eChapters

Introduction
Lemongrass grows widely in many tropical and subtropical parts of Asia, Africa and America. East Indian or true lemongrass (C. flexuosus) is indigenous to India and large variability occurs in the Western Ghats comprising Kerala, Karnataka and T.N., besides Sikkim and A.P. Its cultivation and distillation of oil started first in Kerala and now grown in Assam, Maharashtra and U.P. The strong lemon like odour of the oil of the grass is responsible for its nomenclature. Predominantly, there are two types of lemongrass under cultivation, viz., the East Indian or Cochin or Malabar grass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) with superior oil quality (75-85% citral) and preferred by the industry.
The other West Indian or American lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus (D.C.) Stapf. is mainly cultivated in West Indian islands, Guatemala, Brazil, Mexico and Madagaskar; and comora islands, Thailand, Bangladesh and China. It has lower citral content and lower solubility in 70% alcohol. It is indigenous to India and spread over Western Ghats, comprising Kerala, Karnataka, TN, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Maharashtra, parts of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana.
Besides, a separate culture called Jammu lemongrass (Cymbopogon pendulus) is another indigenous species found wildly growing in West Bengal, Sikkim, Assam and M.P. It also has high citral content, but cultivated to a limited extent in parts of Jammu in northern India.

The North East region represents eight states namely Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Nagaland and Sikkim consisting 7.79% of the Indian national geographical area. The altitude difference (50m-7000m) coupled with varied physio- geographic and agroclimatic conditions; varying intensity of rainfall (800-12000 mm) and topography harbour various vegetation types of tropical, temperate and alpines zones. In India, there are about 800 plant species used as food plants chiefly  by the tribal population (Singh and Arora, 1978). Out of these about 300 species are prevalent in the northeastern region (Khrasati, 1973, Joseph and Murti, 1981, Singh et al. 1981).

Tribals of various ethnic groups like Khasi, Garo, Monpas, Karbis, Jaintia, Naga, Kuki, Manipuri, Mizo, Chakma, Dafla, Adi, Mishing, Apatani and others are predominant in the various habitats of hilly regions also used to practice “Jhumming” or shifting cultivation. Most of wild fruits are used  in day to day diets of tribal people of the region and are often sold in the local markets.

Lesser yam, Lesser Asiaticyam (Dioscorea esculenta) is among the most ancient species of the genus and its centre of origin is stated by various authorities as India, Vietnam or Papua New Guinea and the Philippines. It is domesticated as a staple food in Southern China from 2nd and 3rd centuries. Today, it is widely distributed throughout the tropics, but is little used except in South East Asia, where it is grown to such an extent that it ranks third in production and utilization of yams after D. rotundata,D. cayenensis and D. alata. Wild types of D. esculenta also exist in Malaysia, New Guinea and Philippines.  The wild types have more leaves, large roots, longer stolons, more fibrous tuber flesh and more thorny roots and shoots.

Classification
The wild types of D. esculenta (Family: Dioscoreaceae) exist in Malaysia, New guinea and Philippines. Wild types have more vigorous foliage, larger leaves, longer stolons, more fibrous tuber flesh and more thorny roots and shoots.  On the basis of thorniness, the cultivated types are distinguished into two botanical varieties.

INTRODUCTION

Liatris is a group of versatile and popular wild flowers of North America. It is commonly called as Blazing Star or Gay Feather and can be found growing in dry or damp places, uncultivated fields, thin woods or sunny locations. It is suitable for herbaceous border, wild gardens, cut flower and dry flower. Liatris spp. take up minimal space and are suitable for even very small gardens. Long floral spikes of liatris create a mesmerizing effect when arranged in bouquets as well as when grown in gardens.

One of the reasons for such popularity of liatris as cut flower is its ease of culture, durability, long season of bloom and the most important thing being its unusual mode of blooming. Unlike most other flowers produced in spikes, liatris open from the top to downward, i.e. basipetally. Liatris grow about 60-180 cm in height, stiff, erect and hardy perennials having linear (long and narrow) grass like leaves. The flowers are purple or white, lavender to mauve, composed of multiple florets which are arranged in a wandlike spike covering top one third of the stem. With increasing popularity, their demand as a cut flower crop for both greenhouse and outdoor production has increased. Purple varieties are in greater demand. Liatris spicata, L. aspera and L. pycnostachya are the major commercial species.

