REPORT ON

INDUSTRIAL TRAINING
AT

Mike Flora (Pvt) Ltd.

Submitted by S.N.M. Wickramarathne 06/AG/071 EG - 445

Department of Export Agriculture (Module Commercial Horticulture) Faculty of Agricultural Sciences Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka Belihuloya 2011

REPORT ON INDUSTRIAL TRAINING AT Mike Flora (Pvt) Ltd. By S.N.M. Wickramarathne 06/AG/071 This report is submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of B.Sc. Agricultural Sciences and Management Department of Export Agriculture, Module Commercial Horticulture Faculty of Agricultural Sciences Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka Belihuloya 2011 Approved by Dr. G.D.K. Kumara (Internal Supervisor) Senior Lecturer, Department of Export Agriculture, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka. Date: Date: .. Mr. Uditha Samarasinghe (External Supervisor) Technical Manager, Mike Flora (Pvt) Ltd., Rambukkana.

Dr. G.D.K. Kumara Head/ Department of Export Agriculture, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka. Date:

ii

This Report is affectionately dedicated to my loving parents and Teachers

iii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT First and foremost I am deeply indebted to my internal supervisor Dr. G.D.K. Kumara, Senior lecturer, Head/ Department of Export Agriculture, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, who directed, assisted, motivated and encouraged me, all the time in studying and acquiring a better training. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my external supervisor Mr. Uditha Samarasinghe, Technical manager, Mike Flora (Pvt) Ltd., who always helped, assisted provided necessary information and allowed me to be trained in different sections of the company to complete this training programme successfully. I also dedicate my grateful thanks to Mr. Arjuna Balasooriya, General Manager, Mike Flora (Pvt) Ltd., who gave me the permission to be trained in Mike Flora nursery and facilitated the requirements during the training period. I am heartily thankful to Dr. A.D. Ampitiyawatta, Dean, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, for giving this valuable opportunity of industrial training programme for the fulfillment of my B.Sc Agricultural Sciences and Management degree programme. I further thank to Dr. P.K. Dissanayake, Senior Lecturer, the training Coordinator, Department of Export Agriculture, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, who coordinated me to be trained in a better training center. I would like to express my gratitude to all the staff members of Mike Flora (Pvt) Ltd. those who gave me the heartfelt help during my training period to complete the training ecstatically and successfully. I want to be thankful to all the other people who helped, encouraged, and motivated me to success of the training.

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EXECUTIVE SUMMERY Recently the floriculture sector is playing an important role in Sri Lankan agriculture earning considerable foreign exchange and employment opportunities for the country because the consumption of floricultural products is increasing with the increasing per capita income in most of countries throughout the world. Sri Lanka is also having higher potential to gain a greater income by exporting floricultural items. Introduction of high technology due to globalization and open economy has helped to increase the production of vast range of floricultural items in quality and quantity wise. This report provides a broad view of the related theoretical and practical aspects studied during the industrial training programme undertaken at Mike Flora (Pvt) Ltd. at Rambukkana which is a leading export oriented foliage nursery in Sri Lanka. During this training period vast practical knowledge was gained in relation to plant production activities, research and development activities, administration and some aspects of marketing. Mike Flora (Pvt) Ltd. has been recognized as one of the high quality foliage plant exporter to the international market especially to the Netherlands and to Japan. The company successfully manages the production flow to achieve the programmed production. All the activities are properly planned by the company according to the committed orders. As well as the Strengths, there are several weaknesses in this company which can be corrected to be more strengthen in the foliage market.

TABLE OF CONTENT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ........................................................................................ iv EXECUTIVE SUMMERY ........................................................................................ v LIST OF TABLES .................................................................................................... x LIST FIGURES........................................................................................................ xi LIST OF PLATES................................................................................................... xii LIST OF ANNEXES .............................................................................................. xiii CHAPTER ONE ...................................................................................................... 1 1. INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................... 1 1.1 1.2 World floriculture industry ...................................................................... 1 Sri Lankan floriculture industry ............................................................... 3 The world market for Sri Lankan floriculture .................................... 5 Potentials for development of floriculture sector in Sri Lanka ........... 5 Constraints for development of floriculture sector in Sri Lanka ......... 6

1.2.1 1.2.2 1.2.3

CHAPTER TWO..................................................................................................... 7 2. THE COMPANY ......................................................................................... 7 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Background, history and present status of the company............................ 7 Logo, vision, mission and strategy of the company .................................. 7 Administrative structure of the company.................................................. 9 General structure of the company............................................................10

CHAPTER THREE ...............................................................................................12 3. MAJOR VARIETIES GROWN IN NURSERY ........................................12 3.1 3.2 Foliage plant varieties exported and their modes of export ......................12 Field plant varieties.................................................................................13 Codiaeum variegatum......................................................................13 Aglaonema spp. ...............................................................................16 Cordyline spp. .................................................................................18 vi

3.2.1 3.2.2 3.2.3

3.2.4 3.2.5 3.3

Dracaena spp. .................................................................................20 Miscanthus sinensis .........................................................................22

Hanging plants ........................................................................................23 Scindapsus spp. ...............................................................................23

3.3.1

CHAPTER FOUR ..................................................................................................25 4. GROWING MEDIA USED IN NURSERY ...............................................25 4.1 4.2 4.3 Preparation of growing medium for field plants ......................................25 Preparation of growing medium for propagation .....................................25 Preparation of growing medium for hanging pots....................................26 Preparation of Basamid/ Dazomet treated media ............................26

4.3.1

CHAPTER FIVE ....................................................................................................27 5. ESTABLISHMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF MOTHER PLANT

STOCK ...............................................................................................................27 5.1 Establishment of field plants ...................................................................28 Site selection and bed preparation ....................................................28 Field establishment of plants in beds................................................29 Field establishment of plants in poly bags ........................................30

5.1.1 5.1.2 5.1.3 5.2 5.3 5.4

Establishment of mother plants in hanging pots ......................................31 Establishment of mother plant stock in hydroponics system ....................32 Maintenance of mother plants .................................................................33 Irrigation .........................................................................................33 Fertilizer application ........................................................................35 Pest and disease management ..........................................................36

5.4.1 5.4.2 5.4.3 5.5

Other maintenance activities ...................................................................39 Pruning ............................................................................................39 Pinching and thumb nailing .............................................................39 Weeding ..........................................................................................40

5.5.1 5.5.2 5.5.3

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5.5.4 5.5.5

Replanting or redevelopment ...........................................................40 Outside purchasing of planting materials .........................................40

CHAPTER SIX.......................................................................................................41 6. HARVESTING OF FOLIAGE PLANTS ..................................................41 6.1 6.2 Considerations at harvesting ...................................................................41 Harvesting procedure ..............................................................................42

CHAPTER SEVEN ................................................................................................46 7. PROPAGATION OF FOLIAGE PLANTS ...............................................46 7.1 7.2 Sexual propagation .................................................................................46 Vegetative propagation ...........................................................................47 Sand propagation section .................................................................48 Hydro propagation section ...............................................................50 Canes propagation section ...............................................................51

7.2.1 7.2.2 7.2.3

CHAPTER EIGHT ................................................................................................55 8. POST HARVEST HANDLING AND PACKING OF FOLIAGE PLANTS 55 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 8.5 Post harvest handling of canes ................................................................55 Post harvest handling of URC and rooted cuttings ..................................55 Packing operations ..................................................................................58 Methods of packaging .............................................................................60 Packing operations of different plant products ........................................62 Un-rooted cuttings ...........................................................................62 Canes ...............................................................................................62 Cut leaves ........................................................................................63

8.5.1 8.5.2 8.5.3 8.6 8.7

Special considerations at packing ............................................................63 Storage and transportation ......................................................................64

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CHAPTER NINE ...................................................................................................65 9. MARKETING AND EXPORT DOCUMENTATION ..............................65 9.1 9.2 Marketing procedure at Mike Flora (Pvt) Ltd. .........................................65 Export documentation .............................................................................65

CHAPTER TEN .....................................................................................................66 10. PLANT QUARANTINE ACTIVITIES .....................................................66 CHAPTER ELEVEN .............................................................................................67 11. DISCUSSION ..............................................................................................67 11.1 11.2 11.3 11.4 Strengths .............................................................................................67 Weaknesses .........................................................................................68 Opportunities ......................................................................................68 Threats ................................................................................................68

12. REFERENCES ...........................................................................................69

ix

LIST OF TABLES Table 1: World top ten importing countries ............................................................... 2 Table 2: World top ten exporting countries ............................................................... 3 Table 3: Sri Lankan Floriculture Exports .................................................................. 4 Table 4: Major plant varieties and their planting space.............................................29 Table 5: Common pests, susceptible plants and control measures performed by the company...................................................................................................................37 Table 6: Common diseases, susceptible plants and control measures performed by the company...................................................................................................................38 Table 7: Materials for propagator construction and their usage ................................48 Table 8: Plant varieties and required propagation period ..........................................50 Table 9: Propagation period of hydro propagated varieties .......................................51 Table 10: Different types of packing boxes ..............................................................64

