Ornamental Plant Production - Hardcover

by R Lakshmi Narayanan (Author)

Ornamental Plant Production provides a comprehensive guide to the science and techniques behind cultivating high-quality ornamental plants for aesthetic, ecological, and commercial use. Designed to meet the needs of students, growers, and green industry professionals, this book integrates traditional practices with modern advancements in floriculture and nursery management. Key Features: - Introduction to Ornamental Horticulture: Explores the history, scope, and significance of ornamental plant cultivation in landscape and commercial contexts. - Propagation Techniques: Covers seed propagation, cuttings, grafting, layering, and micropropagation with practical guidelines. - Nursery Establishment and Management: Offers insights into site selection, infrastructure setup, plant material selection, and resource planning. - Cultural Practices: Details soil preparation, irrigation, nutrient management, pruning, training, and growth regulation for ornamental crops. - Container and Field Production: Discusses systems for producing bedding plants, shrubs, trees, and seasonal flowers in various growing environments. - Pest and Disease Control: Introduces integrated pest management (IPM) practices for maintaining plant health and reducing crop losses. - Post-Harvest Handling and Marketing: Explains harvesting techniques, grading, packaging, and sales strategies for ornamental plants and plant products. - Sustainability and Innovation: Highlights eco-friendly practices, water-efficient systems, and the use of biodegradable materials in production.