FLORICULTURE TODAY by Media Today Pvt. Ltd.

Floriculture Today February 2012

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S. Jafar Naqvi

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Contents 8

Editorial

Focus The Year of Horticulture States to Prepare Strategic Plans – Sanjeev Chopra

12 Cover Story

All Set for Grand Opening

16 Landscaping Landscape Therapy for Health Care — S.K. Malhotra and Babita Singh v Palms are Best Choice in Landscaping — Dinesh Rawat 18

Greening Gardens in the Sky Green-Roof Movement Makes Headway — Howard Cincotta

22 Ornamentals Mandevilla: A novel and unique ornamental plant — B.K.Banerji 24

Interview “Artificial flowers are so good in quality, they seem like original.” – Niraj Tekriwal, Director, FOUR WALLS

30 Report Hi-tech Systems Support—Key to Dutch Flori & Horti Success Report of Indian Delegation to Horti Fair 40

Rare Plants Stapelia gigantea Carrion Flower — N. C. Tewari and Yogendra Misra

46 Show Report Large visitor turnout at Lalbagh Flower Show 49 News

Vol 16....... Issue 9 ...... February 2011

Floriculture Today February 2012

Editorial

erbs and flowers, like great works of art and literature, offer themselves to unending research by scientists. Each time, researchers come out with new findings of great value.

Take the case of aromatic Tulsi (Indian Basil), known traditionally for its uses in fighting common illnesses like cold, cough, influenza and many more. This herb is now being researched by defence scientists to treat those exposed to radiation. Scientists of Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) are happy with the results of initial trials. Tulsi’s ability to repair cells damaged by exposure to radiation because of the anti-oxidant properties that it posses was explained by DRDO’s Chief Comptroller of Research at the 99th edition of Indian Science Congress held in Bhubaneshwar. It is for the first time in the world that this useful herb is being researched for treating harmful effects of exposure to radiation. Tulsi-based medicines for this purpose, already on the second phase of trials, have to undergo further tests before getting clearance for commercial production. Allied research is in progress on herbs like sea-buckthorn and papri (podophyllum hexandrum) to develop medicines for those going for rescue work in radiation-affected areas. Many more new herbal remedies, to meet particularly the needs of defence personnel working in hazardous areas, have been developed and found suitable in a series of trials. A special antifrost bite cream, for instance, has been developed from Aloe Vera, which, of late, has gained much in popularity in the production of

medicines and body-care products. This cream is already in use in some of the areas where Indian army is posted. To help the soldiers in acclimatizing themselves fast in difficult areas, DRDO scientists have come out with a herbal drink, comprising extracts from a number of medicinal plants. This drink is still in the testing phase. Research and experimentation are , certainly, a continuous process and herbs and flowers find their place in a number of medicines, old and new. Flowers, probably, can do much more than what herbs can do! Their discreet use to mend broken hearts and forge friendship is a timetested practice, as we see .every year on the Valentine’s Day. Flowers can create close bonds not only between two individuals, but also between peoples of two countries. This has been proved successfully through Ikebana exhibitions, whose motto is “friendship through flowers.” True to its motto, an Ikebana exhibition held in Mumbai brought together, for the first time, Pakistani and Indian artists together. It was an attempt to consolidate and build the affection and goodwill between the peoples of two neighbouring countries, politically wide apart. Eight talented ladies from Pakistan and five senior Sensai from Bombay Songetsu School branch combined to create beautiful flower arrangements. This was proof of the fact that when it comes to expressing positive emotions and strengthening ties, nothing can be better than flowers.

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Views expressed by individuals and contributors in the magazine are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Floriculture Today editorial board. Floriculture Today does not accept any responsibility of any direct, indirect or consequential damage caused to any party due to views expressed by any one or more persons in the trade. All disputes are to be referred to Delhi Jurisdiction only. .....Editor

Floriculture Today February 2012

FOCUS

States to Prepare Strategic Plans — Sanjeev Chopra*

Ministry of Agriculture (Govt. of India)

NHM National Horticulture Mission

HMNEHS Horticulture Mission for North East & Himalaya States

National Mission on Micro Irrigation

National Horticulture Board

Small Farmers' Agri-Business Consortium

10 FLORICULTURE TODAY February 2012

he Ministry of Agriculture has decided to mark 2012 as the Year of Horticulture to acknowledge the salience and centrality of horticulture in the agricultural development of the country. Till very recently, horticulture had always been treated as an ‘adjunct’ to agriculture, and never as a sector in its own right. However, a shift in is thinking discernible, considering the fact that with just 20 million hectares (mha), or one seventh of the area under agriculture (I40 mha), horticulture produces over one third of the agriculture GDP in the country, and has the potential to record a double digit growth. There are other aspects which need to be considered as well. As incomes grow, the share of the horticulture produce in the ‘consumption basket’ shows a considerable increase. Even though

The Year of Horticulture is more than a ‘formal declaration’. It is a commitment from the National Horticulture Mission, the Horticulture Mission for the North east and Himalayan states, the National Mission on Micro Irrigation, the National Horticulture Board and the Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium to ensure that horticulture is placed on a ‘sustainable development track’ by ensuring that all loose ends are tied up, and seamless integration takes place --from preproduction to post-harvest management. cereals, oil, pulses and sugar continue to occupy the main share of the consumer’s rupee, ﬂ owers, fruits , nuts, honey and spices will soon take over – especially as with the exception of onions and potato, the rest are not really ‘price sensitive’. What does the Year of Horticulture entail? Does it have a meaning beyond the declaration and the logo, letterheads and stationery? Are there any tangible gains that can be listed out by the end of the year? Who will organize it? Is it a few high

Focus profile seminars in New Delhi or does it include awareness and campaigns at district and sub district levels, where the actual work is being done ? AgriMatters will address these issues. First things first. The Year of Horticulture is more than a ‘formal declaration’. It is a commitment from the National Horticulture Mission (NHM), the Horticulture Mission for the North east and Himalayan states (HMNEH), the National Mission on Micro Irrigation (NMMI), the National Horticulture Board and the Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC) to ensure that horticulture is placed on a ‘sustainable development track’ by ensuring that all loose ends are tied up, and seamless integration takes place --from pre production to post harvest management. Thus it starts with a focus on planting material, Tissue culture labs and nursery accreditation to give a firm foundation to the sector. The fact is that neither the public, nor the private sector nurseries in the country were geared to such a massive expansion in this sector. It is only in the last decade, and more so from the second half of the 11th plan period that that public expenditure has been focused on this sector. This was the period which saw several state governments establishing a separate directorate, and in many cases, even departments and ministries for horticulture. The food processing sector also came up in a big way – and the need for ‘raw material’ also called for greater focus on the horticulture production side. Plus the paradigm changed … commodities had to be processed not because they were in excess, but because there was a demand for processed food. Thus potato and banana chips, and tomato and mango puree were in production not to meet the excess supply – but additional supply had to be created to meet the demand for processed food. Also, the needs and demands of the food processing sector became distinct from that of the table varieties. Thus the ‘first tangible’ is to lay the foundations for a strong base which can meet at least 125% of the expected demand for the growing sector. This would call for a calibrated plan with all the state horticulture directors, ICAR institutions, seed companies, tissue culture

labs, nurseries and the NHB. The first cut of the road map should be ready by May this year, especially as this will be the theme of the Horticulture Conference being convened on 17th February at New Delhi to take stock of all aspects relating to production and productivity. To take this forward, each state is preparing a Strategic Action Plan – not just to meet its own requirements, but also to meet the requirements of planting material and seeds in different parts of the country. Thus Punjab, Himachal and Uttarakhand supply potato seed for the entire country, and there is need to ensure breeder seeds are distributed to states, not on the basis of the production of potato, but on their ability to produce True Potato seed. Many states are giving the required thrust to Tissue Culture Labs, and are also setting up Centres of Excellence for the production of seedlings for distribution to farmers. States will also look at protected cultivation in a big way, as it is certainly going to be a game changer – especially in the peri-urban areas, and for marginal and small farmers who have the capacity to put in intensive labour, and work 24x7. States are also being advised to ensure that Kisan Melas are organized at district and sub district levels – especially on the crops that are germane to the area, and ensure that these interactions are meaningful and

positive. Besides each state will also plan a Regional or National Workshop to ensure networking of experts, farmers and stakeholders to ensure that domain specific expertise is shared on a pan India basis. An important role has also been envisaged for National level Agencies like APEDA, National Seeds Corporation, SFAC, NHB and FEHL. To illustrate, the SFAC will hold regional and national workshops to promote the concept of Farmers Producer Organizations. Given the fact that the structure of our landholdings will continue to be ‘marginal and small holders’, the only way for them to ensure economies of scale and scope, and ensure that transactions costs and time remain competitive is to follow the ‘collective’ route, without the rigidities of the formal co-operative structure. SFAC will also organize a national consultation on financial inclusion for farmers groups. The idea is to involve as many agencies, institutions and farmers as is possible in making horticulture ‘matter’ in the Y-O-H! (Year of horticulture) *(The author is Joint Secretary cum Mission Director, National Horticulture Mission, Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India, New Delhi).

