Floriculture, Landscaping and Turf Management: Production and Management Strategies

The flower industry comprises of cultivation and trade in cut flowers, traditional flowers, cut foliage, potted plants and dry flowers. Undoubtedly flower production, consumption and trade have grown many folds in recent years. The annual growth potential of floriculture is 25-30%, at the same time competition is also increasing worldwide. Indian floriculture has recently witnesses commendable changes which have transformed it from a hobbyist activity to a commercial enterprise.The scenario of floriculture is changing very fast due to steadily widening export opportunities. The demand for flowers and ornamental plants in the domestic market is growing at a fast pace and a large number of people earn their livelihood by either producing or marketing flowers and ornamental plants in this country.In this context consolidated information about flowers for trade would be more useful to the floriculturists, students and all others interested in floriculture. A sincere effort has been made to gather and include as much relevant information as possible regarding major cut flowers, loose flowers, landscaping components and turf establishment.

Nithya Devi, Ramesh Kumar and Lakshmanan graduated from TNAU, Coimbatore, India. All the authors are now working as horticulturist in the same university. Nithya Devi & Ramesh Kumar has received fellowship from VVOB-INIBAP,France & M/s Kali&Salz, Germany respectively. Lakshmanan has published more than 20 research papers and 10 books.