Cut Flower Production Research Articles

Costs and Returns of Producing Outdoor Cut Flowers

Field–grown cut flower production, in general, is a low–overhead business. This is both good news and bad news. Good—because it doesn't require a lot of capital to get started in this business. Bad—because competition can develop rapidly, sometimes from marginal producers for whom profitability is a low priority. Thus, it is important for producers to know the costs of growing each product so that they can make profitable production and marketing decisions. A cost accounting program was developed to help producers calculate the cost of each crop. In addition, a series of benchmark budgets were developed for specialty cut flowers. These budgets are on the Rutgers University Farm Management Website (http://aesop.rutgers.edu/~farmmgmt).

First Report of Root-Knot Nematode Meloidogyne javanica on Chrysanthemum in Colombia.

Severe plant stunting, chlorosis, and extensive root galling were observed on chrysanthemum (Dendrathema grandiflora cv. Yellow Vero) in a commercial cut-flower production facility in Rionegro, Antioquia, northwestern Colombia. Examination of the root samples from selected infected plants revealed the presence of abundant root-knot nematodes. Juveniles, males, and females were extracted for species identification using morphological characteristics. Identification was confirmed by perineal patterns and esterase phenotype analysis of females. All methods of identification were consistent with typical Meloidogyne javanica. No other root-knot nematode species were found on this farm, but the presence of other Meloidogyne species in the region is possible. Root-knot nematodes have been reported to cause economic losses in cut-flower plantations in Colombia (1), but there are no reports of the species involved. M. javanica has an extensive host range and wide distribution. The identification and distribution of M. javanica in chrysanthemum production is relevant because nematode-fungus interactions may depend on the nematode species involved. Only M. javanica, and not M. hapla or M. incognita, has been found to increase the severity of Fusarium wilt on chrysanthemum (2). To our knowledge, this is the first report of M. javanica on chrysanthemum in Colombia.

Home gardening may be a risk factor for contact dermatitis to Alstroemeria

Background Occupational allergy among florists and people who work in cut flower production of Alstroemeria cultivars (Peruvian lily or Inca lily) has been previously reported. The allergen involved in sensitization is tulipalin A (alpha-methylene-gamma-butyrolactone). Case report We describe the case of a 65-year-old woman who developed severe dermatitis on her right thumb, index and middle fingers and less severe dermatitis on her left palm and front of forearm with occasional itching of the neck and face after taking up home gardening activities, including cutting flowers such as Alstroemeria. Methods The patient and three healthy individuals were submitted to epicutaneous tests with the European standard series, the plant series, and stem portions of three suspected ornamental plants ( Alstroemeria, Lilium and Zantedeschia), garlic, and onion. Results Patch tests performed in our patient, revealed an extreme reaction (+ + +) to Alstroemeria and alpha-methylene-gamma-butyrolactone, a strong reaction (+ +) to propolis and wood tar mix, a weak reaction (+) to balsam of Peru, an irritant reaction to garlic and negative results to diallyl disulfide and the other components investigated. Patch tests performed in the healthy individuals revealed negative. Conclusions We stress the importance of Alstroemeria as a cause of allergic contact dermatitis not only in workers involved in the flower trade, but also in other people that come into contact with this plant in their leisure activities.

Application of treated wastewater for cultivation of roses ( Rosa hybrida) in soil-less culture

No information is available today concerning the effect of irrigation with secondary treated sewage water on growth, production or quality of roses or other cut flowers. In the present study we investigated the effect of irrigation with treated sewage water on roses cultivated in two soil-less medium, perlite, an inert mineral medium and Choir (coconut fibers), an organic medium of high ion absorption capacity. During 12 months of exposure to the treated water, the visible appearance of the plants, their growth, the quantity and size of the flowering stems and their postharvest performance were not affected by the irrigation treatments. Contents of macroelements in the leaf tissues were unaffected by the irrigation with the secondary treated sewage water. At the same time, Cl contents increased 47% in perlite and 73% in Choir grown plants reaching levels characteristic of exposure to moderate salinity. Mn, Cu and B contents increased as well under cultivation in both perlite and Choir under irrigation with treated sewage water. On the other hand, contents of Fe, Zn, Mo and Al, were similar in all treatments. In all treatments contents of all the examined micro and macroelements were within the range accepted for proper plant function.