Floriculture Today February 2012 11

Cover Story

All Set for Grand Opening â&#x20AC;&#x153;New investments in Horticulture & Floriculture have become more lucrative in the changed environment, which will create more employment and business opportunities for our younger generation. Foreign direct investment would come in a big way in the form of engaging farmergroups in contract farming. â&#x20AC;? 12 Floriculture Today February 2012

ndiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s growing horticulture sector is currently undergoing a revolutionary phase. On the one hand, small farmers are taking bigger risks and experimenting with diverse cash crops, and on the other hand, large corporate houses are entering horticulture and bringing in latest technologies. Corporate farming, cooperative marketing, contract farming and boom in food retail having become the present day buzzwords, the entire landscape of horticulture is set to change. The 7th International Flora Expo 2012

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Cover Story along with 6th International Landscape & Gardening Expo 2012 is scheduled to be held from 3 - 5 March, 2012 at NSIC Exhibition Complex, Okhla, New Delhi. These Expo series have special relevance this time since the Union Agriculture Ministry has declared 2012 as ‘The Year of Horticulture’. “The Year of Horticulture is more than a ‘formal declaration’. It is a commitment from the National Horticulture Mission (NHM), the Horticulture Mission for the North East and Himalayan States (HMNEH), the National Mission on Micro Irrigation (NMMI), the National Horticulture Board and the Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC) to ensure that horticulture is placed on a ‘sustainable development track’ by ensuring that all loose ends are tied up, and seamless integration takes place --from pre production to post harvest management.” said Sanjeev Chopra, Joint Secretary and Mission Director, NHM, Ministry of Agriculture. “It starts with a focus on planting material, Tissue culture labs and nursery accreditation to give a firm foundation to the sector. The fact is that neither the public, nor the private sector nurseries in the country were geared to such a massive expansion in this sector. It was only from the last decade or so that public expenditure has started coming to this sector in a focussed way. This was the period which saw several state governments establishing a separate directorate, and in many cases, even departments and ministries for horticulture. The food processing sector also came up in a big way, and the need for ‘raw material’ also called for greater emphasis on horticulture production” said Sanjeev Chopra. With over 300 million middle and higher income population, India is the world's 2nd largest consumer base and fastest growing retail destination. Flower consumption, growing at a whopping 30% per annum and numerous festivals, along with increasing modernization and per capita income, make India a floral super power of the future. A huge domestic market supports high quality export oriented flower production by providing a unique competitive edge. India, China, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Pakistan along

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South Asian HortiCongress

he Ministry of Agriculture, GOI has decided to mark 2012 as the Year of Horticulture to acknowledge the salience and centrality of horticulture in the agricultural development of the country. Due to developments ushered in by National Horticulture Mission, MOA in past few years, India has become a center for horticulture growth, but, as far as the technology is concerned, we are lagging behind. This will be particularly relevant in changing scenario of crop diversification applicable not only to India but also South Asian nations where farmers face similar problems in enhancing production and productivity because of inadequate exposure to high technology and inputs as also to advanced production practices, logistics and marketing. Considering India’s leading position in horticulture sector in SAARC region, in order to introduce latest mechanization & technological innovations, Media Today Group— jointly with FICCI under the aegis and Principal Sponsorship of Ministry of Agriculture, National Horticulture Mission, National Mission for Micro Irrigation, Technology Mission for Northeast and Himalayan States, National Horticulture Board—is organizing the 1st South Asian Horti Congress on 3rd and 4th March 2012 coinciding with 4th International Horti Expo 2012 and 7th International Flora Expo 2012. The two- day Horti Congress is planned to have result oriented discussions and fruitful exchange of information among growers, policy makers, up-coming corporate farming groups, embassies and others. Delegates will deliberate on key issues related to holistic development of horticulture and its commercialization in the globalized world. The key speakers

are coming from Holland, Germany, Israel & Denmark, while many others from other nations are participating in the expo. FICCI, being the Knowledge Partner as well as co-organizer, is providing the Technical Support and necessary facilities for delegates coming from Saarc countries. The Netherlands is the Partner country and Germany and Israel are the Focus Countries of this programme. Through the concerned embassies they are mobilizing technology providers and input suppliers for agriculture, horticulture and floriculture, along with technical experts to make presentations on possibilities of technical tie-ups and investment opportunities in South Asian countries. The focus on the conference will be on Investment opportunities in different countries, latest greenhouse technologies, irrigationfertigation solutions, pre- & postharvest management, productivity improvement, supply chain management and opportunities in modern retail markets etc. Indian Flowers and Ornamental Plants Welfare Association, Irrigation Association of India, International Horticulture Innovation and Training Centre and National Committee on Plasticulture Applications in Horticulture are actively supporting this event with an objective to create more and more employment and business opportunities for existing farmers and also attract new generation of agri-entrepreneurs for sustainable growth. Email: horticongress@gmail.com Tel: +91-11-65656553, 64521572

Floriculture Today February 2012 13

Cover Story with other countries of the region make South Asia, the world's largest market and India is emerging as world's fastest growing flower and gardening trade destination. Last Flora Expo attracted professionals from over 19 countries from around the world, including leading ones from The Netherlands, Japan, UAE, USA, China, Taiwan, Thailand, other South East Asian, Arabian countries etc. FLORA EXPO has emerged as South Asia's premier meeting ground for various business dealings. The forthcoming FLORA EXPO 2012 will be the best venue to expand business into new markets both in India and other South Asian Countries. India, has unique culture of flower consumption in many forms like garlands, flower-carpets, floral rains and floral jewelry, to name a few. FLORA EXPO 2012 will bring you not only conventional flower and gardening industry professionals but also mass buyers, importers & exporters from new types of large industry segments such as marriage planners, event managers, home centers, supermarkets, departmental stores and interior shops. The trade visitors are coming from every part of India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Persian Gulf & Arabian countries and many other parts of the world. FLORA EXPO 2012 is one and the only opportunity in India for international suppliers to meet and interact with all of them on one single platform! India is poised to become the top trade center in this part of globe. Imports & exports of flowers, seeds, bulbs, planting materials and gardening related goods from all around the world are

14 Floriculture Today February 2012

increasing year by year because industry professionals in India are always seeking new products, techniques and devices that are highly effective and cost-efficient. The expo, which has as its Principal Sponsor the Ministry of Agriculture and its departments-- National Horticulture Mission, Horticulture Mission for North East & Himalayan States, National Horticulture Board, National Mission for Micro Irrigation, Small Farmers Agri Business Consortium etc-- is supported by Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Ministry of Health, Department of AYUSH, Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), Food Processing & Packaging Machinery Industry Association, National Medicinal Plant Board and Indian Flowers and Ornamental Plants Welfare Association. “To synchronize the efforts of all concerned departments, a two-day South Asian Horti Congress is being organised for progressive farmers, agri entrepreneurs, corporates, officials and extension workers concurrently with the expo. It will cater to the needs of backward and forward linkage and promote awareness in all concerned within farming

community”, said S. Jafar Naqvi. Through this congress experts from Germany, Holland, Israel, France and India will focus on Good Agriculture Practices to increase the production, preservation, issues of Post Harvest, Value Addition and Quality Parameters of Food Products for domestic and exports, he explained. Cold Chain infrastructure is vital for floriculture. It is facing a few challenges like lack of integration of approach and efforts for effective policy formulation, infrastructure development and information dissemination. As per the recent announcement by Government, investments worth Rs. 18,000 crore to Rs. 20,000 crore (42-46 Million $) are required over the next five years. The industry expects government to pump in 40 to 50 percent of the investment through the new mechanism of viability gap funding. “In my opinion, new investments in horticulture have become more lucrative in the changed environment, which will create more employment and business opportunities for our younger generation. Foreign direct investment would come in a big way in the form of engaging farmergroups in contract farming” said Jafar Naqvi. Mark your dates to see varieties & technologies from 16 countries including Holland, Germany, Denmark, UK, China, and Spain. For more details contact: +91-11-6565 6554 / 2668 2045 / 2668 1671 ifloramtpl@gmail.com, www.floraexpo.com

Floriculture Today February 2012 15

LANDSCAPING

Landscape Therapy for Health Care â&#x20AC;&#x201D; S.K. Malhotra * and Babita Singh

The landscape gardening in India has been a history and is in practice since antiquity. Primarily, the influence of landscape gardening is conditioned by aesthetic and emotional impact of nature on one side and feeling of comfortable living space on the other side in the clean environment. The rulers in ancient India were visionary, nature loving and there are many classical examples of such architecture of landscape. But in the modem India, the habitat is shifting from villages to urban and landscape gardening is undergoing a renaissance brought about by an increased standard of living. But the climate change, global biodiversity loss and environmental pollution have emerged as challenges.

