Mycorrhiza

Commercial Potent Grade Mycorrhiza
Waste from roots is food for mycorrhiza fungi, waste from mycorrhiza fungi is food for roots.

What Are Mycorrhiza?

“Myco” – “rhiza” literally means “fungus” – “root” and describes the mutually beneficial relationship between the plant and root fungus. These specialized fungi colonize plant roots and extend far into the soil. Mycorrhiza fungal filaments in the soil are truly extensions of root systems and are more effective in nutrient and water absorption than the roots themselves. More than 90 percent of plant species in natural areas form a symbiotic relationship with the beneficial mycorrhiza fungi.

Are They Important?

Mycorrhiza fungi increase the surface absorbing area of roots 100 to a 1,000 times, thereby greatly improving the ability of the plant to access soil resources. Several miles of fungal filaments can be present in less than a thimbleful of soil. Mycorrhiza fungi increase nutrient uptake not only by increasing the surface absorbing area of the roots, but also release powerful enzymes into the soil that dissolve hard-to-capture nutrients, such as organic nitrogen, phosphorus, iron and other “tightly bound” soil nutrients. This extraction process is particularly important in plant nutrition and explains why non-mycorrhiza plants require high levels of fertilization to maintain their health. Mycorrhiza fungi form an intricate web that captures and assimilates nutrients, conserving the nutrient capital in soils.

Do You Need Them?

Undisturbed soils are full of beneficial soil organisms including mycorrhiza fungi. Research indicates, however, many common practices can degrade the mycorrhizae-forming potential of soil. Tillage, removal of topsoil, erosion, site preparation, compaction, fumigation, invasion of weeds, and leaving soils fallow are some of the activities that can reduce or eliminate these beneficial soil fungi. Scientific studies indicate endo mycorrhiza fungal populations are slow to recolonize, unless there is close access to natural areas that can act as a source of mycorrhiza spores to repopulate the affected area. Reintroducing mycorrhiza fungi in areas where they have been lost can dramatically improve plant performance with less water and fertilizer and at a reduced cost.

Benefits of Mycopwer ™
On Plants

Produce more vigorous & healthy plants
Create better water & nutrient development

Increase plant root establishment & development

Increase Yield & Crop quality

Increase plant survival rate at seedling & transplanting

Optimizing fertilization use

Increase plant tolerance to soil salinity, disease & drought

   

On Soil Structure

Greater water infiltration & holding capacity

Prevent soil aggregation through hyphae networking

Better resistance to soil surface crusting, erosion & soil compaction

Increase permeability to air circulation, 

Increase beneficial microbial activity & nutrients cycling

Efficacy gain typically allows a reduction of 30% to 50% of conventional fertilizer input

Additional of AMF in ecological restoration project (Phytoremediation) has shown improvement on the physical & biological soil properties, structure, nutrients availability & organic matter.

Healthy & Bigger root mass = Higher Yield & Better Quality.

Agrosol For Trees

Is Agrosol suitable for trees?
Yes, Agrosol bring similar benefits to trees, the difference is the dosage and delivery. The basic is still the same.
AGROSOL is mixed with water and is applied onto the leaves surface via a fine spray mist. Since the discharge of CO2 takes place inside the leaf, this CO2 production does not generate a burden for the environment. In fact, quite the opposite of a burden is true: the plant converts the CO2 into glucose and proteins, discharges higher amounts of oxygen, and thus contributes toward the „green lung“ effect. Once AGROSOL has been sprayed as a fine mist onto the leaf surface, it enters the plant via the stomata. The minerals discharge CO2 inside the plant. This boosts the production of glucose and proteins and in turn, increases the amount of oxygen discharged into the environment. AGROSOL was even tested on Durian, Mango, Palm oil and others. I am still waiting for more details from the official channel. They even did a trial in Keningau, very close to my farm. Shall share more when I receive more details

Farm Biosecurity

Was doing so field work in Sabah and had the opportunity of meeting some people in Ministry Of Agriculture. This topic Biosecurity pops up we had a short discussion on this.

