Floriculture Industry in India

See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.
net/publication/334941974
Present Status of Research on Floriculture in India
Article in LS International Journal of Life Sciences · August 2019

DOI: 10.5958/2319-1198.2019.00006.X
CITATIONS READS
3 4,872
1 author:
Subodh Kumar Datta Datta

Retired
126 PUBLICATIONS 1,701 CITATIONS
SEE PROFILE
Some of the authors of this publication are also working on these related projects:
Development of new ornamental varieties through induced mutagenesis View project
Different approaches of mutation breeding technique for development of new ornamental varieties View project
All content following this page was uploaded by Subodh Kumar Datta Datta on 03 August 2019.
The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

LS - An International Journal of Life Sciences
DOI: 10.5958/2319-1198.2019.00005.8 IndianJournals.com
A product of Diva Enterprises Pvt. Ltd.
S.K. Datta
Retired Scientist ‘G’, Floriculture Division, CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow, U.P., India
Email id: subodhskdatta@rediffmail.com
Received: 10-3-2019; Accepted: 21-5-2019
ABSTRACT
Extensive research has already been done in India to generate basic knowledge on multidisciplinary
aspects of floricultural crops. Our floriculture got an early lead and substantial gains in some areas. Our
contribution in germplasm collections, characterisation, cytology, crop improvement and induced mutation
are worth mentioning. But our contribution in the frontier areas of research in floriculture is very few.
Despite significant technological advances, we are still repeating some of our experiments as routine
activities. We can stop some of our routine activities and can prepare a need-based planning considering
on-going and on-coming research areas in floriculture. We can slowly try to diversify each activity keeping
in view the modern developments. We may plan our activities in such a way that we must be pioneers in
some frontiers of floriculture research and well recognised in the floriculture world. There is need to take
deep interest to apply modern technology for the futuristic studies in floriculture.
Keywords: Floriculture, Research, Classical, Modern, Improvement, Technological advancement
Floriculture is developing as an area of high technology- market in context to global scenario (Kaul and Dadlani,
based frontier interdisciplinary area on scientific 1995; Datta, 2006, 2015a,b; Datta and Mitra, 1999; Raj,
excellence. Floriculture has progressed both scientifically 2017; Singh, 2011; Misra and Ghosh, 2016; Panigrahy et
and commercially due to concentrated efforts made by al., 2018; De and Singh, 2016; Geetha and Lissy, 2018).
floriculture scientists. Floriculture is a fast emerging and However, there are no specific publications which highlight
highly competitive industry. Today commercial floriculture the research activities in India on different aspects of
is the most profitable business all over the world. Science- floriculture. The time has come to assess the present status
based techniques in flower cultivation have given an of multidisciplinary research on floriculture and its impact
impetus to the growth of this industry in various parts of on floriculture industry. The present write-up is an attempt
the world. The floriculture sector is expanding rapidly all to unfold the journey of floriculture research from its
over the world, including India. The number of literature starting point to its present scenario. To develop a
published on floriculture, worldwide, in general and India conceptual picture about the theme it is essential to begin
in particular, is so voluminous that it is difficult to cite in from the origin of flower cultivation history and gradual
one publication. Today, floriculture is recognised as most development. The history of early flower cultivation will
remunerative profession with a much higher potential for develop insight about actual changes in approach in
returns per unit area than most fields and even some other development of floriculture research both quantitatively
horticultural crops. Keeping in view, the increasing and qualitatively. The article has been made by collecting
business potential of floriculture, attempts have been made various information related to floriculture research from
from different organisations to review the business books, Internet sources, relevant reports of various
potential of Indian floriculture both in domestic and export institutions and organisations and author ’s own
Volume 8, Number 2, May-August, 2019, pp. 71-93 71

S.K. Datta
experience. India has a rich heritage of ornamental mostly on cytological aspects on ornamental crops were
floriculture. There are innumerate references on flowers initiated at Botany Departments of different Universities.
in mythology and puranas signifying their importance. It In 1957, one committee of Indian Council of Agricultural
is evident from ancient literature that Indian flowers have Research (ICAR), New Delhi, recommended for
been associated in social life since times immemorial and undertaking research on indigenous ornamental plants.
used for diverse purposes such as offerings to God, floral One scheme ‘Cytogenetical and Physiological studies in
ornamentals for ladies, decoration on auspicious relation to floriculture’ was implemented by ICAR at the
ceremonies and for preparation of perfumes. Recently Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi during
floriculture has become increasingly popular as 1960–1962. ‘Coordinated Scheme on Floriculture’ was
commercial commodity with considerable potential for sanctioned by ICAR at the nine centres (Hyderabad, Andhra
export. Pradesh; Shillong, Assam; IARI, New Delhi; Bangalore,
Karnataka; Poona, Maharashtra; Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu;
It is high time to analyse the research activities in Ootacamund, Tamil Nadu; Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh;
floriculture in our country. This will help to plan future Darjeeling, West Bengal) for the period 1960–1965 to
research with changing need in floriculture. The review initiate research on different ornamentals (Azalea,
is an important treatise that contains large volume of Bougainvillea, Camelia, Croton, Canna, Crossandra,
information on emerging issues of floriculture. This Chrysanthemum, Cacti, Hibiscus, Jasmine, Marigold,
publication presents a complete scenario on multifarious Orchids, Rhododendron, Rose, succulents, etc.).ICAR
aspects of research on floriculture activities in India, so sanctioned ‘Coordinated Scheme for maintenance and
that innovations made so far can be used judiciously for propagation of seeds and bulbs’ at Shimla, HP (1960–
the development of this sector. The primary objective of 1964); Mussoorie, UP (1960–1965) and Ootacamund, TN
the article is to give a coherent and concise account of all (1960–1965). ICAR further sanctioned two adhoc
floriculture work done in India with an emphasis on recent schemes ‘Investigation into ideal storage conditions of
developments. Monumental literature have been developed seeds of ornamental plants’ at Coimbatore and
by concentrated efforts of multidisciplinary competent Ootacamund centre (1963–1966) and ‘Research on the
floriculture scientists which provides an illustrated account following commercial flower crops : Jasmine, Crossandra
of important ornamental species and cultivars, germplasm and Chrysanthemum’ at Coimbatore (1962–1967). ICAR
status and their usages, propagation, nursery management, established ‘Division of Floriculture and Landscape
techno-economics, conventional breeding, induced Gardening’, Indian Institute of Horticultural Research,
mutagenesis, new varieties, cytogenetics, tissue culture, Bangalore, in 1969 and ‘Division of Vegetable Crops and
characterisation of varieties, management of disease, Floriculture’ at Indian Agricultural Research Institute
dehydration of flowers, etc. It is not possible to analyse (IARI), New Delhi, in 1971 to encourage research on
all research topics and related publications. Attempt has floricultural crops. ICAR started ‘Coordinated Floriculture
been made to highlight salient features of all major Improvement Project’ during 1970–1971 and established
activities with restricted reference. Though meticulous separately ‘Division of Floriculture and Landscaping’ at
care has been taken in reviewing but while dealing with IARI in 1983 (Chadha, 2001; Chadha and Bhattacharjee,
such a voluminous work, some mistakes/errors might 1995).
have crept in, despite my best efforts.
For promotion of floricultural industry in our country, All
India Coordinated Research Project on Floriculture under
Research Network
Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) started
Early literature survey indicates that Floriculture research during IV Five Year Plan in 1970–1971 at five centres
in India was started before the Second Five-Year Plan at located at Indian Agricultural Institute (IARI), New Delhi;
Indian Botanic Garden, Howrah; Lalbagh, Bangalore and Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR),
National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow. Research Hesaraghatta, Bangalore; Indian Agricultural Research
72 LS - An International Journal of Life Sciences

Institute, Regional Station, Katrain; Botanical Survey of Rose, Gladiolus, Carnation, Chrysanthemum, Orchids,
India (BSI), Howrah (Calcutta) and BSI, Shillong. At Marigold, Lilium, Narcissus, Foliage plants); Crop
present, the Coordinated Project has got approximately protection (disease diagnostics and managements:
21 Centres which includes 15 budgetary, 4 institutional Gladiolus, Tuberose, Gerbera, Orchids, Marigold, other
and 2 voluntary centres covering 17 states of India (14 bulbous ornamentals); Post-harvest technology
SAU’s) including six hill stations. These centres are (standardisation for pulsing and holding solutions,
presently working on 12 ornamental crops viz. rose, packaging, etc.: Rose, Gladiolus, Carnation, Orchids,
gladiolus, carnation, chrysanthemum, orchid, anthurium, Anthurium, Tuberose, gerbera, Tulip, Lilium, Loose
tuberose, gerbera, lilium, alstroemeria, tulip and daffodils flowers); Value addition (Collection and evaluation of
consisting of 64 different research projects. Recently full- native ornamental species and plant parts for dried flower);
fledged Directorate of Floricultural Research (DFR) has Landscape plant material (evaluation of ornamental
been established in Pune and new research guidelines for foliage and flowering shrubs for interior plantscaping and
floriculture research are being formulated as per national tolerance to air pollution); Essential oil extraction
need. (Collection and evaluation of essential oil yielding flower
Floriculture research in India is now going on in some crops (rose, tuberose, jasmine and harsingar).
institutions as their in-house project but the major activities Simultaneously different Agricultural Universities started
are coordinated by DFR through its network at different research work on different floricultural crops, in addition
coordinating centres. DFR has already prepared document to teaching. Universities with floriculture courses and
‘Vision-2050’ based on comprehensive assessment of past research are T.N.A.U., Coimbatore; B.C.K.V.V., Kalyani,
and present trends for sustainable development of West Bengal; P.A.U., Ludhiana; M.P.K.V., Rahuri;
floriculture. The DFR has a mandate to coordinate Y.S.P.U.H.F., Solan; K.A.U., Vellanikkara; Rajasthan Agri.
floricultural research on genetic resource utilisation, Univ., Udaipur; A.P.A.U., Hyderabad; Aacharya N.G.
development of cultivars, standardisation of production Ranga Agricultural University, Hyderabad; Navasari
technology including climate resilience, repository of data Agricultural University, Gujarat; S.K.U.A.S.T., Srinagar;
bank, generating need-based technology for crop U.A.S., Bangalore; Chaudhary Charan Singh University,
protection and value addition. It will also serve as an Meerut, UP; Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture
advanced centre for HRD in floriculture and landscaping. and Technology, Rajasthan; G.B. Pant University of
A paradigm shift in our efforts to strengthen research Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar; Choudhary
and development would be required. The Directorate of Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya,
Floricultural Research (DFR), Pune will play a proactive Palampur; Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural
role in this direction. The following strategies have been Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Jammu & Kashmir;
adopted to accomplish the vision and goals of the ICAR- Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow;
Directorate of Floricultural Research, Pune: Germplasm University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad; Junagadh
conservation and evaluation (Collection, evaluation and Agricultural University, Junagadh; Department of Botany,
maintenance: Rose, Gladiolus, Carnation, Chrysan- University of Delhi; College of Agriculture, University of
themum, Orchids, Anthurium, Tuberose, Gerbera, Tulip, Calcutta; Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat;etc. For
Daffodils, Lilium, Alstroemeria, Speciality flowers, Fillers, promotion of floriculture, following research institutions
etc.); Crop Improvement (Breeding for-new, disease are engaged on multidisciplinary research on floriculture-
resistance and testing of varieties: Rose, Gladiolus, ICAR Institutes (Indian Agricultural Research Institute,
Chrysanthemum, orchids, Anthurium, Tuberose, Gerbera, New Delhi; Indian Institute of Horticultural Research,
Marigold); Crop management (Standardisation for media Bangalore; ICAR research complex for NEH region,
composition, weed control, planting density, nutrient- Shillong; National Research Centre for Orchids, Pakyong
growth regulator combinations, year round flower (Sikkim); CSIR Institutes (National Botanical Research
production, forcing schedule, package or production, etc.: Institute, Lucknow; Institute of Himalayan Bioresources
Volume 8, Number 2, May-August, 2019 73

S.K. Datta
Technology, Palampur); Horticulture Experiments and Annuals Suitable for pots, Annuals Suitable for cut
Training Centre, Chaubattia, UP; Bhabha Atomic Research flowers); Annual Creeper; House Plants; Ferns suitable
Centre, Bombay; Regional Plant Resource Centre, for house plants; palms; Ornamental Climbers; Bonsai;
Bhubaneswar; Botanical Survey of India; Agri- Hedge Plants; Edge Plants; Topiary Plants; Ornamental
Horticultural Society of India, Calcutta; Lalbagh Botanic Trees; Ornamental Shrubs; Cacti and Succulents; etc.
Garden, Bangalore, etc. Plants belonging to each category have been listed very
systematically (Chadha, 2001; Bhattacharjee, 2006; Bose
RESEARCH et al., 1999; Bhalla et al., 2004).
During early years research in floriculture did not get much

