Progress 10/01/07 to 09/30/13
Outputs
Target Audience: The limited resources farmers, master gardeners, students, horticulture staff, and other volunteers will be benefitted from this experiment. Because the cut flower production can help local growers maximize profit and plan for market dates. Results will be provides Arkansas gardeners and farmers with information for making informed decisions on which varieties/genotype(s) of rose and gladiolus to plant that will optimize profits. Planting genotypes with superior market grades cut flower hopefully encourage the farmers and gardeners into cut flower production across the state, and could be a profitable agribusiness in the Southeast Arkansas Delta. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? The project output, and results will be provides Arkansas gardeners and farmers with information for making informed decisions on which varieties/genotype(s) of rose and gladiolus to plant that will optimize profits. Planting genotypes with superior market grades cut flower hopefully encourage the farmers and gardeners into cut flower production across the state. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Based on the outcome of this project, the local limited resources farmers, gardeners and commercial growers are able to know the varieties as well as the production technology for commercial cut flower production. To address the stabilization of a growing demand for cut flowers it is imperative therefore, to take up the cultivation at higher population levels. Such selections of elite genotypes with propoer production technology would ensure sustainability and profitability of the floriculture agribusiness . What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
The plant genus Gladiolus is a member of the family Iridaceae. The flowers come in numerous colors such as white, pink, red, purple, yellow, orange, salmon, and even green. Several bi-color flowers can be recognized. Since cut-flower production is an important agribusiness, and Gladiolus flowers are always in high demand worldwide, we decided to evaluate available species for survival and performance in the Southeast Arkansas conditions. Five selected genotypes of Gladiolus bulbs were used in this study namely Red Flair, Ice Cap, Plum Tart, Pink Event, and Violet. The studies were conducted for four years such as from March 2009 toJuly 2013 of each year. The experiments were conducted in Randomized Complete Block Design (for field study) and Complete Random Design (for flower vase life study) with three replications. The spikes were observed in the three different carbohydrate solutions such as sucrose, fructose, and glucose. The spikes were placed in 5, 10, and 15 mg concentrations of each solution respectively and observed at the time intervals of 10, 20, 40 and 60 minutes to evaluate the effect of carbohydrates on the flower vase life. Data was collected using the following measurements: length and width of the leaf, length of the spike, weight of corm at post-harvest, total biomass, harvest index, leaf area Index with some other physiological parameters, the number of sprouts per corm, girth and height of plant, number and width of leaf, length and placement of florets, number of opened fresh florets at a time, longevity, yield and vase life of spike, and total yield of corms and number of cormels per plant. These cultivars produced data suitable to develop profitable genotypes for the Southeast Arkansas region. Furthermore, the cut flower production can help local growers maximize profit and plan for market dates. Another study was conducted to study the effect of various chemicals on vegetative growth, reproductive and some chemical constituents of gladiolus cvs, American Beauty, Pacifica, and Friendship. The corms (2.6 ± 0.4 cm in diameter) were soaked (for 6 hours) in GA3 (75 and 100 ppm) and Ethrel (100 and 200 ppm) before planting at 30 and 40 corms/m2 densities. Results show that higher plant density increases the plant height, length of flower stalk and corm yield/unit area, while it decreases the number of florets/ spike, length and diameter of flower, irrespective of the treatments including control. Treatment with ethrel inhibited plant growth but markedly increased the corm yield and the maximum corm yield. Promising results were obtained by application of ascorbic acid at 200 ppm followed by thiamine at 100 ppm on vegetative growth as well as flowering parameters. The highest recorded data were obtained in plants treated with ascorbic acid on chemical constituents such as carbohydrates, polyphenols, antioxidants and carotenoids. In the case of postharvest vase life study on the effect of adding different chemicals such as MgSO4, AgNO3 and Al2(SO4)3, each at either 250, 500 or 750 ppm, and sucrose at either 1, 2 or 5 % to the vase solutions for gladiolus genotypes studied. The longest spike longevity and superior quality for the individual flowers were obtained