What is Biosecurity (Farm)?
 Biosecurity is the management of risks to the economy, the environment, and the community, of pests and diseases entering, emerging, establishing or spreading.
We as a farmer, it is our responsibility to set up measures designed not only to protect our property from the entry and spread of pests, diseases and weeds but also spreading these to our neighbors.. Farm biosecurity is our responsibility, and that of every person visiting or working on your property.

If a new pest or disease becomes established on your farm, it will affect your business through increased costs (for monitoring, production practices, additional chemical use and labour), reduced productivity (in yield and/or quality) or loss of markets. Early detection and immediate reporting of an exotic pest or disease increases the chance of effective and efficient eradication.

Management of Biosecurity risk had always been in place and MOA had taken the initiative to tighten and enforce these measures. We had been shown items that had been confiscated and had starting to quarantine the whole farm, pending investigation. 

Govt taking stringent steps to prevent entry of diseased produce

Had time to drop by Sabah Tea garden form a break. Had Tea, Fritters and Ice cream.

It feels good to be back in the field.
#TreatTheSoil #BioSecurity

Grafting Tools, First Trial.

Did a trial run on the grafting tool on on Rubber trees, Jackfruit Tree and Avocado last month. Checked on the grafting when I came back to the nursery. None of the Rubber trees & Jackfruit trees took. Only a small numbers of Avocado took.

Look like the Grafting tool is not an easy to use tool. I have to learn how to use it effectively & successfully. As it's my first time, I am playing around with it. I started off with the U blade as it came attached with the tool. Cutting a U on the scion is not as easy as it seems. There is no aiming and I usually missed the center while cutting the rootstock. Cutting the scion is much easier. While playing with it I realized that the pruning part may post a danger and may injure our fingers. Kindly take necessary precaution. Thank goodness I was not cut. Personally I would prefer the pruning part to be on another tool.

Grafting Avocado with a U blade grafting tool.

Avocado grafting, U join.

Rear view of the grafting tool.

Can I use the hole at the bottom to aim? When cutting on the rootstock, it could be an issue. I then turned it around and tried U "saddle". Inverted U on the rootstock.

Avocado, saddle U cut.

Avocado grafting Saddle U cut.

I then switch the blade to the Omega style. Blade switching, click here.

Omega Cut, saddle.

Omega cut, grafting of rubber tree.

Yes, for Omega, we can use it straight or saddle. For the Omega style, we have to slide in the scion from the side. If we were to push it in, it shall damage the 'O' part.

One side matching.

Not matching side.

Scion and rootstock of different size, we can only match i side.

While turning the bobbin  I was surprised to see that the mark of the U and Omega side by side.

Note the cut marks of U & Omega cut.

 I only realized that they are of different 'depth'. I took the  V blade to compare and it's at the same length of the U. I wonder why.

Finally, I decided to try the V blade. This is the style that I had the most reservation. I feel that it is difficult to wrap as the sides shall slip out when the sides are compressed.

V blade attached on the grafting tool.

Did a couple of Avocado graft. Again The V can be used straight or saddle.

Avocado V shape grafting.

I just did a couple of straight V. Shall try the saddle when I have the opportunity. Stay tune for my impression of the grafting tool, coming soon.

Grafting Scissor.

Bought a Professional  Grafting Scissor. Had wanted to buy this but had been putting it off for a while.

Simple packaging.

It comes with 3 blades, Omega, V & U blade. The blade can be used on both ends making an effective of 6 blades.

Instruction is pretty simple,

Instruction given on the rear.

 Hold grafting stock in the grafting tool and squeezes the handle to make the cut, repeat this to cut the stem o the donor plant.
Slide the donor plant stem into the stock plant, matching the cut surfaces as closely as possible. If the stock and donor is of different size, match 1 side only.
Place sterilizing material around the join and bind with tape. The sterilizing material shall protect against bacterial & weather.
There is also a top scissor to use for pruning.

Blade sliding down onto the orange catch.

 This professional grafting scissor is effective for soft / green wood. It can not be used with hardwood. Effective grafting diameter is about 15mm.

It is designed to have a vertical sliding down cut.

Sturdy handle.

It is light weight as it's mostly plastic. The handle looks sturdy and comes with a lock. Looking forward to test this on the Jackfruit, Avocado, Mangoes & Figs. Wondering if this shall helps in my grafting.