Plant Propagation Techniques and Cultural Operations
attention. Few business men started production of tissue
cultured plants and cut flower production at certain areas Most extensive work has been done on agro technology
in India. Research scientists started to generate the basic of all important ornamental crops. All required basic
knowledge on propagation, plant nutrition, soil knowledge and techniques on different cultural practices
management, greenhouse structures, pest management, of floricultural operations have been generated. For
environmental control systems, etc. at different centres. cultivation of all category of ornamental plants sufficient
Different components/aspects of research in floriculture, knowledge on planting time, soil preparation, climate,
as per present approach, have been shown in Figure 1. It cultural practices, irrigation, storage, forcing, flower
gives the entire picture of floricultural activities in our quality and bulb production using chemical fertilisers,
country. Sufficient quantum of work has been done on nutritional and growth regulators (Nitrogen, Phosphorus,
different components and research results/methodologies Potassium and Gibberellic acid), depth of planting, spacing,
developed at various stages of research have been reported bulb size, planting methods, weed control, harvesting and
from time to time. The main area of early and subsequent post-harvest management have been worked out and well
research in India concentrated on following aspects: documented. All combinations of agronomical trial using
cultural practices have been done for optimisation of
Crop Familiarity production. Different floricultural crops are propagated/
multiplied by different means like sexual propagation,
Natural diversity of ornamental plants is of diverse use in asexual propagation and micropropagation. Techniques
floriculture industry. Lack of knowledge is one of the for asexual/vegetative propagation of both woody and
major constraints in domestic floriculture. A large group herbaceous and bulbous ornamental plants have been
of people is very much interested in floriculture but they standardised through Stem Cuttings (Softwood cuttings,
even do not know the names of different types of plants Hardwood cuttings), Leaf Cuttings, Ground Layering, Air
which are used in floriculture for different purposes. Layering, Divisions, Bulbs and Corms, Tubers and
Floriculture scientists have done painstaking exercise to Rhizomes, Grafting, Budding, Pinching, Disbudding and
list the names of plants which have been recommended Dis-shooting. Extensive research on practical experiments
for their utilisation in one form or other in floriculture has been carried out and standardised the rooting of stem
industry. Ornamental diversity represents all kinds of plants cuttings of large number of woody ornamental sunder
and they are used in the floriculture industry for trees, normal conditions, mist chamber and using IBA. Rootings
ornamental shrubs, loose flowers, cut flowers and foliage of difficult to root cultivars of ornamental trees, shrubs
plants. Ornamental/floricultural crops have been classified and climbers have been standardised and recommended
into different groups like–Bulbous ornamental crops various growth substances, nature of cuttings, rooting
(categorised as Bulb, Tuber, Rhizome, Tuberous root, media, IBA treatment, etc. Role of growth regulators and
etc.); Flowering bulbous; Foliage bulbous; Annuals (most mist in rooting of stem cuttings of different ornamentals
important popular ornamental plants: Seasonal (Annual) were studied and standardised. Media composition for
Plants–Summer seasons, Rainy seasons, Winter seasons, pot culture and open field cultivation, chemical weed

Germplasm Collection Landscaping Crop Familiarity

&
 Acclimatization Gardening  Bulbous Ornamental Crops
 Characterization [bulb, corm, tuber, rhizome,
 Screening/Selection tuberous root, enlarged hypocotyle]
 Flowering bulbous
 Foliage bulbous
 Cacti & Succulents
Agrotechnology  Annuals
 summer season
Cytogenetics  rainy season
 winter season
 Annual creeper
Multiplication  House plant
 Conventional  Variegated foliage
 Mist propagation  Hanging basket
 Clonal propagation
Tissue Culture Nursery Management
 Clonal propagation [Propagation techniques &
 Management of chimera cultural operations]
 In vitro mutagenesis  Vegetative propagation
 Maintenance of F1 hybrid FLORICULTURE  stem cuttings
 Acclimatization in non-traditional area  leaf cuttings
 Ground layering
Crop Improvement  Air layering
 Conventional breeding  Divisions
 Selective breeding  Bulbs & corms
 Induced mutation  Grafting
 Management of chimera  Tubers & rhizomes
 In vitro mutagenesis  Root stocks
 F1 hybrids  Pruning
 Molecular breeding  Budding
 Pinching
Post Harvest Management Disease Management
 Pulsing solns.
 bud opening solns.
 holding or vase solns.
 Storage of bulbs/corms Marketing
 Grading
 Packing and Transport
 Post harvest physiology
 Ethylene
Dehydration Essential Oils
Figure 1: Different components of floriculture research activities

S.K. Datta
control, planting density, nutrient-growth regulator Germplasm Collection

composition, forcing, etc. have been worked out.
The main aim of germplasm collection is to develop a
Promising rootstock (Rosa indica var. odorata) and new
national network of genetic resource for different
thornless rootstock for maximum bud take during rose
ornamentals. It is one of the most significant and
budding have been identified. Plant materials of various
paramount activities of Indian floriculture in view of the
kinds (seedling, budded plants, rooted cuttings, bulbs,
enrichment of germplasm collection and wide genetic base
tubers, corms, annual seed, etc.) are required for for researchers and plant lovers. Germplasm is the main
commercial level production. All techniques required for source of raw materials representing genetic diversity
development of such planting materials have already been available in particular crop. Germplasm collection of
developed. The knowledge and technologies generated different ornamental crops consisted of both indigenous
so far on all above operations from time to time have and exotic plants. Early document (Khoshoo, 1968)
been compiled and brought in to publications both as crop- provides an account of different indigenous ornamentals
wise (rose, gladiolus, carnation, chrysanthemum, orchids, such as Rhododendron (43 species), Orchids (1234),
anthurium, tuberose, gerbera, etc.) and subject-wise Primula (43), Lonicera (23), Aster (14), Begonia (64),
(Agro-techniques for flower crops, post-harvest Impatiens (241), Iris (13), Jasminum (43), Hedychium
management of flower crops, plant protection) (Datta, (24), Pandanus (7), Ixora (37), Gardenia (14), Crinum
2015; Geetha and Lissy, 2018; Bose et al., 1999; (12), Lilium (11), Barleria (26), Ipomoea (37),
Randhawa and Mukhopadhyay, 1986; Bhattacharjee and Tabernaemontana (14), Thunbergia (10), Bauhinia(37),
De, 2003). etc. During the period 1976–1990, a total of 930 exotic
species and cultivars have been introduced by the National
Mist Propagation Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, New Delhi (118
accessions of Rosa sp., 158 Gladiolus, 74 Dianthus, 52
Mist propagation is advancement for propagation and
Tagetes, 24 Bougainvillea, 26 Cyclamen, 5 Freesia, 44
multiplication of floricultural crops. This technique was
Aster, 60 Viola, 12 Antirrhinum, 7 Zinnia, 6 Begonia, 4
standardised long back and found that intermittent mist
Nerium, 21 Orchids, 15 Calendula, 5 Petunia, 7 Lilium
of clean water increases the life span of cuttings and
and 13 Tulipa (Singh et al., 1993). Germplasm collection
facilitates rooting. It is possible to regenerate large number
is a continuous process and every centre has enriched
of plants by tips and semi-hardwood cuttings under mist
their germplasm collection. At present, the germplasm
which are otherwise difficult-to-root under field
collection has been concentrated on Alstroemeria,
conditions. Moreover, easy-to-root plants also produce Amaryllis, Anthurium, Bougainvillea, Carnation,
roots more quickly and profusely when planted under Chrysanthemum, Daffodils, Gerbera, Gladiolus, Hibiscus,
mist and, thus, save lot of labour and time. Subtropical Lilium, Marigold, Orchids, Rose, Tuberose, Tulip, etc.
conditions showed a very high success under intermittent The number of total germplasm collections is incredibly
mist because it provides low temperature, high humidity, large. Present germplasm collection list of different
low rates of transpiration and respiration. Mist chamber ornamentals are very rich as per reports from different
can be used when outdoor temperature is high and centres. But it is very difficult to say the exact number of
humidity is quite low. When outdoor temperature goes germplasm of each ornamental present in our country.
down to an extent affecting rooting adversely, during such Each centre mainly collects germplasm from other centres
period stem cuttings can be planted in mist chamber through sale/exchange/research purpose/trial, etc.
installed with heating unit. Although this technique was Therefore, there is duplication of varieties which reflects
standardised for a wide range of ornamental crops for on total germplasm collection. In addition, same varieties
development of large scale planting materials, this are named in different names at different places.
technique is not being utilised properly for multiplication Unfortunately, there is no correct system for authentication
and propagation (Datta, 2015). of each variety.

It is difficult to mention the germplasm collections of all and to understand the genetic diversity, to trace out the
research centres in India. However, attempt has been made phylogenetic relationship, taxonomical status, preparation
to highlight the germplasm collections of few centres as of catalogue, variation patterns, identification of desirable/
per available literature. There may be little variation in novel genes, hybridisation, registration, plant variety
number. CSIR-NBRI is maintaining following collections: protection, farmer’s right, etc. For characterisation, a
Amaryllis/Hippeastrum (nearly 137 cultivars); number of classical and advanced methods comprising
Bougainvillea (approximately 180 species/cultivars); different parameters of cytology (chromosome number,
Gladiolus (approximately 125 cultivars of Indian and exotic chromosomal behaviour, karyotype, INV, INC, etc.);
origin); Chrysanthemum (more than 300 cultivars morphology (vegetative–leaf colour and size, leaf form,
collected from all over India and abroad comprising almost leaf apex, leaf margin, leaf petiole, leaf texture, branch
all bloom types and colour); Rose (approximately300 and leaf number, leaf shape, moisture content of leaves,
cultivars); Canna (approximately 80 cultivars); Fern (65); spine number and size, stem colour; and floral–bract/
Lotus (30 Indian and 25 exotic races); Palm (60);Bonsai floret/petal colour and size; flower size, moisture content
(300); Cacti and Succulents (about 500 species/varieties), of bract); bulb/corm characters; anatomy (number of
House plants (approximately 190). Crop-wise germplasm stomata and size, number of chloroplast per guard cell,
of different centres are Rose–IARI(273 varieties and 15 hair structure, etc.); palynology (pollen grain sterility and
species),Bhubaneswar (106), IIHR, Hesaraghatta (320); size, ornamentation, pollen germination);physiology,
Gladiolus–Udaipur (49), IARI, New Delhi (95), IIHR, chemical and biochemical (chlorophyll content of leaves,
Hesaraghatta (69), BCKV (33), Hyderabad (46), bract pigment and phenolic compounds inleaves and
Y.S.P.U.H.F., Solan (342); Carnation–Ooty (11), IIHR, bracts) characters are being utilised. Phenolic compounds
Y.S.P.U.H.F., Solan (86), Hesaraghatta (86); have been found to be very useful for documentation of
Chrysanthemum–Udaipur (43), Coimbatore (100), IARI hybrids, detection of diploid genomes constituting
(71), Pantnagar (90), PAU, Ludhiana (130), BCKV (122), polyploids, detection of mutants and in solving taxonomic
Y.S.P.U.H.F., Solan (120); Orchid–Vellanikkara (280), problems. Electrophoresis of crude proteins and enzyme
Kahikuchi (22), Kalimpong (112); Anthurium– extracts has been successfully used as an additional tool
Coimbatore (28), Vellanikkara (73), BCKV (14); to establish these relationships. Protein and isozyme
Tuberose–Udaipur (20), Coimbatore (22), Pune (11), polymorphism have been used for demonstrating genetic
Pantnagar (20); bulbous plants–Y.S.P.U.H.F., Solan (36); variation, identifying inter specific hybrids and
Foliage indoor plants–Y.S.P.U.H.F. (33); Flowering fingerprinting cultivars. A wide range of ornamental crops
indoor plants–Y.S.P.U.H.F. (18); Cacti and succulents– that is Amaryllis, Bougainvillea, Chrysanthemum, Dahlia,
Y.S.P.U.H.F. (36);Palms and cycads–Y.S.P.U.H.F. (7); Gerbera, Gladiolus, Marigold, Rose, Tuberose, Lily, etc.
Grass–Y.S.P.U.H.F. (5). Available literature on further were included in the characterisation program (Datta,
enrichment of germplasm collection in flower crops at 2015). Correct identification of germplasm/new varieties
Coordinated Centres and at present about 850 rose, 121 is extremely important for maintaining variety list. There
carnation, 1115 chrysanthemum, 165 orchids, 206 is need of a reliable verification of cultivar identity for
anthurium, 50 tuberose, 286 gerbera, 17 lilium, 15 nurserymen and growers. One major problem in the
alstroemeria, 5 each of tulip and daffodils are being floriculture industry is that breeders do not disclose the
maintained (Sindhu and Kumar, 2009). parentage of new hybrids. Therefore, there is need for
accurate characterisation system to trace out the parents
Characterisation of new varieties. Chemotaxonomy, the concept of
classifying plants on the basis of their chemical
Characterisation and documentation of ornamental constituents, is not new. However, at cultivar level little
germplasm (germplasm and new varieties) are one of the has been made of chemical markers, although their
major meaningful activities of floriculture. Characterisation importance to plant taxonomy at species and higher levels
is most important for correct identification of cultivars has been well demonstrated.

