Paul Wambugu at the IFTEX 2017 in Nairobi, Kenya.
A mix of post-harvest products
As Gypsophila acreage has expanded rapidly, Chrysal decided to grab the opportunity to tap into this market and started to develop a post-harvest solution for this crop. After several months of research and mixing several of their existing post-harvest products, they came up with the right protocol that results in a superior quality of flowers from the grower. "It’s a mixture of Chrysal AVB, Chrysal RVB and Chrysal Gyps mix. The order of mixing is to start with your desired amount of water in your container or bucket then add the ‘Gyps mix’, mix it thoroughly, then add Chrysal RVB, mix it, and lastly add Chrysal AVB, mix it thoroughly. The solution is then ready to use", says Wambugu. "We plan to make it a total Gypsophila protocol that contains all the ingredients. It will be a single treatment protocol from one supplier", he adds.
The Above photo shows two treated bunches of Gypsophila with the Chrysal Gyps Mix Protocol showing extended vase life (20+ Days )
Trials
After developing this protocol, they started to trial it. "We did various trials in farms across Kenya, but the main trials were done at Sun Floritech in Naivasha. Also some trials were conducted at Chrysal Africa vaselife room and at OZ Import in Holland." According to Wambugu, the results were outstanding and all the same at the various locations. "Gypsophilas treated in this mix have much bigger and whiter flowers and have a much better shelf life - we got flowers lasting for 22 days and still looking good. On top of that, the mix dissolves much quicker and solution stays clear", he says. Sun Floritech even decided to switch to this protocol after a series of successful trials, before Chrysal even launched the protocol officially.
Gypsophila treated with the new Chrysal Gyps Mix protocol and products – Brighter Flowers, larger bloom & longer vase life.
What about the price?
Besides trialling the mix and showing growers the benefits of this mix, Chrysal also proposed the costs of the product to the growers. "Before introducing a product, it is important to know if a grower is willing to pay the price of the product. Fortunately, the growers we spoke to and who have seen the benefits of the product find it reasonably priced", says Wambugu.
Launch
The “Chrysal Gyps Mix” has not been formally launched in the market yet. "We are planning to put a ready-to-use product on the African and South American market very soon."
For more information:
Chrysal
info@chrysal.co.ke
orders@chrysal.co.ke
www.chrysal.com