eChapters

Propagation

Plant propagation means multiplication of plant by sexual or asexual method. The success in plant propagation depends on a thorough knowledge of the growth of plants, choice of suitable method and technical skill. The propagation of plants may be done either by the gametes or from the somatic cell, tissues or organs. In other words, propagation may be done by sexual methods or by asexual methods. The details of the methods are presented below.

Nursery

Nursery is a place where seedling, saplings or any other planting materials are raised, propagated, multiplied and sold out for planting. The prerequisites of a successful and remunerative fruit production are the availability of true-to-type, healthy and good quality planting materials. Setting up of a fruit nursery is a long term venture and requires careful planning and expertise, because mistakes committed initially cannot be rectified easily and may adversely affect the return from the investment. Thus, one should pay due attention on every aspects when nursery is to be established.

Mulching

It means covering of soil surface by some organic or inorganic materials for conserving the soil moisture besides covering on the soil moisture several other advantage of mulching. The materials which are used in mulching called mulch.

Weed

Weed in orchards reduce crop yields by competing for moisture, nutrients, light and space. They also harbour insect pests and diseases. When they become large they interfere with orchard operations. Some of weeds climb on the trees and shade the foliage. There are some weeds which are parasitic partially or completely on the host tree e.g. Striga and loranthes on mango.

Nutrients

The nutrients are chemical elements which are absorbed by the plants in more or less quantity to transform light energy into chemical energy and to keep up plant metabolism for the synthesis of organic materials. These materials constitute among other things, foods for humans and animals and a range of raw materials for various industrial uses. Feeding of plants with nutrients is termed as nutrition. Successful growth and production of the plants in general requires a proper supply of the 17 elements. These elements are regarded as essential to life in higher plants.

Water

Water is one of the most important inputs essential for the production of crops. Plants need it continuously during their life and in huge quantities. It profoundly influences photosynthesis, respiration, absorption, translocation and utilization of mineral nutrients etc. Both its shortage and excess affects the growth and development of a plant directly and consequently its yield and quality.

Soil needs the application of water to:

Remove stress condition.

Release nutrients in the soil solution for absorption by plants.

Leach or wash out injurious salts from the soil.

Preparation of land for raising crops.

To maintain the temperature and humidity of the soil micro-climate and the activity of soil microbes at optimum level.

For the normal aeration and functioning of roots and shoots of the plants.

Excess water needs to be removed for the normal aeration and functioning of roots and shoots of the plants

Excess water creates unworkable soil condition.

Soil- Soil is the upper most crust of earth surface which supports plant growth. It is defined as a three phase system in which plants grow. These phases are solid, liquid and gas and are essential. Solid part is frame which provides space for other two. This consists of minerals, clay minerals and organic matter. The soil is also a living system with millions of microbes that breakdown organic matter and builds it again.

Some points are following

Microbes are essential and survive only when soil is well aerated and rich in organic matter and devoid of waterlogged conditions.

Texture of soil depends on the size of solid particles and classified as gravel, coarse and fine sand, silt and clay.

Soils are classified according to relative distribution of these particles and there are 12 textural classes.

Likewise, arrangement of these particles is referred as structure, and both texture and structure lend soil physical properties like water holding capacity, aeration and bulk density.

Generally loamy soils and crumb structure are most preferred for fruit crops.

According to level of organic matter, soils are classified as mineral soil or organic soil and soil having more than 20% organic matter is organic soil like peat and muck.

Classification is system of placing an individual or a member in various groups or to categories them according to particular plan or sequence which is in conformity with the nomenclature. From time-to-time for purposes of convenience plants or fruits have been classified in various ways that makes possible to refer them to a large number of kinds under a group name without enumerating or specifying individually. The basis of these groupings varies according to the features of fruits or growth of the fruit plants that have been under classification at the time.

Knowledge of classification of horticultural plants is very useful to the horticulturists because it serves: (1) to identity and name them, (2) to afford at least some idea of the closeness of their relationship i.e. line of descent to other kinds, (3) to suggest with what other kind they possibly may or may not be interbred or crossed, (4) to suggest the kinds with which they possibly may or may not be inter-grafted, and (5) often to suggest certain soil and the cultural requirements, climatic adaptations etc. However, the classification of fruit trees or fruits and vegetables on the basis of consumer’s rating also gained attention in recent years. The consumers’ rating is mainly based on the size, shape, nutritive value and marketability of them. Each of these classifications is quite different from the other classification or groupings.

Basically, the fruit trees, as suggested by many authors, have been classified on the basis of their botany comprising of taxonomic ancestry, morphologic features, physiological functions, adaptability etc. or on the basis of agricultural and horticultural requirements. But the consumers’ rating has not been properly covered in the earlier classification. Generally based on botanical relationship the plants are classified as under.