with AgNO3 (500 ppm) followed by MgSO4 (750 ppm) compared to other treatments studied. The results suggest the use of AgNO3 (500 ppm) + 2% sucrose as a vase solution for preserving quality and to increase longevity of gladiolus spikes. Therefore it was concluded that these chemicals had effects on improving nutrient balance and delaying senescence process of cut gladiolus. Therefore, results of this study suggest that planting Gladiolus species for floral production could be a profitable agribusiness in the Southeast Arkansas Delta. Roses are favorite plants in home landscapes throughout Arkansas as well as other parts of the United States. A total of twelve varieties – such as Tropicana, Peace, Iceberg, Cinco de Mayo, Julia Child, Living Easy, Europena, Strike it Rich, Let Freedom Ring, Double Delight, Plamengarten Frankfurt and Wild Blue Yonder - were included in this project. Five to ten plants per variety were planted in raised beds. Roses were randomly planted, and each variety was replicated for 10 times. All plant materials were in very good condition at planting and transplant shock was minimal. The rose bushes made good growth and there were no visual symptoms of major nutrient deficiencies. Weeds were handpicked. Additional weed emergence control was obtained from the addition of a 3-4” layer of wood chip mulch. Dead-heading of plants was conducted on a regular or on an as needed basis. Spent flowers were removed to encourage additional blooms. Minor pruning to remove weak and damaged branches was done on a very limited basis. Plants were given a good soaking of water in the fall to assure that bushes had good vigor and were in a thrifty condition. Additional wood chips were spread around the plants. Styrofoam cones were placed over the top of the roses. Some plants were slightly cut back, and some branches were loosely tied together to help with the addition of cones. Three holes were added around the top of the cone to allow for increased air movement. More wood chips were added around the outside of the cone base. Cones were in place from mid-December and to mid-late April. As of early April 2008, the winter weather was classified as above normal temperatures and below normal precipitation. Snowfall was limited so open/no snow conditions prevailed through most of the winter. The data showed that Tropicana reached maximum plant height and sprouted the latest. The maximum number of flowers per plant was observed in the rose variety, Living Easy. Let Freedom Ring and Double Delight had the maximum flower size. In conclusion, Tropicana, Let Freedom Ring and Living Easy are recommended for outdoor beautification because of their overall ornamental value followed by the genotypes Europena, Double Delight, Wild Blue Yonder, Peace, Strike It Rich, Cinco de Mayo and Ice Berg. Sugars play important roles in keeping the quality of cut flowers because the amount of sugar contained in cut flowers is limited. Effects of glucose and sucrose treatment on the vase life of rose cut flowers were investigated. Continuous treatment with glucose and sucrose markedly promoted floret opening and extended the vase life of Double delight and Tropicana. Pulse treatments with sugars were also fairly effective in improving the vase life of these flowers. The concentration of sucrose @75 g L-1 superseded over the other sucrose concentrations with the value of 8.8 days in Double delight followed by 8.2 days in Tropicana, 7.9 days in Eurpeana, 7.2 days in Living easy and 7.0 days in Ice Berg comparing the control (distilled water) with the average value of 5.0 days. In all the treatments containing sucrose and silver nitrate, the concentration of 175 ppm of AgNO3 prolonged the maximum number of days in Double delight and Tropicana, which were about 2-3 days more than other genotypes studied. The improvement of vase life of rose genotypes studied by the use of sucrose and silver nitrate remained approximately for 3-4 days more compared with control, which suggests that an extensive research work should be carried out to reach in a final conclusion for using such chemicals to enhance the vase life in roses. Effects of sugars on the extension of the vase life of cut flowers are considered to be associated with the improvement of the water balance. However, since inorganic ions did not extend the vase life more than sugar, it is suggested that the effect of sugars on the improvement of the vase life is due not only to the effect of osmolytes but also to that of substrates of respiration and synthetic materials.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2012
Citation:
Islam, S., Anderson, L. and Maksud, M. 2013. Collection and evaluation of Rose genotypes. Abstract book of UAPB 26th Annual Student and Faculty research Forum, March 6-7, 2013
Rasheed, M. and Islam, S. 2012. Evaluation of gladiolus genotypes for flower production under greenhouse conditions. Arkansas Environ. Agric. & Conns. J., 11: 30-33.