S.K. Datta
PCR-based techniques are now being used in India in different important ornamentals (Amaryllis, Bougainvillea,
DNA fingerprinting of ornamental plant genomes and in Chrysanthemum, Dahlia, Gladiolus, Gerbera, Marigold,
genetic diversity studies as per available facilities. These Orchids, Rose, Tuberose, etc.). All combination of
techniques include RAPD, RFLP, SSR, STS, AFLP, etc. agronomical trial using cultural practices; bulb size; time
Today, markers are being used for germplasm of planting and planting density; use of fertilisers;
characterisation, genetic mapping, gene tagging, and gene irrigation; treatment with root promoting chemicals
introgression from exotic species. DNA bar coding for (Seradix or Keradix or Rootex); pinching; growth
identifying plants is an exciting area for future. Molecular hormones; effect of light and temperature; effects of wide
markers have been developed for most ornamentals to a variety of soils (deep, fertile, fertile sandy loam, well
limited extent when compared to the main food crops. drained and near to neutral in reaction); effects of nutrition
Applications are essentially studies of cultivar on growth, development and production of quality
identification, pedigree analysis or germplasm variability. flowers; weed control; different chemicals for
These results opened new avenues for the development optimisation of production; plant height control, regulation
of useful markers for ornamental crops (Datta, 2015; of growth, flowering, bulbs and bulblet formation,
Datta and Chakrabarty, 2015; Kumar et al., 2006; Mishra prolonging the shelf-life of cut flowers and retarding their
and Srivastava, 2004; Mohapatra and Rout, 2005; Bhatia senescence, assessment of fertility; soil amendments;
et al., 2009; Sheela et al., 2006; Sasikumar et al., 2007; biofertilisers and green manuring have been worked out.
Srivastava et al., 2009; Kumar et al., 2018). Author has All combination of agrnomical trials have been worked
very successfully utilised RAPD analysis for the out for optimisation of production. All above information
identification of cultivars, documentation, estimation of are available from different crop specific bulletins, leaflets,
genetic diversity, to trace out the molecular affinity of pamphlets, booklets, research articles, etc.
origin of unknown group and correct identification of
induced mutants in Amaryllis, Bougainvillea, Cytogenetics
Chrysanthemum and rose. The information obtained will
An attempt has been made in this article to present an
facilitate choosing the appropriate breeding program to
overview of the broad status of chromosome research in
incorporate beneficial genes in desirable genotypes lacking
different groups of ornamental plants by Indian scientist
the particular trait. Through the study, parentages of some
only. No attempt has been made for an exhaustive review;
of the hybrids of Amaryllis and Bougainvillea have been
the aim has been rather to indicate the major lines of
confirmed on one hand, and the groupings of the cultivars
genetical and cytogenetical research in ornamental group
based on their diversity have been successfully carried
of plants. India is perhaps the foremost among nations
out on the other hand (Chakrabarty et al., 2007; Chatterjee
which have appreciable good record of cytogenetical
et al., 2005, 2006a, 2006b, 2007; Chakrabarty and Datta,
work on ornamentals. Literature survey reveals that the
2010). A good amount of variety specific morpho-chemical
cytogenetical research by Indian scientists on ornamentals
characters and desirable genes have already been identified
have achieved significant landmark both in basic and
through characterisation. Extensive studies in this direction
applied research. The chromosome studies have been
have enriched information on morphological descriptions,
carried out both on extensive and intensive scale covering
habit, growth, agro-technology, techno-economics,
a wide spectrum of Indian flora. Basic cytogenetic studies
flowering behaviour, affinities with coloured illustrations
were directed towards determination of chromosome
and their usage.
number, mitotic and meiotic divisions, karyotypic analysis,
colchi-ploidy, etc. DNA content has been estimated from
Agro-Technology and Techno-Economics
different ornamental species, hybrid groups, triploid hybrid
For commercial cultivation of ornamental crops, full cultivars and induced tetraploids and established their
package of information on agro-technology and techno- relationship. Cytogenetical work concerned mainly with
economics of individual crop have been optimised for cytotaxonomy and the experimental genetical work. The

preliminary approach was directed towards determination number of ornamentals with different genetic systems
of the somatic chromosome number of the various have been worked out. Evaluation of colchiploids of
ornamental species with their karyotypic characteristics. ornamentals with different genetic systems has been
Basic cytogenetic studies, pre-requisite for plant carried out at CSIR-NBRI, with a view to explore the
improvement, have increased the store of knowledge. The possibility of their introduction in floriculture trade.
prospects, procedure, possibilities and problems of Superiority of polyploid cultivars, in general, has been
breeding ornamentals in India have been established the main factor, which has induced gardeners to raise
(Khoshoo, 1968, 1979). Cytological studies covered artificial tetraploids. Detailed analysis of the chromosome
following ornamental species: Agave, Aloe, Alyssum, compliment reveals that considerable reshuffling and
Amaranthus, Amaryllis, Anthurium, Antirrhinum, Aster, structural alterations have taken place during the course
Barleria, Bougainvillea, Caladium, Calathea, Canna, of domestication. The chief mechanisms underlying
Calceolaria hyssopifolia, Cassia, Catharanthus, Celosia, evolution are out breeding, spontaneous and intentional
Chlorophytum, Chrysanthemum, Codiaeum, Coleus, hybridisation coupled with mutation, chromosomal
Cosmos sulphureus, Crinum, Crossandra differentiation and repatterning and polyploidy (Nazeer,
infundibuliformis, Curculigo crassifolia, Dahlia, 1981; Nazeer and Khoshoo, 1982). Cytogenetical studies
Decaschistia, Delphinium, Dracaena, Eremurus himalaicus on ornamentals are very important and in spite of exploring
Baker, Euphorbia wallihi, Gardenia, Gerbera, Gladiolus, such a voluminous area, nobody is working on this subject
Gloriosa, Gmellina, Graptophyllum, Haemanthus, and the work is almost at the ground level.
Hedychium, Helianthus, Hemerocallis, Hibiscus,
Hymenocallis, Hylocereus undatus, Iberis, Impatiens, Iris, Crop Improvement/Breeding
Ixiolirion, Ixora, Jasminum, Justicia, Lantana camara, Spontaneous mutations (Bud sports) have played very
Lathyrus odoratus, Lilium, Linaria vulgaris, Ligustrum important role in developing new and promising varieties
compactum, Lycoris, Maranta, Matricaria, Mimusops in different ornamentals and maximum in bougainvillea,
elengi L., Mussaenda, Narcissus, Nelumbo nucifera, chrysanthemum and rose. Most of the important
Nigella, Nyctanthes arbor-tristis, Nymphaea, Oenothera, ornamentals (bougainvillea, chrysanthemum, gladiolus,
Ornithogalum umbellatum L., Pandanus, Papaver, rose, etc.) are polyploid and heterozygous. Majority of
Pentapetas, Pentas lanceolata Schum, Peperomia, present day ornamental varieties have been developed
Petunia, Philodedron, Phlox, Pollianthes, Portulaca from the segregating populations of open pollinated seeds
grandiflora, Plumeria, Pseuderanthemum reticulatum and (Natural Seedling Selection). Systematic genetic
P. atropurpureum, Quisqualis, Rhoeo, Rose, Ruellia improvement of flower crops began in India during sixties
tweediana and R. tuberosa, Salvia, Sansevieria, at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New
Sternbergia fischeriana Rupt., Tabernamontana, Tagetes, Delhi; National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI),
Tithonia speciosa Hook, Torenia fournier Lind, Lucknow; Indian Institute of Horticultural Research
Tropaeolum, Tradescantia canaliculata, Tulipa, Turnera (IIHR), Bangalore and in some agricultural and traditional
ulmifolia, Verbera, Vila, Zebrina pendula Schnizl, universities. Several amateurs and professional flower
Zephyranthes, Zinnia, etc. (Datta and Banerji, 1995). growers have also contributed substantially to evolving
new cultivars in some ornamentals. The main objective
The objectives of the cytogenetical studies are both basic
of improvement of ornamental plants were to evolve
or creative (experimental analysis of the causes of variation
varieties with attractive flower colour, form and fragrance,
and evolution) and applied or productive (experimental
floriferousness, disease and pest resistance and their
synthesis of new and novel variation with better putative
suitability for growing under tropical and subtropical
parents). Such a study also helps to chalk out a meaningful
conditions.
breeding methodology for genetic improvement. The
genetic and cytogenetic reasons for the diversity in Conventional breeding was the main approach at every
ornamentals have been unravelled. Race histories of a centre and induced mutagenesis at certain centres for

S.K. Datta
improvement of ornamentals. A brief account of early amphiploids, involving both, the cultivated and elemental
improvement work started crop wise at limited places species from the wild. Such studies, carried out at
are as follows : Rose (Nurserymen–B.K. Roychoudhary, different institutions and universities have facilitated
B.S. Bhattacharjee, S.M. Bhattacharjee, A.M. charting out genetic evolutionary race histories of several
Bhattacharjee; Kasturi Rangan of K.S.G. Nursery, important crops like Amaranth, Amaryllis, Bougainvillea,
Bangalore; J.P. Agarwal of Friends Nursery, Lucknow; Canna, Chrysanthemum, Gladiolus and Hibiscus. The
Mrs P.L. Airun of Anand Roses, Jaipur; Doon Valley Roses information generated by such studies have helped in the
of Dehra Dun; Laveena Roses of Meerut; TISCO Nursery, circumscription of ‘gene pools’ and their utilisation in the
Jamshedpur; Dr B.P. Pal, Director, IARI; Amateur rose creation of new and novel cultivars of commercial
breeders–Raja Surendra Singh, M.N. Hardikar, M.S. importance keeping in view the direction of market trend
Viraraghavan, Dr S. Banerjee, Braham Datta, Dr Y.K. (Khoshoo, 1968, 1979, 1981). New varieties have been
Hande, S.C. Dey; Research Institutions–IARI, New Delhi; developed through conscious/selective artificial cross-
NBRI, Lucknow; Gladiolus (IARI, New Delhi; IARI pollination. This classical breeding uses deliberate
Regional Station, Katrain; IIHR, Bangalore; NBRI, interbreeding (crossing) of closely or distantly related
Lucknow; Horticulture Experiment and Training Centre, individuals to produce new varieties with desirable
Chaubattia; Amateur–Sri Bajrang Bahadur Bhadri, properties. Evolution of new cultivars of some ornamental
Lieutenant Governor of HP; Chrysanthemum (NBRI crops suitable for cultivation under tropical and sub-
Lucknow; IIHR Bangalore; PAU Ludhiana; TNAU tropical conditions has been achieved by employing all
Coimbatore; Amateur/Professional growers–Chandra the known methods of selection, hybridisation, polyploidy
Nursery Rhenock Sikkim; K.B. Srivastava Modinagar; and mutagenesis. Appreciable number of new and most
Atma Ram of Allahabad; Carnation (IARI, New Delhi; promising commercial varieties has been developed in
Bougainvillea (IARI, New Delhi; IIHR, Bangalore; NBRI, bougainvillea, chrysanthemum, marigold, rose and
Lucknow; Lalbagh, Bangalore; Provate Nurseries–K.S. tuberose. This has helped in boosting floriculture industry.
Gopalaswamienger Son, Bangalore; Soundary Nursery, Promising varieties comprising novel commercial
Madras; Chandra Nursery, Sikkim; Palekar and Co. characters like attractive flower colour and shape, no pinch
Bombay; Agri-Horticultural Societies at Calcutta and no stake dwarfness, out-of-season blooming, cut flowers
Madras; BARC, Bombay; Hibiscus (IIHR, Bangalore; (attractive colour, long erect stem, uniform bloom opening,
TNAU, Coimbatore; Lalbagh, Bangalore); Jasmine tough florets, long vase life and healthy leaves), pot culture
(TNAU, Coimbatore; IIHR, Bangalore; Orchids (IIHR, (dwarf and compactness, profuse branching, uniform
Bangalore; All India Coordinated Project on Floriculture spreading of branches, simultaneous blooming habit,
at Kalimpong, Shillong; Kalyani; Vallanikara; Dahlia attractive colour and good colour retention quality and
(Amateur/Professional growers–Swami Vinayananda; M/ healthy leaves), high yielding, garland purpose, exhibition
s C. Sen; K. Samaddar; L.N. Singh; R. Mitra; S.C. Dey); type, chlorophyll variegation in leaves, showy decorative
Hippeastrum (NBRI, Lucknow; IARI, New Delhi; leaves, etc. have come out from systematic efforts of all
Tuberose (NBRI, Lucknow; Croton (Lalbagh, Bangalore; above mentioned methods. Literature survey clearly
IIHR, Bangalore; Barleria (TNAU); Lantana (NBRI); indicates that the development of new varieties has
Perennial Portulaca (NBRI); Annual Flowers: declined in recent times.
Amaranthus (NBRI);Antirrhinum (NBRI); China
aster (IIHR); Marigold (NBRI; IARI); Verbena (NBRI); Mutation
Hollyhock (IARI); Zinnia (IARI).
Mutation breeding technique has been applied at different
For undertaking a meaningful improvement programme, institutions and universities for developing new varieties.
it is most important that the basic genetic information is CSIR-NBRI is one of the pioneer institutions where
obtained through the study of breeding systems, commendable work has been done on induced
experimental hybridisation and synthesis of autoploids and mutagenesis. A great deal of studies on the mutagenesis

