INTRODUCTION

Mr. Rasmussen and I are very pleased for having the oppertunity to welcome you - nearly hundred scientists from sixteen countries - to this third international symposium.

We hope, you will have some pleasant days here in this green island of Funen, located in the middle of Denmark, where the tulips are just flowering. We also hope, you will benefit from the symposium. I am rather certain, you will - after having read the seventy - seven summaris. But you will have a busy time.

As a part of such a symposium, it is normal to have excursions. We have planned one for today at two o'clock to our research center in Aarslev. And tomorrow we will visit bulb-growers in the southern part of Funen and finish at Egeskov Castle, where the Danish Ministry of Agriculture will give a reception.

Thursday evening we will have the symposium-dinner, where we hope to see all the participants.

The following days I.S.H.S. will hold its council-meeting here.

Many of you will know mr. Pilegård. He has for many years been adviser for bulb-growers in Denmark. He has just got a new job as plant-breeder by the Danisk sedd-firm Dahnfeldt. I think, you will meet him this afternoon in Aarslev.

At the information desk Haijaliisa Auken and Kirsten Friis will be at your disposal with all nessesary informations.

I welcome you and wish you pleasant work.

M. Blangstrup Jørgensen
Director of The State Research Centre for Horticulture
Institut for Vegetables
Aarslev, Denmark