LIST FIGURES Figure 1: Administrative structure of Rambukkana nursery ...................................... 9 Figure 2: General structure and the production flow of the company .......................11 Figure 3: Schematic diagram of coir fiber sterilizing steamer used in Mike Flora nursery .....................................................................................................................25 Figure 4: Schematic diagram of a constructed bed ...................................................28 Figure 5: Schematic diagram of arrangement of hanging pots ..................................32 Figure 6: Fertilizer cycle for hanging pots ...............................................................36 Figure 7: Major steps in harvesting and potting of cuttings ......................................44 Figure 8: Major steps in harvesting and potting of Miscanthus ................................45 Figure 9: Major steps in harvesting and potting of single nodal cuttings of Scindapsus spp. ..........................................................................................................................45 Figure 10: Steps of canes propagation .....................................................................53 Figure 11: Postharvest handling of canes .................................................................56 Figure 12: Process of postharvest handling of URCs and rooted cuttings .................57

xi

LIST OF PLATES Plate 1: Codiaeum variegatum varieties grown in Mike Flora nursery......................15 Plate 2: Aglaonema spp. grown in Mike Flora nursery .............................................17 Plate 3: Cordyline spp. grown in Mike Flora nursery ...............................................19 Plate 4: Dracaena spp. grown in Mike Flora nursery ...............................................21 Plate 5: Miscanthus sinensis grown in Mike Flora nursery .......................................22 Plate 6: Scindapsus spp. grown in Mike Flora nursery .............................................24 Plate 7: Bed preparation and plant establishment .....................................................30 Plate 8: Bed preparation for poly bags .....................................................................31 Plate 9: Arrangement of hanging pots of Scindapsus spp. in Mike Flora nursery ......32 Plate 10: Scindapsus aureus in hydroponic system in Mike Flora nursery................33 Plate 11: Different irrigation methods practiced in Mike Flora nursery ....................35 Plate 12: Pruning and pinching of foliage plants ......................................................39 Plate 13: Specifications considered at harvesting .....................................................42 Plate 14: Operations of harvesting section ...............................................................43 Plate 15: Queen palm propagation; germinated seeds with pseudo leaves and transferred plants to plastic pots................................................................................47 Plate 16: Bed preparation in sand propagation section .............................................49 Plate 17: Structure of the propagator house ..............................................................51 Plate 18: Production process of canes section ..........................................................52 Plate 19: Post harvest handling and packaging of foliage plants ...............................59 Plate 20: Other concerns in packaging of foliage plants ...........................................61 Plate 21: Detailed illustration of a packing box ........................................................63 Plate 22: Different types of boxes used for packing of foliage plants in Mike Flora (Pvt) Ltd. ................................................................................................................. 64 xii

LIST OF ANNEXES Annexure 01: Compatibility between pesticides mixed together for application Annexure 02: Agrochemicals used in Mike Flora nursery Annexure 03: Quality assurance report (propagators & packing section) Annexure 04: Variety list with modes and sizes Annexure 05: Phytosanitary inspection requesting form Annexure 06: Order form Annexure 07: Site map Annexure 08: Fungicide cycle Annexure 09: Miticide cycle

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CHAPTER ONE 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 World floriculture industry

The production of flowers and ornamental plants for aesthetic purposes including indoor gardening is termed as floriculture. Floriculture has been identified as one of the most profitable agro enterprise. This could generate increased self- employment from unit land area. The floral industry is one of the major industries in many developed and developing countries. This industry began in the late 1800s in England. At the moment the floral industry is a dynamic, global, fast-growing industry, which has achieved significant growth rates during the past few decades. Floriculture sector is experiencing rapid changes throughout the world. Consumption of floricultural products is increasing with the increasing percapita income. The production of floricultural items has grown quite consistently over the last 20 years. Floriculture product categories in the world Foliage plants o Starting materials o Semi-finished plants o Finished plants Flowering plants Cut leaves for decorative purposes Cut flowers Others o Bulbs o Dried flowers and foliage o Flower seeds o Tissue cultured plants o Aquatic plants o Landscaping plants

Foliage market seems to run in the line with the increase in cut flowers sales as a whole. Consumers buy floricultural items because of traditions, culture and lifestyle. In the more prosperous countries they use flowers to express themselves in line with their life style. Furthermore, businesses and organizations also use these products for decorations to create a certain atmosphere contributing to their image. Buyers require products with consistent quality, low price, and added value (Anon 01). During the last century and a half, the foliage plant industry has become truly global. The current situation can be simplified as four centers of foliage plant origins (Africa, Asia, Australia, and Central and South America), four regions producing propagules (Asia, Central and South America, Europe and North America), and three regions of finished plant production (Asia, Europe, and North America) (Anon 02). Table 1: World top ten importing countries Country Average imports (million US$) Germany USA UK France Netherland Japan Italy Switzerland Austria Belgium Total 930.58 897.22 772.85 520.85 508.42 216.57 206.33 189.30 76.70 134.70 4452.79 Percentage share of total imports (%) 21 20 17 12 11 5 5 4 2 3 100

Source: Floriculture international 2004

Table 2: World top ten exporting countries Country Export value (million US$) The Netherlands Colombia Ecuador Kenya Italy Israel Spain Belgium Thailand Germany 2911.253 699.457 340.810 231.370 83.624 81.826 76.672 64.232 63.611 43.380 Share in world cut flower market (as %) 64 14 7 6 2 2 2 1 1 1

Source: International Trade Commission UNCTAD Switzerland (2006) 1.2 Sri Lankan floriculture industry

Floriculture is becoming a lucrative industry in Sri Lanka, and today it has become a profitable industry that provides more benefits than other agricultural crops. Floriculture has a history of over 2000 years in Sri Lanka. It was only after the British rule that floriculture really came into practice not as an industry but mainly as a hobby for pleasure. Later, with many new introductions of tropical and sub-tropical plants the trend was gradually passed down to other levels of society. Floriculture in Sri Lanka started as an industry in 1970. It has grown substantially during the last few years to become one of Sri Lanka's major foreign exchange generating ventures. Europe is the major market for Sri Lankan floricultural products and accounted for 62% of total floriculture exports in year 2009. The Netherlands is the leading importer in Europe and continues to be the number one market for Sri Lankan floriculture products absorbing 36% of total exports in year 2009. Japan, South Korea and the Middle East are the other major import markets (Anon 04). Floricultural crop production in Sri Lanka involves 3 main categories. Large scale Middle level - Export oriented cultivators - Growers catering to the local market

Small-level

- Cultivators who sell their products to the two

categories mentioned above. They play an important role in the Sri Lankan floriculture market for exportation of products as well as for local consumption. Large scale growers mainly target the export market. Western, North Western and Central provinces in Sri Lanka are the major areas where cut flowers and foliage plants are grown commercially. The total land area under floriculture is around 500 ha at present and the majority of lands are in the Western province. There are 10 ha under carnations, 3 ha under roses, 2 ha under gerberas, 10 ha under anthuriums, 3 ha under orchids and 472 ha under foliage plants. These figures clearly show that the floriculture trends in Sri Lanka have been in favors of foliage plants. Sri Lanka is blessed with a wide range of climatic conditions, which facilitates year around growth of a variety of tropical or temperate floriculture products; hence, it is good to grow diverse ornamental plants, which could be developed to satisfy the demands of the industry. Sri Lankan product assortment consists of the following product lines;

Ornamental foliage plants Cut decorative leaves Cut flowers Aquarium plants Landscaping plants Tissue cultured plants

Table 3: Sri Lankan Floriculture Exports

Value of Exports (US$) Product Live Plants Cut Flowers Fresh Decorative Leaves Total 2006 4,989,546 5,597,486 661,931 11,248,963 2007 4,873,013 6,323,128 832,232 12,028,373 2008 6,798,738 6,568,802 816,442 14,183,982 2009 5,894,094 5,117,526 435,240 11,446,860 2010 5,923,955 4,701,978 1,116,914 11,742,847

Source: Sri Lanka Customs Statistics (Anon 04) 4

1.2.1

The world market for Sri Lankan floriculture Total world imports; 2010-US$ billion 17.1 Sri Lankan exports; 2010-US$ million 11.7 Growth in Sri Lankan exports; 2006-2010 - 3% Sri Lankan share in the world market; 2010- 0.1% World ranking; 2010-52 nd place

(Anon 04) 1.2.2 Potentials for development of floriculture sector in Sri Lanka Sri Lanka's stable and varied tropical climatic conditions and the geographic terrains from sea level up to 2200 m of humid mounts have created magnificent macro and micro environments to house thousands of local as well as sub-tropical and temperate plants. Sri Lanka has a favorable location to serve different markets in the world. Availability of land and the high literacy rate of the average person would be an added benefit to those who wish to invest in the industry. In addition, the tax benefits and BOI incentives granted by the government would help bring in more investors to the country and facilitate further development of the existing industry. Furthermore, the new policy framework prepared by the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands has clearly identified the need to initiate a Floriculture Research and Development Programme. This programme will cover many areas such as agronomy, pathology, entomology, mutation, breeding, postharvest and mass propagation to support the industry. Institutional support o Floriculture Produce Exporters Association o Department of Agriculture o Department of National Botanical Gardens o Department of Forest o Department of Wild Life Conservation o Department of Commerce o Sri Lanka Customs, are some supportive institutions for the development of floriculture sector in Sri Lanka (Anon 04).

1.2.3

Constraints for development of floriculture sector in Sri Lanka Inadequacy and high cost of air cargo

Sri Lankan Air Lines the national carrier has always given priority to perishable cargo. However, the available capacity is not sufficient and the cost of cargo is also high because the floricultural products are also priced according to weight basis. Lack of facilities for research and development

So far only the Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya has been involving in providing assistance all categories of growers, but this is negligible when compared to the ever increasing demands of the industry. Lack of trained personnel

The floriculture industry requires trained personnel at each level of production. Education programmes from schools up to University level and training institutes to conduct courses on high-tech practical skills in floriculture are essential for the development of the industry. Large initial investment on farms

Duty free facilities for import of vital items not produced in Sri Lanka such as shade nets, UV stabilized polythene, irrigation and fertilizing systems etc. would help to promote the industry. Lack of improved systems of marketing

Lack of proper or organized systems for marketing and inadequacy of current international market information on prices, trends, volumes and data on competitive countries etc, severely affect the development of the industry. The uneconomical size of floriculture industry

Difficulty in acquiring suitable land and lack of infrastructure facilities also adversely affect the industry. Lack of information on pesticides

Current information on pesticides and their acceptance in various countries is essential. Phytosanitary clearance

Phytosanitary inspection just prior to shipment is inconvenient and expensive, besides leaving no time to rectify any problems (Anon 04).

