Flowers are essential crops which beautify interiorscapes, outdoor landscapes and enhance human health. Floriculture is one of the fastest-growing sectors of commercial agriculture world-wide with many highly profitable crops. Such a diversity of new and domesticated flower crops is created by public and private sector flower breeders. This book provides a unique and valuable resource on the many issues and challenges facing flower breeders, as well as the industry at-large. In this volume, the first comprehensive assemblage of its kind, a team of 32 international authorities has contributed to make this book a `must-have' reference to research and develop flower crops for the 21st century consumers.
Part 1 of this book (flower breeding program issues) contains unique features of interest to horticultural professionals and students, include coverage of plant protection strategies, cultivar trialing methodology, germplasm collection/preservation, preventing invasiveness, and other timely topics. The collective body of knowledge for 24 flower crops (Part 2: Crop-specific Breeding and Genetics) represents the in-depth science and art of breeding technology available for bedding plants, flowering potted plants, cut flowers, and herbaceous perennials. Each author provides crop-specific history, evolution, biology, taxonomy, state-of-the-art breeding/genetics, classical/molecular technologies, species traits, interspecific hybridization, and directions for future development/enhancement.
From the contents:Colour section. Introduction.- Part 1 Flower Breeding Program Issues: 1. Factors affecting flowering in ornamental plants. 2. Creation of new floral products. Annualization of perennials Horticultural and commercial significance. 3. Cultivar testing. America?s trial gardens: 4. Protection: Plant patents, utility patents, plant breeders? rights, trademarks, branding, royalties. 5. Herbaceous ornamental plant germplasm conservation and use. Theoretical and practical treatment: 6. Prevention of invasiveness in floricultural crops.- Part 2 Crop-Specific Breeding and Genetics: Bedding Plants: 7. Ageratum. 8. Anagallis. 9. Begonia. History and breeding. 10. Impatiens. 11. Petunia. 12. Zinnia. Flowering Potted Plants: 13. Cacti. 14. Chrysanthemum. 15. Crapemyrtle. 16. Cyclamen. 17. Hibiscus. 18. Lachenalia. 19. Lily. 20. Orchids. 21. Ornamental pepper. 22. Exacum. 23. Tulip. Cut Flowers: 24. Lisianthus. 25. Freesia. 26. Rose. 27. Star of Bethlehem. Herbaceous Perennials: 28. Monard, Bee-balm. 29. Clematis.- 30. Coneflower.