Analysis of Characters and Germplasm of Significance to Improvement of Australian Native Waratahs (Telopea spp., family Proteaceae) for Cut Flower Production

Waratahs (Telopea spp.) are cultivated for their blooms for the international cut flower market. A morphometric study was conducted on a range of cultivated waratah varieties to determine the variability of selected characters of horticultural importance and which parents might be of value in future breeding programs. Univariate analysis of characters of 13 cultivars revealed the greatest range of variation in number of flowers, bract dimensions, flower colour and leaf margin type. Differences were observed between number of flowers per inflorescence in the T. speciosissima (Sm.) R.Br. group of accessions and the other species cultivars; interspecific cultivars with T. mongaensis, Cheel and T. oreades F. Muell. were intermediate, with a similar pattern observed in bract length and width. Multivariate analysis (canonical variate analysis – CVA) discriminated between waratah cultivars on the basis of flower colour (first axis), then flower number, bract length, leaf width and leaf margin type (axis 2). The third axis also separated leaf width, the fourth leaf length and width, and the fifth leaf apex shape, CVA was also used to explore the genetic contribution of three parent T. speciosissima cultivars to hybrid populations. Hybrids with ‘Sunflare’, ‘Sunburst’ or ‘Wirrimbirra White’ as one parent were very dispersed indicating the range of inheritance of the observed phenotypic characters, leading to the possibility of selecting individuals with the required degree of character inheritance. It was demonstrated that the Telopea speciosissima type, which forms the basis of the waratah cut flower industry, may be improved by hybridising with other Telopea species. The application of the results to the development of waratah breeding programs is discussed.

Regional Restructuring of Bulb Production and Cut Flower Production with Increasing Imported Lily Bulbs

The purpose of this study is to clarify changes in the supply and demand of the domestic lily with increasing lily bulb imports and changes to production areas in Japan. I analyze changes in the regional linkage of lily bulb and lily cut flower production respectively.Import liberalization in the form of the exemption of isolation quarantine inspection for import lily bulbs in 1990 decreased the shipment of domestic lily bulbs. Conversely however, shipments of lily cut flowers increased. The import of lily bulbs triggered price competition between export countries and moreover, the bulb supply of domestic distributors has an influence on the supply and demand of lilies.According to a case study carried out in Horinouchi Town, Niigata, the bulb supply becoming vital to the production of lily cut flowers sees linkage move toward the international domain rather than linkage in the production area. Now, linkage between domestic production areas takes place, and is implemented based on the production conditions in every production area and the various stages of growth. On the whole, each regional linkage diversifies without completely shifting. We may be opposed to import lilies if we can create regional differences in production conditions in this country.

Influência da temperatura na respiração, produção de etileno e longevidade de inflorescências de esporinha

O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a influência da temperatura na respiração e produção de etileno em inflorescências de esporinha (Consolida ajacis), e se a produção de CO2 poderia ser utilizada como indicador da longevidade das flores. As hastes foram colhidas, colocadas em vasos e armazenadas em temperatura de 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, e 40ºC até a completa senescência das flores. Ocorreu variação temporal similar na respiração e produção de etileno em função da elevação da temperatura, com produção máxima de 1.854 mL CO2 kg-1 h-1 e de 11,28 mL C2H4 kg-1 h-1 a 30 ºC e 40 ºC, respectivamente. O fator Q10 da respiração entre 5 e 30 ºC oscilou entre os valores de 1,11 e 2,89, semelhante a outros produtos hortícolas. A longevidade das flores foi inversamente proporcional ao aumento da temperatura entre 5 e 30 ºC. A vida de vaso estimada da esporinha foi reduzida de 11,9 para 4,1 dias com o aumento da temperatura de armazenamento de 5 para 30 ºC. A longevidade das flores mantidas a 35 e 40 ºC foi semelhante a das flores armazenadas a 30 ºC.