CHAPTER TWO 2. THE COMPANY 2.1 Background, history and present status of the company

Mike Flora group consist of Mike Flora (Pvt) Ltd., Mike Flora International Ltd., Mike Biotech Asia (Pvt) Ltd., which have gained much recognition as suppliers of quality exotic tropical plants to the international market. The head of Mike Flora group is situated at No 65/11, Swarnadisi place, Koswatte, Nawala, Rajagiriya. Nurseries are situated at Rambukkana as well as at Nawala. Rambukkana belongs to the agro ecological region WL 2b with more than 2000 mm rainfall. Average temperature is about 31.5 and the average Relative Humidity is around 85%. The terrain is steeply dissected, rolling and undulating. Red yellow podzolic soils with strongly mottled sub soil, Reddish brown Latosolic and Low humic Glay soil types available in this region. All these conditions and moderately warm climate are ideal for the healthy growth of tropical foliage plants. Mike Flora (Pvt) Ltd. has been established on 28th of March 1980, funded by its present Managing Director Mr. Mihindu Keerthirathne who has nurtured over the years to its present status to make it one leading exporters of foliage plants and flora to the world. With the time the company has developed year by year with increasing number of varieties exported and income gained by exportation. Now the land area of the company extended up to about 68 acres occupied with higher number of plant varieties. 2.2 Logo, vision, mission and strategy of the company Logo

Vision

Its vision is to be the most preferred horticulture company in Sri Lanka. Mission

Its mission is to: o Maintain the best managed nurseries holding the widest in product variety o Achieve and sustain product quality excellence o Be the most sought after exporter And by virtue of that fact to: o Satisfy their stake holders o Maintain a competent, pro-active and contended staff o Be a responsible corporate citizen

Strategy

Mike Flora is an innovative group with the strategy to explore the possibility of marketing commercially viable new varieties. Cordyline compacta Mike silver, Scindapsus joy are several products developed by the company and it has obtained patent rights. While engaging in developing new products, the company has been able to meet the customer needs, which has given a definite advantage for the company over its competitors due to the standards maintained by the company. Due to the standards maintained in the field of exports following achievements and awards has been awarded (Anon 03). Florissima 1990 Merit Award Export Development Council of Ministers 1990 Merit Award Export Development Council of Ministers 1991 Award of distinction Eco Flora 1997 Silver Award National chamber of exporters 2002 Good Growing Practices (GGP) Netherlands Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certified

2.3

Administrative structure of the company

Mike Flora (Pvt) Ltd. has a well-organized administrative structure for the better production and exportation of foliage plants for the international market. All staff members have different kind of responsibilities and specialized in their work with knowledge and experience. The administrative structure of the Mike Flora (Pvt) Ltd. is shown in figure 01.

Managing Director (MD)

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Group General Manager (GGM)

Nursery Manager

Production Manager

Technical Manager

Export coordinator

Supervisors

Clerks

Personnel assistant

Store keeper

Technical assistant In-charge Propagator 01 In-charge Propagator 02 In-charge Propagator 03

Workers

Workers

Workers

Workers

Figure 1: Administrative structure of Rambukkana nursery

2.4

General structure of the company

Company has different units or sections and each unit has a responsible leader who has good experiences on specific operations. There are five major sections in the nursery. They are; 1. Mother plant stock/ the field 2. Harvesting section 3. Propagators 4. Canes section 5. Packing section Relationship among above sections is shown in figure 02. Except those major sections there are other important units which are related to the plant production, exportation and controlling of general activities of the company such as the office, the laboratory, stores etc.

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Mother stock Harvesting section

URCs & cut foliage

URCs

Propagation section Administration Selection & grading Treatment application Potting Propagation Packing section Cleaning & washing Selection Rooted plants

Poor quality plants

Good quality plants Grading & cutting Bundling Pre cooling Packing Weighing Labeling

Return for propagation Mother plant development Composting Dispose

Transportation for export

Cooling

Figure 2: General structure and the production flow of the company 11

CHAPTER THREE 3. MAJOR VARIETIES GROWN IN NURSERY Mike Flora grows more than 70 ornamental foliage varieties for exportation. Majority of those varieties belong to Aglaonema spp., Codiaeum variegatum, Cordyline spp. Dracaena spp. Miscanthus sinensis, Scindapsus spp. 3.1 Foliage plant varieties exported and their modes of export

Following plant varieties are the major varieties exported by Mike Flora company. Those varieties are exported in different modes (Annexure - 04). Modes are represented by different types of plant establishment. That means the same variety is exported in more than a few export modes. The export mode is determined by the client or the buyer. Followings are the major different types of export modes exist in Mike Flora (Pvt) Ltd.; URC Leaf 1ppn 2ppn 3ppn 4ppn 5ppn - 1 Plant per net pot - 2 Plants per net pot - 3 Plants per net pot - 4 Plants per net pot - 5 Plants per net pot - Un-rooted Cuttings

1 ppo 2 ppo 3 ppo 4 ppo 5 ppo 7 ppo 8ppo

- 1 Plants per Oasis - 2 Plants per Oasis - 3 Plants per Oasis - 4 Plants per Oasis - 5 Plants per Oasis - 7 Plants per Oasis - 8 Plants per Oasis

1cpn

- 1 cane per net pot

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3.2 3.2.1

Field plant varieties Codiaeum variegatum

Codiaeum variegatum is a species of plant in the genus Codiaeum, which is a member of the family Euphorbiaceae. It is native to Southern India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Western Pacific ocean islands. It is an evergreen shrub growing to 3 m tall and has large, thick, leathery, shiny evergreen leaves, alternately arranged, 5-30 cm long and 0.5-8 cm broad. Mother plant stock is maintained under 60% shade in raised beds and in poly bags using usual growing medium. Mulching is done annually. This species is mainly exported as un-rooted cuttings. Other than that it is exported in net pots and in oasis mode too. Fertilizer application is performed according to a programme. All the sources of macro and micro nutrients are mixed together and field is drenched weekly. During rainy season Ca(NO3)2; Field grade is applied since the field cannot be drenched weekly Big-leaf crotons Codiaeum variegatum Excellent Codiaeum variegatum Petra Codiaeum variegatum Wilma

Mini-leaf crotons Codiaeum variegatum Gold star Codiaeum variegatum Mariana Codiaeum variegatum Mini curly Codiaeum variegatum Pictum Codiaeum variegatum Sunny star Codiaeum variegatum Yellow banana Codiaeum variegatum Bush and fire Codiaeum variegatum Gold sun Codiaeum variegatum Mummy Codiaeum variegatum Mrs. Iceton

13

Codiaeum variegatum Excellent

Codiaeum variegatum Petra

Codiaeum variegatum Wilma

Codiaeum Gold sun

variegatum

Codiaeum Gold star

variegatum

Codiaeum

variegatum

Codiaeum Mini curly

variegatum

Bush and fire

14

Codiaeum Sunny star

variegatum

Codiaeum

variegatum

Yellow banana

Codiaeum Icetone

variegatum

Codiaeum Mummy

variegatum

Plate 1: Codiaeum variegatum varieties grown in Mike Flora nursery

15

3.2.2

Aglaonema spp.

Aglaonema is a genus of about 40 species of foliage plants in the family Araceae, native to Southeastern Asia. No common name is widely used, though they are sometimes called "Chinese Evergreens". They are herbaceous perennial plants ornamentally grown to about 20 cm in height. The leaves are alternate on the stems, lanceolate to narrowly ovate, about 10-15 cm long and 4-6 cm broad, depending on the species. In Mike Flora nursery Aglaonema species are grown in raised beds as well as in grow bags under 60% shade using usual growing medium. Aglaonema Silver Queen is the most demanded species out of several Aglaonema species grown in Mike Flora fields. This variety is exported as un-rooted cuttings as well as oasis based rooted plants, which are propagated inside the propagator house. Followings are the major Aglaonema species grown in this nursery. Aglaonema circhuwana Aglaonema Malay beauty Aglaonema maranthifolia Aglaonema Maria Aglaonema pseudobracteatum Aglaonema Silver queen

16

Aglaonema Malay beauty

Aglaonema pseudobacterium

Aglaonema Silver queen

Aglaonema maranthafolia

Aglaonema Maria

Aglaonema circhuwana

Plate 2: Aglaonema spp. grown in Mike Flora nursery

17

3.2.3

Cordyline spp.

Belongs to family Agavaceae. Cordyline represents about 15 species in tropical, sub tropical and warm temperate regions, mostly native to New Zealand, Australia, Malaya, and indigenous to South America. These plants are grown for their handsome foliage. Mike Flora (Pvt) Ltd. maintains more than 5000 m2 of land area for the mother plant stock of Cordyline spp. under 60% shade level. This species also established in raised beds using usual growing medium. Fertilizer application is done three-week interval. Mulching is done annually with planting medium. While the Cordyline fruticosa varieties are exported as rooted plants in net pots and in oasis pieces, the Cordyline terminalis varieties are exported as un-rooted cuttings. Followings are the major Cordyline varieties grown in this nursery; Cordyline fruiticosa Purple compacta Cordyline fruiticosa Green compacta Cordyline fruiticosa Red compacta Cordyline fruiticosa Mike silver compacta Cordyline fruiticosa Gold compacta Cordyline terminalis cv. Red edge Cordyline terminalis cv. White edge

18

Cordyline fruiticosa Purple compacta

Cordyline fruiticosa Green compacta

Cordyline fruiticosa Red compacta

Cordyline fruiticosa Mike silver compacta

Cordyline fruiticosa Gold compacta

Cordyline terminalis White edge

Plate 3: Cordyline spp. grown in Mike Flora nursery

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3.2.4

Dracaena spp.