Shipping Benelli Keeway TX200 From Kuala Lumpur To Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

As my intention was to ship the newly acquired bike to Sabah. I try searching for a cheap shipper. Air freight should be quite costly and most probably not within my budget. hence  sea freight it shall be.

Trying to ship Benelli TX200 to Sabah.

Contacted MDM Shipping Agency Sdn. Bhd. Got a quote.
1) Transportation - pickup by lorry - within KL/Selangor - RM 300.00

2) Shipping by container - 1 unit Keeway Tx200 - RM 1,300.00
including customs clearance, forwarding, documentation, handling and ocean freight to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

3) Transportation - delivery by lorry - within Kota Kinabalu - RM 300.00 

This adds up to $2,200 not including insurance. I feel this is too much (for me) and is totally out of my budget. I was figuring that it's within $600 ~ $800. I inquired if there is a cheaper means. Shipping a superbike, they are charging $1,800.

I search further, then finally found  Amber Freight Management Sdn Bhd. They asked for the dimension, which was in the brochure.
Dry weight 135 Kg
Overall Length 2090 mm
Overall Wight 830 mm
Overall Height 1140 mm (I forgot about the box).
I was quoted approximately $650. 
This include crating and insurance is approximately $25.00
Condition is that I have to deliver the bike to their warehouse in 3 1/2 mile Jalan Kapar, Klang. Their shipment is on batch. The bike shall be left at their warehouse until they have 5 units of motorcycle then they shall ship. Could not estimate the time frame.
  Documents required:
1) Copy of owner's IC
2) Copy of Registration Card / Original if no loan.
3) Release/Consent Letter from Bank/Shop (if under loan).

I was initial planning that if I could get the bike over before December, then I shall use it to tour Sabah. On December I do not have any scheduled traveling. With no time frame, maybe I shall have to put this off for the time being until after March 2014. I shall most probably use the bike in Peninsular for the time being. I may have some time during Feb ~ March 2014.

In the meantime, joined the Keeway TX200 club and hope to enjoy the bike with fellow riders. 

Traveling To Farm Using Malindo Air.

Traveling to my farm.

This is the first time that I am traveling to my farm in Sabah using Malindo Air. I had been using AirAsia all this while, with the exception of a couple of times using FireFly.

FireFly had stopped flying to Kota Kinabalu from Kuala Lumpur a couple of months ago.

Malindo Air is a new comer. They operate from Kuala Lumpur International Airport and lands at Kota Kinabalu International Airport.

My flight OD 1002 takes off at 7.45 am. Took the 5.00 am bus from Sentral to KLIA. I reached KLIA at 6.40 am. Walk up to level 5, Row F to check in. Find that the ques are pretty long. Then it occurred to me that their web check in is not ready and I find that most of the passenger has luggage to check in as Malindo Air allows 20 kg of check in luggage. Lucky me, as I went early as is the first time flying via Malindo Air.

Check in gate had been changed from Gate A10 to A11, hmm,  okay, just next door. As I already had my breakfast, I'll just wait at the boarding gate. Found Gate A11, it's at the far end (last) and it's a VERY LONG walk. Luckily I came early.

Flight is on time and boarding were done very efficiently via an aerobridge. Business Class, Senior citizens, passenger with children, passenger sitting behind, then the front passengers.

As I was checking in, I was asked if I had any seat preference. Since I was traveling alone, I said none. As I was looking for my seat 17E, I realized that it's on the emergency exit. I was thinking, oh my, from my experience on AirAsia these seats can not be reclined. It is different in Malindo Air. The leg space is definitely bigger than AirAsia (normal as well as emergency exit), those seats at the emergency exit CAN be reclined. There is also an individual entertainment system with a touch screen that provide you with movies, music, games & etc. Since I had my ear plug with me, I did not request for one. There are a ear plug port, a USB port which can charge our phones and a game controller port (I guess). A rather annoying problem is whenever there is an announcement, the volume is at a much higher level, and I had to pull off my plugs. We were served sandwich and mineral water.

My flight was very pleasant and we touched down according to schedule. As I travel frequently, cost is still my number 1 priority. I guess to me it's still cheaper if AirAsia is on sale, and if I book way in advance. I could be an exception as I do not have luggage.