Islam, S. and Anderson, L. 2011. Evaluation of gladiolus genotypes for cut flower production. In the proceedings of twenty-fourth annual student & faculty research forum. Page. 26.
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Progress 10/01/11 to 09/30/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: In United States, cut flowers have been increasingly distributed in markets along with the increase of flower production in recent years. Furthermore, transportation of cut flowers over long distances has increased. These conditions are unsuitable for keeping the quality of cut flowers. Roses (Rosa hybrida) of Rosaceae family are recognized highly valuable for economic benefits being the best source of raw material to be used in agro-based industry especially in the cosmetics and perfumery. Additionally, roses play a vital role in the manufacturing of various products of medicinal and nutritional importance. However, a very peculiar aspect of rose production is to get the cut flowers, which greatly deals with the floricultural business. The present study was investigated the effect of different doses of sucrose and silver nitrate to enhance the vase life of selected rose cultivars. Five rose cultivars, such as Tropicana, Ice Berg, Living Easy, Eurpeana, and Double delight, were used for study. Two-year-old plants of the selected rose cultivars were tagged. These plants were grown under normal field conditions at the Agricultural research farm, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. At Half-open stage, the flower cuttings of each cultivar were harvested at random with sharp sterilized secateurs. The length of each flower cutting was maintained 12 cm. All other buds and foliage from each stem were removed. Immediately after detaching the flower cuttings from the respective parent plants, a smooth slanting cut was given to each cut stem to facilitate the optimum uptake of the given solution. The samples were brought instantly in laboratory and washed with deionized water to remove dust from the surface of flower cuttings. Different concentrations of silver nitrate and sucrose solution were prepared and deionized water of pH 5.6 was used to make the dilutions. The same deionized water was used as control. For testing the effect of sucrose, the flower stems were dipped in the different concentrations (gL-1). Flower stems were given pulsing treatment for 24h with different silver nitrate concentrations (ppm). After pulsing, the assigned samples of flower stems were immediately transferred into the containers filled with simple distilled water. However, flower cuttings treated with different sucrose concentrations were not transferred into simple distilled water; rather they remained in their respective solutions. Equal volume of solution was assigned to all treatments. The bottom of flower cuttings in each treatment remained completely immersed throughout the trial arranged at ambient temperature of 25C. The flowers were observed daily till the senescence of petals. PARTICIPANTS: Not relevant to this project. TARGET AUDIENCES: Not relevant to this project. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
The results showed that the genotypes and chemical treatments responded positively for the enhancement of vase life. The control flowers of all the genotypes studied remained reasonably fresh for 5.0 days whereas flowers treated with 75g L-1 sucrose remained fresh for about 7-9 days. While the use of 175 ppm silver nitrate scored the highest average value of 9.8 days (Double delight) followed by 9.2 days (Tropicana). Overall performance of genotypes indicated that Double delight excelled over all other genotypes by scoring higher followed by Tropicana. Most of the genotypes performed their best at 175 ppm silver nitrate, and 75g L-1 sucrose followed by 150 ppm silver nitrate, and 50g L-1 sucrose treatments. The improvement of vase life of rose genotypes studied by the use of sucrose and silver nitrate remained approximately for 3-4 days more compared with control, which suggests that an extensive research work should be carried out to reach in a final conclusion for using such chemicals to enhance the vase life in roses. Effects of sugars on the extension of the vase life of cut flowers are considered to be associated with the improvement of the water balance. However, since inorganic ions did not extend the vase life more than sugar, it is suggested that the effect of sugars on the improvement of the vase life is due not only to the effect of osmolytes but also to that of substrates of respiration and synthetic materials. Results will be provides southern United States gardeners and farmers with information for making informed decisions on which genotype(s) and chemical(s) are suitable to extend the vase life of rose cut flower that will optimize profits.
