The global cut flower and foliage marketplace.

This chapter describes the evolving geography of cut flower and foliage markets, and identifies the factors driving the location of cut flower production. It also identifies the major cut flower species grown and sold internationally followed by descriptions of the production and markets by continent and country. The chapter also diagrams the increasingly diverse and complex ways that flowers are marketed and travel from the growers to the final customers, and then describes the trends that are driving the industry in new directions.

Diseases and disease management.

This chapter describes the general principles of disease management that apply to all pathogens, followed by a detailed description of the major pathogens, which fall into 4 broad categories, i.e. fungi/oomycetes, bacteria/phytoplasma, viruses and nematodes. The most important diseases of cut flowers, their causal microorganisms, symptoms and signs, epidemiology and management practices are addressed and organized by the primary tissues affected.

Irrigation and fertilization.

The chapter discusses some of the foundational concepts, and science-based management practices, on the irrigation and fertilization of major flower crops growing in soil and soilless systems. To this end, some key principles of plant physiology related to water relations and mineral nutrition will serve as the foundation of the themes and practices covered in this chapter.

Postharvest management.

This chapter focuses on the main issues that need to be considered at every step in the postharvest handling system of cut flowers, i.e. temperature, water, sanitation, carbohydrates, disease and ethylene. Their impacts on the vase life and quality of various species are discussed as well as the importance of optimizing the postharvest life of cut flowers and foliage by proper cultivar selection before planting and the use of appropriate production systems.

Major cut flowers.

This chapter provides information on some of the highest value cut flower species from the major production regions as well as a few other species that represent the diversity of production systems, such as gladiolus, peonies and sunflowers, dendrobiums, and filler plants such as gypsophila and statice.

Cut foliages.

This chapter focuses on cut foliage, which refers to leaves and stems harvested for the purpose of providing texture, color and depth to bouquets and floral arrangements. Information on the categorization of cut foliage species based on various environmental factors and harvest and postharvest systems. Some examples of tropical and subtropical cut foliage species are provided along with their cultivation, harvesting and postharvest requirements are also presented.

Biological control of pests.

This chapter focuses on the benefits of using biological control in cut flower production through augmentative biological control using invertebrate and microbial organisms (natural enemies and biopesticides) applied seasonally or prophylactically.

Specialty cuts.

This chapter provides information on the impact of the production environment (greenhouse, tunnel and field), site selection, production and support systems, plant establishment, spacing, irrigation and weed control on the cultivation of specialty cut flowers.