Challenges ahead The challenges of population explosion, increasing industrialization and urbanization, reducing arable land have lead to destruction of forests and greenery and moreover living open space. The cement jungles called cities came up everywhere. With the increasing demand for space for housing and commercial 16 FLORICULTURE TODAY February 2012

sector coupled with high cost of land has adversely affected the scope of urban greening and existing open spaces are also under tremendous pressure of land use conversion. Consequently, there has become shortage of physical activity, fresh air and sunlight, more too under the changing climate effect of increasing temperature, pollution, and .decreasing

water resources, Such changing habits and climate in cities have become cause of distress or exhaustion and consequently several types of syndromes and related illnesses have been reported to the increasing trend. According to a report from World Health Organization 40% of worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s illnesses are conditioned by ecology. One of the obvious reasons

Landscaping noticed for such health problems are environmentally unfriendly living space and surrounding. Here the role of landscape therapy has been realized as a mean for natural healing factor such as climate, landscape, space, water, fresh air and flora. Landscape therapy an aesthetic way for health improvement Landscape is an integrated ecological and beautiful system which maintains balanced relations among flora, fauna, soil and climate. The positive healing influence of landscape has been proved a long back on the human health. Realizing its importance, the modem housing sector and industries are essentially keeping space for landscape gardens with the objective of providing a natural, open and healthy surrounding for better living and working environment. The landscape therapy is basically a component of horticulture therapy. The landscape designs providing means of landscape therapy suitable for a wide range of people, including those with learning difficulties, physical disabilities and the frail and the elderly. The underlying aim is to encourage active and or/passive involvement with plants, produce systems successful enough to give therapists confidence in using landscape gardening as a tool or to provide settings where people are able to develop their own interests and improve their quality of life. There is increasing interest in the benefits of landscapes and plant to children, both as part of the education curriculum and as an agent for improved social, psychological and physical development. The landscape therapy is the part of healing horticulture, wherein the garden is an ideal place for safe, graded activities that build visual-perceptual and motor skills as they provide relief from the depression common among people recovering from strokes. It also helps in getting back to real-life setting in the rehabilitation process as soon as possible. Many clinical researches have revealed that gardening is really a great part of peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recovery, especially from the emotional standpoint. Bringing the patients nearer to nature has resulted in restorative and regenerative healing powers. Health

There is increasing interest in the benefits of landscapes and plant to children, both as part of the education curriculum and as an agent for improved social, psychological and physical development. The landscape therapy is the part of healing horticulture improvement in eco-resort is primary usage of natural healing factors. Many reports are available which have shown the significant influence of landscape on human body. Landscape therapy is the important element of balneology, aesthetic therapy, psychosomatic diseases prevention. Among the various landscape therapy tools, the climate therapy has been reputed by various workers in normalizing metabolic processes, improving immune responsiveness, improving respiratory system dysfunction, hemodynamic parameters, electro-

biological brain activities etc. Body adaptation is accompanied by activation of sympathico-adrenal system, stimulation of hormone production of endocrine organs. Further there is need to do more clinical researches for studying the impact of landscape gardening for health improvement. Outlook Research in landscape gardening has been a least priority in the past. But with the increasing awareness about the benefits of landscape gardening system, there is need to have emphasis on future studies which need integration of landscape architect engineer, horticulturist, environmentalist and specialist from clinical side to work out preventing methods and health improving techniques based on inclusion of different styles, flora, fauna, climate in the landscape gardening system on the human being with regard to antidepressant effect, stabilization of nervous system and normalization of all physiological functions. Since landscape therapy is based on green living concept not only makes us to live healthy but also saves money and, environment. *Principal Scientist Division of Floriculture and Landscaping ICAR, Pusa Campus, New Delhi

Floriculture Today February 2012 17

Greening

Gardens in the Sky Green-Roof Movement Makes Headway — Howard Cincotta U.S. State Department writer and editor

ooftops, especially those on top of commercial buildings, tend to be three things: hot, ugly and ignored, says landscape designer and environmental writer Linda Velazquez. Yet, they account for a remarkable amount of space in any urban area. According to estimates, about 12 per cent of New York City’s total area comprises rooftops. Those numbers climb to as high as 25 per cent in cities such as Houston, Texas; Chicago, Illinois; Salt Lake City, 18 Floriculture Today February 2012

Utah; and Sacramento, California, according to U.S. government surveys. Rooftops are no longer being dismissed so routinely. In cities around the world, architects, landscape designers, builders and public officials are finding innovative ways of converting urban and industrial rooftops from afterthoughts to valuable living resources. Green roofs are vibrant and exciting alternatives to the average black-tar or concrete roofs that we see covering

the world,” writes yelazquez, who is one of America’s prominent green-roof advocates. India held its first-ever greenroof con¬ference in Indore in 2011. Sponsored by the World Green Infrastructure Network in collaboration with a local company, Green Takniki, the symposium’s ambi¬tious agenda was captured in its title: “Green Technology for Green Roof, Green Home and Rain Harvesting to Combat Urbanization for Sustainable Future,” “The green-roof industry has tremen¬dous potential in India...to save electri¬cal energy, cool buildings and boost the economy,” says Suresh Billore, Green Takniki’s executive director. Greens Roofs & Walls The idea of roofs and walls with grasses and plants is hardly revolutionary, whether dating back to the Hanging

Greening Gardens of Babylon or the sod houses of Scandinavia and the American Midwest. The modern green-roof movement, however, began in Germany in the 1960s before spreading elsewhere in Europe. The United States didn’t seriously begin adopting green roofs until the late 1990s with the founding of the U.S. Green Building Council and Green Roofs for Healthy Cities. In 2003, environmental architect William McDonough installed an icon of the green-roof movement: the Truck Assembly Plant at Ford Motor Company’s vast River Rouge complex in Dearborn, Michigan. At 42,000 square meters, the facility is still one of the largest freestanding green roofs in the world. Modem green roofs aren’t simply roof gardens with potted plants. At a minimum, green roofs incorporate a covering of plants in a special growing media (or engineered soil), a drainage system, and a waterproofing and rootresistant membrane. Many newer systems are modular, composed of portable, interlocking units of growing media and plantings. Green roofs are more costly to install than conventional ones, but they offer a remarkable range of benefits. Among them: improving water quality, decreasing the heat island effect of urban areas, saving energy, reducing both pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, and bringing biodiversity to cities through different plant varieties—besides the insects and birds they attract. “This is a new transformative process in our cities that will reconnect us to our sense of place in the world and a sense of intimacy with nature,” declared horticulturist Ed Snodgrass at the 2011 Green Roofs and Walls Virtual Summit in September. Impact Many people overlook one of the chief assets of green roofs: controlling stormwater. Urban areas contain vast expanses of impermeable surfaces—roads, parking lots, sidewalks and rooftops—where rainwater rushes into sewage sys¬tems and can quickly overwhelm them. An urban green roof slows and absorbs water, dramatically reducing the damage caused by the runoff from heavy rains.

The potential savings are huge. Studies confirm that a typical green roof will retain from 60 to more than 75 percent rainwater, which is later released through evaporation. City officials have taken note, and storm-water control is a principal driver of green roof programs throughout the United States. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, estimates that its 32,000 square meters of green roofs can control roughly 35 to 42 inches of rain per year. That relieves the city’s water system of 3,596,000 liters of storm-water annually. The acknowledged American leader in green roofs, however, remains Chicago, Illinois, which has more than 400 current or completed projects totaling 650,000 square meters-more than all other U.S. cities combined. “The greatest potential of green roofs lies in their capacity to cover impervious roof surfaces with living, breathing, permeable plant material,” observes Velazquez, who publishes the blog, Sky Gardens. The impact of green roofs on urban temperatures—the heat island phenomenon—is equally remarkable. Chicago compared summertime surface temperatures on a green roof with a neighboring building. On an August day in the early afternoon, the green roof

surface temperature ranged from 330 to 480 Celsius, while the dark, conventional roof of the adjacent building was 760 Celsius. The near-surface air temperature above the green roof was about 40 Celsius cooler than that over the conventional roof. With their insulating qualities, green roofs reverse the equation in cold weather and keep buildings warmer than nor¬mal roofs do. Green archipelagos Green roofs fall into two categories: extensive and intensive. An extensive installation, designed for low maintenance and limited public access, consists of groundcover as thin as 5 centimeters. In North American and European latitudes, that usually means hardy alpine plants like sedum and other succulents that can withstand temperature extremes, drought and winds that can be found on both high mountains and exposed rooftops. An excellent example is FedEx’s 16,000 square-meter facility at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago. Intensive green roofs can almost be as varied as any conventional garden, with elaborate landscaping that incorporates trees, large shrubs and water features— often providing walkways and open space for the public. As a result, intensive green Floriculture Today February 2012 19

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Greening

roofs—sometimes called a building’s fifth facade—can become remarkable showcases of living architecture, transforming parts of the urban landscape into an archipelago of elevated green spaces.

