Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
ing. Their longevity can be stretched a bit with cold storage but the export
market will be cold to preserved products, which are known to wilt fast
once out in the open. Whereas in other side In Pune and across Bangalore,
the winter temperature has increased by 4 °C. Both these centers are major
areas for rose cultivation. The higher than normal temperature has resulted
in an earlier bloom of roses. This, in turn, has advanced the arrival of the
roses in the market. Planters projected that at least 25% of the blooms
are set to arrive in the market much ahead of Valentine's Day this year.
The ongoing concern of floriculturists is that the sharp rise in temperature
could lead to damage and consequent rejection of export consignments. In
the domestic market, most planters are expecting a glut that would result
in prices plunging.
Deshmukh (2013) reported that under naturally ventilated polyhouse
technology for rose cultivation, it was found that the warmer climate in
December advanced the maturity cycle of the roses. The buds bloomed
before attaining maturity, thereby reducing the flower size. Fitter and Fit-
ter (2002) report that the average first flowering date of 385 British plant
species has advanced by 4.5 days during the past decade compared with
the previous four decades: 16% of species flowered significantly earlier
in the 1990s than previously, with an average advancement of 15 days in
a decade. Ten species (3%) flowered significantly later in the 1990s than
previously. These data reveal the strongest biological signal yet of cli-
matic change. Flowering is especially sensitive to the temperature in the
previous month and spring-flowering species are most responsive. How-
ever, large inter specific differences in this response will affect both the
structure of plant communities and gene flow between species as climate
warms. Annuals are more likely to flower early than congeneric perenni-
als, and insect-pollinated species more than wind-pollinated ones.
12.3
FLORICULTURE SCENARIO IN INDIA
India is becoming a strong center of commercial floriculture in the in-
ternational market. During the last 5-7 years, there was a great surge
in the floricultural activity in the production of flowers (cut and loose),
ornamental plants (potted and cut-greens) and dry flowers (value added
products), besides marketing. The horticultural sector contributed around
28% of the GDP annually from 13.08% of the area and 37% of the total
