Representing the most comprehensive review of the physiological research conducted on 61 genera of ornamental geophytes, this book covers the basic aspects of world production, horticultural utilization, botanical descriptions and origins, bulb growth and development and flowering, production systems, diseases, insects, plant breeding and the economics related to flower bulbs. This is the first publication to allow access to this research in one single volume, with each genera chapter being outlined in such a manner that any subject area can be readily accessed without reading the entire chapter. Information is also included on genera that have never been comprehensively reviewed. Written by scientists from all over the world, this book aims to provide a basic orientation for any individuals who are unfamiliar with flower bulbs as well as to serve as a comprehensive, quick-reference text.

The Growth of Bulbs: Applied Aspects of the Physiology of Ornamental Bulbous Crop Plants presents an account of ornamental bulbs as plants and as crops, with emphasis on scientific aspects of bulb growing, bulb treatment, and bulb forcing. While the account is biased towards British bulb growing, it also introduces bulb growing in other parts of the world, especially in the Netherlands, the United States, Israel, and Japan. The book's opening chapter discusses the origins of bulbous plants, how they became important as crop plants, and how the various forms now widely grown had been developed. This is followed by separate chapters on bulb types, structure, morphology, development and periodicity; bulb growth and productivity; flower initiation and differentiation; and the storage of bulbs. Subsequent chapters cover bulb physiology and metabolism, bulb disorders, and bulb pests and diseases. The book concludes with reflections on the form of the plant of the future.

The present work is organised such that the whole phenomenon of flowing is divided into two major steps: 1. the initiation of flower primordia and 2. The development of these primordia into mature flowers until anthesis. With this volume aiming to to provide a balanced account of themost important and recent contributions in all aspects of the subject.

Emphasis in agricultural research for many years has concen trated on crop production. This emphasis has become more important in recent years with the realization that the population worldwide is outstripping the food supply. There is, however, another side to increasing the availability of the food supply. This simply involves preservation of the harvested crop·for human consumption. The losses incurred in harvesting, handling, transportation, storage and marketing crops have become a greater problem as the distance from the farm to the ultimate consumer increases. In the Western world where modern transportation, storage facilities, and marketing technology are widely used, post-harvest technology requires a large input of energy which increases costs considerably. There fore, losses are more significant and the ability to provide fresh fruits and vegetables, out of season, at reasonable costs will depend on reduced post-harvest losses throughout the marketing chain from the farm gate to the ultimate consumer. The reduction in post-harvest losses depends on proper use of current technology and further developments derived from a broad spectrum of scientific disciplines. Biochemistry, plant physiology, plant pathology, horticulture, agronomy, physics, engineering and agricultural economics, all provide knowledge which has been useful and will be useful in the future for improving post-harvest technol ogy and crop preservation. This volume records the Proceedings of the NATO Advanced Study Institute on Post-Harvest Physiology and Crop Preservation, held at Sounion, Greece, April 28 - May 8, 1981.

In the 2007 third edition of her successful textbook, Paula Rudall provides a comprehensive yet succinct introduction to the anatomy of flowering plants. Thoroughly revised and updated throughout, the book covers all aspects of comparative plant structure and development, arranged in a series of chapters on the stem, root, leaf, flower, seed and fruit. Internal structures are described using magnification aids from the simple hand-lens to the electron microscope. Numerous references to recent topical literature are included, and new illustrations reflect a wide range of flowering plant species. The phylogenetic context of plant names has also been updated as a result of improved understanding of the relationships among flowering plants. This clearly written text is ideal for students studying a wide range of courses in botany and plant science, and is also an excellent resource for professional and amateur horticulturists.

The initiation of flowers; Transition to reproductive growth.

Although a great deal of research on ornamental geophytes has been conducted since the beginning of the 1990s, current information has not been comprehensively presented to researchers and horticulturalists. Covering the latest advances in geophytes science, Ornamental Geophytes: From Basic Science to Sustainable Production provides up-to-date reviews on geophyte taxonomy, physiology, genetics, production, plant protection, and postharvest biology. Novel approaches to environmentally-friendly, sustainable production and integrated management have stimulated new research directions, and innovative biochemical and molecular methods have opened new avenues in taxonomy and breeding. In addition to the issues historically associated with traditionally growing countries, the book reviews the development of new production centers in Africa, Asia, and South America. In 20 chapters, this book reflects three main trends in plant science and horticulture: A demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly production Widespread employment of new molecular technologies The globalization of the production and marketing chains Thoroughly modern and in tune with the needs and methods of the geophytes industry, Ornamental Geophytes: From Basic Science to Sustainable Production will benefit not only researchers who have been engaged for years but also new researchers and students who must meet and challenge the existing dogmas. In addition, the information contained in this book is vital to bringing the value of flower bulbs to the worldwide consumers who are the most important and last links in the chain of utilization and profitability of all ornamental products.