20 Floriculture Today February 2012

Consider one of the 2011 winners of the Awards of Excellence, given annually by the Green Roofs for Healthy Cities association. The High Line project, located in New York City, has converted a disused

elevated railroad into a public park that runs for 2.3 kilometers. The landscape features grasses and plants that once grew on the abandoned High Line track, along with walkways, sun deck, performance space, even a small, flowing water channel. “With the thousands of people that visit the High Line every day, it could be argued that the High Line receives more attention than any other green roof in the world at the present time,” says construction manager Dylan Peck. Green Roofs for Healthy Cities also gives an annual Green Wall award for the difficult art of turning the sides of buildings into vertical gardens. The 2011 winner was the Phoenix Convention Center in Arizona for “a habitat garden that thrives on the urban structure that embraces it.” With all these environmental and aesthetic attributes, says Velazquez, “Green roofs are fast becoming green staples in mainstream architecture and high-performance buildings.” n Courtesy: SPAN, Jan-Feb 2012 issue, published by American Center, New Delhi – 110001

Floriculture Today February 2012 21

ORNAMENTALS

Mandevilla: A novel and unique ornamental plant — B.K.Banerji Floriculture Section, NBRI, Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow

Mandevilla is a ornamental plant belonging to the family Apocynaceae (the Periwinkle family). Plant is known for its showy flowers. The genus Mandevilla includes plants that were formerly called Dipladenia. It consists of about 100 species, mostly tropical and subtropical flowering vines. The genus was named after Henry Mandeville (1773-1861), a British diplomat and gardener. It is native to Central and South America. Many Mandevillas come originally from the Serra dos Órgãos forests in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Mandevillas produce spectacular flowers in warm climates. Most species over winter only in the tropical South. In South Carolina it is grown as annuals or grown indoors. In that region plant can be brought indoors before the first freeze and treated as a houseplant during the winter months. In the spring, mandevilla can be returned outside after the last spring freeze. Mandevilla is great trellised in containers or it can be grown in hanging baskets. The flowers come in a variety of colours, including white, pink, yellow, and red. As climbers, Mandevillas can be trained against a wall or trellis to provide a leafy green and often flowering picture of beauty. They have a tendency to attract insects like mealy bugs and scales. Quantities of fragrant flowers compensate for sparse foliage and for the care mandevillas require. The flowers are produced in early summer and again in early fall, even when plants are very young. The plant requires sunny position for healthy growth. It tolerates partial shade. The plant is not a frost tolerant. Mandevilla needs well drained mulch or potting mix, with slow release fertiliser application in spring and late summer. Plant grows well in moist soil but do not like to stand in water. In warmer parts of Australia plants will flower abundantly from September till June or later. In cooler climates it flowers from November to March. Nurserymen of Andhra Pradesh introduced this plant and acclimatized the plant to grow under Indian climatic conditions. In India (Rajahmundry (A.P.) it blooms profusely during November-December. The potted plant is generally used in decoration of the garden and home. Mandevilla performs well in tubs and hanging baskets. Sri Satyadeva Nursery, Rajahmundry Tq., E.G.Dt., Andhra Pradesh has good collection of Mandevilla cultivars. Potted plant of different cultivars of Mandevilla is sold in the nurseries for Rs.500/-. Morphological descriptions of some of the important species are given below: i)

Mandevilla sanderi Close up view

ii)

Mandevilla splendens

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Mandevilla sanderi: Mandevilla sanderi is also called Dipladenia sanderi and commonly know as Brazilian jasmine. Plant is a vine belonging to the Mandevilla genus. Mandevilla sanderi climbs by twining around some support and it can reach the height of 4.5 meters if the climate is warm. The fl owers of the wild form of Mandevilla sanderi are usually pink. The leaves are green and grow to 6 cm long. The cultivars of Mandevilla sanderi include ‘My Fair Lady’ with fl owers of pink and white colour, ‘Red Riding Hood’ with pink fl owers, and ‘Scarlet Pimpernel’ with red fl owers of a yellow throat. Pink variety: Dipladenia Sanderi (aka Mandevilla sanderi) is originally from the hills above Rio de Janeiro, but apparently no longer found in its native habitat. Mandevilla splendens: Mandevilla splendens is an evergreen similar to ‘Alice du Pont’, with the same bloom period. The leaves are narrow, pointed and 7.5 to 20cm long. The trumpetshaped fl owers are 5 to 10cm across,

pale pink when they open, with rosepink eyes. As the ﬂ owers age, their color deepens to rose. The stems of M. ‘Splendens’ reach 3 to 5 meters in length. iii)

Mandevilla laxa: Mandevilla laxa or Chilean jasmine (although it is native to Argentina) is a climbing, woody, deciduous vine. It grows to 5 meters. Leaves are opposite, oblong or heart-shaped at the base. They are 5 to 15cm long, thin and dark green with gray-green undersides. Clustered summer ﬂ owers are white, 5cm across and trumpet-shaped with a powerful gardenia-like fragrance. Provide rich soil. If the plant becomes badly tangled, cut it to the ground in winter. It will bloom on the new growth. Roots are hardy to about 50F.

iv)

Mandevilla alice du pont’: Mandevilla ‘Alice du Pont’ is a woody, twining evergreen vine. It grows to a height of 20 feet but is much shorter when grown in a container. The leaves are dark green, glossy, oval and 7.5 to

Ornamentals Mandevilla laxa

20cm long. Clusters of pure pink, flared, trumpet-shaped, 5 to 10cm flowers appear among the leaves, spring through fall. Even very small plants in 10cm pots will bloom. This cultivar grows well in hanging baskets. Pinch off tips of new stems to induce dense growth. v) Mandevilla suaveolens: Mandevilla suaveolens, also called Mandevilla laxa and Chilean jasmine. It is an ornamental plant. Plant is a native to Argentina. It grows as a vine and

is deciduous in cool climates. It can grow to 6 meters tall. It flowers in summer and has a lot of white flowers with a heavy scent. Propagation: Mandevilla is vegetatively propagated from hardwood cuttings. Sprinkle single node cuttings with rooting hormone and growth should commence in a month or so. Mandevilla need full sun to light shade with a moist well drained soil mix. Use of a soil mixture consisting of 2 parts peat moss to 1 part loam to 2 parts sand or perlite are ideal growing medium for Mandevilla. The plants should be watered regularly and should be kept moist, but not overly wet. If the lower leaves start turning yellow, then the plants are too wet. We fertilize monthly with a 1530-15 fertilizer. Although plants over winter outside only in zone 10, they can be grown as houseplants during the winter months. As long as nighttime temperatures stay above 500 F (100 C), the plants will grow well. During this period, they will need bright indoor indirect lighting. Water should be restricted to account for the lower light and cooler growing conditions. Fertilizer will not be needed during this period.

Mandevilla alice du pont

Use: Mandevilla scabra is an ornamental potted plant and sometimes used as an additive to the psychedelic drink Ayahuasca, there is no evidence that it is psychoactive in its own right. It is, however, considered to be toxic. n E-mail: banerjibk@yahoo.co.in

Floriculture Today February 2012 23

INTERVIEW

“Artificial flowers are so good in quality, they seem like original.”

– Niraj Tekriwal, Director, FOUR WALLS

Fresh flowers can never go out of fashion. Yet, artificial flowers are fast catching up with flower lovers because of their longer shelf life and a variety of designs. A chat with Director Niraj Tekrival of Four Walls reveals the scenario of fresh flowers as well as artificial flowers in the country, problems in this business, and what they expect from the government.

From where did you get the idea of this business? Six years ago, we have started fresh fl ower wholesale outlet in Dadar Flower Market by the name Annapurna Overseas. Our customers were mostly fl orists. Sometimes, they asked us about artifi cial fl owers, vases, dry fl owers and fl oral accessories. To fulfi ll their needs, we started the business of artifi cial fl owers, ceramic vases, glass vases, candles, baskets and fl oral accessories. Day by day, its demand began to increase and to fulfi ll the demand we began to import. Now we are importing around 2500 varieties of these materials from countries like China, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand and south east Asia. How artificial flower business is different from fresh flower business? Fresh fl ower is a perishable item and its life is only for four to seven days. On the other hand, artifi cial fl owers have longer life. Fresh fl owers are mostly used at birthday parties, weddings, festivals, and by the hotel industry. Artifi cial fl owers are used to decorate homes, offi ces and hotels. Artifi cial fl owers are so good in quality, they seems like original; so people nowadays prefer artifi cial fl owers for gifts. Now, the trend has changed. Artifi cial fl ower consumption is increasing; interior decorators prefer artifi cial fl owers too. What types of problem are you facing in your business? 24 FLORICULTURE TODAY February 2012

Of course, we have problems; but they are not so big. Artifi cial flowers are design-oriented item. When we import something, we have to import it in large volume. So it needs time to sell, and customers’ choices change after a few days so they ask for new designs every time. Is there any special season for artifi cial fl owers? Yes. Deepawali is the season. During this time, people decorate their house and the sale increases. In which cities do you supply your product? We supply our product all around India. But apart from Mumbai there is a good demand of artifi cial fl owes in state like Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat. What type of support do you expect from government? Import Duty is very high. If government reduces it, then we can sell the products at cheaper price.  Please visit 7th International Flora Expo on 3-5 March, at the stall of Four Walls, C-33&34, NSIC Complex, Okhla Indl. Estate, New Delhi  

Niraj Tekriwal, Director, Mob: 09820608761 Niraj Jain, General Manager, Mob: 9320195161

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Hi-tech Systems Support Key to Dutch Flori & Horti Success Report of Indian Delegation to Horti Fair

LORICULTURE Today, in the December 2011 issue, carried two articles on the four-day Horti Fair 2011 which concluded in Amsterdam RAI in the ﬁrst week of November. An eightmember Indian delegation, headed by Shailendra Kumar, Director (Hort), Department of Agriculture & Cooperation, Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India visited the fair on an invitation of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture & Innovation, Government of Netherlands. A detailed report of the technical visits of the delegation is published here to highlight the potential of the Netherlands for cooperation to strengthen Indian ﬂ oriculture and horticulture trade.