Fruits and vegetables play an important role in balanced diet. These provide not only energy rich food but also provide vital protective nutrients/elements and vitamins. Comparatively fruits and vegetables are the cheapest source of natural nutritive foods. Since most of Indians are vegetarians, the incorporation of horticulture produce in daily diet is essential for good health. Realizing the worth of fruits and vegetables in human health, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) recommended the use of 120g fruits and 300g vegetables per capita per day. With the growing awareness and inclination towards vegetarianism worldwide the horticulture crops are gaining tremendous importance.

Functions of fruits and vegetables in human body

Fruits and vegetables provide palatability/taste.

Improves appetite and provides fiber to overcome constipation.

They neutralize the acids produced during digestion of proteins and fatty acids.

They improve the general immunity of human body against diseases, deficiencies etc.

They are the important source of vitamins and minerals for used in several bio-chemical reactions occur in body.

Horticulture means the cultivation of garden plants. The garden plants are comprised of fruits, vegetables, ornamentals etc. The culture covers the operation from raising and planting of saplings to the ultimate use of the products and, as such, it is the most intensive of all the agricultural sciences. However, the concept of growing plants in garden or in an enclosure does not fit well in the changed perspective where large scale cultivation of fruits, vegetables and flowers extending over several square kilometers, in many a place nowadays, delimits the boundary of garden.

Importance of Horticulture

The importances of horticulture are established not only as a source of nutritious foods but also in many other ways which are narrated in the following points:

Social- Due to the long association, the fruits are seen to have a permanent seat in the social life of man. As a consequence, various fruits have acquired their place in art, music, literature, customs and habits of various nations of the world. The description of fruit as symbolic insertion in the poems and literatures, the use of whole fruit plant or part thereof in various social festive and public gathering, and conferring titles to individuals in the name of fruits or naming a region or whole district after the name of a fruit are nothing but an indication of their popularities and social position in various countries.

The term ‘Horticulture’ is derived from two Latin words, Hortus meaning Garden and Cultura meaning Cultivation. In ancient days the gardens had protected enclosures with high walls or similar structures surrounding the houses. The enclosed places were used to grow fruits, vegetables, flowers and ornamental plants. Horticulture differs from agriculture and forestry in specializing the cultivation of garden crops. The garden crops include fruits, vegetables, flowers, ornamental trees, spices, plantations, medicinal and aromatic plants. Horticultural crops do not give food grains. The products of horticultural crops such as fruits and vegetables are highly perishable so that they are utilized in the fresh state. In general horticultural crops need more intensive cultivation (i.e. need more work) than the agricultural crops.

Special Features of Horticulture

As horticultural crops generally need intensive cultivation, they require a large input, capital, labour and technology per unit area of land.

Many cultural operations are specific to horticultural crops. The cultural operations such as propagation, fertilization, training, pruning, harvesting and marketing are skilled operations and these are specific to horticultural crops.

Mostly the horticultural products are utilized in the fresh state and are highly perishable.

Most of the horticultural crops are the rich sources of vitamins and minerals.

Gratification or aesthetic sense is an exclusive phenomenon for horticultural science.

Seed is defined as “Fertilized and ripened ovule, consisting of the plant embryo, varying amounts of stored food material and a protective outer seed coat”. It is one of the most vital and important inputs for increasing production of crops. Commercial flower seed production is an international business involving highly specialized growers. Demand of flower seed production increased due to recent advances in commercial production of bedding plants, plug production technology, increased area of gardening, flower growing in home gardens and cut flowers with highly viable seeds and very high percentage of uniform seedlings. It seems to have great scope for expansion in developing countries like India, especially under north Indian climate having favourable growing conditions, skilled and cheap labour.

The world germplasm contains more than 1500 different varieties of flowers and ornamental crops. Each species of flower grown for seed has its own specific time, culture, problem of pollination and harvesting and storage requirements. Growing flower from seed is an important component of commercial flower production and their uses in landscape gardening.

Introduction

Among ornamental bulbous plants, tuberose occupies a very prominent position. Tuberose flower is much adored for its prettiness, elegance and fragrance. It is commercially grown as cut flower, loose flower as well as for its potential in perfume industry.

The flowers of tuberose are used for artistic garlands, floral ornamentals, bouquets and buttonholes. The long flower spikes are excellent as cut flowers for table decoration when arranged in vases.

Plants of tuberose can be used in landscapes, in all-white gardens or with other plants. Variegated varieties with golden or yellow striped leaves are very attractive and these varieties are suitable for garden beautification. Potted plants can be put in decorative containers and used for entranceways and interiors.

Introduction

The rose is one of the oldest flower in cultivation and rank 1^st position worldwide as cut flower. There are two types of roses; first stemless rose supplied by field grown roses for making garlands or extraction of rose oil or rose water. Second is stemmed rose, which is mainly grown under protected conditions for cut flower production used for making bouquets or interior decoration.

