GroWise brings you Wise Words - a series of podcasts sharing seasonal information and topical conversations for the New Zealand horticultural industry.
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 pro...
20 Oct 2026
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.
12 Oct 2026
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.
5 Oct 2026
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.
27 Sept 2026
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.
24 Sept 2026
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 furthe...
22 Sept 2026
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 caut...
17 Sept 2026
To bee or not to bee? Get the buzz on pollination this winter
Pollination might feel like a spring job—but the groundwork starts in winter. In this episode of Wise Words, Sophie and Shane dig into why early planning is critical for successful kiwifruit pollination. From building strong hives to strengthening relationships with beekeepers, they explore the small actions now that make a big difference later. They also unpack the latest insights from Zespri-backed research, including new tools for assessing hive health, what makes pollen more attractive to...
17 Sept 2026
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,...
14 Sept 2026
Buds & Battling Bird Pressure
Birds can turn a promising kiwifruit crop into an expensive lesson in a matter of days. In this episode of Wise Words, we unpack why bird pressure remains one of the toughest early season challenges for growers and explore the practical strategies that can make a difference. We discuss why birds adapt so quickly to control methods, where problem flocks come from, and why relying on a single deterrent rarely works. From orchard enclosure and bird bangers through to sprays, visual deterrents an...
2 Sept 2026
Spring Ahead: Five Essential Priorities for a Successful Kiwifruit Season
As spring arrives, kiwifruit growers face some of the most important decisions of the production year. In this episode of Wise Words, we discuss five key areas that deserve attention right now: Psa management, frost preparedness, passion vine hopper habitat control, fertiliser timing, and Zespri GAP readiness. We share practical tips on reducing disease pressure, preparing frost protection systems, managing woody nightshade and moth plant, optimising nutrient applications, and staying o...
30 Aug 2026
Nitrogen Know-How: Smarter Orchards, Less Waste
How much nitrogen is actually enough — and how much is literally going down the drain? Sophie and Shane unpack an 8-year kiwifruit orchard study (reported in the April / May 2026 NZ Kiwifruit Journal by Steve Green, Katrina Knill and Owen Solomon) that’s changing the way growers think about nitrogen. From leaching losses to smarter timing (and yes, fewer pruning headaches), this episode is all about getting more out of less. Because when it comes to nitrogen… more isn’t always better.
27 Aug 2026
Slow for Soil, Fast for Nitrogen: Rethinking Compost in the Orchard
In this episode of Wise Words, we discuss new work on compost from Bioeconomy Science Institute researcher Erin Lawrence-Smith, revisit some influential New Zealand research on mulches, and unpack how soil type, timing, and seasonal conditions can determine whether compost delivers benefits or creates unexpected nutrient losses. The key takeaway? Building soil health is a long game, but nitrogen from compost can become available surprisingly quickly. Understanding both processes helps growers...
17 Aug 2026
Biosecurity: The Risks We Don't See
In this episode, we share our key takeaways from the recent KVH Biosecurity Symposium. The symposium highlighted the vital role biosecurity plays in protecting New Zealand horticulture, covering topics such as surveillance programmes, wild kiwifruit management, fruit fly response planning, and the ongoing threat of Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB). A recurring theme was that successful biosecurity relies on vigilance, preparedness, science and collaboration. As trade and travel continue to i...
9 Aug 2026
Hi-Cane: Are you getting the most out of your HC application and if not, why not?
(A longer-than-usual episode at 20 minutes, but packed with practical insights!) Hydrogen cyanamide remains one of the most influential winter orchard decisions, yet growers can see very different results from seemingly similar applications. In this special extended episode, we take a deep dive into the factors that drive successful bud break, from spray coverage and water rates to weather conditions, timing, sprayer setup, and the role of winter chill. You'll also hear practical tips on cali...
23 Jul 2026
Drones, Drift & Doing It Right: Safe Spraying in Kiwifruit
Drones are creating plenty of buzz in the kiwifruit industry, but are they really the future of spray application? In this episode of the GroWise Wise Words Podcast, Sophie and Shane unpack the key insights from the recent Zespri Safe Spray workshops. Drawing on presentations from spray application expert David Manktelow, kiwifruit growers and drone operators John and Leanna White, and the Zespri team, they explore the opportunities and challenges of drone spraying. They also discuss practica...
8 Jul 2026
Sooty Mould - PVH, Cicadas and managing risk
Many kiwifruit growers expected sooty mould pressure to be low after a wet summer, yet packout reports told a different story. In this episode of the Wise Words Podcast, Sophie and Shane unpack why sooty mould remained a significant issue across many orchards and what growers can do now to reduce the risk next season. The discussion explores the roles of passion vine hopper (PVH) and cicadas, how to identify which pest is causing the problem, and practical Integrated Pest Management (IPM) str...
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