Ornamental Plant Production Research Articles

A nursery system nitrogen balance for production of a containerized woody ornamental plant

To reduce nitrate contamination of groundwater in intensive agricultural production areas, crop producers should identify nitrogen (N) inputs and outputs to calculate potential N available for leaching into groundwater. However, poor understanding of N fate in container plant production may result in inaccurate estimation of potentially leachable N. To improve understanding of container-applied N fate, an experiment was conducted to measure N inputs and outputs from a woody ornamental plant (Lagerstroemia indica ‘Whitt II’) production system fertilized with controlled-release and surface-applied fertilizer. Two experimental bed types, polyethylene-lined and unlined, were installed at a production nursery in California. Measured N inputs included: the substrate, with fertilizer and roots, and irrigation water N. Outputs included: N remaining in the substrate and plant shoots at the end of the production cycle, nitrous oxide-N gas lost from the substrate and bed soil, and aqueous N lost in runoff during the production cycle. There was a significant difference in runoff N losses from the lined and unlined beds. The difference in runoff N lost between bed types was the amount of N infiltrating into the soil below the growing bed surface. The majority of input N either remained in the growing substrate (57%) at end of production cycle or was taken up by the plant shoots (5%). Nitrous oxide-N lost from the growing substrate and the bed soil was 1.5% and 0.01% of input N, respectively. Runoff and soil infiltration N accounted for 6.5% and 2.4% of input N, respectively. Unaccounted N was 27.7% of input N and is attributed to complete denitrification. Future work should address the amount of aqueous N lost from the growing substrate to reduce surface and groundwater contamination.

Hyperspectral imaging for high-throughput vitality monitoring in ornamental plant production

Ornamental heather (Calluna vulgaris) production is characterized by high risks such as occurrence of fungal diseases and plant losses. Given the general absence of formal research on this economically important production system, farmers depend on their own approaches to assess plant vitality. We provide a reproducible, affordable and transparent workflow for assessing ornamental plant vitality with spectroscopy data. We use hyperspectral imaging as a non-invasive alternative for monitoring plant performance by combining the long-term experience of experts with hyperspectral images taken with a portable hyperspectral camera. We tested a custom-made setup deployed in a horticultural production facility and screened thousands of heather plants over a period of 14 weeks during their development from cuttings to young plants under production conditions. The vitality of shoots and roots was classified by experts for comparison with spectral signatures of shoot tips of healthy and stressed plants. To identify wavelengths that allow distinguishing between healthy and stressed heather plants, we evaluated the datasets using Partial Least Squares regression. Reflectance in the green (519–575 nm) and red-edge (712–718 nm) region of the spectrum was identified as most important for classifying plants as healthy or stressed. We transferred the trained Partial Least Squares regression model to independent test data obtained on a different date, correctly classifying 98.1% of the heather plants. The setup we describe here is adjustable and can be used to measure different plant species. We identify challenges in data evaluation, point out promising evaluation approaches, and make our dataset available to facilitate further studies on plant vitality in horticultural production systems.

Waste materials-based substrates for ornamental plant production: technical and environmental aspects

ISHS II International Symposium on Growing Media, Soilless Cultivation, and Compost Utilization in Horticulture Waste materials-based substrates for ornamental plant production: technical and environmental aspects

Effect of host plant on the life history of the carnation tortrix moth Cacoecimorpha pronubana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae).

The carnation tortrix moth, Cacoecimorpha pronubana (Hübner, [1799]) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), is one of the most economically important insect species affecting the horticultural industry in the UK. The larvae consume foliage, flowers or fruits, and/or rolls leaves together with silken threads, negatively affecting the growth and/or aesthetics of the crop. In order to understand the polyphagous behaviour of this species within an ornamental crop habitat, we hypothesized that different host plant species affect its life history traits differently. This study investigated the effects of the host plant species on larval and pupal durations and sizes, and fecundity (the number of eggs and the number and size of egg clutches). At 20°C, 60% RH and a 16L:8D photoperiod larvae developed 10, 14, 20 and 36 days faster when reared on Christmas berry, Photinia (Rosaceae), than on cherry laurel, Prunus laurocerasus (Rosaceae), New Zealand broadleaf, Griselinia littoralis (Griseliniaceae), Mexican orange, Choisya ternata (Rutaceae), and firethorn, Pyracantha angustifolia (Rosaceae), respectively. Female pupae were 23.8 mg heavier than male pupae, and pupal weight was significantly correlated with the duration of larval development. The lowest and the highest mean numbers of eggs were produced by females reared on Pyracantha (41) and Photinia (202), respectively. Clutch size differed significantly among moths reared on different host plants, although the total number of eggs did not differ. This study showed that different ornamental host plants affect the development of C. pronubana differently. Improved understanding of the influence of host plant on the moth's life history parameters measured here will help in determining the economic impact that this species may have within the ornamental plant production environment, and may be used in developing more accurate crop protection methodologies within integrated pest management of this insect.