There are several species of Dracaena cultivated in Mike Flora nursery. Dracaena sanderiana, Dracaena godseffiana, Dracaena marginata, Dracaena fragrance etc. Out of that Dracaena sanderiana and Dracaena godseffiana are the major species grown, as those two varieties are highly demanded over the other species. Dracaena sanderiana is one of the major plant species grown in Mike Flora nursery. It is a highly demanded species as un-rooted cuttings (URCs). Other than URCs, Dracaena sanderiana is exported as rooted plants in net pots and oasis based modes. This variety is commonly known as Chinese bamboo or Lucky bamboo. They are well adapted as house plants and consist with attractive, durable, little rosette and thin leathery foliage. Dracaena sanderiana is established under 60% shade in raised beds using usual growing medium. pH of medium is maintained in between 5.5 - 6.0 and it is adjusted by applying Dolomite. Irrigation is done by means of sprinkler irrigation and the frequency of irrigation may vary according to the existing weather conditions. Fertilizer application is done according to a programme [Balanced fertilizer; 21:21:21 and Ca(NO3)2 are applied rotationally]. If any deficiency appears, relevant macro or micro nutrient is added to recover the problem. Followings are the four types of Dracaena sanderiana varieties exported from Mike Flora; Dracaena sanderiana Gold Dracaena sanderiana White Dracaena sanderiana Victory Dracaena sanderiana cellus

Dracaena godseffiana is a plant species which is having a higher ornamental value as an indoor plant. This species consist of delicate leaves long elliptic, thicker, and more spotted with ivory white to yellow color. Establishment and maintenance is same as the Dracaena sanderiana. Dracaena godseffiana is exported as rooted plants which are propagated by means of hydro, sand, oasis and coir fiber. There are two varieties belonging to this species. The leaf color is different in two varieties. Dracaena godseffiana Florida beauty Dracaena godseffiana Green 20

Dracaena sanderiana Victory

Dracaena sanderiana White

Dracaena sanderiana Gold

Dracaena sanderiana cellus

Dracaena godseffiana Florida beauty

Plate 4: Dracaena spp. grown in Mike Flora nursery

21

3.2.5

Miscanthus sinensis

This belongs to family Liliaceae. The plants consist of an attractive form of leaves: long-linear, symmetrically arranged, stripped in white or yellow color. Mother plant stocks of Miscanthus sinensis are maintained under both open field and inside the net houses. In open field Miscanthus plants are cultivated under natural shade. Miscanthus species are exported in different modes such as cut foliage, bare roots and rooted plants in net pots and oasis etc. Miscanthus sinensis Green Miscanthus sinensis White

Miscanthus sinensis White

Plate 5: Miscanthus sinensis grown in Mike Flora nursery

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3.3 3.3.1

Hanging plants Scindapsus spp.

Scindapsus is the major type of hanging plant or the vine type plant species cultivated in Mike Flora nursery. Commonly called as pothos vine In Mike Flora nursery several kinds of varieties are grown as mother plants. This species consist of vines with attractive foliage with different colors mixed with green color. Scindapsus joy is the newest variety which has variegated in Mike Flora nursery. These varieties are grown in hanging pots as well as in beds using Basamid treated medium. Fertilizer application for Scindapsus spp. is done according to a programmed cycle (Figure 06). This species is exported as URCs and rooted plants in net pots and oasis. Followings are the different Scindapsus species grown in Mike Flora nursery; Scindapsus aureus Scindapsus Lime Scindapsus Marble queen Scindapsus Pictus Scindapsus joy

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Scindapsus aureus

Scindapsus Lemon lime

Scindapsus Marble queen

Plate 6: Scindapsus spp. grown in Mike Flora nursery

24

CHAPTER FOUR 4. GROWING MEDIA USED IN NURSERY Mike Flora (Pvt) Ltd. maintains their own media preparation unit in their own land. Preparation of sterilized/ fumigated media for hanging pots, palm pots and mixing of growing media for field plants are done in this section. Different ratios of different components such as sand, coir dust, compost are formulated according to the requirement of the crop. 4.1 Preparation of growing medium for field plants

Non fumigated planting medium is used for most field plants. Generally for most field plants the medium is similar. Medium is consisted with compost, sand and coir dust. They are mixed together and applied either cow dung, elephant dung or poultry manure as composting material. eg; Common growing medium; coir dust: compost: sand - 2 4.2 : 1 : 1

Preparation of growing medium for propagation

Steamed coir dust is used for the purpose of propagation. A large steamer with the capacity of approximately 1 m2 volume is used for the purpose of steam sterilization of coir dust. Steam sterilization is done under 102 temperature. After a proper sterilization the coir dust is heaped in clean place on a polythene sheet to prevent contaminations. Then the heap is covered by polythene sheet until use. Lid Coir dust Iron mesh Water

Fire Figure 3: Schematic diagram of coir fiber sterilizing steamer used in Mike Flora nursery 25

4.3

Preparation of growing medium for hanging pots

Fumigation/ Sterilization of growing medium, which is used for palm pots and hanging pots is done in the compost preparation unit by using Basamid granular (Dazomet) 4.3.1 Preparation of Basamid/ Dazomet treated media

Basamid is a micro granular dust which is used as soil fumigant for the control of soil born diseases, nematodes, soil insects and weeds (seeds, tubers, rhizomes) containing. A correct combination of sand, coir dust and compost should be thoroughly mixed at least 1-2 weeks before the treatment. The medium should be fine and clod free. During the period of pretreatment the maintenance of sufficient moisture is essential for the activation of target organism. After leveling the medium, Basamid is applied uniformly at a rate of 750 g/m3. Incorporation is done by immediately after application of Basamid granules to the media and then water is applied by using hosepipe. Because the quick transformation of Dazomet in reaction to active fumigant is also depend on sufficient moisture. Then the Basamid treated bed is covered with polythene sheet and sealed for a period of 14 days. There are several positive effects of sealing of Basamid applied beds. Retention of active fumigant, retention of moisture in the beds, prevention of over saturation with water in case of rain fall, solarization effects are some examples. After period of treatment polythene seal is removed. Then the media should be aerated/ forked to allow the non-mineralized gasses to disperse. After about 5 days the bed is again forked. After another five days of 2nd forking, again forking is done. Post treatment operations are essential to make sure the operation of sterilant/ toxic gasses completely since the existence could be harmful for the planting materials. Completely after about 24 days the media is ready for planting. When the Basamid granular is in contact with moisture, it releases biologically active gases named Methylisothiocynate (MITC). Sufficient soil temperature also plays an important role in the process of fumigation. Moisture (60%-70%) Dazomet Sufficient temperature MITC (Gass)

26

CHAPTER FIVE 5. ESTABLISHMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF MOTHER PLANT STOCK Total land area under Mike Flora (Pvt) Ltd. is about 68 acres and most of the area has been used for mother plant stock. Out of total land area around 40 acres is maintained under net houses. Field has been divided in to different zones as 12 zones of Rambukkana field and 14 zones of Madawala field. Most of the zones are raised under artificial shade. Division of land according to the requirements of different plant varieties, to facilitate easy management of plants, and supply proper infrastructural facilities for the easiness of their management are several advantages of the division of land in to different zones. Each zone has given a number for identification. Number boards have been located in each zone showing the zone number, number of beds, number of hanging pots in each zone, name of varieties in the zone and total area under each zone. Light is one of the most important factors that determine the color and appearance of foliage plants. Consequently foliage plant varieties require shade management during their production. Shade is provided in two ways. Artificial shade Natural shade

Shade for mother plant stock is mainly supplied artificially through black color shade nets. 60% shade nets are prominently used. Dracaena sanderina, Dracaena godseffiana, Cordyline fruiticosa, Codiaeum varieties and Scindapsus spp . etc. are reared under the 60% shade level. Queen palm requires 80% shade for better development of leaf color and better appearance of plants. Major advantage of using artificial shade is the ability to provide even shade level that leads to the production of quality plants. Dracaena marginata, Chlorophytum, and Miscanthus varieties are maintained under natural shade using Gliricidia trees. But under natural shade it is difficult to provide a uniform shade level throughout the time for all plants. Removal of fallen leaves on beds from shade trees should be frequently done under natural shade conditions. That counts an extra cost. But establishment cost is low in natural shade compared to establishment under artificial shade.