Field Evaluation of Pollen-free Sunflower Cultivars for Cut Flower Production

Thirteen single-stem and 16 branching sunflower (Helianthus annuus) cultivars were evaluated in field trials at the North Mississippi Research and Extension Center in Verona for cut flower production. The objective of this study was to assess the production potential of field-grown, pollen-free sunflowers in the Mississippi environment. The stem length, stem diameter, and bloom diameter of the sunflower cultivars were assessed over six planting dates during the summer growing season to determine cultivar market potential. All the single-stem cultivars produced stem diameters greater than 1.4 cm and were too large for general florist usage. The stems and flowers of the branching cultivars were smaller than the single-stem cultivars, and were a better size for many floral arrangements. The yield of stems from the branching cultivars ranged from three to 13 stems per plant over six planting dates. In the branching group, the dark-flowered cultivars produced the greatest number and the longest stems in the trial. Yellow/gold-flowered branching sunflowers in this trial did not produce as many stems and the stem lengths were shorter compared to the dark-flowered sunflowers.

Host Range of Itersonilia perplexans and Management of Itersonilia Petal Blight of China Aster

Isolates of Itersonilia perplexans were tested for pathogenicity on 14 different plant species. Isolates from China aster and sunflower were each pathogenic to the other host and both isolates were pathogenic to chrysanthemum and gerbera, causing moderate to high incidences of flower or seedling blight in these hosts. China aster and sunflower isolates were not pathogenic to burdock, but an isolate from burdock was pathogenic to florists' chrysanthemum and gerbera. In a survey of weed species near a cut-flower production facility in southwest Florida, I. perplexans was found in only one weed species, Emilia fosbergii. However, two isolates from this weed host produced severe petal blight symptoms when inoculated onto China aster. Myclobutanil, potassium bicarbonate, and propiconazole were highly effective in reducing disease severity of petal blight in China aster, while azoxystrobin reduced disease moderately in fungicide evaluation trials. Accepted for publication 28 July 2006. Published 18 October 2006.

SEASONAL CARBOHYDRATE AND TOTAL NITROGEN DISTRIBUTION IN ROSE PLANTS: DEVELOPMENTAL AND GROWTH IMPLICATIONS

SEASONAL CARBOHYDRATE AND TOTAL NITROGEN DISTRIBUTION IN ROSE PLANTS: DEVELOPMENTAL AND GROWTH IMPLICATIONS

Effects of Substrate Type on Plant Growth and Nitrate Leaching in Cut Flower Production of Oriental Lily

Four types of media [coir, 1 coir: 1 peat (by volume), peat, and sandy loam soil] were evaluated for their effects on plant growth and nitrate (NO –3) leaching in the production of oriental lilies (Lilium L.) `Starfighter' and `Casa Blanca'. Twenty-five bulbs were planted in perforated plastic crates and placed on the ground in temperature-controlled greenhouses. The potential for NO –3 leaching was determined by placing an ion-exchange resin (IER) bag under each crate at the beginning of the study. After plant harvest (14 to 16 weeks), resin bags were collected and analyzed for NO –3 content. Plant tissues were dried, ground, and analyzed for N content. Results indicated that the use of coir and peat did not significantly influence plant growth (shoot dry weight) relative to the use of sandy loam soil; however, substrate type influenced the amount of NO –3 leached through the media and N accumulation in the shoots for `Starfighter', but not `Casa Blanca'.

Effect of Thidiazuron, Benzylaminopurine and Naphthalene Acetic acid on In vitro propagation of Tuberose (<i>Polianthes tuberosa L.</i>) from shoot tip explants

Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) is an important export crop among small-scale farmers in Kenya. One of the main challenges facing production and marketing of good quality Tuberose cut flowers is the lack of clean planting material as the resource-poor farmers multiply their own propagules. The main objective of the present study was to evaluate the potential of Thidiazuron (TDZ), a phenyl urea, benzylaminopurine (BAP), a cytokinin and naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), an auxin, on in vitro propagation of tuberose from shoot tip explants. No multiple shooting was observed in any of the treatments tested. Results from the study indicated that TDZ, at low concentrations, was more potent than BAP in increasing shoot length and quality as well as the number of leaves per shoot. However, TDZ at high concentration (5 µM), was toxic leading to death of the shoot explant. Inclusion of NAA in media either supplemented with TDZ or BAP led to formation of calli, which did not differentiate further. Keywords:Thidiazuron; Benzylaminopurine; Naphthalene Acetic acid; propagation of Tuberose; Polianthes tuberosa L.JAGST Vol 6(1) 2004: 48-59