Would suggest you people to do a comparison before purchasing your flight. I would give positive points to Malindo Air on 1) Luggage 20 kg (when / if required), 2) Boarding via aerobridge (no heat/rain), 3) bigger leg room, 4) Meals, 5) No convenient fees. It could be cheaper if you are flying at a short notice, like this flight which is not in my regular schedule.

My last comment is that it lands at Kota Kinabalu International Airport and there are more food outlets there :-)

Sabah Under Attack.

Flew back to Sabah this morning after taking a rest of 2 weeks. Had been reading lots of news from the internet, both local & foreign. Our farm is located on the western side of Sabah, while the 'Red Zone', Lahad Datu is on the eastern side of Sabah, which is about 200 Km away.

Left LCCT, Sepang this morning, there were some delays for flights to Sarawak. Heard it through the annoucement. My flight was on schedule, but were delayed for a while on the runway. Guess the air traffic could be heavy.

Upon reaching Kota Kinabalu, things looks normal. The usual Policemen were on guard. The passengers at Terminal 2 looks a bit less, both for arrival and departure. Notice that there were less people and less activities in the city. Only managed to see a couple of Caucasian tourist. Even the immigrants that use to be in the thousands are not in sight. We shall need to bring back the tourist as next year is visit Malaysia year. The locals are still all around doing their normal daily chores. There is no rush in the supermarket, petrol station and banks. Infact I think the activities is less as compared to normal days. Kota Kinabalu is definitely still safe.

Reached Keningau town in the evening, things here is the same as in Kota Kinabalu. The coffee shop that I normally patronize, is full.

Let's pray that this sad episode shall past by with minimum casualty quickly. Pray for the defenders of our nation, for  their safe return, home to their love ones.

Bulletproof 4x4 Toyota Hilux Turbo LN106 .

The date had arrived, that our bulletproof 4x4 hilux, 1992, had broken down. Was sending our harvest down to the city on the 16th morning. The engine sound a bit different in the morning. Our haulage for this trip was only about 850 kg. While tackling the Crocker range it was pretty low in power. We had to keep it on 1st gear most of the time. It was really low on power.

After delivering all our harvest, comprising of pumpkins, banana and papayas, I pop up the hoot and found that there is plenty of engine oil leaking from the Samco silicon hose. This original rubber hose was recently replaced as there was a slight leakage. Was initially thinking that the hose had harden.

First though was that the turbo had leak. The turbo was recently replaced (internal turbine assembly only, reusing the housing) back in November. Well nothing much we can do at that moment, just top up the engine oil and drove back slowly.

Went to the only turbo specialist at our area, as soon as they opened after the Chinese New Year, 18th February. After preliminary inspection, we found that engine oil is spewing out from the dip stick tube, with the dip stick removed. Was told to check and repair the engine first.

Went to visit the mechanic. They suspect that the pistons ring, most probably broken, causing a blow by. Need to do an overhaul. Once they dismantled, then they shall also check on the turbo. A call was made to the spare part shop to confirm spare parts availability. The engine is a 2LT diesel engine.

Arrangement was made to send in the truck on 20th February as I shall be away from the farm. Estimated time for the overhaul is about 10 days as the mechanic anticipate that there shall be a delay at the machine shop, as they shall be on leave on the last days of Chinese New Year.

Shall be back at the farm on March, to check out our 4x4 Hilux. Stay tune.

MAHA 2012 / A Typical Trip Home.

MAHA 2012

An Apps to identify the Rubber Tree Clone.

Malaysian Agriculture, Horticulture and Agro-tourism 2012.

Attended this exposition as it’s only held once in 2 years. On the previous visit back in 2010, I was just too fresh and didn’t know what to look for. 