27

5.1 5.1.1

Establishment of field plants Site selection and bed preparation

After a proper planning designing and appropriate land preparation in existing land, sloping and leveling is done prior to the establishment of mother plant stock. Then the net house installation is done before bed preparation. All most all beds are constructed as raised beds. The margins of beds are constructed using bricks and cement or using roofing tiles (Figure 04, Plate 07). The width of a bed is about 1-1.5 m and the length is varying according to the land size. The beds are functional at least for 4-5 years. Drainage is an essentially important factor considered in bed preparation. Proper drainage is highly considered when preparing beds particularly for croton species and Aglaonema species which are highly susceptible for root rot diseases. Tile tube is one of the techniques which put into practice for enhancement of drainage (Figure 04). It is maintained at the middle of the bed. The width of tile tube is about 20 cm. It just likes a canal inside the bed which is paved by roofing tiles. Bothe sides of a bed are sloped towards the tile tube and the slope of the tile tube is directed towards the main drain, in order to remove excess water from beds to facilitate and ensure proper drainage. Beds also prepared well sloped towards the main drain. A thin layer of sand (5-7 cm height) is applied on the bottom of the bed and the growing medium is filled up to about 20-25 cm height. In addition medium is added time to time as mulch when the existing medium is reduced. Bed margins by

demarcated SLOPE roofing tiles

Tile tube

Figure 4: Schematic diagram of a constructed bed 28

In the re development process the top medium about 20 cm from top of the tile is removed and well forked the existing soil to improve the soil structure. Then the new medium is filled loosely to the bed and before planting these beds are drenched with a recommended fungicide. eg; Captan 5.1.2 Field establishment of plants in beds

Healthy pest and disease free planting materials are taken for field establishment. Planting materials are obtained from existing mother plants, non-infected rejects from harvesting, propagation and packing sections and from outside purchases. The obtained cuttings are established in prepared beds with an appropriate spacing among plants. The spacing between plants and between rows is different depending on the plant variety and size of planting material. Table 4: Major plant varieties and their planting space Plant variety Big leaf crotons Mini leaf crotons Cordyline spp. Dracaena sanderina Dracaena godseffiana Aglaonema spp. Miscanthus sinensis Spacing 2530 cm 2025 cm 1820 cm 2025 cm 2020 cm 2530 cm 3030 cm

Triangular pattern of planting is used to utilize the space maximally and to avoid overcrowding of plants.

29

Bed preparation for field plant establishment

Establishment of plants in beds (Dracaena sanderiana)

Plate 7: Bed preparation and plant establishment

5.1.3

Field establishment of plants in poly bags

Poly bags are also used for the establishment of mother plants for several varieties other than raised beds. At the moment, during redevelopment process most of the croton varieties are established in poly bags. A poly bag is prepared by using black polythene. Bags are prepared in to two different sizes for croton varieties and for Aglaonema varieties. The croton bag is 17 cm in height and 8 cm in width and the Aglaonema bag is 15 cm in height and 4 cm in width. Poly bags are filled with medium and arranged in the bed in to triangular pattern for maximum space utilization and to provide proper spacing for plant growth. The plants are established in prepared bags and then the bags are kept on the beds. Beds are prepared as same way to field plant establishment bed preparation procedure mentioned in above chapter. But the medium is not applied on the bed. Instead of that sand is filled up to 1/3 of bed and then some tile pieces are spreaded on the surface. After that the bags with plants are kept on the bed in triangular manner. Advantages of poly bags Low requirement of medium compared to beds Maximum space utilization Ease of handling for maintenance practices

30

Facilitate better monitoring of pest and disease problems; because plants are established in individual poly bags. Thus monitoring is easier compared to beds.

Lessen the favorable conditions for disease spreading etc.

Prepared beds for poly bags

Triangular way of placing bags on prepared beds

Plate 8: Bed preparation for poly bags

5.2

Establishment of mother plants in hanging pots

The company efficiently utilizes the land by using hanging pots. Most of areas under shade nets are occupied with hanging pots. Each bed consist a row/ two rows of hanging pots occupied with following varieties Scindapsus spp. Philodendron spp. Hoya spp.

Clay pots (21 cm diameter and 9 cm depth) are used as hanging pots. When old pots are used in redevelopment processes they are treated with Formaldehyde for about 4 hours. As the medium for hanging pots, always use Basamid treated medium. Shoot tips, non-infected rejects from harvesting and propagation sections are used as planting materials. Planting materials are dipped in a Carbofuran solution before planting in pots to kill nematodes, scales and mealy bugs. About six to seven cuttings are planted per one pot and water is applied. Pots are hanged inside the net houses provided with 60% shade.

31

Figure 5: Schematic diagram of arrangement of hanging pots

Plate 9: Arrangement of hanging pots of Scindapsus spp. in Mike Flora nursery

5.3

Establishment of mother plant stock in hydroponics system

Other than above three ways (filed, poly bags and hanging pots) there is a mother plant stock of Scindapsus spp. maintained in a hydroponic system. Hydroponic system has established by using P.V.C. pipes. Two rows of hydroponic pipe lines are established in two sides of a one bed in several zones. Albert solution is used as the growing medium. Solution is provided to the tubes time to time. pH and EC (Electrical Conductivity) are maintained as 5.1 and 1.4, respectively.

32

Plate 10: Scindapsus aureus in hydroponic system in Mike Flora nursery

5.4

Maintenance of mother plants

In order to obtain an enough quantity of produce with enhanced ornamental quality to full fill the market demand and also for the re development of mother plant stock, continuous monitoring and maintenance of existing mother plants is essential. Because, for exportation requires pest and disease free products in large quantities. Consequently for healthy and lush growth of mother plants company performs various maintenance practices. 5.4.1 Irrigation

Water is a vital for plant survival. Therefore company strictly considers supplying required amount of water in appropriate time periods. Irrigation is done by using well water. Several wells are established to supply water to the nursery. Water is pumped to the main tank with the capacity of 40,000 l through a sump. Then water is distributed among zones by several electric motors. Three types of irrigation methods are mainly used by the company. They are, Manual watering Sprinkler irrigation Drip irrigation

Manual watering/ hose irrigation Manual watering with a hose is the easiest irrigation system to set up and use. However, hand watering is a labor intensive method.

33

Sprinkler irrigation It is possible to irrigate both normal lands and unleveled lands by sprinkler irrigation. Sprinkler system can water a large area at once and need to e carefully placed and checked after for plugging of sprinkler heads. The distance between two sprinklers determines overlapping wetting area. Discharge rate vary and that determines the time duration of sprinkler operation to supply water requirement for total area. Daily irrigation is done during dry period and irrigation duration is determined according to the water requirement and weather condition. Drip Irrigation Drip irrigation is done in a limited area of the nursery, for hanging pots.

Manual watering by baskets

Manual watering by hose

A sprinkler in the field of Mike Flora nursery

Sprinkler plants

irrigation

to

mother

34

A dripper in a hanging pot of Scindapsus Marble queen

Drip irrigation to mother plants Plate 11: Different irrigation methods practiced in Mike Flora nursery 5.4.2 Fertilizer application

Reductions of nutrients occur in commercial cultivation due to continuous growing and harvesting and leaching out of nutrients by rainfall and irrigation. Therefore, continuous supply of macro and micro nutrients is essential for proper growth of plants and for a quality harvest. There are fertilizer packages for all varieties including different ratios of macro and micro nutrients according to the requirements of different plant varieties. Macro and micro nutrients are supplied in liquid basis for Codiaeum varieties as twice per week. Micro and macro nutrients are applied using an injector pump. Calcium nitrate is dissolved in a concentrated solution while all other fertilizers are dissolved in a separate concentrated solution. Solutions are mixed and pumped by the injector pump and applied to plants using a rubber hose with a shower. Granular fertilizers are applied during rainy season. For Dracaena sanderiana Ca(NO3)2 soluble grade and 21:21:21 (N:P:K) fertilizers are applied rotationally. For Dracaena godseffiana varieties the croton fertilizer mixture is applied in same manner. For Cordyline spp. liquid fertilizers are not applied. But for all above three species (Dracaena sanderiana, Dracaena godseffiana, Cordyline spp.) and Aglaonema spp. granular fertilizers also applied in 3-week interval.

35

For hanging pots there is a pre-determined fertilizer application cycle as shown in Figure 06. Nutrients are more generally applied in available forms within a pH range of 5.5 - 6.2. Therefore, soil pH is frequently checked by the laboratory. pH level is adjusted using lime and Dolomite accordingly. pH value of fertilizer solutions should be within the range of 5.5 - 6.2 while EC of the solution should be maintained less than 2.
Plant starter N: P: K 10:52:10

Ca(NO3)2 S/G

Nitro Plus N: P: K 30:10:10

Polyfeed Green N: P: K 21:21:21

Figure 6: Fertilizer cycle for hanging pots 5.4.3 Pest and disease management

Pests and disease management is a very important practice for a commercial nursery as they are rare crops in large scale especially for export market. Company pays higher attention on the availability of pest and disease incidences throughout the whole mother plant stock and also in propagators. Frequent monitoring is done by the laboratory staff and control measures are taken accordingly. Common pests, their host plants and particular control measures which are generally practiced by the company are indicated in Table 05 and Annexure 02 and the most common diseases, their host plants and control measures are indicated in Table 06 and Annexure 02. Mites, scale insects, mealy bugs, caterpillars, nematodes, snails and slugs like pests and several bacterial and fungal diseases are commonly found in this nursery.

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Table 5: Common pests, susceptible plants and control measures performed by the company

Pests Mites

Common host plants Control measures

Introduce non-infected plants to

the mother plant stock.

Two spotted spider Codiaeum spp. mite Cordyline spp. Red spider mite Cyclone mite Scindapsus spp.

Adequate irrigation Frequent checking

their availability and removal of infected plant Facilitate proper field sanitation Removal of weeds from surrounding area Application of chemicals using a power sprayers on underside of leaves materials for the mother stock Removal of plants and plants with high infestation

Scales

Aglaonema spp. Scindapsus spp. Dracaena sanderiana

Introduction non-infected planting

Introduce non- infected plants in to

Mealy bugs Codiaeum spp. Scindapsus spp.

mother stock Removal of plants and plant parts with high infestation. Dipping of planting materials in a corbofuran solution prior to planting Use of Basamid treated medium for hanging pots Introducing of nematodes free planting materials in to the mother stock Incorporation of nematicides to the infected areas (eg; Carbofuran) Frequently checking of plants and removal and destruction of plants and plant parts with higher infection. Application of recommended insecticides

Nematodes Cordiaeum spp. Scindapsus spp. Aglaonema spp.