A family of about 15 genera and 705 species showing cosmopolitan distribution. About 35 genera and over 195 species have been reported from India. Some of the largely represented genera along with the number of their world over reported species are Smilax (350), Aloe (300), Asparagus (300), Dracaena (150). Ornithogalum (150), Haworthia (150), Tulipa (100), Fritillaria (85), Lilium (80), Colchicum (65), Sansevieria (60), Yucca (40), Asphodelus (12) and Ruscus (7).
Lilium is a bulbous ornamental plant commonly known as lily. The flowers are associated with religious feasts and symbolism. In the language of flowers, the lily is the symbol of purity, and innocence. It is one of the sixth major genera of flower bulbs produced worldwide. Lilium ranks 4th among cut flower trade in international market. Certain species of Lilium are edible, and valued for medicinal properties also.
Tulip is one of the most important bulbous geophytes in the world and popular due to its beauty and economic value. It is the top rated flower bulb in the international cut flower market. Modern tulip cultivars, predominantly T. gesneriana, are grown for bulb production, cut flowers, flowering potted plants, and landscaping. The current commercial assortment still consists mainly of cultivars from T. gesneriana. The second group of cultivars, the Darwin hybrids consists has been obtained from interspecific crosses between cultivars T. gesneriana and genotypes of T. fosteriana. Tulipa suaveolens, a kind of tulip discovered wild in southern Europe, has played an important role in the evolution of the garden tulip (Bailey, 1963).

Lilium is a popular genus of ornamental bulbous plants, belonging to family Liliaceae. Lilium is originated from a Greek word “li” meaning whiteness. It is an herbaceous perennial plant having scaly bulb. Despite the range of forms and their popularity as garden plants, there are two main groups of commercial importance as cut flowers i.e. Asiatic and Oriental Hybrids. They are the result of interspecific hybridization. However, intraspecific and interspecific hybridization face the hurdles like interspecific incompatibility, embryo abortion, degeneration of ovule, poor seed set and pollen sterility. There are several breeding methods and techniques which have been used to overcome these hurdles.

ORIGIN AND DISTRIBUTION

All species of Lilium are native to northern hemisphere. The northern limit extends up to Canada and Siberia, whereas in south, this extends up to Florida and the Nilgiri mountains of India. Majority of lilies known to cultivation are native to the northern hemisphere, chiefly South Canada, Siberia, Florida and India. It is distributed to east coast of Asia, the west coast of North America and the Mediterranean region. Several species i.e. Lilium nepalensis, L. wallichianum and L. polyphyllum are native of Himalayan region and L. niligiriensis have originated from Nilgiri hills. Few species have also been found in north east India. The Far East is the home of almost half of the world lilies and most garden lilies grown in the world have originated there.

The Assyrian monuments dating back to 1000 BC with sculptured lily forms is the first authentic record. The Palestinian coin makers were stamping lily on shekels before 143 BC. Lilium longiflorum popularly known as Easter lily became a florist flowerwhich existed in the Japanese gardens before trade opened the orient to the west. After that it was brought to the England by the Royal Horticultural Society in 1819. Lilies reached to Bermuda from England where it flourished well. Lily depicted an ancient Greek pottery, featured in literature and religions as diverse as pagan myths. Today lilies are enjoying a renaissance of recognition. In Italy and France they are among the most fashionable of flowers. In the USA their popularity has increased tremendously. A number of lily bulbs were imported by the US from the Netherlands for both professional forcing and garden usage. In India, lilies are mostly grown in the hills but Lilium longiflorum do well in the plains, especially under subtropical regions. There are about 7000 registered varieties of lily. The International Lily Register is maintained, under international agreement by the Royal Horticultural Society in London.

Lilium is a high-value bulbous cut flower known for large, attractive and fragrant flowers and extensive international demand. This chapter examines its taxonomy, origin, genetics, botanical description and major hybrid groups, including Asiatic and Oriental lilies. It explains bulb preparation, storage, planting, climate, soil, greenhouse management, nutrition, irrigation and crop regulation. Pest and disease management, harvesting, grading, postharvest treatment and yield are also presented. Special attention is given to commercial standards for Oriental and LA Hybrid lilies, including stem length, flower number, bunching and presentation. The chapter provides a comprehensive foundation for modern commercial lily production.