Publications
- ISLAM, S. and L. Anderson. 2011. Improvements of postharvest and vase life in cut Rose (Rosa hybrid) flowers by the addition of chemicals. Arkansas Environmental, Agricultural & Consumer Sciences Journal, 10: 37-39.
- ISLAM, S., Anderson, L. 2011. Genotypic and phenotypic characteristics of roses (Rosa spp) in southeast Arkansas conditions. Abstract book/proceedings of Department of Agriculture Field day, July, 31,Page. 12.
- ISLAM, S. and Anderson, L. 2011. Postharvest physiology and shelf life of roses (Rosa hybrid L.). Poster presented in the annual rural Life conference, UAPB, 2011.
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Progress 10/01/10 to 09/30/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Gladiolus is a commercial flower crop and can be grown in varying climatic conditions. Prospects of Gladiolus flower production in the Southern United States is under investigation at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Research is centered on identifying genotypes that are more productive in the Southeast Region. Gladiolus flower production could be developed as a cash crop for limited-resource farmers in the region. Eight varieties of Gladiolus flower plant such as Plum Tart, Goldfield, Mixed Colors, Arabian Night, Fire-Cracker, Wigs Sensation, Pink Event, and Expresso were evaluated for flower yield in the Pine Bluff (Southeast Arkansas) conditions. Results indicate that the variety Expresso produces the highest number of flowers under the Southeast Arkansas conditions. The plants require frequent irrigation during the hot summer period. Since the Southeast Arkansas is prone to drought in the summer months, it is recommended that varieties should be selected for drought tolerance, vigorous growth, and early flowering. Another study was conducted to study the effect of various chemicals on vegetative growth, reproductive and some chemical constituents of gladiolus cvs, American Beauty, Pacifica, and Friendship. The corms (2.6 cm in diameter) were soaked (for 6 hours) in GA3 (75 and 100 ppm) and Ethrel (100 and 200 ppm) before planting at 30 and 40 corms/m2 densities. Results show that higher plant density increases the plant height, length of flower stalk and corm yield per unit area, while it decreases the number of florets per spike, length and diameter of flower, irrespective of the treatments including control. Treatment with ethrel inhibited plant growth but markedly increased the corm yield and the maximum corm yield. Promising results were obtained by application of ascorbic acid at 200 ppm followed by thiamine at 100 ppm on vegetative growth as well as flowering parameters. The highest recorded data were obtained in plants treated with ascorbic acid on chemical constituents such as carbohydrates, polyphenols, antioxidants and carotenoids. In the case of postharvest vase life study on the effect of adding different chemicals such as MgSO4, AgNO3 and Al2(SO4)3, each a each at either 250, 500 or 750 ppm, and sucrose at either 1, 2 or 5 % to the vase solutions for gladiolus genotypes studied. The longest spike longevity and superior quality for the individual flowers were obtained with AgNO3 (500 ppm) followed by MgSO4 (750 ppm) compared to other treatments studied. The results suggest the use of AgNO3 (500 ppm) + 2% sucrose as a vase solution for preserving quality and to increase longevity of gladiolus spikes. Therefore it was concluded that these chemicals had effects on improving nutrient balance and delaying senescence process of cut gladiolus. PARTICIPANTS: Not relevant to this project. TARGET AUDIENCES: Small and Limited Resources Farmers PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
Results will be provides southern United States gardeners and farmers with information for making informed decisions on which genotype(s) to plant, and what chemical(s) is suitable to extend the vase life of gladiolus cut flower that will optimize profits. Planting genotypes with superior market grades cut flower will encourage the farmers and gardeners into gladiolus production. Such selections would ensure sustainability and profitability of the floriculture agribusiness.