Caterpillars

Cordiaeum spp. Scindapsus spp.

Leaf eating caterpillars Leaf rolling caterpillars

Slugs and Snails

All varieties

Collection and removal Maintain field hygiene

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Table 6: Common diseases, susceptible plants and control measures performed by the company

Disease

Common host plants Cordiaeum spp.

Control measures

Pythium infection

Removal of infected plants with

their intact medium

Rhizoctonia spots

leaf Cordiaeum spp.

Removal of infected plants

Fusarium infection

Cordiaeum spp. Dracaena sanderiana

Maintain field sanitation Application

fungicides of recommended

Scab disease

Scindapsus spp.

Removal of infected plant parts Application

fungicides of recommended

Leaf spots

Cordyline spp.

Removal of infected plants and plant

parts

Dipping of planting materials in

fungicides prior to propagation

Erwinia stem rot & Erwinia leaf spot

Aglaonema spp.

Introduction
plant stock

of

non

infected

planting materials to the mother

Maintain field hygiene Avoid excess irrigation Maintain appropriate plant density

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5.5

Other maintenance activities

Regular maintenance of mother plant stock is needed to have higher productivity throughout their life time. Pruning, pinching or thumb nailing, Weeding and replanting are several maintenance practices that are occupied by the company. 5.5.1 Pruning

Pruning is done to get good quality and large number of sprouts, to control the height of plants in to a harvestable level, to improve the appearance of plants, to remove pest and disease infected plant parts and to avoid their spread, to facilitate chemical application, etc. Over matured branches, diseases branches and dead branches are normally removed in pruning. 5.5.2 Pinching and thumb nailing

Pinching is a kind of pruning method that is practiced to remove apical dominance and to enhance branching. Removal of apical bud is done by pinching. When establishing mother plants of Cordiaeum spp. pinching is done in their young stage to enhance branching.

Pinching of codiaeum sp. A well pruned cultivation of codiaeum sp. Plate 12: Pruning and pinching of foliage plants

39

5.5.3

Weeding

Weeds are destructive due to several reasons. They are competing with plants for nutrients, water, light and space. They also harbor insects, mites, nematodes plant pathogens, etc. Other than that, there is a possibility to contaminate harvested plant parts with weed seeds and create problems in exportation. Therefore it is necessary to control weeds in commercial cultivation. Company takes high attention to control weeds in the mother plant stock. Weed control in beds and in hanging pots is done manually while it is done using weedicides (eg; Gramoxone) in pathways and among beds. Generally manual weeding is done monthly. Available mosses on paths are removed by scraping. 5.5.4 Replanting or redevelopment

Land is one of the limiting factors that determine the extent of mother plant cultivation. Therefore, it is important to maintain the mother plant stock in their maximum productivity level. Mother plant stock should be re-established after economical life span as their further maintenance is not economically beneficial. Economic life spans of some varieties are given bellow. 5.5.5 Dracaena godseffiana Dracaena sanderiana Cordiaeum variegatum Cordyline compacta 7-8 years 5-6 years 4-5 years 4-5 years

Outside purchasing of planting materials

Major portion of planting materials are obtained from their own mother plant stock. Small portion of planting material requirement for the field and major portion of the requirement of canes are supplied by the outside suppliers to the company. Canes of Polyscias spp., Codiaeum spp., Cordyline purple compacta , Dracaena sanderiana, are several major types of planting materials purchased from the outside suppliers. Suppliers are paid according to the length of canes.

40

CHAPTER SIX 6. HARVESTING OF FOLIAGE PLANTS Harvesting of foliage plants is very important practice of foliage plant production. This activity decides the quality of the export material too. Thus this process should be well organized and well programmed. Generally the harvesting is done for main two purposes. Export as un-rooted cuttings (URC). For propagation

The cuttings which are exported as URCs are harvested by packing section while the cuttings which are exported as rooted plants are harvested by harvesting section. 6.1 Considerations at harvesting

As harvesting is a major activity of the foliage plant production many factors are considered to keep the quality of the harvested plants. Time of harvesting Generally most varieties are harvested in the morning. The planting materials which are harvested for propagation are sent to the propagators before 9.00 am. The planting materials which are exported as URCs and cut foliages are harvested in early morning of shipment date. Maturity of the plant parts The shoots with acceptable maturity are harvested. If not during propagation plants show defects in rooting and the URCs are rejected during packaging process. Quality of the branches The erect shoots without bends and mal forms of any place are harvested as URC and also for propagation. The leaves should consist with required color by the client. Free from pest and diseases. The abnormal branches such as crinkled and twisted are not harvested. Harvesting is done according to the given specifications (Height, number of leaves per plant or cutting etc. should be matched with given specifications by the client).

41

Plate 13: Specifications considered at harvesting Method of harvesting Method of harvesting is also an important factor which is affecting on the quality of the harvest. Sharp secateurs are used for harvesting in order to avoid the mechanical damages on cutting surface. The height of certain cuttings is measured by using a scaled gauge from the leaf tip avoiding two top most leaves. Harvesting is done as 2-3 leaves are remained for the mother shoot of the plant to obtain food for re-growth of plant. The harvested cuttings are collected to the plastic crates and transported to the harvesting section or to the packing section by trolleys or two-wheel tractor as soon as possible. 6.2 Harvesting procedure

Harvesting section comprises of separate building for potting and store. Man power consists of one supervisor and female workers. Harvesting of plants, selecting and grading, cleaning, dipping or washing, sizing and potting are the duties of workers while order management, dividing of task among workers, target analysis are some duties of supervisor. Harvesting is done according to a programme. Harvesting schedule is supplied weekly to the supervisor and the supervisors responsibility is to plan the harvesting and potting of required plants on time according to the schedule. Harvestable amount of a variety is determined according to the committed order and its reject percentage. Workers are supplied targets for all duties of the harvesting section and all workers are specified to maintain their targets. Targets are varying according to the variety harvested and their mode of propagation. 42

Harvesting is mainly done from mother plant stocks in the company using a scaled stick and secateurs. Secateurs must have sharp cutting surfaces to have a sharp cut surface. Quality cuttings are harvested for propagation and mother plants should be well grown and free from pests and disease. Harvested cuttings are then collected in to cleaned plastic crates. Exposure of harvested cuttings to sunlight should be avoided to avoid excessive evaporation. Crates with harvested materials are transported to harvesting section as soon as possible. Transportation is facilitated by the cool truck or the two wheel tractor.

Selection of harvested Scindapsus Lemon lime shoots

Insertion of shoot tips of selected Scindapsus sp. in to oasis pieces

A prepared Scindapsus sp. shoot for propagation

Plastic crates used for collection of harvested cuttings

Plate 14: Operations of harvesting section

43

Harvesting

Transportaton

Selecting & Grading

Washing

Sizing Application of rooting hormones Potting gs Figure 7: Major steps in harvesting and potting of cuttings

44

Uprooting of plants

Transpotation Slecting and cleaning Cutting of excessive roots Washing

Sizing Application of rooting hormones Potting s Figure 8: Major steps in harvesting and potting of Miscanthus

Harvesting of vines

Cutting in to sections

Selecting & grading

insertion in to oasis or potting in net pots

Figure 9: Major steps in harvesting and potting of single nodal cuttings of Scindapsus spp.

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CHAPTER SEVEN 7. PROPAGATION OF FOLIAGE PLANTS Majority of foliage plants is multiplied by asexual methods while few are multiplied by sexual methods. In this nursery, palm species are exclusively propagated by seeds. Plants are propagated for establishment of mother plants and exportation of rooted plants. 7.1 Sexual propagation

Plants raised from seeds are usually healthy and have a long life; however they take rather long life to attain a good size for display. This method offers an opportunity to produce new hybrids. In Mike Flora nursery Livistona rotundifolia , Veitchia merrillii, etc. like palm varieties are propagated by seeds. Seeds are sown immediately after the collection as they trend to loss the viability. The seeds should be collected when fully ripe and stored, until next planting time, in sealed containers, preferably in desiccators, at low temperature. The seeds are bought from outside suppliers. The quality of seeds is highly considered in order to obtain near 100% germination. Then the ripened seeds are placed in a plastic barrel and water is added to softener the outer cover of the fruit, which act as an inhibitor for the germination. The seeds are established inside the propagator and the propagator is sealed with black color polythene. Because of optimum temperature and humidity inside the sealed propagator seeds are get germinated. When the plants grow about up to 10 cm in those are potted in 8 cm diameter plastic cups and when the character leaves are appeared, transferred to the 10 cm cups and allowed to grow.

46

Plate 15: Queen palm propagation; germinated seeds with pseudo leaves and transferred plants to plastic pots 7.2 Vegetative propagation

Vegetative propagation enables to reproduce plants identical to the parent plant within a shorter time period. The vegetative propagation is done in order to propagate the cuttings as planting materials, export as young plants, production of canes for export etc. In here the plant propagation is done mainly for two purposes. Establish as mother plants Export as rooted semi-finished plants

Modifying of the atmospheric conditions (especially relative humidity, temperature and light level) which are suitable for the optimum growth of plants is the objective of constructing propagators. Propagation section consists of 3 sub sections under the management of production manager. They are; Sand propagation section Hydro propagation section Canes propagation section

Man power in each section consist a supervisor and female workers. Propagation schedule is supplied to the supervisor in each section weekly and the supervisors are responsible for managing the duties according to the propagation schedule and have to maintain records accordingly. Planting, growing and harvesting are major operations done by workers under the supervision of supervisor. All propagators are Arch type with about 4 feet width. The length is varying according to the space availability. Materials for propagator construction and their usage are given below.