The cultivation of this flower has developed with the distillation of rose as mentioned in Ayurveda by Charaka around 100 A.D. At present, it has become the most important commercial flower. A large quantity of rose flowers is used for decoration purpose.

Introduction

Orchids are the most beautiful flower and have conquered the cut flower industry all over the world. They are valued for cut flower production and as potted plant. Their beautiful flowers varied in size, shape and colour, long life of flowers on the plants and an amazingly long keeping quality which no other plant can claim.

Many of orchids are source of important secondary metabolites as given below.

Vanillin produced from Vanilla planifolia is used in flavouring industries.

Dendrobine and nobilonine from Dendrobium nobile.

Laburnine from Liparis bicallosa.

Malaxine from Malaxis congesta.

Phalaenopsine from Phalaenopsis mannii.

Introduction

Marigold is an important flower crop in India. They are extensively used for making garlands, beautification and other purposes i.e. oil extraction and therapeutic uses. Apart from these uses marigold is a widely grown plant in gardens and for pots. Marigolds are also grown commercially for extraction of carotene pigments mainly xanthophylls. The carotenoid extracted from petals are added to poultry feed for intensification of yellow colour of egg yolk. Lutein which is the major constituent of xanthophylls is used for colouring food stuffs.

Marigold plantation has been found beneficial to reduce the population of nematodes. Root-knot (Meloidogyne spp.) can be effectively managed in the field without pesticides.

Genetics

Marigold belongs to family Asteraceae. There are about 33 species of the genus Tagetes. Important species are T. erecta, T. patula, T. tenuifolia, T. lucida, T. lacera, T. lemmonii, T. minuta, T. pusilla and T. corymbosa. The chromosome number in diploid species i.e. T. erecta, T. tenuifolia, T. elongata, T. lemmonii, T. jaliscensis and T. lucida is 2n = 24, however, tetrapoid species i.e. T. patula, T. minuta, T. remotifolia, T. mendocina and T. biflora is 2n = 48.

Introduction

Lily is one of the most important ornamental bulbous flowers. It is commercially cultivated for cut flower production. The flower stems of lily are long and it has longer vase life. Lilies are very useful flowering plants which can be planted in any location as they do well in the bed or border with other perennial.

Asiatic and oriental lilies are leading cut flower group and in the international market it is dominated by the Netherlands. Oriental and Asiatic hybrid lilies are compact, with plant height of 60 to 150 cm that bears many flowers.

Introduction

Plants are grown both as shrub and climber. Flowers and flower buds are used for making garlands and Veni and for religious offerings. Jasmine oil extracted from the flower is highly valued as it is used in manufacturing perfumes, cosmetics, creams, hair oils, soaps and shampoos.

Flowers are used in jasmine tea or herbal or black tea. As a medicinal plant, jasmine has traditionally been considered an aphrodisiac and calmative. In India, it is grown in different states especially Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal because their flower and floral buds are in great demand.

Genetics

The genus with basic chromosome number of n=13 generally consists of forms with 2n=26. However, natural occurrence of higher ploidy was also observed in J. sambac cv. Gundumalli (2n=39), cultivated variety of J. flexile (2n=52), J. primulinum (2n=39) and J. angustifolium (2n=52).

Introduction

Gladiolus is an important commercial flower crop and is very popular as cut flower both in domestic and international market. It is a bulbous plant. Gladiolus was introduced into cultivation towards the end of the sixteenth century. The flowers are used in flower arrangement, in bouquets and for indoor decorations. In India gladiolus is commercially grown in West Bengal, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Sikkim, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi and Rajasthan.

Genetics

Gladiolus commonly called Sword Lily belongs to family Iridaceae and subfamily Ixioideae. There are about 260 species of gladiolus. It has the basic chromosome number n=15. Most members of genus are heteroploids having very small chromosomes ranging from 2n=30 to 120 (Diploid, triploid, tetraploid, pentaploid, hexaploid, octaploid and hyperaneauploid).

Introduction

Gerbera is a herbaceous flower crop with leafless stalk and daisy like flowers. It is also known as Transvaal daisy. Gerbera is a popular cut flower grown throughout the world. It is ideally suited for flower beds, borders, pots and gardens.

In California and Florida, it is grown in outdoors and is becoming increasingly popular as potted plant and bedding plant, whereas in other parts of United States it is cultivated in greenhouses. Gerbera cultivation has emerged as a very important option to progressive farmers in many parts of India, especially in Maharashtra, Karnataka, North Eastern states, U.P. and Uttarakhand.

Genetics

The genus Gerbera belongs to family Asteraceae. Gerbera comprises about 70 species, which are of African and Asiatic origin. The basic chromosome number is n=25. G. jamesonii is a diploid species with somatic chromosome number 2n=50. Among the different species, G. jamesonii is the only species under cultivation.