Publications
- Islam, S. and Anderson, L. 2010. Improvements of postharvest and vase life in cut Rose (Rosa hybrid) flowers by addition of chemicals. Arkansas Environ. Agric. & Cons. Sci. Journal. 10: 37-39.
- Anderson, L. and Islam, S. 2011. Physiological evaluation of gladiolus genotypes for flower production in the Southeast Arkansas. Arkansas academy of Science. 2011. Page. 39 (abst.)
- Anderson, L. and Islam, S. 2011. Physiological Evaluation of gladiolus genotypes for cut flower Production. Proceeding of the biannual ARD Conference, Atlanta, GA, 2011. page 139-140.
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Progress 10/01/09 to 09/30/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Twelve varieties - Tropicana, Peace, Iceberg, Cinco de Mayo, Julia Child, Living Easy, Europena, Strike it Rich, Let Freedom Ring, Double Delight, Plamengarten Frankfurt and Wild Blue Yonder - were included in this project. Five to ten plants per variety were planted in raised beds. Each bed contained a soil mixture of 50% top soil and 50% compost material. Roses were randomly planted, and each variety was replicated from 5-10 times. All plant materials were in very good condition at planting and transplant shock was minimal. The rose bushes made good growth and there were no visual symptoms of major nutrient deficiencies. Weeds were handpicked. Additional weed emergence control was obtained from the addition of a 3-4" layer of wood chip mulch. Dead-heading of plants was conducted on a regular or on an as needed basis. Spent flowers were removed to encourage additional blooms. Minor pruning to remove weak and damaged branches was done on a very limited basis. Special attention was given to protecting the roses during the winter. Plants were given a good soaking of water in the fall to assure that bushes had good vigor and were in a thrifty condition. A mixture of topsoil and potting soil was mounded around the base of plants to further protect the rose graft. Additional wood chips were spread around the plants. Styrofoam cones were placed over the top of the roses. Some plants were slightly cut back, and some branches were loosely tied together to help with the addition of cones. Three holes were added around the top of the cone to allow for increased air movement. More wood chips were added around the outside of the cone base. Cones were in place from mid-December and to mid-late April. The data showed that Tropicana reached maximum plant height and sprouted the latest. The maximum number of flowers per plant was observed in the rose variety, Living Easy. Let Freedom Ring and Double Delight had the maximum flower size. In conclusion, Tropicana, Let Freedom Ring and Living Easy are recommended for outdoor beautification because of their overall ornamental value followed by the genotypes Europena, Double Delight, Wild Blue Yonder, Peace, Strike It Rich, Cinco de Mayo and Ice Berg. PARTICIPANTS: Not relevant to this project. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
The maximum number of flowers per plant was observed in the rose variety, Living Easy. Let Freedom Ring and Double Delight had the maximum flower size. Tropicana, Let Freedom Ring and Living Easy are recommended for outdoor beautification because of their overall ornamental value followed by the genotypes Europena, Double Delight, Wild Blue Yonder, Peace, Strike It Rich, Cinco de Mayo and Ice Berg. Shrub roses are used most frequently in local yards because they are winter hardy and require less maintenance. This rose evaluation study was initiated to provide local data on the performance of different rose types. All varieties survived the first growing season. Evaluations of the roses are continuing in 2011. Hardiness and winter survival will be determined in spring of 2012. Winter survival will be the most important trait in determining the potential in growing these varieties in southwest Arkansas. Results will be provides Arkansas gardeners and farmers with information for making informed decisions on which varieties/genotype(s) of rose to plant that will optimize profits. Planting genotypes with superior market grades cut flower hopefully encourage the farmers and gardeners into rose production across the state.