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Table 7: Materials for propagator construction and their usage Materials Bricks and cement or tiles Sand Milky white polythene Usage To construct margins of beds To facilitate drainage, as a support to plants To maintain high temperature, relative humidity and light level inside propagators Black color nets PVC pipe String Sand bags/Pieces of bricks To increase shade level by laying over propagation To have Arch shape structure To support the covering To seal propagators

Net houses have constructed over the propagators for shading. Overhead misters are established to facilitate cooling of the surrounding environment of propagators. 7.2.1 Sand propagation section

Sand propagation section consists of separate area occupied with sand propagators, adjacent potting area and a store. Beds are prepared prior to planting. In bed preparation raking of sand, leveling and application of fungicides are done. Beds are regularly used over a period of time. Therefore, mycelium, spores and resting bodies of fungus can be available in beds. Therefore, beds are drenched with a fungicide (Copper Oxichloride and Thiram are used) to avoid the effects of previous infections. The required number of cuttings with required sizes is harvested from the mother plant stock. Then the materials are sent to the propagators. At the plant propagators the semi-finished plants are produced under a long procedure. This depends on the plant variety. But as a general procedure following process is proceeded. Potted plants in net pots (eg; Miscanthus spp . Codiaeum spp.) are directly planted on sand medium according to a suitable spacing or placed in trays and kept on sand beds. However, hydro propagation is also practiced under propagators especially for stroked plants in oasis of Dracaena sanderiana varieties, Dracaena marginata and Codiaeum spp. This depends on the plant variety. After planting, water is applied and propagators are sealed for 3 days for better establishment of plants. Propagation period is varying depending on the variety planted (Table 08).

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Adjacent

potting

area

in

Forking of sand bed

propagation section

Application of polythene to the edges of the sand bed

Leveling of forked sand bed

Drenching of prepared sand bed with appropriate chemicals Plate 16: Bed preparation in sand propagation section

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Table 8: Plant varieties and required propagation period Plant variety Mini leaf crotons Big leaf crotons Dracaena sanderiana varieties Dracaena godseffiana Miscanthus spp. Cordyline spp. Propagation period (weeks) 5 6 5 7 8 5

Regular maintenance is necessary to produce plants with export quality within the scheduled time period. Sealed propagators are opened after 3 days from planting. Propagators are opened for few hours during morning. Watering is done every other day using hoses and nozzles. Plants are inspected regularly and infected plants are removed. Chemicals are sprayed once per week according to a programme. Other than that, immediate application of chemicals is done if there is any outbreak of pest or disease incidences. Plants are uprooted at the end of their propagation period and they are transported in to the packing section. 7.2.2 Hydro propagation section

Hydro propagation is mainly done in propagator house that is especially prepared to supply conditions for rooting of cuttings in oasis and efficiently utilize the available space. Propagator house is mainly utilized for single nodal cuttings of Scindapsus spp. Philodendron scadence and Aglaonema spp. Tables like structures with two layers have been constructed with woven strings. White color plastic cups are kept with a suitable spacing among woven strings. Sand beds have been constructed to utilize the ground layer of the tales especial for Aglaonema spp. After keeping cups they are filled with water and potted plants are dipped in water up to the level of oasis cube. Management practices such as watering, pest and disease management, fertilizer application are done from planting to their exportable stage. Algal development can be observed inside cups and renewal of cups is necessary during the propagation period according to the severity of algal growth. Propagation period of hydro propagated varieties are given in table 09 and the structure of the propagator house indicating placement of cups is shown in plate 18. 50

Table 9: Propagation period of hydro propagated varieties

Plant variety Aglaonema spp. Scindapsus spp. Philodendron scadence

Propagation period (weeks) 5 8-10 8-10

Plate 17: Structure of the propagator house 7.2.3 Canes propagation section

Canes section is maintained as a separate section where canes are grown/ propagated up to their exportable stage. Areas of canes section Cutting area Chemical treatment and washing area Potting area Propagation area

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Cutting area

Chemical treatment and washing area

Potting area

Propagation area

Plate 18: Production process in canes section

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Cutting and sizing of canes Dipping

Waxing Application of rooting hormones Potting Planting and growing Figure 10: Steps of canes propagation

Canes are mainly purchased from outside suppliers and little amount is harvested from the field. Pests and disease free canes are selected for propagation. Canes are different in sizes and thickness. Canes are cut according to the thickness of the stem. 5 cm, 8 cm, 10 cm, 15 cm are different sizes and some canes are cut as character canes. Cutting knives are fixed to the cutting tables which facilitates easy cutting of canes. Sizes of cuttings are determined according to the buyers requirement. Cut canes are kept in baskets and then dipped in chemical solution. Dipping solution contains a fungicide and an insecticide. Rooting hormones are applied on the lower surface of cutting to promote quick rooting. Rooting hormone includes Indole Butric Acid (IBA) and talc. After application of rooting hormones the cut surfaces of canes are waxed to avoid dehydration of cutting and pathogenic infections through the cutting surface. In almost all varieties of canes except Polyscias balfouriana marginata only the upper surface is waxed. But in particular variety the both upper and lower surfaces are waxed. It was intended to reduce the infection of stem rot disease of that plant variety. Paraffin wax is used for above purpose.

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After waxing the canes are established in net pots or in oasis pieces. In net pots sterilized coir fiber is used as the medium. Net pots are available in different sizes as 2.5 cm, 3.2 cm, 3.8 cm and the canes are potted according to their sizes. Potted canes are then inserted in to plug trays and placed in sand propagators. All propagators are in arch type covered with milky white polythene. Before placing trays under the propagators, the area is cleaned and application of Copper Oxichloride is done. After placing of trays the propagator is sealed using black color polythene until sprouting. However, the medium is checked for the availability of water and water is applied if necessary. After sprouting polythene is removed and managed up to their exportable stage.

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CHAPTER EIGHT 8. POST HARVEST HANDLING AND PACKING OF FOLIAGE PLANTS Proper post-harvest handling of foliage plants is a very important aspect, in order to maintain the quality and freshness of the harvested products until it is reached to the final destination. Post-harvest life of a horticultural commodity is mainly determined by the pre harvesting and harvesting factors. Therefore special consideration should be given for the post-harvest management of foliage plants. 8.1 Post-harvest handling of canes

Canes are uprooted one or two days prior to the shipment. At the canes section all the uprooted canes are cleaned/ brushed in order to remove the contaminated particles such as sand, dust etc. Cleaned cans are dipped in a solution which contains a fungicide, a pesticide and a bactericide. Then those canes are placed in plastic field crates until they are transported to the packing section. 8.2 Post-harvest handling of URC and rooted cuttings

Just after harvesting URCs are transported to the packing section. At the packing section harvested cuttings are washed and cleaned well by using clean water. Sometimes disinfectant solution is used for washing such as Teepol. The rooted cuttings in net pots are cleaned by brushing to remove excess coir fiber medium. Oasis propagated cutting are cleaned by removing the damaged edges or mal formed edges of the oasis piece. According to the variety, prevailing pest/ disease condition, the products are dipped in relevant pesticides and fungicides. After cleaning the URCs are resized, further considering the clients requirement and the rooted plants are prepared by removing excess and defected leaves. Before packaging, all types of products are properly checked and rechecked under the florescent light. Packaging method varies according to the type of variety, size of plants, and mode of propagation and nature of the order. Immediately after packing, boxes are kept inside the cool room until transportation.

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Uprooting

Cleaning & brushing

Rejects
Sorting

Wound sealing/ waxing

Dipping

Packing section

Cleaning/brushing/sorting

Packing

Rejects

Cooling

Transportation

Figure 11: Postharvest handling of canes

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Un-rooted cuttings

Rooted cuttings

Packing section

Washing section

Dipping

Sorting

Packing

Cooling

Transportation

Figure 12: Process of postharvest handling of URCs and rooted cuttings

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8.3

Packing operations

Packing is a major role in maintaining product quality during transportation. Since foliage plants are living materials correct packing method is important to deliver products in good quality to their destination. There are two separate packing sections in Rambukkana and Madawala areas. Manpower consists of supervisors, quality controllers and female workers. Packing operations are assisted by export coordinator. Packing section consists of several areas. Major areas are; Washing area Selection area Packing area Cold room Stores

Washing area is the place where the washing of harvested URCs is done. Washing area is equipped with large zincs where the plastic crates can be dipped in. Other than washing of URCs, dipping of rooted and un-rooted plants in a mixture of chemicals (zoro, Nissoran, topsin, actara and erythromycin) is also facilitated here in order to trim down the pest contaminations. After washing and dipping the plants are brought to the selection hall where the selection and quality checking is taken place. The selection hall is equipped with selection tables with fluorescent lights for proper selection of quality plants. Here, the plants are checked for the presence of pest, diseases and any other physical damages prior to the packing. Quality checking is done for several times if there is any doubt. In some cases rooting hormones are applied over cutting surface before packing. eg; Croton varieties After checking the quality, packaging is done according to the clients requirements inside the cool room (Air conditioned room; 22-24 temperature).

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Selection of foliage plants (Codiaeum varigatum Excellent) Washing and chemical dipping of foliage plants (Codiaeum

varigatum Excellent)

2 nd layer

1 st layer Layer wise arrangement of foliage plants in boxes.