Lily is one of the most beautiful and popular ornamental bulbous flowers. They belong to the genus Lilium of the family Liliaceae, which comprises of 110 species classified into seven taxonomic sections: Lilium, Pseudolirium, Martagon, Sinomartagon, Archelirion, Leucolirion and Oxypetalum. All species are distributed over the mountainous area in the Northern Hemisphere (10° to 60°), mainly in Asia, North America and Europe. Especially, China, Nepal, Korea and Japan are the major centres of lilium gene pool around the world. Being second amongst the bulbous flower crops in the commercial market, Lilium has 4^th position among cut flowers in Flora Holland (Flora Holland Annual Report 2017). In the language of flowers lily is known as symbol of purity and innocence. Majority of cultivated lilies are either hybrids or selections. A large number of species and hybrids can be used in ornamental gardens even though the lily requires little more attention than any other bulbs. Many species of lily (L. leichtlinii, L. lancifolium, Lilium candidum and L. auratum) are also edible and having medicinal value.

Importance and uses

Lilies are one of the most important bulbous ornamental plants with varies uses, grown in border, beds, pots, landscape gardens and are excellent cut flowers of magnificent appearance and beautiful flowers. Roman naturalist and writer, Plinius, recorded that salves and oils were prepared from leaves and flowers of the Madonna lily, or L. candidium. Some species are also known for medicinal and food values, which increased its economic importance many folds. The mucilaginous substance coming out from the bulbs while cooking is used as an ointment for tumours, ulcers and inflammations. The plant was really more of a miniature household pharmacy. Different compounds have been reported in this genus, such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, amino acids, vitamins, alkaloids, phenolics, flavonoids, carotenoids, sterols, steroidal saponins, and steroidal glycoalkaloids. Alkaloids, steroidal saponins, flavonoids and polysaccharides have been isolated from L. lancifolium and L. brownii var. colchesteri bulbs. Flowers of Lilium candidium contain an alkaloid. Extract of Lilium polyphyllum bulb has been used as refrigerant, expectorant, aphrodisiac, diuretic, antipyretic and tonic (Warrier et al., 1997; Dhyani, 2007). In the customary system of medicine, this species reported to restore health immediately and works as antioxidant in the body. Lily oil is an aid in childbirth. The white lily was also renowned as a cosmetic.

This chapter introduces Lilium as an important bulbous ornamental crop and a major cut flower in the international market. It focuses on Asiatic, Oriental and other hybrid groups, including developments in pollen-free and stress-tolerant varieties. The chapter examines origin, distribution, genetics, botanical characteristics, varieties and protected cultivation requirements. Temperature, light, irrigation, nutrition, growth regulation, pest and disease management, harvesting and postharvest practices are also discussed for efficient commercial production.

Lilies, both Asiatic lilies and Oriental lilies, along with their hybrids are cultivated in very small scale in India, but are classified under high value crops (based on per stem value). Lilies are also capital intensive crops, in terms of high cost of infrastructure required for protected cultivation and bulbs which are imported. This article deals with growing conditions, varieties and other cultural aspects, as well as, practical tips from field conditions, from areas where Liliums are commercially grown in India.

Lilies are grouped under “high value flowers” in commercial floriculture parlance and are generally regarded under minor crops in production terms (on quantity produced or on area under production or on per sq.meter yield per year basis).  Lily is in fact a more productive and lucrative crop, specifically so in terms of income (on per sq. meter per year basis) than any other cut flower grown for commercial purposes in the open or protected cultivation in India.

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.

Abstract: Lilium is one of the six major genera of flower bulbs produced worldwide. Species are native to diverse habitat within Northern hemisphere. Liliums have a lengthy association with various world cultures. As a result, flower breeders have created numerous genotypes during the millennia of breeding this crop which has enabled its establishment in the top ten cuts, potted flowering and garden crops worldwide. The crop arises from multiple species. Research has focused on development of late flowering genotypes with forcing ability, improvement of flower form/ shape, pollenless cultivars, disease resistance and floral longevity. The limited genetic information and trait heritability have been established for this crop. Wide crosses are routinely used to create new genetic variability. Breeders have created complex hybrids such as LA, OT, OTO, FA, FAA, FO and OA hybrids through in vitro embryo rescue techniques. Molecular biology is being used to engineer Lilium against LSV and TBV. Crop ideotypes prescribe numerous traits for incorporation by flower breeders and geneticists including short forcing time, late flowering in Asiatic lilies, enhanced shelf life, genetically controlled height, rapid propagation and cultivars requiring no vernalization for flowering.