Publications
- ISLAM, S., and L. Anderson, L. 2010. Genotypic and phenotypic characterization and evaluation of twelve rose (Rosa spp.) varieties in southeast Arkansas conditions. Arkansas Environmental, Agricultural & Consumer Sciences Journal. 9: 15-17.
- ISLAM, S., and L. Anderson, L. 2010. Storage and Vase Life of Cut Rose Flowers as Influenced by Various Packing Materials and Chemicals. HortScience, 45:S298.
- ISLAM, S., and L. Anderson, L. 2010. Evaluation of rose varieties in southeast Arkansas conditions. Proceedings of the 54th Rural Life Conference, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, February, 26, 2010. Page. 20.
- Anderson, L. and ISLAM, S. 2010. Study on the Vase Life of Roses (Rosa hybrida) with Different Preservatives. Abstract book/proceedings of University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff research from. March 9-10, 2010. Page. 16.
- Anderson, L. and ISLAM, S. 2010. Extending the Vase Life of Cut Roses (Rosa hybrida) by different chemicals. Abstract book/proceedings of 94th Arkansas Academy of Science. Little Rock, AR. April, 2010. Page. 34.
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Progress 10/01/08 to 09/30/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Roses are favorite plants in home landscapes throughout Arkansas as well as other parts of the United States. They have unique flower colors, fragrances, different sizes, growth forms, and foliage characteristics. Shrub roses are used the most in local yards because they have an advantage in winter hardiness and require less maintenance. A total of twelve varieties - such as tropicana, peace, iceberg, cinco de mayo, juila child, living easy, eurpeana, strike it rich, let freedom ring, double delight, plamengarten, frankfurt and wild blue yonder were included in this project. Ten plants per variety were planted in raised beds. Each bed contained a soil mixture of 50% top soil and 50% compost material. Roses were randomly planted and each variety was replicated from 5-10 times. All plant materials were in very good condition at planting and transplant shock was minimal. All bushes were hand watered after planting. Drip irrigation was the watering method used during the rest of the year. Different fertilizer products were used including: (i) Miracle Gro - Shake N Feed, slow release rose plant food - 9-18-9 + sulpher and (ii.) once, plant food - 10-18-10. Products were applied according to label recommendations. The rose bushes made good growth and there were no visual symptoms of major nutrient deficiencies. Weeds were handpicked. Additional weed emergence control was obtained from the addition of a 3-4" layer of wood chip mulch. Dead-heading of plants was conducted on a regular or on an as needed basis. Spent flowers were removed to encourage additional blooms. Minor pruning to remove weak and damaged branches was done on a very limited basis. PARTICIPANTS: Not relevant to this project. TARGET AUDIENCES: Not relevant to this project. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
Extensive evaluations are conducting with this rose study. Visual evaluations and data collections took place on almost a regular basis with the emphasis on the followings: (i) plant growth and development, (ii) plant size measurements, (iii) transplant shock and plant vigor, (iv) bloom characteristics such as, flower color, number, length of bloom periods and size of blooms, (v) foliage color and ornamental value, (vi) plant shape and growth form and (vii) presence of insects, disease and physiological disorders. In some situations evaluation results were determined by using a rating system of 1-5, with 1 being poor and 5 is excellent. Varieties will be ranked by this system. Results will be provides Arkansas gardeners and farmers with information for making informed decisions on which varieties/genotype(s) of rose to plant that will optimize profits. Planting genotypes with superior market grades cut flower hopefully encourage the farmers and gardeners into rose production across the state.
Publications
- ISLAM, S., Onyilagha, J. and Anderson, L. 2009. Performance of gladiolus genotypes for cut flower production. Abstract book/proceedings of Department of Agriculture Field day, July, 31, 2009. Page. 7.
- ISLAM, S., Onyilagha, J. and Anderson, L. 2009. Rose (Rosa sp.) variety evaluation in southeast Arkansas Delta. Abstract book/proceedings of Department of Agriculture Field day, July, 31, 2009. Page. 8.
