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By Erik Runkle

Transpiration is the process of water movement from the roots to the shoots of plants. Just like photosynthesis and respiration, it is a requisite function for plant growth. As boring as transpiration may sound, understanding the process can provide fundamental insights into successful crop production.

Water and Nutrient Uptake
Water is absorbed as a liquid by roots, moves through the stems and leaves, and is lost as a vapor through very tiny openings on leaves called stomata. This transpiration process is passive, meaning it doesn’t require energy. Instead, the driving force for water movement is from the difference in water potential between the root zone and the atmosphere. The evaporation of water from leaves has the greatest impact on the rate of water uptake and movement through the plant. Minerals are dissolved in water and together, they move from the roots to the shoots. Therefore, nutrient uptake relies upon water uptake, which relies upon a healthy root system and a driving force for evaporation. When water uptake is slowed, such as from insufficient water in the substrate, a poor root system, or high humidity (low vapor-pressure deficit, or VPD), nutrient uptake is simultaneously decreased.

The Winchester farm in Kenya’s Nakuru County is the source of some of the most vibrant shades of roses from East Africa, ranging from scarlet red and vivid white to bright yellow bouquets.

The flowers can now reach the Chinese market in just 17 hours, compared with three days in the past, thanks to express air delivery and simplified customs inspections. Kenya, which is Africa’s largest exporter of flowers to China, exports a total of about 210,000 metric tons of flowers each year, according to the latest figures released by Kenyan authorities. It is the world’s fourth-largest exporter of cut flowers.

The Winchester farm, run by Mzurrie Flowers, one of the more than 300 flower companies in Kenya, exported cut flowers worth millions of dollars last year. Most exports have traditionally been to Western Europe. However, the entry of the Chinese market, which is growing by around 8 percent annually, has been a shot in the arm for the industry, according to the Kenyan Agricultural Ministry.

Gerald Kipkosgei, a technical specialist at the Winchester farm, said that various techniques are used to attain the high standards necessary for the flowers to be acceptable in markets such as China.

Trials show that Florasys products extends the shelf life of roses by 50-100%, says Chanel Daniel-Swartland, Technical Affairs Manager at Tessara, a company that is one of the industry leaders in Sulphur dioxide generating products used for the preservation of fruits and vegetables. The Florasys products, which are recyclable and free of harmful chemicals, are now commercially available in East Africa and will soon be available in South America as well.

Florasys Box Strip and Wrap Florasys was first introduced to the market in 2020 as the Florasys Export Box Strip, used to preserve roses during export. In Jan 2023, Tessara (Pty) Ltd. released a second product under the Florasys brand called the Florasys Wrap. So, how does it work? Florasys products were scientifically formulated by a team of researchers for the preservation of cut roses. Its unique formulation releases sulfur dioxide gas under optimal conditions during transport and storage. Florasys Export Box Strip is placed in the corners of the box once the flowers are packed, and Florasys Wrap is an insert that is placed inside the SFK before bunching. Both products will release SO2 gas under conditions of high humidity. The SO2 acts on the surface of the roses to sterilize and prevent unwanted contamination and infection. This will ensure the best possible results. On top of that, the products are easy to use and safe to handle. And Florasys products do not contain any synthetic fungicides but can offer similar benefits.“

Extending the shelf life of roses by 50 – 100%
Over 50 trials have been done in East Africa (Kenya) alone, and additional trials in South Africa and Ecuador are being conducted, explains Daniel-Swartland. “The trials show that Florasys products are between 50 – 100% effective on different rose varieties to extend the shelf-life of the roses. Detailed stats and an approved variety list are available on request from Tessara representatives.”

The cut flower industry in Kenya is a thriving sector, with the country being one of the leading exporters of fresh flowers worldwide. The journey of these delicate blooms from Kenyan farms to international markets is a complex and delicate process, where maintaining the cold chain is of paramount importance. This entails the use of temperature-controlled vehicles to ensure that flowers are transported at optimal conditions.

The Importance of Temperature- Controlled Vehicles
Cut flowers are highly perishable, and their quality and shelf life are greatly affected by temperature fluctuations. To preserve their freshness and prevent wilting, it is essential to transport them in temperaturecontrolled vehicles, often referred to as refrigerated trucks or reefer trucks. These vehicles maintain a consistent and controlled environment, ensuring that the flowers remain at the ideal temperature and humidity levels throughout the transportation process.

Hamish Ker has been appointed as Andermatt Kenya’s Chief Executive Officer, effective 1st December 2023. “We have an opportunity to help our customers meet the demands of biological solutions and we are excited to welcome Hamish to the team!” the Andermatt team says.

“We want to thank Stephen Musyoka, who has been instrumental in establishing Andermatt Kenya as a going concern since inception these past four years – as an early adopter and pioneer of biological farming solutions in Kenya.”

“Stephen has assisted in positioning Andermatt business for future growth/ development in 2024 and beyond. We are grateful for Stephen’s contributions to Andermatt and the impact we created together over the last four years. Stephen will take up a new role within the company as General Manager, Macrobial business. With the development of the Andermatt footprint in Kenya and the continued investment in our macrobial production capacity we are confident of the growing role Andermatt must play in the rapidly growing demand for Healthy Food and Healthy Environment for all!”

Andermatt’s Journey in Africa
Healthy Food and Healthy Environment for all, speaks directly to Africa and her people.

Andermatt’s vision in Africa is focused on feeding the continent sustainably, as well as strengthening local economies through the export of high-quality, residue-free, healthy food.