Inspections: Naktuinbouw monitors the quality and health of propagating material. It is an independent organisation that performs inspections according to European directives and the regulations contained in the Dutch Seeds and Planting Materials Act.

Visit to Naktuinbouw The Netherlands’ Inspection Service for Horticulture is better known as Naktuinbouw, which promotes and monitors the quality of produce, processes and inspection chains in horticulture. The main focus is on propagating material of national and international origin. Naktuinbouw is a self-governing body, regulated by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation. Jhenvan Ruiten, Director of the Naktuinbouw gave a presentation on the company’s proﬁ le and functioning. Activities Naktuinbouw is the only organisation in the Netherlands authorised to assess varieties of ﬂ oricultural, arboricultural and vegetable crops for distinctness, uniformity and stability (DUS testing) for registration purposes and granting Plant Breeders’ Rights and to perform inspections of seed and planting material to ascertain the quality on national and international basis. The activities are performed on a cooperative basis. Inspection, variety test and laboratory tests are the main activities, under the following heads:

Quality-plus systems: Through the Naktuinbouw quality inspections, producers of propagating material can guarantee standard quality, as well as the obligatory quality inspections. Naktuinbouw also issues certiﬁ cates to propagators to reward these companies for the extra care and attention they devote to their products. The company identiﬁ es top quality products using various quality-plus systems.

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Quality inspections: The inspectors perform inspections of companies, grower groups, and individual’s seeds and propagating materials. If the material does not meet the legal requirements, then Naktuinbouw ensures that it does not enter the trade channels.

Import and export inspections: Since September 1, 2007, Naktuinbouw has carried out the phytosanitary import and export inspections on behalf of the Plant Protection service of the Netherlands of propagating material of ﬂ oricultural, arboricultural and vegetable crops. During import inspections, it checks whether the propagating material meets the EU phytosanitary standards. The material may enter the EU only after it has been approved by Naktuinbouw. During export inspections Naktuinbouw checks if the material complies with the standards applicable within the EU and if the material meets the standards set by the importing country.

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Breedertesting/Variety testing: The work of variety testing revolves on the identity of plant varieties. The DUS team tests varieties of all horticultural crops and agricultural crops for Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability (DUS). The team has been assigned this task by the Government. Testing for Value for Cultivation and Use (VCU) of agricultural crops is monitored and the Dutch National List of Varieties is kept up-dated. Variety testing also takes care of all the administrative tasks relating to admission and granting Plant Breedersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Rights on behalf of the Board for Plant Varieties. This makes Naktuinbouw the ideal partner for plant identity in agriculture and horticulture. Phytosanitary Inspection: In addition to the quality inspection, Naktuinbouw periodically performs phytosanitary inspections within the European Union at registered companies. These inspections are for so-called plant passport inspections. Laboratories: Naktuinnbouw Laboratories have the knowledge and possibilities to provide preventive testing of apparently healthy planting material. The Diagnostics Department of the Laboratories combines practical expertise of the horticultural sector, diagnostics and research. The team makes reliable diagnoses of pests and diseases and analysis cultivation related problems. DNA Finger Printing: Naktuinbouw Laboratories operate according to strict protocols and quality assurance systems. The identify of varieties and pathogens can also be quickly established using DNA-technology. Virus Indexing: It is well known truth that healthy flowers, trees and vegetables grow from healthy propagating material of the very highest quality. Seeds, cuttings, plants and trees that show no visible abnormalities may still have quality defects or carry damaging viruses, viroid, bacteria, moulds or other organisms.

The Health Test Laboratory provides insight into the presence of latent pathogens in propagating material with its range of advanced Virus Indexing Techniques. Around 80 different viruses in floricultural and arboriculture crops can be detected using the fast Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay (ELISA) test. ELISA is a solid, reliable and relatively inexpensive technique. Tests using indicator plants or Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) are also possible. These are only performed on leaf material. Preventive testing or apparently healthy material is tested by the Diagnostic Department which enables to know about the cause of the problem or abnormality in the plant. HRD Courses: Naktuinbouw offers about 15 courses specifically for activities in the propagating material in horticulture sector. This organisation also offers courses for the breeding companies, propagators and plant producers. There are courses for all levels of employees, from breeder to commercial employees, from seed processing employee to Molecular Biologist. Research & Development: The Research & Development team at Naktuinbouw Laboratories consists of fifteen experienced researchers and analysts. The phytopathologists in the team have a wealth of knowledge concerning diseases and pests in horticultural crops. This expertise is applied in the development of serological and molecular tests to identify pathogens in propagating material for plants. The researchers at Naktuinbouw often collaborate with the Plant Protection Service of the Netherlands, and national and international universities and research institutes. To safeguard the quality of the tests, Naktuinbouw works with the Plant Protection Service on validating a large number of detection tests for quarantine organisms. The validation describes the characteristics of the test and gives an accurate impression of the reliability of the results. Based on this information, the test can be accredited under the international ISO17025 standard. Floriculture Today February 2012 31

Report which optimizes energy savings and reduction in CO2 emissions. The Orchid nursery covers an area of 78,500 square metres. There is an extra tier of cultivation above the processing area. They produce four million phalaenopsis plants of pot size 12 cm every year. Sustainable business with respect to mankind and environment has been the basis of their management approach. The process of cultivation and delivery at Ter Laak Orchids is fully automated. To minimize the risk of damage, they grow the plants in their own tissue culture centre. Cameras are used to assess the plant properties and for grading of the plants.

Plant Protection Status in India India has Plant Breeder’s Right Legislation since 2001. The Plant Variety Protection (PVP) and Farmers Rights (FR) Act provides rights to breeders and farmers but a lot of work requires to be done in this field to safeguard the interest of the farmers. It should be made mandatory to all the Agriculture Universities and Research Centres to conduct such type of research and also to provide these facilities to the Breeders, Plant propagators and farmers. Now over the next fifteen months, India and Naktuinbouw will be working together in increasing the effectiveness of the plant breeders’ rights system through the ‘Strengthening the PVP system in India’ project. Visit to Green Q Improvement Centre The Green Q Horticultural Expertise group focuses on the horticultural sector with special emphasis on cultivation processes. Optimization of crop productivity and quality improvement are the main focus with primary objective being greater profitability for the green Q house owner. Specialized services offer by green Q are project development, crop support and educational service and training. Green Q has its own facility for development and demonstration of cultivation processes, known as the improvement centre. This is a state-ofthe-art greenhouse complex for the development and presentation of new growing concepts and technical installations. Green Q consultancy offers horticultural advice, customized for each individual operation. This takes into account not only crop specific factor but also local conditions, technical installations, climate control etc. The delegation saw various research activities related to CO2/ Water/heat management/gutter…..in controlled conditions. Visit to Ter Laak Orchids, Wateringen ‘Ter Laak Orchids’ has been working with Orchids (phalaenopsis) since 1980. This is a fully automated, technologically advanced orchid growing company. The solar panels on the external screen are innovative and the scale is unique in glasshouse horticulture. They have fully insulated glasshouse facades, three internal screens, heat and cold energy sources, heat pump and cogeneration with a flue gas cleaner 32 Floriculture Today February 2012