- ISLAM, S., Onyilagha, J. and Anderson, L. 2009. Performance of two genetically developed Manfreda x Polianthes crosses. in Southeast Arkansas conditions. Arkansas Environmental, Agricultural & Consumer Sciences Journal. Vol. 8: 21-22.
- ISLAM, S., Onyilagha, J. and Anderson, L. 2009. Evaluation of Gladiolus varieties for flower production in Southeast Arkansas Conditions, vol. 8: 23-25.
- ISLAM, S., Onyilagha, J. and Anderson, L. 2009. Phenotypic variation of gladiolus varieties for flower production. Proceedings of the 53rd Annual Rural Life Conference, February, 13, 2009. Page. 19.
- Anderson, L. and ISLAM, S. 2009. Performance of two genetically developed gladiolus crosses in southeast Arkansas conditions. Abstract book/proceedings of University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff research forum meeting. March 11-12, 2009. Page. 12.
- ISLAM, S., Onyilagha, J. and Anderson, L. 2009. Evaluation of genetically developed Manfreda X Polianthes crosses for cut flower production in southeast Arkansas delta. Abstract book/proceedings of Department of Agriculture Field day, July, 31, 2009. Page. 5.
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Progress 10/01/07 to 09/30/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Ornamental, flower and nursery plants have always played an important role in our lives. The production and use of ornamental plants has become very important during the past few decades, and is expanding because of several economic and cultural reasons: globalization of the horticultural international trade, transfer of knowledge, economic growth, and relatively cheap land and low labor costs in the developing countries. With the development of landscape architecture and private gardening, ornamental horticulture and floriculture has become an important part of life in the southern areas of the USA. Eight varieties of Gladiolus flower plant namely: Plum Tart, Goldfield, Mixed Colors, Arabian Night, Fire-Cracker, Wigs Sensation, Pink Event, and Expresso were evaluated for flower yield in the Pine Bluff (Southeast Arkansas) conditions. Results indicate that the variety "Expresso" produces the highest number of flowers under the Southeast Arkansas conditions. The plants require frequent irrigation during the hot summer period. Since the Southeast Arkansas is prone to drought in the summer months, it is recommended that varieties should be selected for drought tolerance, vigorous growth, and early flowering. Such selections would ensure sustainability and profitability of the floriculture agribusiness. PARTICIPANTS: Not relevant to this project. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
Production of flower and ornamental plants, like many other agricultural products, has become increasingly concentrated, with fewer and larger producers accounting for an increasingly larger share of the marketplace. There are smaller growers in Arkansas producing greenhouse and nursery crops for local and regional markets. These growers do not have the economics of scale available to the large national producers and thus must compete on the basis of crop quality, value added, new or minor crops not economical to produce or ship in large quantities. Research designed to identify suitable genotypes that will adopt in the lower Mississippi Delta Region, as well as management and cultural practices can help expand the production of economically profitable flower and ornamental crops.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 10/01/07 to 01/07/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Production of flower and ornamental plants, like many other agricultural products, has become increasingly concentrated, with fewer and larger producers accounting for an increasingly larger share of the marketplace. There are smaller growers in Arkansas producing greenhouse and nursery crops for local and regional markets. Greenhouse and field plot experiments will be initially established at the UAPB Agricultural Research Farm. Crops initially selected for the experiment will be some native and exotic bulbs, lilies and small ornamentals. Data collected will include: yield, quality, vase life, market price, market demand and cost of production. The profitability of each crop will be determined.
PARTICIPANTS: Collaborator: Dr. Jon T. Lindstrom Associate Professor, Department of Horticulture University of Arkansas Fayetteville, AR 72701
TARGET AUDIENCES: South-east Arkansas
Impacts
The goal of this research is to select and evaluate plants that can be grown by small scale producers in order to diversify their operation for increased income. Furthermore, the aim of the project is also to develop improved methodology and production package for the Delta area growers to minimize the cost of production and secure ultimate good returns.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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