in ornamental plants by using physical and chemical management of cut flowers and all required basic
mutagens has been carried out for both applied and basic knowledge has been generated. Post-harvest quality and
aspects. Appreciable information have been accumulated longevity of cut flowers have been studied which covered
on different aspects like radio sensitivity, selection of several influencing factors which cause deterioration of
material, methods of exposure to gamma rays, suitable harvested flowers like genetic; growing condition; climate
dose of gamma rays, colchicine treatment, recurrent or environmental and management; harvest factors like
irradiation, combined treatment, split dose, detection and stage, method and time of harvesting; moisture content;
isolation of mutants, commercial exploitation of mutant, pulsing treatment; mechanical injury; plugging of xylem
etc. Crops included under induced mutagenesis vessels; respiration; relative humidity; heat damage; and
programme are–Bougainvillea, Canna, Chrysanthemum, post-harvest factors such as watering, dehydration, pre-
Gerbera, Gladiolus, Rose, Rose–Gruss An Teplitz, Essential cooling, storage environment, packaging and transportation
Oil Bearing Roses, Rudbeckia laciniata, Sunflower, techniques; ethylene gas; growth regulators; preservative
Marigold, Tuberose, Portulaca, Dahlia, Hibiscus, etc. solutions and bacterial and fungal infections, etc. These
Mutation techniques by using ionizing radiations and other studies covered loose flowers (aster, chrysanthemum,
mutagens have successfully produced quite a large number Crossandra, jasmine, marigold, tuberose, etc.) and cut
of new promising varieties in different ornamental plants flowers (Alstroemeria spp., amaryllis, anthurium,
(Datta, 2009, 2012, 2014, 2017). Routine work on induced antirhinum, bird-of-paradise, calendula, caladium, canna,
mutagenesis is still going on at many centres on different carnation, China aster, chrysanthemum, crinum, dahlia,
ornamentals just by changing varieties. Author was directly
freesia, gerbera, gladiolus, gloriosa, gypsophila,
involved on induced mutagenesis work and realised this
haemanthus, hedychium, hemerocallis, hymenocallis,
stereotypic work. He started ‘target oriented’ and ‘need
lilium, nelumbo, nymphaea, ornithogalum, narcissus,
base’ mutation work. He diversified mutation work in
orchids, cattleya, cymbidium, dendrobium,
different directions. Varieties which had good demand in
odontoglossum, oncidium, paphiopedilum, phalaenopsis,
floriculture trade were selected for creation of further
rose, tuberose, zantedeschia, zephyranthes, zinnia, etc.).
genetic variability. Early and late blooming varieties were
selected to create more variability for choice of consumers. Main efforts were to develop crop specific protocol to
The main bottlenecks in mutation breeding of vegetatively increase the vase life. Voluminous data have already been
propagated ornamental plants are the formation of generated on and optimised the postharvest management
chimeras. In vitro techniques have been standardised for of cut flowers. A number of post-harvest management
management of such chimera and also did in vitro mutation methods like use of holding-, pulsing- and bud opening-
work to develop solid mutants. This work helped not only solutions (Water, Sugar, Biocides-8-HQC, AgNO 3,
to develop more mutants but also helped to publish articles Aluminium sulphate, Citric acid), growth regulators
in reputed journals (Chakrabarty et al., 1999, 2000; (auxins, gibberellins, cytokinins, inhibitors and retardants,
Dwivedi et al., 2000; Datta et al., 2005; Mandal et al., Ethylene), gamma irradiation, pre-cooling, cold storage,
2000a, 2000b; Datta et al., 2001; Misra et al., 2003; packaging, etc. have already been worked out. Protocol
Hossain et al., 2006b, 2006c, 2007; Misra and Datta, has been standardised and best combinations of holding
2007). solutions have been identified to increase the vase life
(Madaiah and Reddy 1994; Singh et al. 2001). Literature
Post-harvest management survey clearly indicates the quantum of work done on
There is need to develop appropriate crop specific post- this topic. Following treatment combinations are being
harvest technology, suitable to specific agro-climatic zone, used since beginning. Even today, same combinations are
to avoid loses at the growers, florists and consumers level. being tested with repetitive type of experiments only
Extensive work has been done on post-harvest changing varieties and series of papers are being published.

S.K. Datta
Treatment one of the major components of floriculture industry. Vase

life of cut flower is most attractive and economic
Sucrose 2% + Aluminium sulphate 300ppm; Sucrose 2%
components of cut flower. Flower senescence is a
+ STS 50ppm; Sucrose 2% + BA 25ppm; Sucrose 2% +
developmental change which is genetically programmed
GA–25ppm; Sucrose 2% + Aluminium sulphate 300ppm
leading to step-wise biochemical changes which varies
+ STS 50ppm; Sucrose 2% + Aluminium sulphate 300ppm
from flower to flower. Petals are the floral organs which
+ BA 25ppm; Sucrose 2% + Aluminium sulphate 300ppm
primarily determine the commercial longevity of flowers
+ GA- 25ppm; Citric acid 250 ppm; Sucrose 2% + ATA
and as a consequence, it is necessary to study the
(10 ppm); Sucrose 2% + ATA (15 ppm); sucrose 2% +
physiological, biochemical and genetic processes that
100ppm 8-HQC; Sucrose 2% + 200ppm 8-HQC; Sucrose
occur during floret senescence. Efforts are going on
2% + 300 ppm 8-HQC; Sucrose 2% + 8 HQC (50 ppm)
+ STS (50PPM); Sucrose 2% + 100ppm 8-HQC + 50 worldwide to understand the physiological and
ppm GA3; Sucrose 2% + 100ppm 8-HQC + 100 ppm biochemical changes related to senescence. No
GA3;Sucrose 2% + 100ppm 8-HQC + 150 ppm GA 3; concentrated efforts are being made in India to generate
Sucrose 2% + 100ppm 8-HQC + 200 ppm GA3; Sucrose information on physiological and biochemical changes due
2% + 8 HQC (150 ppm) + BA (2.5 ppm); Sucrose 2% + to these post-harvest operations. Changes in antioxidant
8 HQC (300ppm) + BA (2.5 ppm); Sucrose 2% + 8 HQC activities and oxidative stress during storage and petal/
(150 ppm) + BA (5 ppm); Sucrose 2% + 8 HQC (300ppm) tepal senescence in ornamentals research has great help
+ BA (5 ppm); Sucrose 2% + AOA (15ppm) + Triton-X in developing deep insight into the causes of senescence
(25 ppm); Sucrose 2% + AOA(15 ppm) + Alar(25 ppm) of different ornamentals. Work was initiated by the author
+ Triton-X(25 ppm); Sucrose 2 % + AOA (5ppm) + Alar to determine the actual role of oxidative stress and the
(25ppm) + GA3 (0.25ppm) + Kin (0.2 ppm); Sucrose 2% protective enzymatic systems, and corresponding is
+ AOA (15ppm) + Alar (25ppm) + Tritan-X (25ppm) + enzymes, in relation to floret senescence in
GA3 (0.25 ppm); SUCROSE 2% + AOA (15ppm) + Alar chrysanthemum, gladiolus, daylily, etc. (Chakrabarty et
(90ppm) + Tritan-X (100ppm) + GA 3(1ppm) + Kin al., 2007, 2009; Chakrabarty and Datta, 2008; Datta et
(0.2ppm); Sucrose 2% + AOA (45ppm) + Alar(90ppm) + al., 2013; Hossain et al., 2006a).
Tritan-X (100ppm) + GA3(1ppm) + Kin (0.2ppm);Sucrose
2% + AOA (25ppm) + Alar(45ppm) + Tritan-X (50ppm) Crop Protection: Disease and Pest Management
+ GA3 (0.5ppm) + Kin (0.1ppm); Sucrose 2% + 200ppm
Diseases and pests are serious handicap which adversely
8-HQC + 50 ppm GA3; Sucrose 2% + 200ppm 8-HQC +
affect the vigour and growth of the plants, deteriorating
100 ppm GA3; Sucrose 2% + 200ppm 8-HQC + 150 ppm
yield structure, quality of flowers, decorative value of
GA3; Sucrose 2% + 200ppm 8-HQC + 200 ppm GA3;
foliage, seed yield and quality and survival value of
Sucrose 2% + 300 ppm 8-HQC + 50 ppm GA3; Sucrose
floricultural crops. Major diseases occurring on the
2% + 300 ppm 8-HQC + 100 ppm GA3; Sucrose 2% +
important ornamental crops have been studied extensively:
300 ppm 8-HQC + 150 ppm GA3; Sucrose 2% + 300
ppm 8-HQC + 200 ppm GA3 Anthurium (disease–bacterial wilt, bacterial blight,
anthracnose, root rot, black rot and leaf blight; pest–
Packages whitefly, thrips, mite); Carnation (disease–wilt, foot rot,
basal rot, leaf spot, fusarium stem rot/wilt, Alternaria
LDPE (100–200 gauge), PP (100–200 gauge), Cellophane
blight, Rhizoctonia stem/collar rot, rust, Phytophthora
(100 gauge), Hessian cloth, tissue paper, newspaper,
blight, Septoria leaf spot, bacterial wilt, viral diseases;
corrugated fibre board or cardboard boxes, etc.
pest–bud-borer, thrips, two spotted spider mite); China
It is very inappropriate that in spite of generating such a aster (disease–collar and root rot, wilt; pest–chrysomelid
huge preliminary basic knowledge no advance work is beetle, semilooper, flower caterpillars, stem borer);
being done on post-harvest management. Cut flower is Chrysanthemum (disease–wilt, stem rot, root rot,