South African based Andermatt Madumbi and Andermatt PHP, are recognised as well established, market leaders in the distribution and manufacture of quality biological solutions.

The first half of 2023 witnessed a series of pivotal moments that set the course for the future of Africa’s fresh produce export sector. From innovative freight solutions to lifting existing bans, the industry experienced significant events that had a lasting impact on its growth and performance in the years ahead.

New regulations imposed on Mango exporters in Kenya
From November 2023, mango exporters in Kenya were subject to stringent physical inspections of their mangoes before shipment, with the location of their packhouse being subject to inspections facilitated by The Agriculture and Food Authority Horticultural Crops Directive.

The measures came into place due to issues concerning mangoes being mixed with avocados during sea freight, which breached horticulture crop regulations. This action also came in response to the AFA’s ban on October 31 to cease the delivery of avocados, which were being exported prematurely. AFA implemented a directive to physically inspect mango exports consignments after concerns that some exporters had been blending mangoes with avocados for sea shipments.

By Mary Mwende

Floriculture, has evolved significantly in recent years with the emergence of two distinct approaches: hydroponic and substrate-based systems. These methods offer unique advantages and require specialized nutrition management strategies to ensure the healthy growth and vibrant blooms of flowers. Hydroponic floriculture relies on a soilless environment, with essential nutrients delivered through precisely balanced nutrient solutions, while substratebased floriculture employs solid, soilless substrates supplemented with additional nutrients.

Hydroponic Floriculture
Hydroponics is a soilless growing system where plants are cultivated in an inert medium, such as rock wool, coco coir, or perlite. These media serve as physical supports for plants, but they do not provide any nutritional value. In hydroponic floriculture, all essential nutrients are supplied through a carefully balanced nutrient solution.

Growing Medium: The growing medium in hydroponic systems is essentially an anchor for plant roots. It is chosen for its inert nature, moisture retention capabilities, and the ability to hold the plant in place. The absence of soil eliminates the risk of soil-borne diseases and pests, offering a more controlled environment for plant growth.

Cut flower cultivation is an art that demands meticulous care and attention to detail. Whether you are a professional floriculturist or an avid hobbyist, the joy of cultivating vibrant, blooming flowers is unparalleled. However, like any other form of agriculture, cut flower growing comes with its own set of challenges, and one persistent problem that often plagues flower growers is the infestation of mealybugs.

Mealybugs, members of the Pseudococcidae family, are small, softbodied insects that feed on the sap of plants. These pests can wreak havoc on cut flower crops, causing stunted growth, distorted blooms, and even transmitting plant diseases.

Understanding Mealybugs
Mealybugs are a common menace in horticulture, affecting a wide range of plants, including popular cut flower varieties. These tiny insects have a soft, cottony appearance, often resembling small tufts of cotton or white powder. Mealybugs feed on plant sap by inserting their needlelike mouthparts into plant tissues, extracting nutrients and causing damage in the process.

One of the challenges posed by mealybugs is their rapid reproduction. Female mealybugs can lay hundreds of eggs, leading to exponential population growth if left unchecked. Additionally, mealybugs excrete a sticky substance known as honeydew, which promotes the growth of sooty mold, further compromising the health of the host plant.

Welcome to the exciting financial journey of 2024! It’s a ride full of possibilities for savvy investors like you. Picture this: smart investing in 2024 goes beyond the usual. We’re talking artificial intelligence, blockchain, and more! This guide is your ticket to manoeuvring through the financial twists and turns.

Here’s the scoop: stay in the know, and adapt to trends. Think beyond the usual—sustainability and social responsibility are the new cool. With global shifts and tech magic, we’ll show you how to ride the waves. Get ready for a ride where adaptability, innovation, and a bit of strategy lead the way. Let’s dive into the world of smart investing in 2024!

Embrace Technological Innovation
In the fast-paced world of finance, technology is king. From blockchain to artificial intelligence, staying ahead of the curve is crucial. Look for companies leveraging cutting-edge technologies, which will likely be tomorrow’s gamechangers. Tech-driven investments provide growth potential and position your portfolio for resilience in an increasingly digital world.

Keep an Eye on Inflation
Inflation can erode the purchasing power of your money. In 2024, with economic shifts and changing policies, keeping a vigilant eye on inflation is crucial. Invest in assets that historically perform well during inflationary periods, such as real estate and commodities. By staying proactive, you can safeguard your portfolio against the erosive effects of rising prices. In addition to monitoring inflation, starting an emergency fund is essential. Step in achieving financial security.

East Africa, Kenya has emerged as a prominent player in the global cut flower industry. The nation’s temperate climate, fertile soils, and skilled labour force create a favorable environment for producing a wide variety of high-quality cut flowers. In this realm of horticulture, scouting, a fundamental agricultural practice, takes center stage. This practice involves systematic monitoring of crops for pests, diseases, and other growth-related issues. In Kenya’s cut flower growing sector, scouting plays a pivotal role in ensuring product quality, maintaining profitability, and upholding sustainability.

I. The Significance of Scouting in Cut Flower Growing
Cut flower growing is a delicate balance between art and science, where care and attention are essential to produce aesthetically pleasing and healthy blooms. Scouting, is an indispensable practice that aligns with the principles of sustainable agriculture. It involves continuous monitoring of crops to detect the early signs of pests, diseases, nutrient imbalances, and other stressors that might hamper plant growth.