Effects of Supplied Nitrogen Form and Quantity on Growth and Postharvest Quality of Ranunculus asiaticus Flowers

The form of N supplied to the plant (NH4+ or NO3–) affects growth, morphology and a range of physiological processes in the plant. Little information is available concerning the effects of N form on development, production or quality of cut-flowers. The present study investigated for the first time the effects of N form and quantity on growth, flower production and flower quality of Ranunculus asiaticus L. The plants were cultivated in an inert mineral soilless medium (perlite) and were exposed to two levels of nitrogen fertilization (50 or 100 ppm) and three levels of NH +4 (10%, 20%, or 30%, under 100 ppm nitrogen fertilization). Larger shoots and increased shoot/root ratios were obtained in the lowest (50 ppm) N treatment. This treatment also excelled in flower yield production, resulting in higher numbers of total flower produced as well as higher numbers of long flowers. The results demonstrate an effect of N ferlilization treatments on cut-flower quality. Flowers grown under 50 ppm N application characterized by almost double vase life duration compared to flowers grown under the various 100 ppm N treatments. However, flower quantity and quality were not affected by the level of NH4 applied. The R. asiaticus L. root was less sensitive to the N fertilization treatments than its shoot. Contents of organic N, NO –3, P, K, Ca, Mg, Na, Cl, Fe, Cu, Zn, B, and Mo in the leaves were not affected by the fertilization treatments. Taken together, our results suggest a low requirement of R. asiaticus L. for N fertilization, and insensitivity to ammonium concentrations in the range of 10 to 30 ppm, 10% to 30% of the total N supplied. Detrimental effects in terms of growth, production and cut flower quality were apparent already under 100 ppm N supply.

Evaluation of Soil Fumigants Applied by Drip Irrigation for Liatris Production.

Cut-flower growers need alternatives to methyl bromide (MB) for pathogen and weed control. The efficacy of alternative chemicals applied by drip irrigation was tested in a cut-flower production system. In 2002, seven chemical formulations were tested: chloropicrin, iodomethane + chloropicrin, 1,3-dichloropropene + chloropicrin, sodium azide, metham sodium, furfural + allyl isothiocyanate, and furfural + metham sodium. In 2003, an additional treatment, dimethyl disulfide, was added. Most treatments reduced populations of Pythium ultimum and Fusarium oxysporum and increased stem height compared with the nontreated controls. Metham sodium, furfural + metham sodium, sodium azide, and chloropicrin significantly reduced incidence of Liatris stem rot caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Weed control was not acceptable either year for any treatments. Viable alternatives to MB for cut-flower production will require better treatments for weed control than was achieved in this study.

Collaboration with Production Areas of Bulb Procurement and Branding of Cut Flower Production Area

Collaboration with Production Areas of Bulb Procurement and Branding of Cut Flower Production Area

(92) Effect of GA3 on Growth and Soft Rot Occurrence in Zantedeschia (`Black Magic')

This experiment was carried out to determine correct applications of GA3 for the production of cut flowers of Zantedeschia albomaculata cv. Black Magic in highlands. Tubers were treated with GA3 in concentrations of 0, 100, and 200 mg·L-1. ABA contents in the tubers and roots were twice as high (20∼25 pmol/mL) in the control as in GA3-treated tubers and roots. ABA content in roots increased with increasing GA3 concentration. Growth of the calla was investigated according to the tuber hardness (3.3, 6.0 kg·cm-2), GA3 concentrations (0, 100, 200 mg·L-1), and GA3 treatment duration (24 h, 12 h, and 30 min before planting). Tubers with higher tuber hardness were strong against soft rot, regardless of the GA3 concentrations and treatment durations. Tubers with lower tuber hardness showed over 90% soft rot occurrence when treated with 200 mg·L-1 GA3 for 24 h before planting. However, soft rot did not occur when treatment with 200 mg·L-1 GA3 was used for 12 h before planting.

