Spending less, investing more
The Wormtech Report No. 6                                                      

Kevin and Ethel Purdy of Maketu manage three kiwifruit orchards totalling 15 hectares (mostly green) and have been growing for 12 years.  Despite falling prices and cutting back on costs including labour this season, they are using Wormtech for the first time.  We asked them why.

“We have used sprays from another well known firm for some time, but last season we did a trial and found that the untreated block performed better!” said Kevin.  “Meanwhile Kevin Massey of Ground Probe Aerators had given us 5 litres of Wormtech product to try in our garden.  Our new hedge took off, and our roses bloomed longer, which got us interested in what it could do for our orchard.

Kevin and Ethel Purdy

“We were initially put off by the cost of a full programme, but as Wormtech pointed out, you only pay as you go, not all up front.  We bought a $2,500 used sprayer to put it on ourselves, to save cost.  We started with 100l/ha injected into the ground last June, and a ground spray in spring, and have been following the foliar spray programme since.  We see it as an investment for a better return over the next few seasons. 

Is it working?  Ethel says it is too early to tell.  “Our bud break was no better than the rest of the district, and we  can’t judge how the harvest will go yet.  We have noticed that the leaves feel more rubbery and velvety than in the past, and they are deep green and healthy.  Our fruit size looks good, whereas we have heard some neighbours are disappointed with size this season, so maybe it’s helping there. 

According to Kevin, one neighbour was very impressed with their cane thickness and bud size this season.  “He pointed it out to a packhouse guy, so maybe he’s planning to try Wormtech too. 

“But we are not getting carried away until we see this season’s packout – and next season’s as well.  By then we hope to see the benefits in yield as well as size, and even at current prices, it will not take much to repay our investment.”

Wormtech’s Kickstart programme starts now for next season.  For more information and a quote call Greg Walker now on 0800 007 877