bacterial blight, alternaria ray speck, powdery mildew, nematodes); Alstromeria (disease–damping off, stem rot,
leaf spot and flower blight, viral diseases, viroid diseases; grey mould, tomato spotted wilt virus; pest–aphids,
pest–aphid, thrips, leaf folder, leaf miner, bud borer, hairy whiteflies, red spider mites, thrips); Iris (disease–bulb
caterpillar, spider mite); Crossandra (disease–foot and rot or blue mould, crown rot, ink disease, leaf spot, soft
root rot, flower blight; pest–spike borer, brown scale, rot; pest–aphids, tulip bulb aphid, lesser bulb fly, iris borer,
whitefly, bug, midge); Gerbera (disease–foot rot, wilt, Florida red, iris thrips, verbena bud moth, iris weevil,
blight or grey mould, leaf spot, bacterial leaf spot, root zebra caterpillar, bulb mite, stem and bulb nematodes,
rot, powdery mildew, botrytis blight, phyllody, nematodes, southern root-knot nematode); Freesia
phytophthora crown rot, pythium root rot, rhizoctonia (disease–wilt and corm rot; pest–lily aphid, thrips,
crown rot, fusarium foot/crown rot, viruses; pest– nematodes); Solidago (disease–scab, rust, powdery
whitefly, leaf miner, thrips, aphid, tobacco caterpillar, two- mildew; pest–chrysanthemum lace bug, orange tartrix);
spotted spider mite, cyclamen mite, slugs and snails); Bird ofparadise (disease–root rot; pest–mealybugs,
Gladiolus (disease–wilt, neck rot, corm rot, leaf and scale); China aster (disease–collar and root rot, wilt,
flower blight, viral diseases, Aster yellows; pest–thrips, rust, nematodes, viral yellows; pest–chrysomelid beetle,
cut worm, leaf caterpillar, mite, mealy bug); Jasmine semilooper, flower eating caterpillars, stem borer, leaf
(leaf spot, rust); Marigold (disease–wilt and stem rot, miner, leaf hopper, spider mite, jassid, nematodes);
collar and root rot, leaf spot and blight, powdery mildew; Jasmine (disease–leaf blight, rust, wilt, viral mosaic,
pest–bud caterpillar, aphids, thrips); Orchids (disease– phyllody; pest/insect–bud worm, gallery worm, tingid
leaf spot, Pythium rot, heart rot, anthracnose, bacterial bug, scales, mites, scales, citrus whitefly, nematodes);
soft rot, flower blight, virus; pest–scale (Ti scale, Florida Crossandra (disease–wilt, alternaria leaf spot, stem rot,
red scale, Lacanium scale, soft brown scale, boisduval root and crown rot, leaf blight; pest/insect–scales, white
scale), aphids (yellow aphid, black aphid), shoot borer, fly, nematodes); Marigold (disease–leaf spot and bud rot,
mealybug, thrips, red spider mite, snail); Rose (disease– collar and root rots, bacterial wilt, crown gall, cucumber
powdery mildew, black spot, stem canker/Dieback, mosaic virus; pest/insect–Japanese beetle, tarnished plant
downey mildew, grey mold, rust, rose mosaic disease, bug, leafhoppers, hairy caterpillar, red spider mite,
blossom blight, crown gall; pest–red scale, thrips, aphid, greenhouse leaf tier); Nelumbium (disease–alternaria leaf
hairy caterpillar, bud borer, chafer beetle, ash weevil, spot; pest/insect–aphids, japanese beetle); Nymphaea
(disease–nymphaea leaf spot; pest/insect–waterlily aphid,
termite, whitefly, two spotted spider mite, tobacco
waterlily leaf cutter, waterlilt leaf beetle); Ficus elastica
caterpillar); Tuberose (disease–basal rot, flower blight;
(disease–anthracnose, leaf spot; insect/pest–mealybug,
pest–bud borer, thrips, weevils, pentato mid bug, aphids);
scales, thrips, nematodes); Aglaonema (disease–root and
Lily (disease–bulb and scale rot, rhizoctonia rot, foot rot,
stem rot, bacterial leaf spot and leaf blight, soft root,
root rot, greymould, viruses; pest–leaf caterpillars, aphids,
nematodes); Dieffenbachia (disease–cephalosporium leaf
lily bulb mites), Tulip (disease–fire disease, fusarium bulb
spot, stem rot, leaf spot); Dracaena (disease–fungal leaf
rot or basal rot, pythium rot; pest–tulip bulb aphid,
spot, fusarium leaf spot, tip blight; pest/insect–dracaena
crescent-marked lily aphid, narcissus bulb fly, bulb mite;
thrips, mealybug); Philodendron (disease–fungal leaf
nematodes); Dahlia (disease–powdery mildew, wilt,
spot, bacterial) (Sharma and Bhattacharjee, 2002; Singh
smut, bacterial crown gall, bacterial wilt, bacteriosis, viral
et al., 2012, 2015; Yadav et al., 2014).
mosaic, spotted wilt, European corn borer, stalk borer,
leafhopper, bugs, thrips, mulbery whitefly, two-spotted
In vitro (Tissue Culture) Technology
mite, cyclamen mite, potato rot nema); Amaryllis/
Hippeastrum (disease–red spot, viral mosaic, soft rot of One of the major constraints of floriculture industry is
bulbs, grey mould, root rot and foot rot, fire red spot, non-availability of large scale quality planting materials.
cucumber mosaic virus, tomato spotted wilt, hippeastrum Conventional methods of propagation cannot meet the
mosain virus; pest–mites, thrips, aphids, caterpillar, increasing demand of propagating materials. This has led

S.K. Datta
to intensive practical research to evolve tissue culture now the work is going on at different other centres (KAU
techniques for mass propagation and production of virus- Vellanikkara; IIHR Bangalore and BCKV Kalyani). The
free plant material in different countries. Tissue culture main objective of this work is selection of ornamental
techniques of some of the important floricultural crops flowering shrubs and trees and foliage ornamentals for
have been successfully standardised in the Indian landscaping, garden display, interior plantscaping,
laboratories are Anthurium, Bougainvillea, abatement of air pollution, etc.
Chrysanthemum, Carnation, Gerbera, Gladiolus, Orchids,
Petunia, Rose, Tuberose, white marigold, Lilium, etc. Dry flowers
(Datta and Mitra, 1999; Maity et al., 1994; Mukherjee,
Dry flower market has grown exponentially as consumers
1994; Rout and Jain, 2004; Rout et al., 1989). Such
become “eco-conscious” and chooses dried flowers as
laboratory oriented in vitro techniques have not yet been
commercially exploited. Some private farms are utilising the environmentally friendly and biodegradable alternative
their own in vitro technology for commercial exploitation. to fresh flowers. Indian dry flower market is mainly
In addition to developing in vitro techniques for large scale controlled by few big business houses and several private
quality planting materials, CSIR-NBRI has standardised processing units. CSIR-NBRI is the pioneer institution in
some interesting tissue culture techniques on need basis: India where work on dehydration of flowers and foliage
in vitro multiplication of difficult-to-root bougainvillea and floral craft is being carried out extensively. Now
cultivars for commercial exploitation; in vitro Propagation different research institutions and universities are working
of White Marigold; Acclimatization under subtropical on dry flowers. Different methods like air drying, sun
conditions through tissue culture (Asiatic hybrid lily, drying, press drying, embedding, oven drying, microwave
Gerbera); in vitro maintenance of F1 hybrid, etc. CSIR- oven drying, glycerine and desiccants have been
NBRI has made significant contribution through standardised. The optimum stage, time of harvesting and
standardisation of in vitro techniques for the management time required for dehydration, pre- and post-dehydration
of spontaneous chimeras and induced mutant chimeras status, etc. have been extensively studied and standardised
through direct shoot regeneration from flower petals of for several common flowers and leaves of commercial
chrysanthemum. In vitro techniques have also been importance. A full package of technology protocol is
successfully utilised for in vitro mutation to develop solid available for dehydration of flowers and foliage and floral
mutants (Datta, 2015b). In general, tissue culture is little craft (Datta, 1997, 1999, 2015; Datta and Roy, 2011;
expensive than the conventional methods of plant Datta et al., 2017; Kher and Bhutani, 1979; Dilta et al.,
propagation. Now this problem has been addressed by 2011; Kashyap et al., 2007; Prasad et al., 1997; Sangama,
inventing reliable and cost effective tissue culture methods 2004; Singh et al., 2004; Raju and Jayanthi, 2002).
without compromising on quality. A number of low-cost
alternatives have already been recommended in other Essential oil
crops to simplify various operations and reduce the cost In India, flower crops grown for essential oil production
in a tissue culture facility. Concentrated efforts should be are limited and include mainly rose, jasmine, tuberose,
taken in Indian floriculture not only to exploit in vitro etc. (Singh, 1990; Irulappan, 1994). Inspite of its
technique for development of large scale uniform quality commercial importance floriculture scientists have not
planting materials but also full package of low cost in paid much attention on this topic. If we look back, early
vitro technique for societal benefit (Datta et al., 2017). efforts were made to extract essential oil from rose for
perfume industry. Out of more than 5000 rose varieties,
Landscaping and Gardening only a handful of them possess fragrance. Rosa
Landscaping and gardening are very important and damascena Mill., Rosa centifolia L., Rosa bourboniana
interesting topic in floriculture. IARI, New Delhi and Desp. and Rosa alba L. are some of the species well-
CSIR-NBRI Lucknow initiated work on this topic and known for their fragrance. Commercial products arerose

water, rose oil, ottoo or attar of roses, concrete, absolute T. glandulifera Schrank grows wild in western Himalaya
of rose, itra of roses, gulkand, pankhuri, agarbattis and and is one of the important sources of essential oils. The
dhoopbatties. Rosa damascena is grown commercially in crop has been domesticated by IHBT not only in sub-
Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Punjab. However, Himachal temperate but also in subtropical zones and farmers have
Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chennai and Coimbatore also opted Tagetes minuta as an essential oil crop in their
grow roses for perfume industry. Aligarh, Kannauj, Etah, cropping system (Singh et al., 2003). Different
Gazipur and Balia are the main areas of cultivation in Uttar constituents of tagetes essential oil have been examined
Pradesh. Importance of R. damascena is well known for (Singh et al., 2006).
aromatic and food industries. Important varieties of R.
damascene are Nurjehan (CSIR-CIMAP, Lucknow), Jwala Seed Production
(CSIR-IHBT, Palampur–GULAB I) and Himroz (CSIR-
The demand of flower seed is increasing worldwide
IHBT–GULAB II). Over the centuries, the rose water and
because of rise in socio-economic status of urban people
rose oil or otto of rose have been obtained from Rosa
and awareness towards the healthy environment. Quality
damascena or Damask Rose by distillation. Field distillation
seed production is labour intensive. In floriculture demand
units were being used for distillation of rose water. Several
of quality seed of annual flowers is increasing. Maintenance
improvements in the fabrication and design of field
of genetic purity of seeds is most essential. Four types of
distillation units have been suggested from time to time.
flower seeds can be produced–Mixture or open pollinated
CSIR-NBRI has designed a new apparatus and developed
seeds, Inbred or purelines, F 1 hybrids and F2 strains.
a process as well as a field distillation unit for distillation
Methods for development of different types of seeds are
of rose flowers which can be utilised by small-scale
different and each type of seed has its own advantages.
cultivators/manufacturers. The apparatus designed and
Basic knowledge on various aspects of flower seed
patented (Indian Patent No. 130396) by the CSIR-NBRI.
production (breeding system, floral biology, pollination
This apparatus has won a national award from the
mechanism, climatic requirement, harvesting and post
Invention Promotion Board, Government of India. Besides
harvest management, etc.) has been generated for
the above apparatus, CSIR-NBRI has also developed a
developing quality seeds. Cultivation of flowering annuals
PROCESS and FIELD DISTILLTION UNIT (Indian
for seed production requires constant attention, in-depth
Patent No. 117510) which gives 0.03% yield of the oil
knowledge, skill and specialisation. Inspite of having all
(by weight) by distillation of Rosa damascena flowers.
knowledge about seed production and increasing demand,
The CSIR-NBRI process is very simple and the labour
no intensive work is going on by scientific community
for distillation has also been considerably reduced (Chandra
for development of large scale quality seed specially F1
et al., 1979).
hybrid seeds. Seed production of seasonal flower crops
At early stage work on R. damascena was initiated and is a lucrative business. Research work is required on the
considering its importance, agro-techniques has been development of high yielding varieties including F1 hybrids,
developed by CSIR-NBRI. Various aspects of propagation agro-techniques for producing uniform seed meeting
through cuttings of Rosa damascena have been studied international certification standards. The techniques of
(Nigam et al., 1959; Singh and Sharma, 1969; Srivastava, seed production of some of the ornamentals like Alyssum
1976; Srivastava and Chandra, 1985). Considering its saritimum, Coreopsis lanceolata, Coreopsis tinctoria,
importance, the valuable information for further research Cosmos, Escholzia californica, Gaillardia, Helichrysum
and understanding of the crop and its value as an bracteatum, Impatiens balsamina, Monarda citriodora,
economical crop have been reviewed recently (Pal Petunia hybrida, Phlox drummondii, Tagetes species,
2012).Earlier extensive work has been carried out for Verbena hybrida, Viola tricolor, etc. have been
commercial exploitation of Jasminum species (Chandra, standardised (Das Gupta et al., 1995; Tomar and Singh,
1982; Sharma and Singh, 1979). Tagetes minuta L., syn. 2004; Reddy et al., 2004).