Dailily cultivar Regina flowering under different NPK doses

The knowledge of fertilization in ornamental plant production is essential to improve productivity and longevity of plants and their flowers. In the case of Hemerocallis x hybrida Hort. there is only few studies showing this relation. The lack of research in the field led the execution of this study, which aimed to evaluate the effect of different doses of NPK on the growth of daylily cultivar Regina. The study was conducted in an experimental area at Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná, located in Toledo, PR, Brazil. Seedlings were obtained from dividing the parent plants’ clumps which were cultivated in a clonal garden. Subsequently, standardization was carried out regarding the length of the aerial part of 10 cm and root system of approximately 5 cm. The experimental design used was randomized blocks with five treatments, containing four replications with five plants each. The treatments consisted of five doses (0; 4.5; 9.0; 13.5 and 18.0 g pl-1) using NPK (4-14-8). The parameters evaluated were number of shoots per plant, number of leaves per shoot, number of stems per plant, length of stems per plant and number of flower buds per stems. We observed the flowering timing was influenced by the different doses of NPK. There was linear fit for the parameters and the dose of 18 g pl-1 promoted the best results, except for the number of stems per plant. The results indicate that increasing doses of NPK positively influence the flowering period, and promote an increase in the number of shoots, stem length and number of flower buds.

Raw and Fermented Alfalfa Brown Juice Induces Changes in the Germination and Development of French Marigold (Tagetes patula L.) Plants.

Organic and ecological farming programs require new and efficient biostimulants with beneficial properties for the sustainable and safe production of seedlings and ornamental plants. We examined the effect of non-fermented and lacto-fermented alfalfa brown juice (BJ) on seed germination and the vegetative, physiological, and anatomical properties of French marigold (Tagetes patula L. ’Csemő’) plants which were treated with 0.5–10% fermented and non-fermented BJ, with tap water applied as a control. Applying 0.5% fermented BJ significantly improved seed germination compared with non-fermented BJ, resulting in an increase of 9.6, 11.2, 10.9, and 41.7% in the final germination percent, germination rate index, germination index, and vigor index, respectively. In addition, it increased the root and shoot length by 7.9 and 16.1%, respectively, root and shoot dry mass by 20 and 47.6%, respectively, and the number of leaves by 28.8% compared to the control. Furthermore, an increase in contents of water-soluble phenol, chlorophyll a and b, and carotenoid was reported upon the application of 0.5% fermented BJ, while peroxidase activity decreased. Our results prove that alfalfa BJ can be enrolled as a biostimulant as part of the circular farming approach which supports the sustainable horticultural practice.

Strategies of fertilizer application for ornamental pineapple plants grown in pots under anti-aphid screen

ABSTRACT Production of ornamental pineapple plants in pots is a recent mode of growing pineapple that demands information on application of soil mineral fertilizers to compose the production system. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of five strategies of application of soil mineral fertilizer on the vegetative and reproductive growths of potted ornamental pineapple plants. The experiment was conducted under an anti-aphid screen, from June 17, 2015 to May 21, 2016, in Fortaleza, Ceará state, Brazil. A completely randomized design with six treatments and four replicates was used, consisted of four plants per plot. The treatments consisted of application of a slow-release fertilizer; conventional soil fertilizer application; fertigation at every 30, 60, and 90 days; and no soil fertilizer application (control). The plants were grown in 1 L pots and irrigated using a drip system every two days. The variables evaluated were: number of leaves; ‘D’ leaf length and width; shoot apex diameter; plant height; flowering rate; length and diameter of peduncle, syncarp, and crown; crown to syncarp ratio; and percentage of marketable plants. Despite the different plant growth, all strategies of soil fertilizer application used can be recommended for ornamental pineapple plants, since they do not hinder the esthetic quality and dimensions required for marketing these plants in pots. Pineapple production without application of soil fertilizers should be avoided, since it reduces the percentage of marketable plants.

