FOREWORD AND PREFACE

Breeding or creating new varieties is an amazing activity, especially when it concerns new ornamentals. Creating new cultivars better adapted to the wishes of mankind is a world-wide activity. This is illustrated in the presented papers in five different sections: breeding techniques; selection criteria; molecular biotechnology; new introduction and use of genetic resources; protection, legislation and control, during the 20^th International Eucarpia Symposium – Section Ornamentals ‘Strategies for new ornamentals’ in Melle Belgium July 2001.

The papers selected by the Scientific Committee are dealing with the most important aspects of ornamental breeding. They form a good mix of theoretical and practical research efforts and of the potentialities of different strategies and techniques in ornamental breeding programs in view of the changing demands from growers and consumers. Submitted manuscripts were reviewed by two referees and amended according to their suggestions prior to acceptance.

It is a pleasure to acknowledge the help of the Organising Committee, the Scientific Committee and all who have participated in this Eucarpia symposium Section Ornamentals and we hope the presented papers may help plant breeders to be successful.

Erik Van Bockstaele, June 2001
chairman Eucarpia - Section Ornamentals

PREFACE

This volume of Acta Horticulturae is the Proceedings of the Twentieth International EUCARPIA Symposium, Section Ornamentals focusing on Strategies for New Ornamentals.

Invited and keynote speakers and selected authors of offered oral papers had the opportunity to submit their manuscripts for publication in this volume of the series Acta Horticulturae.

The ISHS acknowledges the cooperation received from the Editors and Editorial Board on reviewing the manuscripts which was a significant contribution to the overall quality of the publication.

The ISHS Board of Directors