INTRODUCTION

Lily is one of the most important ornamental bulbous plants. It comprises one of the distinctive flowers in form, appearance and colour. The flower stems of lily are long and sturdy with luxuriant foliage 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. Almost all varieties of lily are suitable for planting in combination with other plants and in front of tall shrubs. They look very charming in large clusters for mass effect. Shorter varieties are planted in containers. Lilies may be planted in the perennial border, preferably with the plants having ample foliage. They seem to have fascination for some companion and thus can be grown with other flowers in the garden. The bulbs of some varieties of lily are edible and somewhat bitter in taste but fairly pleasant when properly cooked. In China, bulbs of tiger lily are prefered as food due to its specific taste. Lilaline, an alkaloid is also found in the flower of some lilies. Lily has several medicinal properties. The bulb is diuretic, emmenagogue, emollient and expectorant. The flowers are carminative. They are used to strengthen the eye lid muscles and are commended in the treatment of myoptic astigmia.

Among the lilies, two groups have been evolved through extensive improvement and referred as coloured lilies and extensively grown for cut flowers and other popular type is generally grown for garden display in India. Asiatic and Oriental lilies are leading cut flower group and in the international market. It is dominated by the Netherlands. An oriental hybrid cultivar Tiara is developed. It is true pollen free lily, excellent for bouquets. Oriental and Asiatic hybrid lilies are compact, with plant height of 60 to 150 cm that bears many flowers. Spikes of 10 to 15 cm flower diameter that may point up, out or down. Blooms may be red, pink, orange, yellow, lavender or white in colour. They grow well in full sun or light shade, although flowers sometimes fade if exposed to hot sun. They can be grown with companion plants providing less competition. Popularity of Oriental lily is increasing over Asiatic lily.

Limonium, commonly known as statice, is an important cut and dried flower valued for its attractive inflorescences and excellent keeping quality. This chapter covers its origin, taxonomy, botanical features, varieties and commercial significance. It discusses climate, soil, propagation, planting, irrigation, nutrient management and crop protection. Harvesting at the correct flowering stage, immediate hydration, cold storage and floral preservatives are emphasized for maintaining quality. The chapter also provides commercial grading standards for varieties such as Misty Blue, Saffron and Glow, along with yield information. These practices support both domestic and export production of high-quality Limonium stems.

This chapter introduces Limonium, commonly known as Statice or Sea Lavender, as a hardy filler flower valued for its attractive colours and exceptional longevity after harvest. It examines origin, distribution, genetics, varieties and cultivation practices. Particular attention is given to its halophytic characteristics and potential for cultivation in saline and degraded soils. The chapter also covers greenhouse production, environmental management, propagation, nutrition, pest and disease management, harvesting and postharvest handling for cut and dried flowers.

Lisianthus is among top ten cut flower crop of the world. In short duration of 20-30 years it become top ranking flower crop of world due to its beautiful flowers which bears beauty of different top ranking old commercial flower crops with variation in flower colours, shape, size with long vase life. It looks like tulips as they began to open and as poppies when fully opened, gaps between the petals appears like daisy, ruffled petals resemble carnations and the most important one is the flower buds and opened double type lisianthus resemble rose buds and open flower respectively and there is no doubt that this is a primary reason for consumer acceptance. Double flowered lisianthus are more demanded in U.S. as cut flower about 80% of lisianthus market whereas, single flowered are more dominant in Japanese and European markets. In Japan over 129 million cut stems were sold in 2001 placing it on number one position in Europe, over 122 million cut stems were sold in 2001 and placing it in top ten ranking and in the United States over 14 million cut stems were sold in 2002, it is not only popular as a cut flower but also as a bedding plant and a pot plant in market (Grueber et al., 1985, Halevy and Kofranek, 1984, Roh and Lawson, 1987, Tjia and Sheehan, 1984, Tija and Sheehan 1986, Skrzypczak et al., 1993 and Harbaugh, 2007), a plant bears 20-30 flowers per plant (Skrzypczak et al., 1993).

