Articles
CHARACTERIZATION OF TWO PRODUCTION SYSTEMS OF PROTEACEAE IN AZORES ISLANDS
Article number
805_3
Pages
31 – 38
Language
English
Abstract
Proteaceae were introduced for the first time in Azores in mid XIX century, but were only commercially grown since 1996. Sao Miguel and Terceira are the islands where most Proteaceae are grown, however their production systems are quite distinct.
The aim of this work was to characterize the production systems of both islands, assessing the type of cultivars grown, cultural practices and yield. The type of cultivars grown on both islands do not differ much, but in S. Miguel the genus Protea and Leucadendron are the most cultivated, whereas in Terceira the genus Protea and Leucospermum predominate.
Plant density and planting pattern are quite variable between and within farms in both islands.
Soil chemical and physical properties vary significantly, but there are some common features like high organic matter and iron content, and high proportion of coarse fragments.
Plant diseases are a major concern, mostly those that are airborne, but some soil diseases can also be important, depen¬ding on the previous crop.
Soil fertilization and the pruning systems differ significantly between both islands.
In S. Miguel fertigation is commonly used, whereas in Terceira farmers only use foliar fertilization, which has a significant impact in soil fertility levels.
In Terceira the pruning system is rather intensive, aiming for long stem cut flowers, whereas in S. Miguel farmers prune less, have higher yields, but with lower stem lengths.
Consequently, the commercialization strategies differ significantly.
In Terceira flowers are traded individually, whereas in S. Miguel they are traded as mixed bouquets.
Both systems have advantages and disadvantages, but considering the labour costs, disease incidence, plant longevity and flower quality, studies are under way to determine which system is more adequate to this region.
The aim of this work was to characterize the production systems of both islands, assessing the type of cultivars grown, cultural practices and yield. The type of cultivars grown on both islands do not differ much, but in S. Miguel the genus Protea and Leucadendron are the most cultivated, whereas in Terceira the genus Protea and Leucospermum predominate.
Plant density and planting pattern are quite variable between and within farms in both islands.
Soil chemical and physical properties vary significantly, but there are some common features like high organic matter and iron content, and high proportion of coarse fragments.
Plant diseases are a major concern, mostly those that are airborne, but some soil diseases can also be important, depen¬ding on the previous crop.
Soil fertilization and the pruning systems differ significantly between both islands.
In S. Miguel fertigation is commonly used, whereas in Terceira farmers only use foliar fertilization, which has a significant impact in soil fertility levels.
In Terceira the pruning system is rather intensive, aiming for long stem cut flowers, whereas in S. Miguel farmers prune less, have higher yields, but with lower stem lengths.
Consequently, the commercialization strategies differ significantly.
In Terceira flowers are traded individually, whereas in S. Miguel they are traded as mixed bouquets.
Both systems have advantages and disadvantages, but considering the labour costs, disease incidence, plant longevity and flower quality, studies are under way to determine which system is more adequate to this region.
Publication
Authors
P. Monjardino, R. Calouro, J.G. Batista, C. Ormonde
Keywords
Protea
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