Articles
NEW ORNAMENTAL CROPS IN AUSTRALIA.
Article number
397_4
Pages
59 – 70
Language
Abstract
Interest in the Australian flora has increased dramatically over the past few years, resulting in a surge in research and development of new genera and species as commercial ornamental crops.
Currently, most effort is being directed towards the development of new cut flower crops, but the selection of bedding and pot plant crops is also continuing.
A large number of Australian native cut flower species are picked from the wild (bush-picked), are generally of poor quality and are available in only small quantities.
Research into developing new ornamentals is concentrating, therefore, on introducing bush-picked species into commercial cultivation, thereby improving quality and relieving the environmental impact on wild stands.
Research is being conducted predominately in universities, botanic gardens and the Departments of Agriculture in each state, and is concentrating on improving propagation, cultivation and postharvest techniques.
Selection of new crops is specifically for export markets, with particular emphasis on Japan.
The release of these new varieties should further establish the Australian flora in world markets.
Currently, most effort is being directed towards the development of new cut flower crops, but the selection of bedding and pot plant crops is also continuing.
A large number of Australian native cut flower species are picked from the wild (bush-picked), are generally of poor quality and are available in only small quantities.
Research into developing new ornamentals is concentrating, therefore, on introducing bush-picked species into commercial cultivation, thereby improving quality and relieving the environmental impact on wild stands.
Research is being conducted predominately in universities, botanic gardens and the Departments of Agriculture in each state, and is concentrating on improving propagation, cultivation and postharvest techniques.
Selection of new crops is specifically for export markets, with particular emphasis on Japan.
The release of these new varieties should further establish the Australian flora in world markets.
Authors
R.B. Jones
Keywords
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