Visit to Priva Priva provides various solutions for horticulture development which include process solutions, climate solutions, water solutions, energy solutions and business solutions. As productivity in the horticulture business depends on a balanced mix of all crop-related processes, Priva system helps to create the most optimal growing conditions for the crop, enabling the customer organisations to take control of the energy facility, including the boilers, heatpower installations, heat pumps, buffer tanks and CO2. Energy and Water Management solutions offered by Priva were found impressive:(a) Energy management is the key to a successful horticultural business. Energy management and green house climate control are directly related, and the effective management of the two variables is very much necessary in maximizing the profits. The next generation green house cultivation is based on the latest knowledge from an energy saving programme. In just seven steps one can optimize and achieve energy savings of over 50%. Step 1: Remove moisture by the controlled introduction of dry external air. (15% energy saving. Step 2: Intensive insulation using an energy screen (15% energy saving) Step 3: Cultivation in line with nature (5% energy saving) Step 4: Provide controlled air circulation (5% energy saving) Step 5 : Increased production through misting Step 6 : Active cooling Step 7 : Re-use of summer heat (25% energy saving) (b) The Priva water management programme is an integrated total modular programme of measuring and control functions. It includes controls for pre-treatment of supply water, dosing of nutrients as well as disinfecting of drain water and the preparation for re-use. All processes are fully controlled by the process computer. This results in an optimal use of available water, energy and nutrients. To be able to achieve these processes Priva supplies a series of equipment and sensors. Priva provides watering systems which can be easily automated by connecting to a process computer. The software can be connected to climate control, energy management and management information systems. The dosing system developed by Priva enables the customer to add liquid fertilizers to irrigation water supplies. The sensors determine how much nutrient the crop has assimilated. Flora Holland, Aalsmeer The highlight of the delegation’s programme on the third day

Report

As a producer of cut flowers, India will have to plan a TSP (total solution provider) approach for growers and end-to-end approach for the floriculture sector.

was a visit to Flora Holland, Aalsmeer. Flora Holland is acknowledged as the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biggest auction company of flowers and plants. The company owns six auction centres: v Aalsmeer v Haaldwisk v Risnburg v Bleiswisk v Eelde v Veiling Rheinmass The Netherlands is the heart of the international floriculture sector. It has an intricate and high quality network of companies, ranging from breeders and growers to sales experts and export firms, representing every aspect of the business. There are as many as 9,500 growers and suppliers catering to the six auction centres. They are the owners of the company. There are 14 auction halls in total with 50 auction clocks and 1,15,981 trolleys per day per clock resulting in the auctioning of 8,16,3819 processed trolleys of flowers with an annual turnover of 4 billion euros. In all, 80% of the flowers are from Netherlands and 70% of the sales are to Germany. Aalsmeer auction house is near the international airport. This auction house has five auction rooms selling 21 million flower sticks every day. The centre has sophisticated facilities of processing assembly. It has 18 km long tracks for trolley transportation that runs with the help of electronic motors. The logistic services are geared for the processing of large quantities of products quickly and efficiently. For smaller buyers, the Aalsmeer location has the cash and carry outlet. Auction procedure which is very transparent is conducted by using clocks which display product details with grading (A1, A, B etc.) and bid price to buyers who are sitting in the auction halls. Virtual presence for participating and bidding in the auction is also possible by using the internet. Relevance to India: Terra Nigra Terra Nigra is a company which deals in Dutch roses and

Gerbera flowers. Terra Nigra was started in Aalsmeer, The Netherlands. Currently, it has several establishments worldwide in order to service all its global customers in the best possible way. It is a company that is active in breeding, propagation and marketing of gerberas and roses; it produces quality plants and planting material and sells its products globally through its agents. There is a likelihood that some of the Indian companies may also take up such projects in India and subsequently supply to the global markets, as India excels in tissue culture technology in Gerbera, Orchids etc. At present India is a producer of cut flowers like Dutch roses, Gerbera, Gladiola, Carnations etc. Its annual turnover is approximately Rs.300 crore per annum and this has a potential to grow five times. India will have to plan a TSP (total solution provider) approach for growers and end-to-end approach for the sector. Growers are supposed to be provided with diseasefree, quality planting material with appropriate P.O.P. (package of practice) and consultancy services from companies which specialise in different fields. Visit to Horti Fair The next day, the group proceeded to RAI Horti Fair, the largest international horticultural trade fair concerning technology, innovation and inspiration. The fair had around 600 stand holders as well as numerous seminars, the international Horti Congress on water, various eye-catching products on the exhibition floor and many other novelties. This Horti Fair consisted of various stakeholders i.e., farm owners, managers, horticulturists, industry Floriculture Today February 2012 33

Report and entrepreneurs, companies, scientists, contractors, government officials, research institutes, government agencies, agriculture training and education facilities, agri and horti consultants and exhibitors of all types of horticultural products and equipments. The trade fair gives an opportunity to all stakeholders to interact and enter into M.O.Us and sale-purchase agreements. They can also update their technical skills through knowledge sharing, using this global platform. Various growers, companies, manufacturers, enterprises and industries exhibit their excellent products in order to attract the attention of interested agencies. A visit to Horti Fair will ensure that one walks out well informed about the new developments that concern the cultivation practices, the greenhouse technology, improvement of strains and much more. The horticulture fair offers global solutions for global challenges in the areas of water, food, renewable energy and wellbeing. The role of Horti Fair is to facilitate both visitors and stand holders to get acquainted themselves with the latest cutting edge technology and other information in this field. This trade fair is a very big exhibition using TSPs (total solution providers) approach for the horticulture sector, which can be synergized in the Indian market also by various stakeholders. Such types of exhibitions are organised by Indian chambers of commerce/industry also but their approach is more generalist than sector-specific; thereby limiting themselves to becoming agri business fairs. In future, horticulture fairs to be organised in India should be

more aligned to this sector, inviting only TSP agencies. Horti Fair had the presence of some Indian players as well. There were stalls of “Floriculture Today” of Media Today Group, “Gerware”, “Coir Board”, “Nuciterra”. Coir Board and Nuciterra deal in coir-boards and cocopit trays for seedlings, tissue culture etc. The contribution of Indian companies was visible in the field of tissue culture and planting material for orchids and Gerbera. Flower Companies & Research On the last day, the delegation was taken to Denoknekarji Westland, Anthura Anthuriun, Phalaenopsis and Wageningen UR Glastuinbouw, Bleiswijk. Demikwakerji Westland company is dealing in export of vegetables and flowers. Vegetables and flowers are grown in glass houses in controlled conditions. The company also exports soilless media cultivation technology. Anthura Anthurium and Phalaenopsis company propagates, grows and exports roses, anthurium and gladulus in controlled conditions. This company has tie-up with a few of the growers and companies of India also. Visit to above companies provided unique exposure to private company initiatives in floriculture and making it a successful export based profit making venture. Wageningen UR Glastuinbouw, Bleiswijk is a research institute. This institute is into research on vegetable and flowerbed lights, red & blue lights, traditional yellow lights in different protected conditions ranging from sun light control, CO2 control to height of glass houses for cultivation. The institute has a unique water harvesting tank for irrigation. The rain harvesting tank, instead of digging for creating required depth was raised from all sides to protect it from intrusion of animals. Further, protection was given to the tank by having very hard and durable plastic lining so that it does not get torn by entry of animals. Another, experiment in the rain water management was development of two huge same size tanks. At one given point of time only the first tank’s water is used while the other one is covered from the top to avoid water evaporation during high temperature. The tank was covered with mud and thatched straw with the help of wooden planks over it. This practice can be used as a model in India, especially in moisture stress, low rain intensity areas. Members of the Delegation: 1. Shailendra Kumar, Director (Hort.), Department of Agriculture & Cooperation, Ministry of Agriculture, Govt.of India, New Delhi. 2. Ljvinder Singh Brar, Director (Hort) – cum- Mission Director, SHM, Punjab. 3. Smt. I. Rani Kumudini, Commissioner (Hort), AP 4. Dr. N. Vijaya Lakshmi, Secretary (Agri.), Govt. of Bihar 5. M.S.Deonikar, MD, Maharashtra State Horti & Medicinal Plant Board, Maharashtra. 6. J.S.Yadav, Mission Director, SHM, Rajasthan 7. Dr.Satyavir Singh, D.G.(Horti), Govt. of Haryana 8. Girija Shankar Pande, AS & Mission Director, Govt. of Uttarakhand. n

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Rare Plants

Stapelia gigantea

Carrion Flower — N. C. Tewari and Yogendra Misra CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow

he genus Stapelia belongs to family Asclepiadaceae but the plants look like as an odd fleshy cactus plant or the plant of Euphorbiaceae family. This genus is sometimes confused with the cacti group of plants. Stapelia consists of around 89 species of low growing, succulent plants, Most of the species are native to South Africa, 3 or 4 in tropical Africa and very few of Europian origin. The hairy, oddly textured and coloured appearance of many Stapelia flowers has been claimed to resemble that of rotting meat, this, coupled with their odour, has earned the most commonly grown/ members of the Stapelia genus the common name of “carrion flowers”. The name Stapelia is derived from the name J. B. van Stapel, a Dutch physician, died in early part of the seventeenth century, who wrote on the plant of Theophrastus. Stapelia spp. are usually grown with cactus house succulents and cactus both for the great oddity of their looks and for the singular and often large showy flowers. The plants also grown in rockeries and in pots in open places. Description: Stapelias are low, perennial succulents. Stapelia are small plants of 20-30 cm high. Plants have low stems, leafless, coarsley 4-angled, the angle coarsely dentate, usually more or less covered with tubercles and excrescences. The stems, their surface and branching make them immediately recognizable. The stems are almost always erect and are usually uniformly green to reddish, depending on the extent of exposure to the sun. Only rarely are they mottled with red or purple on green. The stems of a small group of species are grayish with darker purple in the grooves between the angles. Thickness of the stems varies from 40 Floriculture Today February 2012