S.K. Datta
F1 Hybrids no indigenous greenhouse technology. Experiments have

been conducted and successful results have been achieved
There is a great potential of F 1 hybrid varieties in
at different centres. But due to some reason or other this
floriculture market in view of their superiority over open-
technology has not been commercially exploited by any
pollinated varieties in many respects. Demand of F1 hybrids
business houses. Concentrated efforts should be given to
is much due to their high uniform vigour, increased flower
develop indigenous greenhouse technology in our country
size, compact and dwarf plants, free blooming, faster so that others can use this technology for floribusiness.
growth and longer growing period, early maturity, high Although some research institutes and universities have
productivity, etc. Some ornamentals like rose, carnation, developed low cost polyhouse technology for floriculture.
chrysanthemum, etc. do not represent F1 hybrid due to There is an urgent need to evolve indigenous technologies
their vegetative nature of propagation. Crossing of two which are cost effective and suitable to our agro-climatic
inbred lines or variety produces F1 hybrids. F1 hybrids conditions in order to significantly reduce the cost of
are normally superior in plant vigour, flower size, number importing technologies for hi-tech/protected cultivation
of flowers and earliness. F1 hybrids are available in African of flower crops (Patil and Patil, 2006; Kumar et al., 2014).
violet, ageratum, antirrhinum, anemone, balsam, begonia,
calceolaria, carnation, cyclamen, dianthus, gerbera, Programmed blooming/Year round blooming
Gazania, geranium, gloxinia, hollyhock, Iceland poppy,
marigold, pansy, Portulaca, petunia, zinnia, etc. Photoperiod strongly influence flowering in many plants
Unfortunately potential of F1 hybrid in floriculture has and day length can determine the time of flowering. On
not been properly utilised in India. For developing F1 the basis of concept of photoperiodism plants are classified
hybrids some basic knowledge and specific genotypes into long day, short day and day neutral plants. The
concept of programmed blooming has been precisely used
are required (inbred lines, parental varieties, combining
in high value floricultural crops. Chrysanthemums are
ability, self-incompatibility, male sterility, etc.). Some
short-day plants and programmed blooming is attractive
research work was initiated to develop F1 hybrid (heterosis
for producing year round flowers for commercial
breeding) at IARI, NBRI and IIHR. But at present no
floriculture. The concept of phenomenon of
Indian nursery is developing F1 seeds for commercial
photoperiodism has helped in the successful production
exploitation. The first commercial venture in hybrid seed
of chrysanthemum flower throughout the year. For
production in India was made by Indo-American Hybrid
commercial floriculture programmed blooming is
Seeds (IAHS), Bangalore in Petunia using male sterility.
necessary for year round availability of flowers. Intense
Male sterility has been reported in many floricultural crops
concentrated efforts were made at CSIR-NBRI to classify
such as petunia, antirrhinum, marigold, zinnia, balsam,
the leading chrysanthemum varieties into their response
salvia, and wallflower. Hybrid seeds are available in India
group and their sensitivity to photoperiodism for year
through Indo-American Hybrid Seed Company, Bangalore; round programmed blooming. By manipulating the planting
Sutton and Sons, Kolkata; Pacha and Sons, Pune; date and the light inside the greenhouse, the grower can
Namdhari Seeds, Bangalore; and Novartis, Pune. coordinate the response of several varieties as per specific
Development of hybrid seeds is bright option for Indian flowering dates and marketing requirements. In spite of
floriculture. It will give employment to youths in rural muchcommercial demand and availability of huge
and sub-urban areas as hybrid seed production is labour promising varieties, year round blooming concept has not
intensive (Raghava et al., 1995). been exploited commercially in Indian floriculture (Kher,
1969; Datta and Gupta, 2012).
Greenhouse Cultivation
A number of greenhouses have been set up in India by Intercropping

business houses for export oriented cultivation with Intercropping is very good alternative for the year round
foreign collaborations and foreign technology. There is remuneration for the farmers. It means cultivation of two

or more crops at the same time in the same field. Research Bulletins
Combined yields of crops grown as intercrops can be
DFR (AICRP)–Production Manual on Tuberose
higher than the yield of the same crop grown as pure
(Polianthes tuberosa Linn.)–DFR Bulletin No. 1 (Singh
stand (sole). Most ornamental are seasonal and crops may
et al., 2010); Floriculture in West Bengal: Scope and
be grown during a part or whole of crop growth period.
Opportunities–DFR Bulletin No.2 (Chakraborty et al.,
This is an important topic which has not been exploited
2010; The Genesis of Directorate of Floricultural
in Indian floriculture. Some preliminary work have been Research–DFR Bulletin No. 3, (Kumar et al. 2010);
reported on feasibility of intercropping in Jasminum, Marigold–DFR Bulletin No. 4 (Kameswari et al., 2011);
marigold, gladiolus, etc. (Prakash et al., 2009; Ray et al., Prospects of Floriculture in Andhra Pradesh–DFR Bulletin
2007; Anburani and Vidhya Priyadharshini, 2011; Singh No. 5 (Girwani et al., 2011); Postharvest Technology of
and Singh, 2014; Pareshbhai, 2016). Author (Singh and Cut flowers–DFR Bulletin No. 6 (Singh et al., 2013);
Datta, 2006) explored the possibilities to improve the Quality Rose Production Under Protected Condition–DFR
economics of cultivation of gladiolus by intercropping Bulletin No. 7 (Singh et al., 2013); Status of Floriculture
with marigold. Intercropping of marigold with gladiolus in Maharashtra–DFR Bulletin No. 8 (Gurav et al., 2013);
paired system gave an additional yield than the pure Seed Production of Annual Flowers–DFR Bulletin No 9
cropping of gladiolus paired system. The net income due (Dhatt et al., 2014); Status of Floriculture in Punjab–DFR
to the intercropping was almost two fold higher than the Bulletin No 10 (Singh et al., 2014); Dehydration of
pure cropping of conventional practice. Flowers and Value Addition–DFR Bulletin No 11 (Sellam
et al., 2014); Disease and Pest Management in Flower
Publications Crops under Polyhouse–DFR Bulletin No 12 (Singh et
al., 2015); Present Status and Prospects of Floriculture
Vast Literature/knowledge generated on above topics are
in Jammu and Kashmir–ICAR-DFR Bulletin No 13 (Sheikh
spread in the form of books, bulletins, catalogues, scientific
et al., 2015); Lawn Management–ICAR-DFR Bulletin No
journals, newsletters, newspapers, popular magazines, etc.
14, (Tiwari et al., 2015); Daffodil–ICAR-DFR Bulletin
The number of papers published on floriculture in India
No 15, (Sheikh et al., 2015); Database on Rose–ICAR-
is so voluminous that it is difficult to cite in this review.
DFR Bulletin No 16, (Tiwari and Singh, 2015); Database
The article will provide abstract information on publications
on Tubersoe (Polianthes tuberosa Linn.) (2010–2011 to
generated by different institutions/universities on
2013–2014)–ICAR-DFR Bulletin No 17 (Singh et al.,
floriculture. Majority of research papers have been
2015); Lilium–ICAR-DFR Bulletin No 18 (Sheikh et al.,
published in Indian journals, regional journals and in-house
2015); Database on Gladiolus (2010–2011 to 2013–2014)–
journals. There is justification for publication in regional ICAR-DFR Bulletin No 19 (Kadam et al., 2015); Present
journals as the experiments were designed on zonal basis. Status and Prospects of Floriculture in Tamil Nadu–ICAR-
Readers can collect more detailed information from DFR Bulletin No 20, (Kannan et al., 2015); Research
referred publications or from author. There are numerous Highlights (1971–1997)–AICRP Technical Bulletin No. 8
stories and accounts of all important floricultural crops. (Raghava et al., 1998); New Varieties of Flower Crops–
Series of books have been published in two forms–books AICRP Technical Bulletin No. 9 (Raghava et al., 1998);
on individual crops and edited books covering all Rose Research at I.A.R.I. Division of Floriculture and
ornamentals. Huge number of bulletins has been published Landscaping–IARI, New Delhi (Singh and Singh, 1999);
on different ornamentals. Bulletins have been published Postharvest Management of Cut Flowers–AICRP on
not only by research institutions/universities but also by Floriculture, Technical Bulletin No. 10 (Singh et al., 2001);
several organisations like APEDA, NABARD, etc and Chrysanthemum–AICRP Technical Bulletin No. 11 (Datta
amateur growers. To quote the number, only bulletins and Bhattacharjee, 2001); China Aster–AICRP Technical
published by CSIR-NBRI and DFR are as follows: Bulletin No. 13 (Janakiram et al., 2001); Gladiolus AICRP

S.K. Datta
Technical Bulletin No. 14 (Arora et al., 2002); Carnation– generating huge knowledge, I think, we could not hold
AICRP Technical Bulletin No. 15 (Gupta and Bhttacharjee, our leadership among the other countries. In spite of
2002); Agro-Techniques for Flower Crop Production– developing such enormous knowledge and literature in
AICRP Technical Bulletin No. 16 (Bhattacharjee and our country, we must admit that the gap between the
Kumar, 2002); Floriculture Directory–AICRP on technologically advanced countries and ours are wide.
Floriculture, Technical Bulletin No. 24 (Bhattacharjee et We publish many research papers every year. But we
al., 2002); Tuberose–AICRP Technical Bulletin No. 21 should be aware that India’s contribution in floriculture
(Biswas et al., 2002). as compared to many other countries is not up to the
world standard with respect to innovative or priority
CSIR-NBRI demanding research. We should analyse our publications
to global research journals is how much? We are just
Bougainvillea (Sharma, 1996); Hippeastrum (Gupta and carrying stereotypic experiments year after year. We have
Datta, 2006, NBRI Bulletin No. 16); Chrysanthemum (S. generated all required basic knowledge on germplasm
Percy Lancaster 1956, NBRI Bulletin No. 1), collection, characterisation, breeding, post-harvest
Chrysanthemum (Kher, 1975), Chrysanthemum (Datta, management, etc. but still now every year we are just
1996); Guldaudi (Hindi et al., 2000, Bulletin No. 6); Canna filling up the gaps in our experiments with new varieties
(Percy Lancaster 1967, NBG Bulletin No. 23); Coleus only. The quality of research output is a very important
(Anonymous 1957, Bulletin No. 2); Dahlia (Datta and criterion to determine the reputation of scientists and the
Gupta, 2003, NBRI Bulletin No. 10); Gladiolus (Sharga quality may be judged in various ways in scientific
and Roy, 2002, NBRI Bulletin No. 8); Gloriosa (Percy community. The quality of research depends upon
Lancaster 1959, Percy Lancaster and Percy Lancaster originality of the idea, innovativeness and its novelty
1966, NBG Bulletin No. 26); Marigold (Roy and Sharga, constituents. Our contribution in the frontier areas of
2000, NBRI Bulletin No. 7); Rose (Datta, 2002, NBRI floriculture research is very few. Many of our publications
Bulletin No. 9); Damask Rose for Rose Oil and Rose Water are simple repetition of another laboratory’s results with
(Chandra et al., 1979, Extension Bulletin No. 3); Tuberose routine findings and does not add much new to the present
(Sharga, 1999; Sharga and Sharma, 1994, NBRI Bulletin knowledge. This is a major cause of shortcoming in
No. 5); Ornamental Annuals (Roy and Sharma, 1999, NBRI international ranking. This should be a matter of sensitive
Bulletin No. 4); House Plants (Roy et al., 2006, Roy and consideration to all floriculture scientists. I believe, if we
Kumar, 2013, NBRI Bulletin No. 15); Griha Sajja Hetu change some of our routine activities and concentrate on
Paudhya (Hindi, Roy et al., 2007, NBRI Bulletin No. 18); some important frontier research on floriculture, we can
Dehydration of Flowers and Foliage and Floral Craft uplift our work status. There is need to formulate research
(Datta, 1997, NBRI Bulletin No. 3). programme keeping in view of the changing priorities and
thrust areas of floriculture. We must be pioneers in some
DISCUSSION frontiers of floriculture research. We should now prepare
a need-based planning considering on-going and on-
Considering above research document, I briefly want to coming research areas in floriculture. New varieties,
highlight some of my random views on Indian floriculture developed through concentrated efforts by Indian
research. Extensive research has already been done in scientists, have occupied front line in floriculture trade.
India to generate basic knowledge on multidisciplinary Indian scientists have excellent track record for developing
aspects of floricultural crops. Over the decades, we are new varieties through detection and isolation of bud sports,
experimenting germplasm collection, agrotechniques, hybridisation and induced mutation. But this process is
characterisation, disease management, post-harvest gradually getting lower in recent years, particularly with
physiology, crop improvement, induced mutagenesis, etc. respect to innovative or ground breaking research. Recent
As a result of these efforts, our floriculture got an early knowledge on these basic techniques has improved
lead and substantial gains in some areas. But, in spite of significantly, but not being utilised in proper way.

