The International Plant Propagators Society
The IPPS is a global network of professionals with an interest in plant production, including horticultural research and education, with the aim to improve the knowledge, skills, productivity and professionalism of its members. IPPS has 1600 members over eight geographical regions around the world, spread over four continents.
The 21st annual IPPS Southern Africa regional conference was held in Port Elizabeth in March this year. It was hosted by Elands Nursery and proved to be a resounding success. The conference themed “Climate Resistance Horticulture “ include local delegates from across South Africa as well as international delegates from Australia and America.
Speakers included:
Pierre Ardiaanse, Greenhouse Energy Management.
Gavin Schafer, Soil surveys for forestry and agricultural planning.
Dr Derek Askew, working with irrigation water.
Shaun Biggs, Ellepot systems : New developments and technologies
Dr Paul Fourie, The role of nurseries in preserving citrus bio security in SA.
Rick Davies, Real IPM SA: Biological Pest control.
Dermot Malloy (Australia IPPS), where can a career in propagating take you.
The conference was followed by informative site visits to various citrus nurseries, vegetable pack houses and wholesale plant farms in and around the Nelson Mandela Metro.
The post conference tour included a cruise on the Sundays River, a tour through the Addo Elephant National Park and a presentation by the parks senior ranger Anban Padayachee featuring floral rehabilitation and challenges the park faces with regards to conservation of its flora.
The 2018 tour will take place in Cape Town and promises to be another informative conference and exciting tour. Membership with IPPS is for individuals only. Any professionals in all fields of plant production, including horticultural research and education, students in horticulture, botanists and allied suppliers to the plant production industry, may apply for membership.
To enquire please visit sa.ipps.org/ipps-profile/about-us
