Ornamental Geophytes : From Basic Science to Sustainable Production

This book summarizes current approaches in the biology and global production of ornamental geophytes. It provides the most recent reviews in bulb physiology, genetics, plant protection, and postharvest biology. Chapters cover historical perspectives, taxonomy, biodiversity and phylogeny, breeding and genetics, dormancy, florogenesis, propagation, sustainable production and integrated management environmental issues, postharvest, and globalization of the world flower bulb industry. The overview of biological and horticultural information will help students, researchers, and producers obtain new, relevant data on geophytes in general, as well as on a specific genus/species.

Although a great deal of research on ornamental geophytes has been conducted since the beginning of the 1990s, current information has not been comprehensively presented to researchers and horticulturalists. Covering the latest advances in geophytes science, Ornamental Geophytes: From Basic Science to Sustainable Production provides up-to-date reviews on geophyte taxonomy, physiology, genetics, production, plant protection, and postharvest biology.

Novel approaches to environmentally-friendly, sustainable production and integrated management have stimulated new research directions, and innovative biochemical and molecular methods have opened new avenues in taxonomy and breeding. In addition to the issues historically associated with traditionally growing countries, the book reviews the development of new production centers in Africa, Asia, and South America. In 20 chapters, this book reflects three main trends in plant science and horticulture:

1. A demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly production
2. Widespread employment of new molecular technologies
3. The globalization of the production and marketing chains

Thoroughly modern and in tune with the needs and methods of the geophytes industry, Ornamental Geophytes: From Basic Science to Sustainable Production will benefit not only researchers who have been engaged for years but also new researchers and students who must meet and challenge the existing dogmas. In addition, the information contained in this book is vital to bringing the value of flower bulbs to the worldwide consumers who are the most important and last links in the chain of utilization and profitability of all ornamental products.