) becomes critical when container transport is prolonged by 7 days. CoCoS samenvatting; page 30 Flora Holland

31 Recommendations for Gypsophila After harvesting: 60% opening at harvest have less wilting than 80 % opening at harvest. Apply Chrysal AVB (STS) during pre treatment. Packaging: Use a liner in the box. Plastic sleeve results in less wilting than paper. Maritime box results in less wilting than standard airfreight box. Pre cooling The product should be at the right temperature before transport (0.5 2 C). Vase life >14 days of vase life is possible after 3 weeks of dry container transport. Use cut flower nutrients in the vase. CoCoS samenvatting; page 31 Wageningen Food & Biobased Research

32 Recommendations for Cymbidium 1/2 Choice of cultivar: Select cultivar based on simulated transport at 5 C. There are big differences in sensitivity to temperature and Botrytis among the different cultivars. Packaging: Best packaging: sleeve and box, no tube at the stem. Pre cooling The product should be at the right temperature before transport (5 8 C). CoCoS samenvatting; page 32 Flora Holland

33 Recommendations for Cymbidium 2/2 Transportation Setpoint: between 5 and 8 C (no differences found between these temperatures). Maximum transport period: 14 days After transportation Cut off the stem tips and allow to recover in water at 8 C for 12 hours. Vase life > 10 days of vase life is possible after 2 weeks of container transport (with the right choice of cultivar and packaging). Use cut flower nutrients in the vase. CoCoS samenvatting; page 33 Flora Holland

34 CoCoS Containerisatie en Conditionering in Sierteeltketens copyright 2010 Food & Biobased Research copyright 2010 Flora Holland Contact: Janneke de Kramer P.O. box AA Wageningen Tel: Fax: Contact: Henk Barendse Postbus AE Naaldwijk Tel: Fax: