eChapters

This chapter introduces the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) and its relevance to protected cultivation infrastructure. It explains the objectives, funding pattern, eligible components, cost norms and assistance available for nurseries, protected structures, flower cultivation, fertigation automation and postharvest facilities. The chapter also discusses the need for standardized greenhouse construction and relevant BIS technical standards. It provides practical reference information for growers, institutions and entrepreneurs planning protected cultivation projects with government assistance.

This chapter introduces the growing role of digital commerce, Good Agricultural Practices and trade regulations in modern floriculture. It examines e-commerce platforms, online flower auctions, producer-to-consumer connectivity and digital traceability. The chapter also discusses GAP principles, certification, EXIM Policy, Foreign Trade Policy, sanitary and phytosanitary requirements, technical barriers and other non-tariff barriers. These concepts are presented in the context of improving quality, traceability, market access and international competitiveness of Indian floricultural products.

This chapter introduces the principles and practices required for developing export-oriented floriculture in India. It examines quality standards, grading, packaging, postharvest handling, cold-chain requirements, international markets, export regulations and major trade constraints. The chapter discusses APEDA support, infrastructure, airfreight, cold storage, quality control, planting material and government programmes. It emphasizes the need for internationally acceptable quality standards, efficient supply chains and improved infrastructure to strengthen India's position in the global flower trade.

This chapter introduces rose as the world's leading commercial cut flower, with high year-round demand and major importance in international floriculture. It examines origin, distribution, genetics, botanical characteristics and important greenhouse varieties. The chapter covers protected cultivation, temperature, humidity, light, carbon dioxide, irrigation, nutrition, pruning, disbudding, pest and disease management, harvesting, grading, storage and postharvest practices. Modern greenhouse technologies and precision production approaches for export-quality roses are also highlighted.

This chapter introduces orchids as one of the most diverse and economically important groups of ornamental plants. It examines their origin, distribution, genetics, botanical characteristics and classification into terrestrial, epiphytic, monopodial and sympodial types. Commercially important genera such as Dendrobium, Cymbidium, Phalaenopsis, Vanda, Arachnis and others are discussed. The chapter also covers propagation, micropropagation, greenhouse management, nutrition, pests, diseases, harvesting, postharvest management and conservation, including the importance of CITES regulations.

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.

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.

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.

This chapter introduces Heliconia as an exotic tropical ornamental crop valued for its brilliant colours, distinctive inflorescences and excellent postharvest longevity. It examines origin, distribution, genetics and botanical characteristics and discusses important commercial species and varieties. Protected cultivation practices, nutrition, irrigation, planting, pruning, plant growth regulators, pest and disease management, harvesting and postharvest handling are presented. The chapter highlights the potential of Heliconia as a premium cut flower and its suitability for tropical and subtropical regions of India.

This chapter introduces Gerbera as a popular cut flower known for its daisy-like blooms, wide range of colours and long vase life. It examines its origin, distribution, genetics, botanical characteristics and commercially important varieties. The chapter discusses greenhouse production, environmental requirements, propagation, irrigation, nutrition, cultural practices, pest and disease management, harvesting and postharvest handling. It emphasizes the importance of protected cultivation for producing high-quality gerbera flowers in different agro-climatic regions of India

This chapter introduces chrysanthemum as one of the world's important commercial cut flowers, particularly suited to controlled production because flowering is strongly influenced by environmental conditions. It discusses standard and spray types, origin, genetics, botanical characteristics, varieties and greenhouse cultivation. Temperature, humidity, light regulation, carbon dioxide, nutrition, irrigation, pest and disease management, harvesting, grading and storage are covered. The chapter also highlights the use of modern breeding and protected environments for year-round production.

This chapter introduces carnation as an important commercial cut flower requiring controlled environmental conditions for producing long, straight and high-quality stems. It discusses varieties, propagation, planting, irrigation, nutrition and cultural practices such as pinching, disbudding, deshooting and plant support. The chapter also addresses plant growth regulators, pest and disease management, harvesting, grading, storage and postharvest handling. Emphasis is placed on protected cultivation practices that improve flower quality, yield and market value.

This chapter introduces Calla Lily as an attractive bulbous ornamental crop valued for its colourful spathes, foliage and long-lasting cut flowers. It examines origin, distribution, genetics and botanical characteristics of Zantedeschia species. The chapter covers protected cultivation, varieties, environmental requirements, propagation, nutrition, irrigation, pest and disease management, harvesting, grading and postharvest handling. It also highlights the commercial potential of Calla Lily in international markets and its emerging importance in Indian floriculture

This chapter introduces Anthurium as an important tropical ornamental crop cultivated for cut flowers, potted plants and landscaping. It examines its origin, distribution, genetics, botanical characteristics and commercial varieties. The chapter discusses greenhouse conditions including temperature, humidity, light, shade, irrigation, nutrition and propagation. It also covers pests, diseases, harvesting, grading, storage and packing. The importance of improved cultivars and controlled environmental conditions in maintaining high-quality flowers is emphasized.

This chapter introduces Alstroemeria as a high-value cut flower commonly known as Peruvian lily. It discusses its origin, distribution, genetics, botanical characteristics, commercial varieties and protected cultivation requirements. Temperature, humidity, light, carbon dioxide, irrigation, nutrition, crop management, harvesting and postharvest handling are addressed. The chapter also considers grading standards, vase-life enhancement and important pests and diseases. Particular attention is given to modern hybrids and greenhouse production for high-quality stems.

This chapter introduces flower forcing and crop regulation as techniques for manipulating flowering time according to market demand and seasonal requirements. It explains photoperiodism, vernalization, temperature, florigen, plant growth regulators and physiological mechanisms involved in flowering. Mechanical, chemical and environmental methods are discussed, along with crop-specific approaches for chrysanthemum, marigold, lotus, jasmine, gladiolus, rose, lilium and tulip. The chapter demonstrates how controlled flowering can improve market timing, reduce wastage and increase grower income.

This chapter introduces soil, growing media, irrigation and nutrient management practices essential for high-quality flower production under protected conditions. It covers containers, organic and inorganic growing media, soil decontamination, drip irrigation, fertigation and fertilizer selection. Important intercultural practices such as pinching, disbudding, deshooting and other crop-management operations are also discussed. The chapter emphasizes efficient use of water and nutrients while maintaining an optimum root environment and achieving high productivity.

This chapter introduces environmental management and automation in greenhouse production. It explains how temperature, light, humidity, carbon dioxide and root-zone conditions influence plant growth and flower quality. The chapter discusses ventilation, evaporative cooling, supplemental lighting, sensors, automation systems, solar greenhouses and retractable greenhouses. It also introduces government support and guidelines for protected cultivation, including MIDH assistance. The chapter emphasizes precision environmental control, resource-use efficiency and technology-enabled production.

This chapter introduces the principles involved in designing and erecting protected structures for floricultural production. It examines structural safety, dead and live loads, wind and snow loads, site selection, orientation, foundation, greenhouse components and suitable covering materials. The chapter also identifies flower and foliage crops suitable for protected cultivation and relates structural design to crop characteristics and climatic conditions. These principles help growers develop efficient, safe and productive greenhouse systems

This chapter introduces protected structures as controlled environments designed to modify the microclimate for optimum crop growth. It explains different greenhouse and polyhouse types based on structure, covering material, ventilation and environmental control. Glasshouses, polyhouses, low tunnels and other structures are discussed along with their construction characteristics, advantages and applications. The chapter provides a foundation for selecting appropriate protected structures according to crop requirements, climate, production objectives and available resources.