Wise Words

Sophie

GroWise brings you Wise Words - a series of podcasts sharing seasonal information and topical conversations for the New Zealand horticultural industry. 

  1. 2d ago

    Hayward Pollination: It's a Tough Gig for the Bees!

    Hayward flowering is nearly here, just as cooler, wetter weather potentially on the way... Hayward is a much tougher pollination job than Gold3, potentially requiring around 40 bee visits per flower compared with just 6–7 for Gold3. Hive condition, bee behaviour and pollen availability all play a part. The good news? Hayward flowers remain receptive to pollen for about a week, giving us a little more wiggle room when the weather doesn't cooperate. But don't leave it to chance. Pollination problems can mean smaller fruit, lower export pack-outs and reduced orchard returns. We share practical advice on what to look for, artificial pollination and why regular pollination assessments are worth their weight in honey. Need a hand? We have pollination assessment kits available for $20 plus postage, or we can visit your orchard to assess your pollination system. Email: admin@growise.co.nz

  2. Oct 20

    Gold3 Pollination under covers

    Pollination is one of the biggest drivers of performance, and under covers it can be particularly challenging. In this Wise Words podcast, we discuss how to support bee activity in covered Gold3 orchards, when supplemental pollination may be needed, how to monitor bee numbers, and why pollination assessments can help maximise fruit size, quality and yield.

  3. Oct 12

    Variable Budbreak: What Growers Can Control

    Variable budbreak is once again dominating conversations in Gold3 kiwifruit orchards this spring. In this episode of Wise Words, we explore why there's rarely a single cause, what we currently know about the factors influencing budbreak, and how growers can respond to reduced flower numbers to set themselves up for the best possible outcome this season and next.

  4. Oct 5

    Spring PSA: What growers need to be watching now

    As spring growth gets underway, now is the time to be monitoring orchards for Psa. In this episode, we discuss the symptoms growers should be looking for, why spring conditions can increase risk, and the practical steps that help minimise infection. We also touch on Psa biology, the Psa risk model, and why protecting vines before infection events remains the key to successful control.

  5. Sep 27

    Pollination, pollen quality and practical lessons from the Kiwi Pollen Field Day

    In this episode, we share key takeaways from the Kiwi Pollen Field Day, including insights on pollen quality, viability testing, application techniques, and the pollination work Shane presented from last season's Hayward orchard assessments. It's a practical discussion on what growers can do to better understand and manage pollination performance in their orchards.

  6. Sep 24

    Soil compaction: small changes, big impact

    In this Wise Words episode, Shane and I discuss real-world approaches to managing soil compaction, drawing on recent visits with innovative orchardists. We share examples of growers implementing smart solutions—from installing drainage systems and using gravel to improve water flow, to fitting dual wheels on tractors to reduce soil pressure. The discussion then dives into key cultivation techniques like ground hogging and ripping, including when and how to use them effectively to avoid further compaction. The highlight of the episode is a closer look at Carlos’s orchard, where a unique male vine layout is enabling year-round ground cover through consistent dappled light. This system supports healthier soils, stronger root systems, and improved vine performance. Take a listen!

  7. Sep 22

    El Niño's Overlooked Frost Risk: Passive Protection Strategies

    With El Niño often associated with drier conditions, one aspect that receives less attention is the increased likelihood of spring southerly and southwesterly airflows that can elevate frost risk across kiwifruit growing regions. In this episode, we discuss the passive frost management options available to growers, including cold air drainage, orchard floor management, the science behind copper and foliar urea applications, and why many frost protection products should be approached with caution due to limited kiwifruit-specific research. Rather than discussing active frost protection systems such as wind machines and sprinklers, we focus on lower-cost management practices that may help reduce risk. For listeners wanting more information on frost events and traditional protection options, we recommend the frost podcast series available on the Zespri Canopy.

  8. Sep 17

    Integrated pest management and biopesticides

    Biopesticides and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) have come up in a number of our recent conversations, so in this episode we step back and unpack what they really mean in practice. We explore what IPM is, how biopesticides fit into these systems, and then focus on a real-world example—the New Zealand kiwifruit industry’s KiwiGreen programme, widely recognised as a global leader in IPM. From the origins of KiwiGreen through to managing key pests and diseases like scale, leafrollers, and PSA, this episode highlights how combining cultural practices, selective chemistry, and biopesticides can deliver effective, low-residue crop protection systems at scale.

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About

GroWise brings you Wise Words - a series of podcasts sharing seasonal information and topical conversations for the New Zealand horticultural industry. 

Information

  • Creator
    Sophie
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Wise Words