ISHS Acta Horticulturae 467: III International Symposium Diversification of Vegetable Crops
DIVERSIFICATION OF VEGETABLE GROWING IN THE MIDDLE AND LOWER REACHES OF THE YAUNGTZE RIVER |
| Authors: | L. Shijun, G. Lihong, Z. Suping, L. Gaoqiong, L. Wei |
| Abstract:
The middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River have a subtropical climate and are very rich in plant resources. In recent years, this district has been developing rapidly in economy and tourism; hence the increased demand for diversified varieties of vegetables supplied all year round. Under these circumstances, vegetable growing has undergone many changes. More and more species are being grown commercially through domestication of wild types, especially, those with medicinal characteristics. For instance, Shepherd purse and chrysanthemum grown in open field and under covers can supply the consumers all year round. Many species have been introduced from the overseas, such as parsley, okra, broccoli, horseradish, American head lettuce, pea, pink cabbage and celery. Squash, taro and many tropical flower vegetables are from Canton, Taiwan and other districts. Many more cultivars of one species are being bred and screened in response to growing style and consumers demands. Apart from seasonal ones, there are cultivars for glasshouse, rain shedding house and shading net growing. There are also some genotypes of certain high nutrition content, such as pak-choi with high iron and low NO3 content. The climate in this district are becoming more and more harsh. Rainy weather lasts very long in early summer and suddenly the temperatures become very hot; often reaching 37–38°C. Work on the breeding of cultivars and production techniques against these stresses is in progress. We are trying to select and grow vegetables of high quality which can tolerate low nutrition in the growth medium. | |
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