Managing pH of Organic Matrices and New Commercial Substrates for Ornamental Plant Production: A Methodological Approach

Professional peat-free substrates for ornamental plant production are increasingly required by nursery growers. Most promising materials are green compost, coconut coir dust, and woody fibre, used alone or in mixtures. One of the major concerns is pH, usually higher than optimal. In this work, a method based on a three-step procedure was adopted to acidify three organic matrices alone or in mixtures and to individuate the most suitable product, between iron(II) sulphate 7-hydrate and elemental sulphur chips. Firstly, the determination of the buffering capacity by dilution with sulphuric acid was carried out to determine dosages. Afterwards, an incubation trial of 84 (iron(II) sulphate) or 120 days (sulphur chips) was conducted on matrices and substrate mixtures with calculated doses in a climatic chamber maintained at 21 °C. Iron(II) sulphate resulted not suitable because it caused a rapid, but not lasting, pH lowering and an excessive electrical conductivity (EC) increase. Sulphur chips could instead guarantee an adequate and lasting pH lowering. These results were then validated in the open field trial on matrices and substrates. The proposed acidification methodology could be considered in developing new substrates, but the rapidity of pH acidification and EC increase on plant and mineral nutrition should be further investigated.

ASSOCIATION OF PHYTOPLASMA AND BEGOMOVIRUS WITH SOME ORNAMENTAL PLANTS: A REVIEW

In recent years, the development of the floriculture sector has received rising attention, particularly for the benefit of small-scale agricultural enterprises producing domestic seedlings of perennial ornamental plants and for export to neighbouring countries. Plant diseases, including those associated with phytoplasma infections and plant viruses, are affected by this industry, as are other sectors of the agricultural economy.In a number of commercial cut flowers and ornamental plants, phytoplasma and plant virus infection causes diseases, causing major economic losses globally.Therefore, phytoplasma and plant virus diseases are the key constraints in the production of lucrative ornamental plants and lower their quantum and quality, gaining international importance due to unspecific symptoms, different losses and complex epidemiology around the world. These disease epidemics forced the removal of several varieties of floricultural plants such as gladiolus, lily, chrysanthemum and rose from cultivation. In various ornamental plants in botanical gardens and various floriculture farms, symptoms of general yellowing as well as plant stunting, shoot proliferation, phyllody, virescence, lower cost of flowers and reddening of leaves were observed. The prevalent mode of distribution of plant viruses is vector transmission, vegetative propagation or seed, although in some cases, viruses are transmitted by mechanical contact. Begomoviruses in economically important ornamental plants, especially in the tropical and subtropical regions, are among the most dangerous epidemic-causing pathogens, but phytoplasmas of ornamental plants have been widely distributed geographically. Information on phytoplasma and begomovirus infecting ornamental plants has been addressed in this study

Precision Agriculture Digital Technologies for Sustainable Fungal Disease Management of Ornamental Plants

Ornamental plant production constitutes an important sector of the horticultural industry worldwide and fungal infections, that dramatically affect the aesthetic quality of plants, can cause serious economic and crop losses. The need to reduce the use of pesticides for controlling fungal outbreaks requires the development of new sustainable strategies for pathogen control. In particular, early and accurate large-scale detection of occurring symptoms is critical to face the ambitious challenge of an effective, energy-saving, and precise disease management. Here, the new trends in digital-based detection and available tools to treat fungal infections are presented in comparison with conventional practices. Recent advances in molecular biology tools, spectroscopic and imaging technologies and fungal risk models based on microclimate trends are examined. The revised spectroscopic and imaging technologies were tested through a case study on rose plants showing important fungal diseases (i.e., spot spectroscopy, hyperspectral, multispectral, and thermal imaging, fluorescence sensors). The final aim was the examination of conventional practices and current e-tools to gain the early detection of plant diseases, the identification of timing and spacing for their proper management, reduction in crop losses through environmentally friendly and sustainable production systems. Moreover, future perspectives for enhancing the integration of all these approaches are discussed.

