ISHS Acta Horticulturae 673: IX International Symposium on Flower Bulbs
PRODUCTION OF FLOWER BULBS IN REGIONS WITH WARM CLIMATES |
| Author: | R. Kamenetsky |
| Keywords: | ornamental bulbs, cut flowers, potted plants, Israel, South Africa, South America, Asia |
| Abstract:
The cultivation of ornamental bulbs is no longer limited to countries with a moderate climate. The production of high-quality bulbs and flowers in warm regions has become important during the last decade, and is encouraged by relatively cheap labor and the expansion of international trade. In spite of the fact that for commercial bulb production in warm-climate areas, species without chilling requirements are more suitable, thermo-periodic bulbs might also be grown successfully. Moreover, the potential for flower production in these regions is evident: since the light intensity is relatively high and winter temperatures are appropriate for flower development, cut flowers and potted plants can be produced in these areas during the off-season, and transported to markets in other countries. The Israeli experience in bulb and flower production provides a good example of the development of special strategies for warm climates. Bulbs of Hippeastrum, Narcissus, Anemone, Ranunculus, Ornithogalum and other species, adapted to relatively high temperatures, are grown commercially on a large scale. At the same time, the production of thermo-periodic bulbs with chilling requirements (Tulipa, Allium, Eremurus) allows us to meet specific market demands. Greenhouse flowers, produced during the winter and early spring are sold at high prices in the international market, but their production requires precise knowledge of the flowering physiology of the species, as well as a high level of growth technologies. Various aspects of the development of bulb and flower production in warm countries, as well as the research needed for this branch of the ornamental industry, will be discussed. | |
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