Plate 19: Post harvest handling and packaging of foliage plants

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8.4

Methods of packaging

Packaging method differs with the customers requirement and also the prevailing climatic condition in the destined country for exportation. Summer packaging and winter packaging are different packaging methods practiced by the company. In summer packaging a polythene layer is laid to the bottom. Three news paper layers are laid over the polythene layer and 4 inner sides. Plants are packed as layers and a polythene layer is placed above plants before taping of packed boxes. Winter packaging is done to avoid chilling injury if the destined country has a cool climate. A mat form layer and 3 newspaper layers are used as lining materials in winter packing. Sometimes interior of the box is waxed with paraffin wax in winter packing. Box type and number of plants per box differ with the plant variety, mode and the size of exportable materials. Packing is done in following manner A polythene layer or mat from layer is laid according to the requirement Three newspaper layers are laid over the polythene or mat form layer Three newspapers layers are laid for the four inner sides of the packing box. Plants are arranged layer wise. In adjacent layers the plants are arranged in to opposite directions. A paper layer is laid in between every two plant layers. After arranging plants inside the box, the boxes are sealed and each box is weighed separately and weight is noted in particular box. Following information are marked on pack box o Scientific name of the variety o Plant size/ leaf size o Mode o Number of plants in the box o Box number o Clients number o Country of destination Finished boxes are kept inside the cool room until the bulk is loaded to the cool truck for transportation.

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A waxed box prepared for winter packing

Paper layers are laid inside the box

Before sealing the box plants are covered with papers

Sealing of box

Sealed boxes are labeled and set aside in racks inside the cool room until transportation

The labeled boxes ready for exportation

Plate 21: 20: Further considerations of packaging of foliage plants Plate Other concerns in packaging of foliage plants 61

8.5 8.5.1

Packing operations of different plant products Un-rooted cuttings

Mainly the Dracaena sanderiana varieties, Codiaeum varigatum varieties, Cordyline spp., single nodal cuttings of Scindapsus spp. and Hoya spp. are exported as URCs. Harvesting, sizing, washing, and selecting are the major steps of preparation of URCs for packing. Some URCs are inserted in to paper sleeves (Cordyline terminalis Red edge) and some are bundled according to the buyers requirement. Big leaf croton URCs are needed to have at least 5 mature leaves with 2 young leaves. Apical bud should be present in good condition, should free from pests, diseases and mechanical damages. Application of rooting hormone is done especially for URCs of croton. Thus the harvesting standards strictly depend on the customers requirements. Packing is done by experienced workers. Method of packing is determined according to the customer requirement. Horizontal or vertical packing, summer packing or winter packing is done accordingly. 8.5.2 Canes

Details on required variety and the required number of plants are sent to the canes section. Collection of rooted canes is done accordingly and they are transported to packing section. Removal of extra roots is done during selection. These canes are then cleaned using a sponge or a brush to remove extra medium and debris. Several quality parameters are available for canes in selection procedure. o Plants should be free from pests and diseases o Canes should not be cracked or damaged o The color of foliage should be well developed o Canes should have at least 2 sprouts and the sprout arrangement should be balanced over the canes. o Sprouts should be developed closed to the top end of the cane o It is necessary to have well developed root system Canes which are poor in quality according to the above parameters are rejected. Packing of canes is done horizontally. Two rows are placed in single layer with sprout to sprout arrangement to avoid mechanical injuries during transportation.

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8.5.3

Cut leaves

Miscanthus sinensis varieties are exported as cut leaves. Leaves are harvested according to the length required by the customer. Selective harvesting should be done as leaving the bud for facilitate further growth of plant. Harvested leaves are then transported in to the selection hall. Sizing of leaves is done and leaves with different sizes are bundled separately. Then the bundled leaves are checked for the availability of pests and the disease problems and physical damages individually. The selected leaves are washed well to remove the dust particles and finally packed in horizontal way alternatively as 2 layers. 8.6 Special considerations at packing Adequate ventilation is provided through the ventilation holes in boxes Cushion materials, dividers, box corners are used to reduce the compression damages and to increase the strength of cardboard boxes Over packing or under packing is avoided in order to reduce compression damages and vibration damages. Endeavor to maintain the cold chain until the product is reached to the consumer. Boxes are handled carefully to reduce the mechanical damages in plants.

Ventilation holes in box

Box corners

Plate 21: Detailed illustration of a packing box

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Table 10: Different types of packing boxes Box type B 7537.530 Size (cm3) Minimum weight need to Remarks be in each box type (kg) 14.1 Useful for upward packing of some varieties C 693720 9.4 The common box for packing of most varieties M F 693715 693710 7 4.7 To pack small quantities of plants

Plate 22: Different types of boxes used for packing of foliage plants at Mike Flora (Pvt) Ltd. 8.7 Storage and transportation

Finished boxes are stored in a cool room with the temperature of 15-18 until dispatching. Reduction of respiration rate of plants can be achieved by cold storage that preserves the quality of plants. Plants are transported to the airport by the cool truck that supplies low temperature until shipping.

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CHAPTER NINE 9. MARKETING AND EXPORT DOCUMENTATION 9.1 Marketing procedure at Mike Flora (Pvt) Ltd.

Most of activities such as harvesting planting materials and URCs, propagation, packing are planned by the company according to the committed orders that are regularly supplied at the beginning of the year. Depending on received orders harvesting, propagation and packing operations are scheduled weekly through a database management system. Company has regular buyers. Majority of products are exported to Netherlands and Japan. Some orders such as potted queen palm are received by different countries such as South Africa. Other than regular buyers company receives orders from Export Development Board (EDB) and through its own web site. They make new customer through many international trade fairs. New customers are also introduced by its regular buyers. After finding new customers, company sends samples of products to new customers. If the customers are satisfied those orders are confirmed. Direct buyers of the company have their own clients. Packing is done according to the clients requirement. Direct buyers and their clients have their own identification number for the easiness of handling shipments. The clients number is clearly marked on each and every box. Packing list is prepared at the end of each shipment including details of products, clients number etc and it is fixed to the particular buyer. Claims are received by the company by their direct buyers and also their clients indicating problems of products such as the availability of pests, physiological damages during transportation, chilling injuries etc, Company takes necessary actions accordingly depending on claims. Company strictly considers minimizing claims as much as possible. 9.2 Export documentation

Following documents have to be sent with the shipment. Packing list Phytosanitary certificate issued by National Plant Quarantine Centre (NPQC) G.S.P. Certificate of origin Custom declaration issued by Sri Lanka Custom Invoice 65

CHAPTER TEN 10. PLANT QUARANTINE ACTIVITIES Plant quarantine is essential and legally based defense system against arrival of new exotic organisms to a particular country. A pest is considered as a biotic agent capable of causing injuries or damage or loss to plant products. All plant product exporters should be adhered to rules and regulations of NPQC. Plant products need to have a Phytosanitary certificate that issues through a standard procedure. Therefore the company pays a higher attention on quarantine activities throughout their production procedures. To obtain Phytosanitary certificate, company should request for the sample test by sending a letter to NPQC (National Plant Quarantine center) Additional Declaration statement is required by some countries. In such occasions the company should make a request. When plants sending to Netherlands they ask additional declaration stating plants are free from Globodera rostochinensis, G. pallid and for Japan they required to have additional declaration stating particular plant lot or plant parts are free from Radopholos similes. Several officers in NPQC visit the nursery and taking of random samples is done. Samples are checked by NPQC and issue certificate accordingly. If a sample has been contaminated the company has to treat the contaminated varieties using appropriate chemicals. Samples of treated plants are again sent to NPQC. If that sample has also been contaminated issuing the certificate is refused. In such occasions company fail to export particular product. Therefore, maximum effort is taken by the company to produce plants free from pests.

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CHAPTER ELEVEN 11. DISCUSSION Mike Flora (Pvt) Ltd. is one of the leading foliage plant exporting company, with the vision is to be the most preferred Horticulture Company in Sri Lanka. When considering the present status of the company, they have been achieved their vision into a great extent through successful achieving their mission statements. Followings are some Strength, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats of the company. 11.1 Strengths Land availability; Company owns more than 70 acres of land and efficient usage of available land area in the nursery to maximize productivity per unit land area. Availability of qualified, competent and experienced staff. Availability of skilled labor force. Availability of programmed production procedure according to the existing demand for particular varieties in export market. Mother plant stocks are maintained for more than 60 varieties of commercially viable tropical foliages and out of them they own several varieties by patent rights which are not available in other foliage nurseries. Mother plant stocks are facilitated with optimum growing conditions for particular plant varieties according to the plant requirements and efficient maintenance is done ensuring the supply of high quality planting materials. Minimum outside purchasing of planting materials reduces the cost of production as well as outside contaminations of pest and diseases. Attempt to apply new technologies in all possible occasions. Machineries are used in many works such as chemical application, watering, transportation etc. in order to increase the efficiency. Giving targets to the workers and analyzing targets to ensure completing of tasks within a specific time frame.

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11.2 Weaknesses Labor shortage. High labors quit rate. Huge work load on a single worker: it may be a major reason for long term labor un- satisfaction. Shortage of planting materials in some occasions to fulfill the required quantity of committed order. 11.3 Opportunities Availability of favorable climatic conditions/ tropical climate facilitating proper growth of tropical foliage plant varieties. Availability of natural resources such as water, fertile soil etc. Low cost of land compared to urban areas and thus possibility in expanding. Higher demand for newly improved varieties.

11.4 Threats Many competitors are present in the market. High freight charges. High tax rates. Sudden occurrence of pests and disease out breaks.

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12. REFERENCES Anon 01: http://floriculturetoday.in/floriculture-international-markets.html [Access date; 20.11.201] Anon 02: http://mrec.ifas.ufl.edu/newsletter/reference/chronica-horticulturae-foliageplants.pdf [Access date; 20.11.2011] Anon 03: http://www.mikeflora.com/ [Access date; 12.10.2011] Anon 04: http://www.srilankabusiness.com/trade_info/srilankaproduct/products_ index.htm [Access date; 10.01.2012]

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