Kontribusi Persewaan Tanaman Hias terhadap Pendapatan Produsen Tanaman Hias di Kota Malang dan Sekitarnya

This research aims to obtain an overview of rentals characteristic business ornamental plant of the scale of households and small scales and knowing the contribution rentals ornamental plant of the scale of households and small scales against income producers ornamental plants. The determination of the location of the research done deliberately (purposive) that is implemented in the city of Malang and Batu city with the consideration that location is an ornamental plant production center to continuously ornamental plants rental. Methods of data retrieval method using Census data, the analysis carried out qualitatively and quantitatively. The result of qualitative analysis : First , in the matter of pricing, where the scale of ornamental plants rental households, no price on the basis of plants, but based on the sized manufacturing, while on a small scale in addition to rental based on size is also based on the type of plants. Second, the targert market or tenant. Where on a small scale, ornamental plants rental market target is broader this is due to the partnership business, based on the result, the contribution of revenue each tenancy. The contribution rental income an ornamental against producers an ornamental received household scale of 33,26 percent. While on small scale of 22,90 percent.

Molecular characterization of a 'Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris'-related strain (16SrI-B / cpn60UT I-IB) affecting daisies (Argyranthemum spp.) in Mexico

From 2018 to 2019 symptoms consistent with infection by plant pathogenic phytoplasma bacteria were observed in commercial flower greenhouses located in Atlixco, Puebla, Mexico. Two varieties of Argyranthemum spp. plants exhibited symptoms of phyllody, causing serious concerns among farmers. To determine if phytoplasmas were associated with the symptomatic plants, the 16S rRNA-encoding locus (F2nR2 fragment) was amplified by PCR. This revealed that the symptomatic plants collected were infected by a phytoplasma belonging to the aster yellows group (16SrI-B). These results were confirmed and refined by amplification and sequencing of the phytoplasma chaperonin 60 universal target (cpn60 UT). Sequence analysis using the online tool CpnClassiPhyR confirmed that the phytoplasma detected is a member of the 16SrI group, specifically a member of the cpn60 UT I-IB subgroup.. This is the first report of daisies affected by phytoplasma in Mexico, and the first report of the use of CpnClassiPhyR to characterize an unknown phytoplasma strain. The detection of phytoplasmas infecting commercially produced daisies and their characterization provides an impetus for phytoplasma management in Atlixco, a Mexican city for which the production of ornamental plants and cut flowers is of economic importance.

Water retention characteristics of substrates containing biochar and compost as peat and perlite replacements for ornamental plant production

Water retention characteristics of substrates containing biochar and compost as peat and perlite replacements for ornamental plant production

Bioelectricity Generation and Production of Ornamental Plants in Vertical Partially Saturated Constructed Wetlands

Energy production in constructed wetlands is a little-known field, as is the operation of vertical partially saturated constructed wetlands (VPS-CWs) that promote both aerobic and anaerobic microbial interactions. By doing so, bacterial degradation is increased, becoming the main mechanism of pollutant removal in constructed wetlands (CWs). For the first time, the generation of bioelectricity, together with the production of ornamental plants in vertical partially saturated constructed wetlands during the treatment of domestic wastewater, was evaluated. Six VPS-CW systems functioned as bioelectricity generators, where the systems were filled with red volcanic gravel and activated carbon as anode and cathode. Three systems were planted with Zantedeschia aethiopica and three with Canna hybrids plants. The development was measured through mother plants and shoots produced every 60 days. The input and output of each VPS-CW was monitored using control parameters such as BOD5, phosphates (P-PO4), and total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN). Bioelectricity, power, voltage, and current measurements were performed every 15 days for a period of 7 months. It was found that the VPS-CWs used as biobatteries in combination with the use of domestic wastewater as a substrate improved the development of the two evaluated plant species and stimulated growth and germination of new shoots. No significant differences were found between the different treatments (p ≤ 0.05). Likewise, an average efficient removal of BOD5 (98%) for both systems without statistical differences was observed (p ≤ 0.05), but for TKN and P-PO4, significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) were found between systems planted with Z. aethiopica (TKN: 65%; P-PO4: 20%) and Canna hybrids (TKN: 69%; P-PO4: 27%). This method of water treatment and bioelectricity production with Canna hybrids was an efficient system that generated a great electric current (140 mA/m2), voltage (750 mV), and electric power (15 mW/m2), compared with those observed in systems with Z. aethiopica (60 mA/m2, 500 mV, 9 mA/m2).

