Ornamental Plants

The Division Ornamental Plants (DORN) was established in 2018, but derives from a previous ISHS Section Ornamental Plants, which operated from the beginning of the creation of the scientific structure of the Society. This testifies to the international impact of the ornamental industry, which has shown an important development since the fifties of the last century. From then, the ornamental industry increased in many countries and this sector appears diversified and under a rapid evolution. DORN, with its seven Working Groups, is aimed at considering aspects of research, technology transfer and education in the ornamental sector to take care of the different key determinants for an innovative and sustainable ornamental industry able to create socio-economic benefits.

Four Working Groups are oriented towards specific crops (Flower Bulbs and Herbaceous Perennials, Orchids, Roses, and Protea) and offer an opportunity to exchange scientific knowledge and create global networks to improve the understanding of the specific crops and the commercial production in different areas of the world.

Three Working Groups are addressing important issues: research on developing new ornamentals for enhancing the crop assortment required to satisfy the consumers’ demand and to create new market opportunities; increased demands on plant quality with attention to the quality factors related to postharvest to withstand the global competition; and the challenge of coping with emerging viral diseases affecting ornamental plants to respond to the trend of the international transport of ornamentals and to support sustainable crop management.

Aware of the fact that several challenges, but also several opportunities, arising in the ornamental sector should be approached in an interdisciplinary way, since 2022, DORN promotes the organization of international symposia addressed to enhance the cross-learning among several disciplines, which can support the productive ornamental chain from breeding to market.