(70) Hydroponic Sunflower Production as Influenced by Cultivar, Nitrogen Fertilization, and Root-knot Nematode Infestation

Nitrogen (N) fertilization is critical for successful production of cut flowers in a hydroponic system. In this study, two sunflower cultivars: single-stand `Mezzulah' and multi-stand `Golden Cheer' were grown under two N fertilization rates: 50 mg·L-1 and 100 mg·L-1 in a recirculating hydroponic system. At the same time, `Mezzulah' sunflowers were biologically stressed by exposing each plant to 2000 second-stage juveniles of the plant parasitic nematode Meloidogyne incognita, race 1. The experiment was conducted in May and repeated in Sept. 2004, and plant growth and flower quality between control and nematode-infested plants were compared at the two N rates. The two cultivars responded differently to fertilization treatments. With increasing N rate, the dry weight of `Mezzulah' increased, while that of `Golden Cheer' decreased. Flower size and harvest time were significantly different between the two cultivars. However, N had no effect on flower quality and harvest time. Flower quality rating suggests that quality cut stems can be obtained with 50 mg·L-1 N nutrient solution. Nematode egg count suggests that plants in the nematode treatment were successfully infested with Meloidogyne incognita, however, no significant root galling was observed, and plant growth and flower quality were not affected by nematode infestation.

FLORICULTURE RESEARCH IN PERNAMBUCO - BRAZIL

FLORICULTURE RESEARCH IN PERNAMBUCO - BRAZIL

Risk factors to pesticide exposure and associated health symptoms among cut-flower farmers

The study looked into the risk factors associated with pesticide exposure among cut-flower farmers. A survey questionnaire was given to 102 respondents in Barangay Bahong in La Trinidad, the center of cut-flower production in the Philippines. Results showed that 32% were symptomatic or had experienced pesticide-related illnesses since their first use of pesticides. The majority of the pesticides used by the farmers were Categories Ib and II which are moderately or highly hazardous chemicals. Individuals with signs and symptoms most often centered on the eye, ear, nose and throat (EENT) (44 respondents reporting these symptoms) followed by general and neuralgic (16 respondents) and the integumentary (14 respondents). The most common general signs and symptoms manifested were weakness followed by fatigue and muscle pain then by chills and fever. The most common EENT manifestations were eye itchiness and blurring of vision. For neurological signs and symptoms, dizziness followed by headache was reported. Logistic regression showed that illnesses for the past 12 months were associated with certain risk factors such as farm use of pesticides, exposure to pesticide while applying it, respiratory inhalation of pesticide vapours and mists (p = 0.05). Moreover, those who re-entered a recently sprayed area were 20 times more likely to get ill during the past 12 months than those who did not. Those who used pesticide-contaminated pieces of fabric to wipe sweat off their faces were 2% more likely to get ill, and those who had spills on their bodies while applying pesticide were 26 times more likely to get ill. The study suggested that the risk factors to pesticide exposure should be considered in policy formulations for the cut-flower farmers in the country.

Time to first pregnancy among women working in agricultural production

This study explores several factors potentially associated with reduced fecundability among women working in cut flowers production. A cross-sectional study of first pregnancies was undertaken in 47 Colombian floriculture companies. Two thousand and eighty-five women were interviewed regarding potential reproductive, lifestyle and work history predictors of time-to-pregnancy (TTP), measured in months. Fecundability odds ratios (fOR) were estimated using a discrete time analogue of Cox's proportional hazard model. Associated with longer TTP were: irregular relationships with her partner (fOR 0.82, 95% CI 0.73-0.91), illness in the year prior to pregnancy (fOR 0.78, 95% CI 0.62-0.98), smoking tobacco (fOR 0.71, 95% CI 0.59-0.85), and work in flower production, less than 24 months (fOR 0.86 95% CI 0.75-0.98) or 2 years or more (fOR 0.73, 95% CI 0.63-0.84). Work in flower production, irregular relationship, illness and tobacco exposure would be associated with impaired fecundability.