EFFECT OF SALINE IRRIGATION WATER LEVELS ON THE GROWTH OF TWO ZINNIA ELEGANS L. CULTIVARS

The production and growth of ornamental plants are markedly affected by water deficiency. Therefore, enhancing their yield during the drought period has become the main goal in plant breeding. Two Zinnia elegans L. cultivars (Short Stuff and Profusion) were employed in this investigation to determine the effect of salinity and drought tolerance on plant growth for translation to a salinity and drought tolerance breeding program. Four irrigation treatments based on F.C. of medina used, (T1= 40, T2= 60, T3= 80, and T4= 100% (control) of field capacity) under five salinity levels (electrical conductivity (EC) of 0.63 dS m-1 (control)), EC1= 1.6, EC2= 3.1, EC3= 6.3, and EC4= 9.4 dS m-1) were imposed throughout a 120-day growing period using a drip irrigation system. The vegetative growth yield and the flowering characteristics were determined and gas exchange measurements were recorded. All flowering and vegetative characteristics decreased as the level of deficit irrigation water increased. Both cultivars treated with 40% under EC3= 6.3 and EC4= 9.4 dS m-1 did not flower. Nonetheless, significant differences were found between the two cultivars for all characteristics, indicating that they could be considered when adjusting for salinity and drought tolerance. Profusion cv. displayed better performance than Short Stuff cv., when grown under 80% and 100% irrigation treatments and the salinity levels, except for 40% with EC3 and EC4 which did not result in flower yield. Leaf chlorophylls content (chl. a, b, and total) reduced with the increase in the salinity level and with increasing deficit irrigation water treatments. Content of leaf minerals, such as Ca2+, Na+, and Cl-, was also determined. For both cultivars, Ca2+ content decreased as irrigation salinity increased, while Cl- and Na+ contents increased as salinity increased in the plant tissue following irrigation.

Use of acibenzolar-S-methyl and other novel products for the management of Aphelenchoides fragariae on ornamental plants in glasshouse and commercial conditions

Several chemical, biopesticide and elicitor treatments were evaluated on healthy plants inoculated with leaf and bud nematodes (Aphelenchoides fragariae). Aphelenchoides fragariae is a major threat to ornamental plant production worldwide, and its management poses a great challenge due to its wide host range of herbaceous, ferns and woody plants. Commercially available products containing spirotetramat, abamectin, azadirachtin and the elicitor of plant defences, acibenzolar-S-methyl (ASM), were assessed for their ability to reduce the multiplication of A. fragariae inoculated on two plant species: Anemone hupenhensis (Japanese anemone), and Buddleja davidii (Buddleja).Treatments were applied individually and in combination with ASM in a spray programme. All treatments consistently showed a significant reduction of nematode multiplication in treated plants compared to the control. Programmes of ASM with spirotetramat, abamectin or azadirachtin had significantly lower nematode populations on both plant species compared to the untreated plants. In Buddleja plants, a programme using spirotetramat + ASM had a 97% reduction of the A. fragariae population over the control (ROC) while ASM, spirotetramat, abamectin, azadirachtin, ASM + abamectin and ASM + azadirachtin caused between 78 and 94% ROC. On Japanese anemone, the highest nematode ROC (95%) was obtained with the spirotetramat + ASM programme, while other treatments (ASM, spirotetramat, abamectin, azadirachtin, ASM + abamectin and ASM + azadirachtin) had a range of 80–94% reduction of A. fragariae over the control.Management of plants infested by leaf and bud nematodes may prove challenging; however, all the treatments investigated demonstrated a significant reduction in nematode population in Buddleja and Japanese anemone, indicating that they have significant potential as effective alternatives to manage A. fragariae in ornamental plants. The potential of ASM alone or in programmes with other actives is discussed in relation to their use in the management of A. fragariae.

Complete Genome Sequence Resource for the Necrotrophic Plant-Pathogenic Bacterium Pectobacterium carotovorum WPP14.