Floriculture research in our country requires structural (Chrysanthemum, Tuberose, Gerbera and Marigold).
change and strategic orientation in R&D towards Recent research in cell biology, molecular genetics,
motivation for diversification and modernisation. recombinant DNA, tissue culture and related fields is
opening up new possibilities for progress in floriculture.
CONCLUSION
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The current scenario of the world floriculture research
reveals a paradigm shift from traditional methods to The author thanks and acknowledges all professional
modern technologies. Indian floriculture research colleagues/scientists for their voluminous contributions
generating basic knowledge year after year does not mean in floriculture. The author also acknowledges CSIR-
all about floriculture research. There is need of proper National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow, where I
designing of research on need basis. Many activities are did all my research on floriculture on multidisciplinary
not in synchronisation with its practical application. We aspects.
can stop some of our current repetitive routine research
activities and we can train and equip ourselves with REFERENCES
essential knowledge of recent scientific infrastructure so
Anburani A and Vidhya Priyadharshini HV, 2011. Effect of
that we may plan our activities in such a way that we can intercropping on growth in mullai (Jasminum auriculatum).
be well recognised in the floriculture world. There is International Journal of Agriculture Science, Vol. 7, No.1, pp.
tremendous scope for innovation and up gradation in the 156–158.
floriculture research. Priority area must be determined Bhalla R, Dhiman SR, Sharma YD, Thakur P and Kashyap B,
considering modern developments. We should start 2004.The diverse world of bulbs. In: Reddy BS, Janakiram T,
Kulkarni BS, Narayanaswamy P, editors. Emerging trends in
selective breeding in Rose, Chrysanthemum, Gladiolus ornamental horticulture. Indian Society of Ornamental
and Marigold; programmed blooming (Year round Horticulture, pp. 52–58.
cultivation), F1 hybrid, enrichment of in vitro technology, Bhatia R, Singh KP, Jhang T and Sharma TR, 2009. Assessment of
in vitro mutagenesis, development of fast and correct way clonal fidelity of micropropagated gerbera plants by ISSR
of multiplication through seeds, cuttings as well as tissue markers. Scientia Horticulturae. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/
j.scienta.2008.07.024
culture. In order to ensure supply of high quality uniform
material in large quantity, development of low cost, Bhattacharjee SK and De LC, 2003. Advanced commercial
floriculture. Aavishkar Publishers, Jaipur.
environmental friendly, and economically viable production
Bhattacharjee SK, 2006. Advances in ornamental horticulture.
technology is essential. Routine post-harvest trial
Pointer Publishers, Jaipur.
experiments may be enriched with the studies on in-depth
Bose TK, Maiti RG, Dhua RS and Das P, 1999. Floriculture and
physiological and biochemical changes related to flower landscaping. Naya Prokash, Calcutta.
senescence process. The PCR-based molecular studies
Chadha KL and Bhattacharjee SK, 1995.Advances in Horticulture,
should not be restricted only for assessment of genetic Volume 12, Ornamental Plants, Part 1 and Part II. Malhotra
diversity, identification of species specific markers and Publishing House, New Delhi.
phylogenetic relationship. Breeders must select and utilise Chadha KL, 2001. Handbook of horticulture. Directorate of
closely and distantly related varieties to introgress new Information and Publications of Agriculture, ICAR, Krishi
and novel genes through selective breeding programme. Anusandhan Bhavan, Pusa, New Delhi.
The looming adverse effects of climate change and Chakrabarty D and Datta SK, 2008, Micropropagation of gerbera:
variability affecting crop productivity requires intervention lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme activities during
acclimatization process. Acta Physiologia Plantarum, Vol. 30,
to produce new varieties which can perform more No. 3, pp. 325–331.
efficiently under severe water and climatic conditions.
Chakrabarty D and Datta SK, 2010. Application of RAPD markers
We may identify centre and set up unit with qualified for characterization of gamma-ray-induced rose mutants and
manpower and equipment to carry out research on assessment of genetic diversity. Plant Biotechnology Report,
molecular aspects of some selected ornamentals Vol. 4, No. 1, pp. 237–242.

S.K. Datta
Chakrabarty D, Chatterjee J and Datta SK, 2007. Oxidative stress Part I (eds. Chada KL and Bhattacharjee SK), Malhotra
and antioxidant activity as the basis of senescence in Publishing House, New Delhi, pp. 267-334.
chrysanthemum florets. Plant Growth Regulation, Vol. 53, No.
Datta SK and Chakrabarty D, 2015. Classical and modern methods
1, pp. 107–115.
for characterization of ornamental crops. International Journal
Chakrabarty D, Gupta VN and Datta SK, 2007. Varietal of Horticulture, Vol. 5, No. 21, pp. 1–45.
identification and assessment of genetic relationships in
Datta SK and Gupta VN, 2012. Year round cultivation of garden
Hippeastrum using RAPD markers. Plant Biotechnology
chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat.) through
Report, Vol. 1, pp. 211–217.
photoperiodic response. Science and Culture, Vol. 78, No. 1–
Chakrabarty D, Mandal AKA and Datta SK, 1999. Management of 2, pp. 71–77.
chimera through direct shoot regeneration from florets of
Datta SK and Mitra R, 1999. Commercial floriculture in India.
chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat.), Journal
Applied Botany Abstracts, IBIS, NBRI, Vol. 19, No. 3, pp.
of Horticultural Science and Biotechnology, Vol. 74, No. 3, pp.
202–221.
293–296.
Datta SK and Roy S, 2011. Employment generation using
Chakrabarty D, Mandal AKA and Datta SK, 2000. Retrieval of
dehydration technology for drying flowers and foliage and
new coloured chrysanthemum through organogeneis from
floral craft. Science and Culture, Vol. 77, No. 1–2, pp. 58–61.
sectorial chimeras. Current Science, Vol. 78, pp. 1060–1061.
Datta SK, 1997. Dehydration of flowers and foliage and floral
Chakrabarty D, Verma AK and Datta SK, 2009. Oxidative stress
craft. NBRI Bulletin No. 3.
and antioxidant activity as the basis of senescence in
Hemerocallis (day lily) flowers. Journal of Horticulture and Datta SK, 1999. Dehydrated flowers and foliage and floral craft. In:
Forestry, Vol. 1, No. 6, pp.113–119. Bose TK, Maiti RG, Dhua RS and Das P, editors. Floriculture
& Landscaping. Naya Prakash, Calcutta, pp. 696–703.
Chandra V, 1982. Commercial exploitation of Jasminum species in
India. In: Atal AK and Kapur BM, editors. Cultivation and Datta SK, 2006. Floriculture worldwide trade. In: Bhattacherjee
utilisation of aromatic plants. CSIR, New Delhi, pp. 525– SK, editor. Advances in ornamental horticulture. Pointer
536. Publishers, Jaipur, pp. 1–19.
Chandra V, Srivastava HP, Singh A, Sharma ML, Srivastava R and Datta SK, 2009. Role of classical mutagenesis for development of
Juneja BR, 1979. Damask rose for rose oil & rose water. new ornamental varieties. In: Shu QY, editor. Induced plant
Economic Botany Information Service, NBRI, Lucknow. mutations in the genomics era. Joint FAO/IAEA Division of
Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, International
Chatterjee J, Mandal AK, Ranade SA and Datta SK, 2005. Estimation
Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, Austria, pp. 300–302.
of genetic diversity of four Chrysanthemum Mini cultivars
using RAPD. Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences, Vol. 8, Datta SK, 2012. Success story of induced mutagenesis for
No. 4, pp. 546–549. development of new ornamental varieties. In da Silva JAT,
editor. Bioremediation, biodiversity and bioavailability
Chatterjee J, Mandal AKA, Chakrabarty D and Datta SK, 2007.
(Special Issue I). Global Science Books, Invited Review, Japan,
Use of RAPD analysis to determine genetic diversity and
pp. 15–26.
relationships among Bougainvillea cultivars at inter-specific
levels. Horticulture, Environment, and Biotechnology, Vol. 48, Datta SK, 2014. Induced mutagenesis: basic knowledge for
No. 12, pp. 43–51. technological success. In: Tomlekova NB, Kozgar ML and
Wani MR, ediotrs. Mutagenesis: exploring genetic diversity
Chatterjee J, Mandal AKA, Ranade SA and Datta SK, 2006a.
of crops. Wageningen Academic Publishers, Wageningen, The
Intravarietal variation of miniature Chrysanthemum cultivars
Netherlands, pp. 95–137.
using random amplified polymorphic DNA. Horticulture,
Environment, and Biotechnology, Vol. 47, No. 1, pp. 192– Datta SK, 2015a. Dehydration of flowers and foliage and floral
192. craft. Pointer Publishers, India.
Chatterjee, J, Mandal, AKA, Ranade, SA, da Silva, JAT and Datta Datta SK, 2015b. Indian floriculture: role of CSIR. Regency
SK 2006. Molecular systematics in Chrysanthemum x Publications, A Division of Astral International (P) Ltd., New
grandiflorum (Ramat.). Kitamura, Scientia Horticulturae, Vol. Delhi, India.
110, No. 4, pp. 373-378. Datta SK, 2017. Improvement through induced mutagenesis:
Das Gupta PR, Ghosh SK and Foning MS, 1995, Flower seed and ornamental crops. In: Malik CP et al., editors. Advanced
bulb industry in India. In: Prospects of Floriculture in India technologies for crop improvement and agricultural
(Eds. Kaul GL and Dadlani NK), New Delhi, India, Ministry productivity. Agrobios (India), Jodhpur, pp. 49–86.
of Agriculture, Govt. of India. Datta SK, Chakrabarty D and Janakiram T, 2017. Low cost tissue
Datta SK and Banerji BK, 1995, Cytological studies in ornamental culture: an overview. Journal of Plant Science Research, Vol.
plants. Advances in Horticulturevol. 12 - ornamental plants 33, No. 2, pp. 181–199.

Datta SK, Chakrabarty D, Gupta VN and Verma AK, 2013. Changes Kashyap B, Sharma YD, Dhiman SR, Bhalla R and Thakur P, 2007.
in antioxidant activities in chrysanthemum cut sprays during Dry flower making: a potential cottage industry in HP.
storage and packaging. Science and Culture, Vol. 79, No. 3–4, Quarterly newsletter of the Centre of Minor Forest Products
pp. 183–186. for Rural Development and Environment Conservation, Vol.
17, No. 3, pp. 5–8.
Datta SK, Chakraborty D and Mandal AKA, 2001. Gamma ray
induced genetic variation and their manipulation through tissue Kaul GL and Dadlani NK, 1995. Prospects of floriculture in India.
culture. Plant Breeding, Vol. 120, No. 1, pp. 91–92. Department of Agriculture & Cooperation, Ministry of
Agriculture, Government of India.
Datta SK, Jayanthi R and Janakiram T, 2017. Bougainvillea. New
Kher MA and Bhutani JC, 1979. Dehydration of flowers and foliage.
India Publishing Agency, New Delhi.
Extension Bulletin No 2, NBRI, Lucknow.
Datta SK, Mishra P and Mandal AKA, 2005. In vitro mutagenesis–
Kher MA, 1969. Photoperiodic response in chrysanthemum. Plant
a quick method for establishment of solid mutant in
Science, Vol. 1, No. 2, pp. 200–206.
chrysanthemum. Current Science, Vol. 88, No. 1, pp. 155–
158. Khoshoo TN, 1968. Genetic improvement of ornamentals in India
– prospects, experimental approaches and suggestions. Indian
De LC and Singh DR, 2016. Floriculture industries, opportunities Journal of Genetics, Vol. 28, No. 1, pp. 187–198.
and challenges in Indian Hills. International Journal of
Horticulture, Vol. 6, No. 13, pp. 1-9. doi: 10.5376/ijh.2016.06. Khoshoo TN, 1979. Cytogenetics in relation to plant evolution
and improvement. In: Khoshoo TN and Nair PKK, editors.
0013.
Progress in plant research, Vol. 2. Silver Jubilee publication,
Dilta BS, Sharma BP, Baweja HS and Kashyap B, 2011. Flower NBRI. Today and Tomorrow Printers and Publishers, New
drying techniques - A review. International Journal of Farm Delhi, pp. 1–14.
Sciences, Vol. 1, No. 2, pp. 1–16. Khoshoo TN, 1981. Breeding systems in relation to evolution in
Dwivedi AK, Banerji BK, Chakraborty D, Mandal AKA and Datta some ornamentals. Proceeding of Indian National of Science
SK, 2000. Gamma ray induced new flower colour chimera and Academy, Vol. 47, No. 2, pp. 279–301.
its management through tissue culture. Indian Journal of Kumar M, Chaudhary V, Sharma VR, Sirohi U and Singh J, 2018.
Agricultural Sciences, Vol. 70, No. 12, pp. 853–855. Advances in biochemical and molecular marker techniques and
Geetha R and Lissy NS, 2018. Export of cut flowers from India. their applications in genetic studies of orchid: A review.
International Journal of Pure and Applied Mathematics, Vol. International Journal of Chemical Studies, Vol. 6, No. 6, pp.
806–822.
119, No. 18, pp. 3835–3847.
Kumar R, Kadam GB and Kumar P, 2014. Scenario of flower breeding
Hossain Z, Mandal AKA, Datta SK and Biswas AK, 2006a. Decline
for protected cultivation. In: Singh DK and Peter KV, editors.
in ascorbate peroxidase activity–a prerequisite factor for tepal
Protected cultivation of horticultural crops. New India
senescence in Gladiolus. Journal of Plant Physiology, Vol. 163, Publishing Agency, New Delhi.
No. 1, pp.186–194.
Kumar S, Prasad KV and Choudhary ML, 2006. Detection of genetic
Hossain Z, Mandal AKA, Datta SK and Biswas AK, 2006b. variability among chrysanthemum radio mutants using RAPD
Isolation of a NaCl-tolerant mutant of Chrysanthemum markers. Current Science, Vol. 90, pp. 1108–1113.
morifolium by gamma radiation: in vitro mutagenesis and
Madaiah D and Reddy VT, 1994. Effect of packaging and cool
selection by salt stress. Functional Plant Biology, Vol. 33, No.
chamber storage on post-harvest life of tuberose (cv. Single)
1, pp. 91–101.
florates. In: Prakash J and Bhandary KR, editors. Floriculture
Hossain Z, Mandal AKA, Datta SK and Biswas AK, 2006c. – technology, trades and trends. Oxford and IBH Pub. Co.
Development of NaCl-tolerant strain in Chrysanthemum Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi, pp. 530–535.
morifolium Ramat through in vitro mutagenesis. Plant Biology, Maity I, Ghosh PD, Jana BK and Bose T, 1994. Micropropagation
Vol. 8, No. 4, pp. 450–461. of some house plants. In: Prakash J and Bhandary KR, editors.
Hossain Z, Mandal AKA, Datta SK and Biswas AK, Floriculture – technology, rades and trends. Oxford and IBH
2007.Development of NaCl-tolerant strain in Chrysanthemum Pub. Co. Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi, pp. 357–366.
morifolium Ramat through shoot organogenesis of selected Mandal AKA, Chakrabarty D and Datta SK, 2000a. Application
callus line. Journal of Biotechnology, Vol. 129, No. 2, pp. 658– of in vitro techniques in mutation breeding of Chrysanthemum.
667. Journal of Plant Cell Tissue & Organ Culture, Vol. 60, No. 1,
pp. 33–38.
Irulappan I, 1994. Breeding jasmines of high yield of flowers and
floral oil. In: Prakash J and Bhandary KR, editors. Floriculture Mandal AKA, Chakraborty D and Datta SK, 2000b. In vitro
– technology, trades and trends. Oxford and IBH Pub. Co. development of novel flower colour through management of
Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi, pp. 258–268. induced chimera. Euphytica, Vol. 114, No. 1, pp. 9–12.