Stapelia gigantea, Plants

5-50 mm in diameter. Tubercles on the stems are laterally flattened and vertically joined into continuous rows, rendering the stems 4-angled. Each tubercle bears a small leaf rudiment, which may vary in width from 1 - 6 mm. It is short-lived and leaves a round ‘scar at the tip of the tubercle. The pubescence of the stem surface is caused by the elongation of the outer walls of the epidermal cells into slender papillae. Flowers are often large, generally fetid and commonly arise from the angles and notcles of the stems, apparently in no regularity and are usually grotesquely barred and motted with dark and dull colours, calyx and corolla 5-parted, corolla segments spreading, usually narrow and fleshy, mostly purple or morbled, in some species pale, crown in 2 rows, the outer horizontally spreading deeply 5-lobed, the lobes entire or shortly 2-3 cleft, the inner of 5 scales adnate to the bare of the anthers. Fruit of 2 follicles, containing comose seeds. Some of the species have flowers several centimetre across, although

the plants themselves are relatively small, in fact, the flower of Stapelia gigantea are sometimes 25-30 cm. across. Members of this strictly entomophilous (strongly associated with insects) genus occupy a wide diversity of habitats, mostly in arid areas. The putrid smell of the flowers of many species attracts flies and other insects for pollination (myophily). It has been reported . that flies are sometimes so deceived by the odour that they lay their eggs around the fleshy corona, convinced that it will be a food source for their hatching larvae. The male and female parts of the flower and various membranes and sacs are fused into a complex structure which usually traps the mouthparts or legs of insects. A clip attached to two pollen sacs of the plant is attached to an insect in its struggle to free itself. This is deposited on the next flower visited where the pollen germinates, causes fertilization and the development of seed. Individual flowers are mostly shortlived, but in some cases plants have

Rare Plants Stapelia gigantea, Flowers

Stapelia gigantea, Bud

extended flowering periods through the sequential formation of new ones under favourable conditions. Stapelia gigantea N. E. Br.: About 89 species of Stapelia are found in nature. Stapelia gigantea N. E. Br., native of tropical and South Africa, is a common species in India and described below. Stapelia gigantea is a very variable species with the largest flowers in the germs ranging from 10-40 cm in diameter. It is the most widely northsouth distributed species and occurs in Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Botswana, Zimbabwe and South Africa. It grows in many habitats and may form clumps of 1-2 m in diameter. Stapelia gigantea is 25-30 cm. high. Stem erect branching from a short decumbent, pubescent, light dull green, angles much compressed. Flower 1 or 2 together, near the base or towards the middle of the stem, corolla 20-25 cm. in diameter, disk-like, center shallowly depressed, inner surface transversely regulose, pale-purple-hairy, light ochreyellow, everywhereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; marked with transverse crimson lines, lobes 8-10 cm. long. Flowers are very attractive and showy, They bloom in the month of October. The life of the normal flower is 25-30 hours. Tiny buds arise from the angles and notches of the stem and takes 25â&#x20AC;&#x2122;:30 .days for full development. Petiole is 5-6 Cm. long pale-green and pubescent. Bud

shape is conical, pale-green in colour and takes 25-30 minutes to open. The flower smell like carrion and are not affensive if blooming out side. Propagation: Most of the Stapelias demand the treatment given to cacti and cape euphorbias- a light, airy, rather dry position during the growing and blooming seasons and soil made porous with rubble. They are mostly summer and fall blooms. They should remain dormant in winter. Propagated easily by cutting. They do best, however, when not grown so dry as cacti are grown for planning and repotting, a

The male and female parts of the flower and various membranes and sacs are fused into a complex structure which usually traps the mouthparts or legs of insects.

mixture of one part of leaf mould and one part of sand coarse are used. Potting and repotting is done in the month of February and September-October. Watering is done once in a week. The soil should have good drainage. They need a cool; dry rest period in winter. Fertilize once during the growing season with a balance fertilizer. They are best managed in pots and can withstand extreme heat. Stapelia grandiflora Masson and Stapelia variegate Linn. are also grown in Indian garden. Economic and cultural value: Parts of Stapelia gigantea have been reported to be used by the Zulus as a remedy for hysteria. These plants are, however, mainly sought by collectors of succulent plants. Conservation status: In general, Stapelias are never very abundant and are scattered over vast areas. In Namibia Stapelia pearsonii is listed as rare. On an interim Red Data assessment (August 2006) of the Threatened Species Programme (TSP, SANBI), 20 taxa are listed in the following IUCN categories: four Data Deficient (DO), 10 Least Concern. (Le), three Near Threatened (NT) (Stapelia baylissii, S. clavicorona and S. tsomoensis); and three Vulnerable (VU) (Stapelia obducta and both subspecies of S. praetermissa). The general threat seems to be degradation of habitat, but for most of the listed species the threats are unknown. n Floriculture Today February 2012 41

Landscaping

Palms are Best Choice in

Landscaping — Dinesh Rawat

oncept of quality greening and landscaping is gaining ground in India. If we look at the advertisements for housing complexes – all are to attract customers with luxurious greening commitments like “80% Green” “Three Lakh Trees will welcome you”. Factories are creating green surroundings around the boundary with trees and palms and making lovely lawns with nice garden and with seasonal flowers. Big Industries are creating green belt with wide green coverage and we can witness that highways are coming up much greener than earlier. All around now we find that people are more conscious and concerned about greening and it is good news indeed. When it comes to urban landscape we must take into consideration that several facilities run underground like water, gas, electricity, TV cable etc. Planting trees may not be a good idea as they grow vigorously with massive crown together with many branches and their root system also to be wide spread and they may disturb and damage these underground facilities. Palms are the most exciting group of plants and are given the highest esteem by gardeners, landscapers and horticulturists. They have also realized that although palms are little expensive initially, but in the long run they are better as they enhance the prestige of any property immensely. People 42 Floriculture Today February 2012

with astute sense of beauty in landscaping accept that palms enhance aesthetic beauty of a building, landscape, roadside, pathways etc. Other trees with multi branches hide the beauty of a building complex, whereas palms sooth our eyes. Palms have clear, round, upright trunk with majestic evergreen crown. They are elegant for our view and well known for their symmetrical growth. They have and orderly and uniform growth and make an avenue highly attractive. They remain evergreen and do not litter the ground with leaves. Generally they have large leaves. Dried remain attached to the trunk and can be taken off by cutting or pulling by hand. Palms require very small ground space for growth. Their root system does not cover a large area depth in the ground. Therefore palms are most suitable for narrow passages and most ideal for narrow strips of land, boundaries and around an establishment. They can be relocated or transplanted at any age without much difficulty. Palms offer a wide range of selection. Whatever maybe the requirement, choices are available. Palms are single stem robust tall, single stem intermediate tall, single stem slender tall, semi tall, clumping semi tall, bush forming, dwarf, full sun lover, partial sun lover, shade lover, solitary trunk, clumping, spiny trunks, drought tolerant, water tolerant and some are marshy too. Palms are unique due to their weather resisting capabilities. Palms are

tropical plants but most of them can tolerate extreme climate. Most of them cannot endure frost but some are cold hardy. Palms require very less care and attention. Once given right place and atmosphere, they quietly keep on growing to their glory. Palms also give us several choices for indoors. There are several varieties which will grow happily indoors and create a graceful ambience. India has the most suitable climatic conditions for palms in general. But one has to be a bit selective when one comes to northern and northwestern India such as some parts of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Punjab Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Kashmir experience extremely high and/or very low temperatures in certain parts of the year. Now-a-days, about 200 varieties of Palms are in cultivation in various nurseries all over India. The beauty and elegance of palms cannot be compared with other ornamental plants. Therefore, they are cultivated not only for their economic benefits as plantation crops but introduced in the landscape for their aesthetic value also. Palms are also grown for beautifying interiors of houses, house gardens, parks, large estates, along road sides as potent decorative and landscape beautifying plants. n