Pectobacterium spp. are a major cause of loss in vegetable and ornamental plant production. One of these species, Pectobacterium carotovorum, can cause soft rot disease on many plants, particularly potato. These diseases lead to significant economic loss and pose food security threats by reducing crop yields in the field, in transit, and during storage. The Gram-negative enterobacterium P. carotovorum WPP14 is a particularly virulent strain for which there is no available closed genome, limiting the molecular research for this important pathogen. Here, we report a high-quality complete and annotated genome sequence of P. carotovorum WPP14. The 4,892,225-bp genome was assembled with Nanopore reads and polished with Illumina reads, yielding 394× and 164× coverage, respectively. This closed genome provides a resource for research on improved detection and biology of P. carotovorum, which could translate into improved disease management.

Greenhouse Carbon Dioxide Supplementation with Irrigation and Fertilization Management of Geranium and Fountain Grass

Increase in ambient carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration is beneficial for plant growth due to increased photosynthesis and water use efficiency. A greenhouse study was conducted to investigate how supplemented CO2 influences optimal irrigation and fertilization management for production of two ornamental plants. Two identical greenhouses were used, with one having CO2 supplementation and the other serving as the control with ambient CO2 concentration. Tensiometer-based irrigation treatments were applied at soil tensions of –5, –10, and –15 kPa with 0-, 3-, 6-, or 9-g controlled-release fertilizer rates applied in factorial with irrigation treatments. Plugs of geranium ‘Pinto Premium Rose Bicolor’ and fountain grass were grown under experimental conditions for 12 and 16 weeks, respectively. The results showed that CO2 supplementation increased the dry weight of geranium ‘Pinto Premium Rose Bicolor’ and fountain grass by 35% and 39%, respectively. Under the two driest irrigation regimes (–10 and –15 kPa), photosynthesis of geranium ‘Pinto Premium Rose Bicolor’ increased with CO2 supplementation compared with the ambient condition. Similarly, for fountain grass, the moderately watered (–10 kPa) treatment had a greater rate of photosynthesis with greater fertilizer rates of 6 or 9 g. CO2 supplementation resulted in increased water use efficiency of both species, whereas rate of transpiration was lower only in fountain grass. Among different fertilizer rates, 6- or 9-g fertilizer rates had greater values for dry weight, number of flowers, and stomatal conductance in both species. Therefore, it can be concluded that CO2 supplementation can help in efficient use of water for greenhouse production of ornamental plants.

Thirty Years of Research and Professional Work in the Field of Biological Control (Predators, Parasitoids, Entomopathogenic and Parasitic Nematodes) in Slovenia: A Review

This paper provides the first detailed presentation of research and professional activities in the field of biological control in Slovenia during the period of 1990–2020. It presents information on the important pioneering role of Prof. Dr. Lea Milevoj in biological control research in Slovenia, especially in regard to the inventorying and laboratory rearing of indigenous beneficial organisms, evaluation of the influence of food type on the feeding behaviour of beneficial organisms, participation in the first introduction of a natural enemy within the context of classical biological control in Slovenia, preparation of rules on the biological control of plant pests and publication of the first Slovenian monograph on biological control. The paper also describes the activities of Slovenian researchers in regard to entomopathogenic nematodes, especially related to the assessment of their presence and efficiency in suppressing harmful insects and the identification of indigenous parasitic nematodes associated with economically harmful slugs. The paper also notes some applicative and basic research projects pertaining to parasitoids, especially in terms of their function as natural enemies of aphids, and in regard to predators of harmful insects and mites, especially predatory mites. The main goal of these activities is to implement the use of as many natural enemies as possible in food and ornamental plant production systems to replace the use of plant protection products.

Floricultural Methods of Propagation and Challenges Facing Practitioners in Jimeta and Yola Metropolis of Adamawa State Nigeria

Floriculture as a field of science deals with production, use, marketing and management of ornamental plants. This article examines floricultural propagation methods used by florists in the two towns (Jimeta and Yola) that formed Adamawa State capital. A total of 25 florists were purposively selected for the research and face to face interviewed using well-structured questionnaires. A total of 31 ornamentals plants species in the gardens of the florists were considered for the research. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were adopted for analysis of the data collected. The results revealed that florists preferred the use of seeds, stem cutting, rhizoids, tufts, and roots for the propagation of ornamentals. Results of challenges facing florists indicated that water, land to operate, credit facility, high cost of nursery implements, pest and disease control recorded lower confidence of variation in the response spread of the florists which are indications of acute problems. More sensitization on floriculture need be done to attract more women into the business and florists should go for training to improve their skills and organize cooperative groups to seek support from any institution that may be ready to help.