Horticultural Science and Rare Plant Conservation

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Horticultural science has an essential role to play in the conservation of rare plants, but to date, most horticultural research in this field has taken place on an informal rather than experimental basis. Plant conservation as a scientific and practical discipline would benefit greatly from applying the more rigorous approach characteristic of commodity-oriented horticultural research. In turn, the profession of horticultural science has a great deal to gain by participating more actively in plant conservation programs. Benefits include an influx of new ideas, new people, and new resources. Some of the traditional research fields within horticulture that are directly relevant to rare plant conservation include: seed technology, propagation and tissue culture, nutrition, growth regulation, soil management, and protection from pests and diseases. Three case studies illustrate various ways in which the theory, technology, and knowledge base of horticulture can be applied to plant conservation. They include the rare plant propagation program at Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales, Fla.; mountain meadow revegetation projects in Mount Rainier and Olympic National Parks in Washington; and research activities of the recently established Georgia Plant Conservation Alliance.