Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
exports of agricultural commodities (2004-2005). Albeit, India's present
contribution in the global floricultural export market is negligible (about
0.4%) as compared to the Netherlands (58%), Columbia (14%), Ecuador
(7%), Kenya (5%), Israel (2%), Italy (2%), Spain (2%) and others 10%, it
is not far when India will come up as a major grower/exporter by virtue of
well planned policies formulated by the Government of India backed with
foreign technologies for greenhouse production.
12.3.1 IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON FLORICULTURE
The impact of climate change on flowering plants and crops will be more
pronounced. Melting of ice cap in the Himalayan regions will reduce
chilling required for the flowering of many of the ornamental plants like
Rhododendron, Orchid, Tulip, Alstromerea, Magnolia, Saussurea, Im-
patiens, Narcissus, etc. Some of them will fail to bloom or flower with
less abundance while others will be threatened. Indigenous species in the
natural habitat will be under threat for not getting favorable agro climatic
conditions for their proliferation. Western Ghats and surrounding regions
may be deprived of normal precipitation due to abnormal monsoon. Plant
species requiring high humidity and water may find them under difficult
conditions for survival. Plains of India will also have similar kind of prob-
lems and will be affected either by drought or excessive rains, floods and
seasonal variations. Commercial production of flowers particularly grown
under open field conditions will be severely affected leading to poor flow-
ering, improper floral development and color besides reduction in flower
size and short blooming period.
12.3.2 SOME OF THE ABIOTIC EFFECTS ON ORNAMENTAL
FLOWER CROPS
12.3.2.1 CHRYSANTHEMUM
Photoperiod: Chrysanthemum is a short day plant. So flowering round the
year in open field condition is not possible.