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Show Report

Large visitor turnout at Lalbagh Flower Show

t was a riot of colours. The Centenary Horticulture Show organised by Mysore Horticultural Society and the Department of Horticulture at Lalbagh in Bangalore was inaugurated by Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda. The highlight of the ten-day bi-annual flower show this year — which showcased various flowers, fruits and vegetables from across the country — was an attractive display of flowers from Holland. The Republic Day Flower Show, which concluded on January 29, had special displays planned out for each day. “Last year over 6 lakh people visited the flower show and this year around 10 lakh visitors are expected. I wish I could take a day off from politics and take a walk around Lalbagh. It has been organised really well this year. The special attraction is the Holland display,” said the Chief Minister. Main attractions were potted plants, cut flowers, Thai art, Jannur, Ikebana, Indian floral art, Bonsai and vegetable carvings. A gardening competition was conducted for various government and non-government offices across the city in which many popular hotels, restaurant chains and hospitals participated to further their ‘green Bangalore’ agenda. “Bangalore has produced many export quality flowers, fruits and vegetables. Each year this show helps disseminate high-tech knowledge of horticulture and the show also attracts many people from all parts of the world,” said P Hemalatha, chairman of Mysore Horticulture Society. The special features of the show were a floral tribute to Buddha and the various traditional dance forms of India, a special flower show from Holland, display of ornamental plants by IndoAmerican hybrid seeds company and a sand show at the Bonsai garden. The Giant Water Lily, a 17-feet high and 20-feet wide floral tribute to the national bird — peacock — and sand art depicting the Mahabharatha Chariot also attracted large crowds of visitors. 46 Floriculture Today February 2012

Exquisite Floral Creations

A treat to the senses, Bangalore’s annual flower extravaganza blossomed yet again. The cynosure of all eyes at the centenary Republic Day flower show was a Buddha peace Stupa of South Korea, made up of four lakh flowers. Among other floral eye-cathing delights were a ‘flowing stream’ created by using 34 varieties of flowers, diverse dance forms depicted through flowers and fruits, a sand sculpture of a chariot with Lord Krishna on the driver’s seat, flower boats and a floral peacock. Over twenty food stalls helped the visitors to spend longer hours at the exhibition. For plant lovers, there were eight nurseries with a variety of plantlets and seeds, said Aswath S, Joint Director, Horticulture Department. The show was open from 8 am to 10 pm.

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News

Making strong selections for the Latin American market

About Preesman Plants BV: Preesman Plants is a leading Dutch breeding company for Roses, Gerbera, Alstroemeria and Chrysanthemum. Preesman has its own offices in Africa, and Latin America; the rest of the world is covered by an extensive agent network.

Kerala’s Coir Musicfor the Gulf

Alejandra Tapia (far right) hard at work with her Preesman colleagues in the Kenyan trial house.

It is conflict faced by all breeders: How to select the best rose varieties for each region? Typically the answer surfaces after agents log thousands of air miles to visit growers, and countless emails and phone calls across the globe. Preesman Plants has recently taken a new approach to this ageold problem by turning it inside-out: Alejandra Tapia, the company’s well-respected Selection Manager in Ecuador, has recently moved to the company’s Kenyan breeding facilities to help guide Preesman’s rose selection process for the Latin American market. “Preesman has been breeding and selecting roses under natural conditions in Kenya for the last seven years,” says Preeman’s Global Breeding Director Paul de Bruin. “Alejandra’s experience in the market allows her to make selections that will not only fit with the demands of growers in Latin America but will also give a greater depth to our rose varieties for the rest of the world.”

Gulf countries have long funded Kerala’s riches, but of late, God’s Own Country has been increasingly returning the favour, supplying an alternative medium for growing flowers, vegetables and the ubiquitous date palms in a region where soil is scarce. Coir pith, or the spongy material inside the coconut husk, is exported mainly from Kerala and Tamil Nadu, the top coconut producing states. Demand is rising fast as the Gulf countries are reducing their dependence on imported soil and compost made from wastes. Exports from India, growing at 20% annually, touched Rs.148 crore last year. “Coco pith is mixed with sand for use as potting soil. Each block of 4 to 5 kg has storage capacity of 25 to 40 litres of water. This means, one needs to water the plants only after 15 to 20 days as the coco pith can retain moisture,” says Reji, founder of Kerala-based Amrutham Bio, an organic research and development centre. The company, which has a nursery of date palms and other flowering plants grown on coco pith, sells its products in Oman, Kuwait and other countries

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News in the region. Indian exporters are finding it difficult to enter Saudi Arabia, though. “Coir pith is exported in blocks of 5 kg and they are broken and made into soil. The buyers in Saudi Arabia mistook it for hashish and rejected it despite the fact that the buying agency based in the country had several good contacts,’’ says Mathew Job, managing partner of DPM Coco Peat Industries. However, the demand is fairly well spread in the other Gulf countries. Sri Lanka is the biggest competitor for India in coco pith, but India has an advantage as the Indian coir pith has less salt content and requires less washing before use. European countries, which were the first to source this environmentally friendly material from India, remain the biggest importers from India. “Coir pith was used as a substitute for soil in Europe in the early 1990s. But it is now increasingly applied as soil conditioner and soil medium,” says K Sivakar, partner at Sivanthi Joe Coirs, which has formedacompanyindubaitomake it easier to import coir pith and transport it to the other countries in the region.

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Hydrangeas find new generation of fans I’m a big fan of hydrangeas, and so it seems is the rest of New Zealand. As soon as they hit the garden centre shelves they sell out in next to no time. They’ve shaken off their old-fashioned image and morphed into beautiful longlasting blooms that the home gardener is enamoured with. As a cut flower they’re unsurpassed. Just a single bloom can fill a vase. Which is why they sometimes sell for $5-$6 a stem at florists. If I totalled up the number of blooms on my plants, at $5 a pop they’d be worth well over $1000. Not a bad return on six plants that have been in the ground for less than a year. Those six plants are all moptops ( H y d r a n g e a s macrophylla), which, along with Hydrangea arborescens and Hydrangea paniculata are the three most

commonly grown hydrangeas for cut flowers. Of those, the paniculata is the hardiest of them all and certainly tolerates more sun. It has attractive, pyramid-shaped white flowers that age to pink. The panicles are usually 15-20 centimetres long, but they can reach up to 45cm if selectively pruned (a little like disbudding dahlias to get bigger blooms). They flower later than the moptops and they also flower on new wood (unlike mop tops), which means they may be cut to the ground (down to one or two buds) after flowering or late in winter. Moptops, on the other hand, don’t actually need pruning at all, unless they’re becoming too large or straggly. They flower

News on the previous year’s stems, so if you cut those right back to the ground, you won’t get any flowers. You could give them a light clip to keep them tidy. Commercial growers harvest flowers with stem lengths between 45cm and 75cm, so they generally cut the stems back to two to four nodes. Hydrangea quercifolia is lovely, too, with its white also-pyramid-shaped blooms. It’s known as the oakleaf hydrangea because its foliage resembles the leaves of an oak tree. And like oak tree leaves, they turn a spectacular red, orange and burgundy in autumn. This hydrangea grows well in drier locations, but won’t tolerate wet soil. It flowers later than the mop heads, too, but the flowers last for weeks and weeks on the bush. The plants themselves are not as quick growing as young plants have only a few branches, but once mature branches and flowers are plentiful. The flowers of Hydrangea arborescens are similar to mopheads, although all arborescens have white flowers. They flower on new wood, so, like paniculatas, they may be cut to the ground or trimmed lightly after flowering. They are a hardy species, though perhaps more difficult to grow in warm, humid areas. They are drought tolerant, so they’re a good one to plant if you’re not so vigilant with the watering. “Annabelle” is the mostgrown variety in this species, with heads up to 25cm across. It prefers morning sun and afternoon shade, or all-day dappled shade.

and allows for better uptake of water. Then recut the stems and place them in a bucket of lukewarm water. Stand for six hours or overnight in a cool room (don’t put them in direct sunlight) before arranging. That initial drink of water can double, triple or even quadruple the life of your flowers.

Flowers for drying are best taken mid or late season. If cut too early the petals will wrinkle. The flowers should feel kind of rubbery, rather than papery. Hang in bunches of three in a warm, dry and darkened room. Sunlight contributes to colour fade; damp spaces will cause blooms to rot. A dehumidifier is a neat trick to keep the air moist-free and allow blooms to dry quickly. Drying hydrangeas by hanging is a far better method than leaving them in a vase of water. In fact, in the book Specialty Cut Flowers, Allan Armitage and Judy Laushman quote grower Don Mitchell: “I understand Martha Stewart suggested putting vodka in the water to increase uptake. I say, drink the vodka and hang the hydrangeas!” Here, here!

Mark Your Dates

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IN THE GARDEN Hydrangeas like a rich, moist but freedraining soil. The macrophylla hydrangeas in particular like a moist soil and if they’re lacking water they’ll virtually wilt before your eyes, though they’re reasonably tough plants. Give them some water and they’ll perk right up. Young plants need ample water while establishing a root system. Make sure you water well over summer. While hydrangeas don’t need feeding, they do flower better if fed once a year. Spring is the best time to feed. Florists often talk about conditioning cut flowers to give them a longer vase life. It does work, and particularly so with hydrangeas. Immediately after picking, place the stems in 3cm of boiling water for one minute. This forces the air from the stems Floriculture Today February 2012 51

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