S.K. Datta
Mishra P and Srivastava AK, 2004. Molecular investigations in Raghava SPS, Singh B and Singh HP, 1995. Breeding of annuals. In:
ornamental floricultural plants. Journal of Plant Biotechnology, Chadha KL and Bhattacharjee SK, editors. Advances in
Vol. 6, No. 2, pp. 131–143. horticulture Vol. 12 – ornamental plants. Malhotra Publishing
Misra D and Ghosh S, 2016. Growth and export status of Indian House, New Delhi, pp. 505–533.
floriculture: A review. Agricultural Reviews, Vol. 37, No. 1, Raj D, 2017. Floriculture at aglance. Kalyani Publishers, Ludhiana.
pp. 77–80.
Raju MS and Jayanthi R, 2002. Drying techniques for China aster
Misra P and Datta SK, 2007. Standardization of in vitro protocol cut flowers. (Abstract) In: National Symposium on Indian
in Chrysanthemum cv. Madam E. Roger for development of Floriculture in the New Millennium, 25–27 February 2002,
quality planting material and to induce genetic variability using
ISOH, New Delhi, p. 87.
gamma-radiation. Indian Journal of Biotechnology, Vol. 6, No.
1, pp. 121–124. Randhawa GS and Mukhopadhyay A, 1986. Floriculture in India.
Allied Publishers, New Delhi.
Misra P, Datta SK and Chakrabarty D, 2003. Mutation in flower
colour and shape of Chrysanthemum morifolium induced by Ray AK, Borah AS, Maheswarappa HP and Acharya GC, 2007.
gamma radiation. Biologia Plantarum, Vol. 47, No. 1, pp. 153– Economics of intercropping vegetables and flowering crops in
156. pre-bearing arecanut garden under Assam condition. Journal
Mohapatra A and Rout GR, 2005. Identification and analysis of of Plantation Crops, Vol. 35, No. 2, pp. 84–87.
genetic variation among rose cultivars using random amplified Reddy BS, Kulkarni BS, Naik KB and Deepa MS, 2004. Seed
polymorphic DNA. Zeitschrift für Naturforschung C, Vol. 60, production of annual flower crops. In: Reddy BS, Janakiram
No. 7–8, pp. 611–617.
T, Kulkarni BS, Narayanaswamy P, editors. Emerging trends
Mukherjee D, 1994. Protected cultivation of increased production in ornamental horticulture. Indian Society of Ornamental
of quality plants and flowers. In: Prakash J and Bhandary Horticulture, New Delhi, pp. 91–95.
KR, editors. Floriculture – technology, trades and trends.
Oxford and IBH Pub. Co. Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi, pp. 443–451. Rout GR and Jain SM, 2004. Micropropagation of Ornamental
Plants- Cut Flowers. Propagation of Ornamental Plants, Vol.
Nazeer MA and Khoshoo TN, 1982. Cytological evolution of 4, No. 2, pp. 3–28.
garden chrysanthemum. Current Science, Vol. 51, No. 2, pp.
583–585. Rout GR, Debata BK and Das P, 1989. In vitro mass scale
propagation of Rosa hybrida cv. Landora. Current Science,
Nazeer MA, 1981. Karyological studies in two species of Vol. 58, No. 15, pp. 876–878.
Chrysanthemum L. Cell & Chrome Newsletter, Vol. 4, No. 2,
pp. 33–35. Sangama, 2004. Dehydration and product diversification of
Helichrysum flower. Journal of Ornamental Horticulture, Vol.
Nigam MC, Singh KN, Gupta GN and Nigam IC, 1959. Studies on
7, No.3, pp. 376–380.
the cultivation of Rosa damascena in U.P. Indian Perfumer,
Vol. 3, No. 2, pp. 76–80. Sasikumar K, Singh SK, Mohapatra T and Prasad KV, 2007.
Pal PK, 2012. Evaluation, genetic diversity, recent development of Characterization of rose cultivars and species by DNA
distillation method, challenges and opportunities of Rosa fingerprinting. Indian Journal of Horticulture, Vol. 64, No. 4,
damascena: A review. Journal of Essential Oil Bearing Plant, pp. 435–438.
Vol. 16, No. 1, pp. 1–10. Sharma ML and Singh A, 1979. The perfume potential of Jasminum
Panigrahy SR, Patel D and Patel J, 2018. Status of floriculture in sambac. Indian Perfumer, Vol. 23, No. 1, pp. 31–33.
India: with special focus to marketing. International Journal
Sharma P and Bhattacharjee SK, 2002. Plant protection in
of Pure and Applied Bioscience, Vol. 6, No. 2, pp. 1434–1438.
ornamental crops. AICRP on Floriculture, ICAR, New Delhi.
Pareshbhai DT, 2016. Intercropping of annual flowers in Jasminum
Sheela VL, Lekshmi PR, Nair CSJ and Rajmohan K, 2006. Molecular
sambac L. M.Sc. (Hort.) thesis, Department of Floriculture
and Landscape Archetecture, Aspee College of Horticulture characterization of Heliconia by RAPD assay. Journal of
and Forestry, Navsari Agricultural University Navsari, Gujarat. Tropical Agriculture, Vol. 44, pp. 37–41.
Patil MT and Patil PV, 2006. Greenhouse cultivation of rose. In: Sindhu SS and Kumar N, 2009. AICRP on floriculture: X Five Year
Bhattacharjee SK, editor. Advances in ornamental horticulture. Plan achievements. Souvenir–National Conference on
Pointer Publishers, Jaipur, India, pp. 46–78. Floriculture for Livelihood and Profitability, 16–19 March,
New Delhi, pp. 6–13.
Prakash S, Arya JK and Singh OP, 2009. Marigold intercropping
with sugarcane for high income. Progressive Agriculture, Vol. Singh A, Dhaduk BK and Shah RR, 2004. Effect of different
9, No. 2, pp. 298–300. temperature and embedding media on flower dehydration of
zinnia (Zinnia linearis Benth). Indian Journal of Horticulture,
Prasad JJK Pal PK and Voleti SR, 1997. Drying of flowers: an
upcoming industry. Floriculture Today. pp. 20–23. Vol. 61, No. 3, pp. 249–252.

Singh BP, Gupta PN and Rana RS, 1993. New introductions in Himalaya and north Indian Plains. Economic Botany, Vol. 57,
ornamentals. Journal of Ornamental Horticulture, Vol. 1, No. No. 4, pp. 535–544.
1, pp. 18–20.
Singh VK, Singh Y and Kumar P, 2012.Diseases of ornamental
Singh HP, 2011. Growing floriculture industry: opportunities for plants and their management. In: Singh VK, Singh Y and Singh
India. National Conference on Recent Trends and Future A, editors. Eco-friendly innovative approaches in plant disease
Prospects in Floriculture, 5–8 March, pp. 1–8. management. International Book Distributors and Publisher,
New Delhi, pp. 543–572.
Singh K, Arora JS and Bhattacharjee SK, 2001. Postharvest
management of cut flowers. AICRP on Floriculture, Technical Srivastava HP and Chandra V, 1985. Roses for perfumery industry-
Bulletin No. 10. Rosa bourboniana. Indian Rose Annual, Vol. 4, pp. 198–213.
Singh KMP and Singh D, 2014. Performance of coriander, fenugreek Srivastava HP, 1976. Effect of light doses of nitrogen on the flower
and soya as intercrop under gladiolus based intercropping yield of Rosa damascena Mill. Indian Perfumer, Vol. 19, No.
system. Journal of Agriculture Research, Vol. 1, No. 4, pp. 1, pp. 9–12.
246–250.
Srivastava R, Shukla S, Soni A and Kumar A, 2009. RAPD-based
Singh KP, 1990. Recent trends in production methods of essential genetic relationships in different Bougainvillea cultivars. Crop
oils. Indian Perfumer, Vol. 32, No. 1, pp. 64–70. Breeding and Applied Biotechnology, Vol. 9, No. 2, pp. 154–
163.
Singh LB and Sharma ML, 1969. Rose oil from flowers of Rosa
damascena Mill. Raised on saline- alkali soils. Perfumerie Tomar BS and Singh B, 2004. Seed production technology of annual
und Kosmetik, Vol. 50, No. 4, pp. 384–386. flowers. In: Reddy BS, Janakiram T, Kulkarni BS,
Narayanaswamy P, editors. Emerging trends in ornamental
Singh PJ, Kakade DS, Majumder N, Sridhar V, Girish KS, Prabha K
horticulture. Indian Society of Ornamental Horticulture, New
et al., 2015. Disease and pest management in flower crops
Delhi, pp. 85–90.
under polyhouse. ICAR-Directorate of Floriculture Research,
DFR Bulletin No.12. Yadav LB, Tiwari AK and Singh KP, 2014. Disease of Cymbidium
Orchids and their management. In: Innovative approaches in
Singh S and Datta SK, 2006. Intercropping of French marigold
plant disease management. Lambert Academic Publishing,
(Tagetes patula L.) in gladiolus. Journal of Ornamental
Germany, pp. 601–608.
Horticulture, Vol. 9, No. 1, pp. 37–39.
Singh S, Singh V, Kiran Babu GD, Kaul VK and Ahuja PS, 2006.
How to cite this article: Datta SK, 2019. Present status of
Techno economic feasibility of wild marigold (Tagetes minuta)
research on floriculture in India. LS - An International Journal of
oil production in Himachal Pradesh. Journal of Non-timber
Life Sciences, Vol. 8, No. 2, pp. 71-93.
Forest Products, Vol. 13, No. 4, pp. 267–271.
Singh V, Singh B and Kaul VK, 2003. Domestication of wild marigold
(Tagetes minuta) as a potential economic crop in western
View publication stats

Floriculture Industry in India

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Floriculture Industry in India

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Floriculture Industry in India

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.

Present Status of Research on Floriculture in India

Article in LS International Journal of Life Sciences · August 2019

Subodh Kumar Datta Datta

Development of new ornamental varieties through induced mutagenesis View project

The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

Present Status of Research on Floriculture in India

Received: 10-3-2019; Accepted: 21-5-2019

Keywords: Floriculture, Research, Classical, Modern, Improvement, Technological advancement

Volume 8, Number 2, May-August, 2019, pp. 71-93 71

72 LS - An International Journal of Life Sciences

Volume 8, Number 2, May-August, 2019 73

During early years research in floriculture did not get much

74 LS - An International Journal of Life Sciences

Germplasm Collection Landscaping Crop Familiarity

Figure 1: Different components of floriculture research activities

Volume 8, Number 2, May-August, 2019 75

control, planting density, nutrient-growth regulator Germplasm Collection

76 LS - An International Journal of Life Sciences

Volume 8, Number 2, May-August, 2019 77

78 LS - An International Journal of Life Sciences

Volume 8, Number 2, May-August, 2019 79

80 LS - An International Journal of Life Sciences

Volume 8, Number 2, May-August, 2019 81

Treatment one of the major components of floriculture industry. Vase

82 LS - An International Journal of Life Sciences

Volume 8, Number 2, May-August, 2019 83

84 LS - An International Journal of Life Sciences

Volume 8, Number 2, May-August, 2019 85

F1 Hybrids no indigenous greenhouse technology. Experiments have

A number of greenhouses have been set up in India by Intercropping

86 LS - An International Journal of Life Sciences

Volume 8, Number 2, May-August, 2019 87

88 LS - An International Journal of Life Sciences

Volume 8, Number 2, May-August, 2019 89

90 LS - An International Journal of Life Sciences

Volume 8, Number 2, May-August, 2019 91

92 LS - An International Journal of Life Sciences

Volume 8, Number 2, May-August, 2019 93

View publication stats

You might also like