Lisianthus (Eustoma) is herbaceous perennial in some cases annual and biennial (Farina, 1989, Halevy and Kofranek, 1984, Wilkins and Grueber, 1983 and Harbaugh, 2007) belongs to family Gentianaceae (Oren-shamir et al., 1999) and genus “Lisianthus”, which is also used as the common name for Eustoma grandiflorum, the plant was commonly known as Lisianthus russellianus when first listed in seed catalogues in the early 1980’s in the United State, later it was given scientific name Eustoma grandiflorum (Raf.) Shinn. (synonyms Eustoma andrewsii; E. russellianum; Lisianthus russellianus) (Bailey and Baily, 1976, Everett, 1981 and Harbaugh, 2007). However, Lisianthus is also known as the Prairie gentian or Texas bluebell (Markham, 1996 and Harbaugh, 2007) and Prairie Rose (Harbaugh, 2007). Eustoma is named after the two Greek words Eu (beautiful, good, well) and stoma (mouth) (Uddin et al., 2013). It is a self compatible (Harbaugh, 2007 and Markham, 1996), diploid crop (Markham, 1996). The buds are colourless is a great disadvantage as an ornamental growth. The range of flower colours available in commercial lines is limited to white and purple, shades of cream, pink, mauve and purple (Markham, 1996 and Harbaugh, 2007).

E. grandiflorum has a set of pharmacologically active compounds and therefore can be a valuable therapeutic material, or can serve as a source of pure chemical compound, apart from its strictly ornamental uses (Skrzypczak et al., 1993).

This chapter introduces Lisianthus (Eustoma grandiflorum), a valuable cut flower also known as Prairie Gentian and the “poor man's rose.” It discusses its origin, distribution, genetics, botanical characteristics and commercial development. The chapter covers varieties, protected cultivation, environmental requirements, propagation, nutrition, pest and disease management, harvesting, storage and vase-life enhancement. Special attention is given to its growing importance in India, particularly under protected cultivation in suitable regions.

Plant family    :    Apiaceae
Synonyms      
English    :     Puerto Rican  Coriander, Black Benny, Saw leaf herb, Mexican coriander, Saw tooth coriander, Spiny coriander, Fitweed
Hindi    :    Bhandhania,Bhandhanya
Sanskrit    :    Phiranga
Kannada    :    Paramgi

Origin and Distribution

The plant is native to the Caribbean islands occuring from S.Mexico to Panama, Columbia, Bolivia, Brazil and Cuba to Trinidad. It was introduced to many tropical and subtriopical countries  where it is used as a substitute for coriander.

Abstract: Lotus, aquatic economic flower, associated with religion, art, and culture, is native to India. Most cultivars are diploid, seed and vegetatively propagated. Lotus is cross pollinated and progeny can segregate widely for traits due to heterozygosity. Low seed set often pose significant challenge to breeders. Breeding efficiency remains unknown. Flower breeders have created new colours with interspecific hybridization including yellow, pink, white and rose colour changing to creamy yellow. Traits of interest for crop transformation include environmental adaptation to stressful condition, low seed tannin, and flowering (colour, size, timing, etc.). Genetics of characters is unknown. Future breeding and genetic studies are needed for further transformation of this crop.

Lotus belongs to the Nelumbonaceae family and the genus Nelumbo. There are two species in this genus; Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. distributed in Asia and Oceania, and Nelumbo lutea distributed in North and South America (Qichao and Xingyan, 2005). Although, the species nucifera is the most important (commercially and culturally), it is critical to describe the American species, evaluate its horticultural value and its potential as a source of genetic diversity. The American species, represented by Nelumbo lutea (Syn. N. pentapetala or Nelumbium luteum) is known as American Lotus, Water-chinquapin and Yellow Lotus (Sayre, 2004) and is native to the eastern and central portions of the US ranging from Maine to Wisconsin and in the south from Florida to Texas. It is one of the most spectacular and graceful aquatics among all the native plants of India. N. indica are found all over India and extend as far as Kashmir to Kanyakumari exhibiting enormous thermoplasticity and phenotypic diversity with a large number of racial variants with different shapes, sizes and colours. First Indian fossilised record of N. nucifera has been reported from the Pleistocene epoch of Kashmir. The presence of Nelumbo in the Tertiary period of Assam is reported on the basis of impressions of leaves and rhizomes found in the collection from Eocene bed near Damalgiri. These records confirm the evidence in support of the view that N. nucifera is indigenous to India.

Lotus has good fragrance. About seventy compounds were identified with hydrocarbons representing > 75% of the extract. 1, 4 – Dimethoxy benzene, 10, 8 – Cineole, ferpinen – 4al and linalool were important constituents characterization of the scent of lotus flower (Omata et al., 1991).