I hope that everyone managed to survive Christmas and New Year safely—it is hard to believe that we are already into Autumn and nearly a quarter of the way through the new year.

2009 was a difficult year for many growers, with the potato/tomato psyllid really making its presence felt. The key to psyllid control is early detection and early action! Yellow sticky traps are an invaluable tool here, both for detection and for trapping, especially when hotspots are first found. They should be hung around hotspots, at rates of up to 1-3/10sqm. Traps will help to tell you whether your spraying has been successful, and will also help to control adults in the area, which are hard to control if using chemicals such as “Oberon”.

There are a number of contact sprays available which have good effect against the psyllid and minimal residual effect against beneficials and bees—talk to your local horticultural supply rep for more information on these. There is also some handy information on psyllid trapping results on the Hort NZ website, so you can get an idea what psyllid populations are like in your area.

Hives on TV

For those of you who are watching the new gardening program on Prime TV on Sunday nights, - did you recognise our bee hive? Linda Hallinan, the presenter and editor of the NZ Gardener magazine, introduced one of our hives in an outdoor box to the inner city family that is learning how to garden and be more self sustaining. If you have missed an episode, you can see it again by going to Prime’s webpage.

New Freight Charges

Over the past years, with increasing petrol and freight charges, Zonda has tried to absorb these increases without passing them onto you, the grower. Unfortunately, we have had to bite the bullet now and pass these changes on, as of 1st March 2010. We endeavour where ever possible to keep our freight charges to a minimum and package as many items together as possible to keep your charges down.

Zonda uses Courier Post exclusively now, as we have found that although they tend to be a little more expensive than some of the other freight companies, they have a better crossover with rural deliveries, and we are able to track and trace parcels more easily. For all metropolitan areas, and non rural areas, they promise next day delivery—very important to us, to ensure you get your bugs in the best possible condition.

Please remember though, if you do not receive your expected goods the following day (when expected), you must contact us to let us know as soon as possible. In most cases, we can track the item and still get it delivered to you that day. However, there is not much we can do if you do not let us know until a few days later.

Zonda will not be responsible for replacing goods where customers have not informed us within 12 hours of their expected delivery time. Goods replaced will attract a freight charge.

Thripex Special

For all new orders placed in March and April (for delivery in March and April 2010), if you mention this newsletter we will give you a surprise bonus with your order!! It will be well worth it!!

Introducing Jude - Zonda's Office Manager

Zonda would like to introduce our new Office Manager – Jude Dyson

Having lived in the Waikato for 10 years previously then the past 3 years in Tauranga, Jude and her husband Jim relocated to Pokeno in September 2009, where they lease a 60 acre block of land. Jim and Jude are raising calves, and growing sorghum for stock feed, which keeps them very busy outside of work.

When not working on the farm Jude likes to be out on their boat fishing, and yes women are far better at fishing than men, as Jude’s husband always says if he doesn’t take her then they go hungry! She also enjoys scrapbooking, camping and relaxing with a nice cold glass of wine.

Jude has a 25yr old son, soon to be married and a 23yr old daughter and a 4yr old granddaughter all living in the Waikato.

Jude has many years of office experience, although this is the first time she has ever worked with “bugs”.

Jude is in the office from 8-2mondays, and 9-2 Tuesdays to Fridays (unless she is off fishing J). Outside of these hours, please leave a message on the answerphone 09 2363700, fax 09 2363705 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Give Your Crop a Boost!

If you are just starting a new crop or finishing off an old one, and just need a bit of a boost to your pollination, but don’t need a full hive, mention this newsletter and get a booster hive for $50 + freight and GST. This offer is only valid for March, and if you mention this newsletter!!

Your One Stop Bug Shop

Zonda Resources Ltd is dedicated solely to the production of beneficial insects and mites, and to providing the support required to use these products successfully. Advisory staff are specifically trained in their fields of expertise, and have several years of practical experience behind them. Zonda is backed by the technical support of Koppert BV in Holland—the worlds leading provider of biological control agents and support .