ISHS Acta Horticulturae 710: International Symposium on Greenhouses, Environmental Controls and In-house Mechanization for Crop Production in the Tropics and Sub-Tropics
CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT TULIP FORCING IN MALAYSIA |
| Authors: | L.A. Thohirah, C.C. Wong, F.L.S. Chin, E. Johari |
| Keywords: | Tulipa gesneriana, bulbs, flower forcing, growth chamber, aeroponics |
| Abstract:
Tulip belongs to the genus Tulipa, family Liliaceae. Tulipa includes about 125 species but only a few species are grown on a commercial scale. Tulips are forced for use as cut flowers, potted plants and in outdoor planting. In Malaysia, tulip pot plant or cut flower production is possible through the use of suitable cultivars and a precise forcing technique to produce quality plants. For successful tulip forcing in Malaysia, a scientific approach coupled with good background knowledge of physiological processes involved during flower formation is essential. This information will facilitate the development of schedules of the temperature treatments for bulb storage, for accurate control of timing of flowering and result in good quality flowers being produced. Selected tulip varieties such as Christmas Marvel, Hollandia, Leen Van Der Mark, White Dream and Yokohama, which are suitable for both pot production and cut flowers, have been identified. Forcing temperatures of different day/ night temperatures (DIF) to produce quality grade flowers and longer shelf life have been determined. A new growth chamber using local materials and expertise has been successfully designed and constructed. Production of tulips by aeroponics system has also been successfully carried out with the optimal rootzone temperature to produce good quality flowers. The local floriculture entrepreneur will benefit from the reduced cost by importing uncured bulbs, provide good quality tulips cheaply and timely for local consumers. Further investigation needs to be conducted to introduce more varieties that are heat tolerant to enable flower forcing of tulip under our local conditions. | |
Download Adobe Acrobat Reader (free software to read PDF files) | |
