TY - JOUR
T1 - Looking for new ornamentals
T2 - Flowering studies
AU - Erwin, J.
PY - 2009/3/4
Y1 - 2009/3/4
N2 - An early step in determining whether a plant species has potential as a new ornamental crop is to identify what conditions promote reproductive versus vegetative development. Such information is critical to evaluate the ornamental potential (if flowering is desired), to propagate a plant for commercialization, and to produce a saleable product. Early experiments must determine juvenile phase length, as well as, determining whether photoperiod, irradiance, and/or cool temperatures (vernalization and/or dormancy) are involved in flower induction, initiation and development. The significance of each of these processes in new crop development will be discussed, as well as, demonstrated using three case studies. Specifically, our research on herbaceous flowering spring crops, South African geophytes (Watsonia, Gladiolus and Oxalis), and selected cacti (Rebutia, Lobivia, Gymnocalycium, Sulcorebutia, Echinopsis, and Echinocereus) and succulents (Kalanchoe, Sedum, Cotyledon, and Echeveria spp.) will be summarized in the context of the before mentioned flowering processes. How we prioritized experiments within each plant group, challenges we encountered, and future experiments will be discussed. Lastly, challenges we encountered and agreements/understandings we have with faculty in foreign countries when working with plant materials indigenous to their country will be discussed.
AB - An early step in determining whether a plant species has potential as a new ornamental crop is to identify what conditions promote reproductive versus vegetative development. Such information is critical to evaluate the ornamental potential (if flowering is desired), to propagate a plant for commercialization, and to produce a saleable product. Early experiments must determine juvenile phase length, as well as, determining whether photoperiod, irradiance, and/or cool temperatures (vernalization and/or dormancy) are involved in flower induction, initiation and development. The significance of each of these processes in new crop development will be discussed, as well as, demonstrated using three case studies. Specifically, our research on herbaceous flowering spring crops, South African geophytes (Watsonia, Gladiolus and Oxalis), and selected cacti (Rebutia, Lobivia, Gymnocalycium, Sulcorebutia, Echinopsis, and Echinocereus) and succulents (Kalanchoe, Sedum, Cotyledon, and Echeveria spp.) will be summarized in the context of the before mentioned flowering processes. How we prioritized experiments within each plant group, challenges we encountered, and future experiments will be discussed. Lastly, challenges we encountered and agreements/understandings we have with faculty in foreign countries when working with plant materials indigenous to their country will be discussed.
KW - Dormancy
KW - Flower development
KW - Flower induction
KW - Irradiance
KW - Juvenility
KW - Photoperiodism
KW - Vernalization
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=70350073841&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=70350073841&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.17660/ActaHortic.2009.813.5
DO - 10.17660/ActaHortic.2009.813.5
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:70350073841
SN - 0567-7572
VL - 813
SP - 61
EP - 66
JO - Acta Horticulturae
JF - Acta Horticulturae
ER -