A typical trip for me to Kuala Lumpur incur a long traveling time. Have to wake up early, like 5.30 am. Make my way to town, take the first express bus at 7.00 am. Another bus is at 8, but to be on the safe side, I usually takes the 1^st trip as I do not want to miss my flight. It takes about 3 hours for the express bus to go to the city Kota Kinabalu from Keningau. The airport is along the traveling route before the city and I usually arrange with the driver to drop me off at the nearest bus stop. The airport in Kota Kinabalu has 2 sides, KKIA, Kota Kinabalu International Airport and LCT Tg. Aru, Low Cost Terminal Tanjung Aru. Both involve a walk from the main road. KKIA being closer to the main road, it’s just a 10 minutes’ walk. LCT Tg. Aru is much further from the main road, a longer 30 minutes’ walk. Tanjung Aru town is along the route and I usually stop there for a break as most of the time I’m early. Have a rest, a cup of tea before proceeding.

Contract Farming.

Waiting time at the airport is also quite long, advance check-in like 45 minutes before the gate close, custom clearance, waiting to board. Being air conditioned, it’s still acceptable. My flight is usually in the afternoon, 2.00 pm. Flight time is about 2 hours 45 minutes. As usual, to disembark takes about 45 minutes.

A 15 minutes walk to express bus station to catch a bus to the city. If I miss the bus, then I shall have to wait for another half hour. Usually with the after office hours rush, a normal 1 hour 15 minutes journey can at times get extended to 2 and a half if it rain. From the city in Kuala Lumpur, I take the LRT train home. Arrange for a pick-up at the nearest LRT station. By the time I reach home, it most probably about 7.30 pm.

Attended Maha 2012 the next morning, it open at 10.00 am. Parking was a mess as we were given the run about to the assigned car park. A short 10 minutes’ walk took care of that. Started with Hall A, B then C. It then started to rain. I only manage to visit a few booths that interest me. I find that most of the booths are geared towards the public, rather than commercial farming. Also I find quite a large numbers of exhibitor that is not that relevant. I see booths selling irrelevant books, clothing, food, and even ladies accessories.

As other halls are quite far from these, open concept and with the rain, I just finish off the agro-bazaar, bought some durians and went off. This trip felt a bit disappointed.

Manage to visit the bigger exhibit, mainly Government establishment. Some of the stuff that interest me is a company incorporating solar energy to farming and Post harvesting management. Manage to speak to a Roselle manufacture and there may be a lead for supplying / contract framing. The problem for me is that our farm is in Sabah and their facility is in Peninsular.  Bought some publications off MARDI and collected some catalogs hopping that these maybe be of use to me.

Solar powered insect zapper.

Coating for post harvesting.

Hydroponic

Rain guard system.

Hope the next exhibition is better.

Farm Visitor Number 1 Is Back

Visitor number 1 came back for a short visit and this time he came with his son and another friend. Day one, we had a short city tour in Kota Kinabalu in a rented Proton Saga. Place visited are Signal Hill, Atkinson Clock Tower, Jesselton Wharf and etc.




Day 2 was spent at the farm, to see our progress. A year ago, we were planting aimlessly. Now we already have a planting plan and in the process of understanding and developing further experience on selected plants. Had a walking tour across our little farm. Exchanging ideas, discussion and deliberating on plants and methods. Time just flies by.

Day 3, morning, went visiting to our local weekly market. Lots of stuffs sold by the locals where available. Our friend brought a big root of Tongkat Ali for just $25.00 He seems to be sure about the root and it's usage. We continued to Mahua Waterfall. This is hidden inside the Crocker Range. Spent some time having a mini picnic. We then proceed to Poring Hot Spring. A walk across the Rainforest Canopy Walk, followed by a hot dip at the hot pool. It was getting dark and have to leave.




Day 4 we went around to Kinabalu Park, making lots of stops for for fruits shopping. Spent some time at Kundasang, a high land town with lots of farming. Visited the War Memorial. Spend the rest of the day at Kinabalu park itself.
Had a seafood feast at Kudat, as the seafood there is so fresh.

Day 5, we made a visit to the Tip Of Borneo. The wind was particularly strong today. We can't even stand properly. The waves were constantly hitting at the rocks. This area is having lots of development, chalets, shops, restaurants and others.

We made a stop at the Runggus Long House.

Day 6, we went on an eating trip, tasting the local fare. After filling up to the top, we went for a walk at Gaya Street, the weekly Sunday Market. As my friends' flight is close to midnight, I have to excuse myself and make my way back to Keningau. After saying our good byes, made my way to take the 1.00 pm. Kimanis Express bus to Keningau.