Co-Authors:
Gera, A., Dept. of Plant Pathology, ARO, Volcani Center, Bet Dagan, Israel
Beckelman, E., Dept. of Plant Pathology, ARO, Volcani Center, Bet Dagan, Israel
Maslenin, L., Dept. of Plant Pathology, ARO, Volcani Center, Bet Dagan, Israel
Zeidan, M., Plant Protection and Inspection Services, Ministry of Agriculture, Bet Dagan, Israel
Abstract:
The economic importance of ornamentals has been increasing in many countries, and international demand has rapidly expanded. Cut flowers represent the largest segment of the industry followed by flowering pot plants, tree and nursery crops, flower bulbs, and other propagation material. The horticultural sector has seen much structural change both nationally and internationally over the last decades, but the implications for plant health have been neglected. We review the trends in ornamental production in the context of recent developments including the movement towards a global horticultural market, the rise of the horticultural industry of many developing countries, and the risk of plant virus diseases. Over the decade, there have been many changes in the ornamental production and marketing. This has resulted from the introduction of many innovations in production, handling, and transport. These changes have contributed to a marked increase in the international exchange of plant material. In all continents, there is a general trend towards fewer and larger horticultural growers, an increasing role of supermarkets and a concentration of the retail pathways. However, the increase in volume of new materials carries new risks of the introduction of both new viruses and new vectors, and of new, potentially more severe isolates of those viruses that have been known for many years. New production facilities are expanding in South America and in emerging centers of cut flower production in Africa. An important trend in the international flower market is the increased emphasis on novelties and high quality. Morphology and plant architecture have gained increasing importance in breeding programs of ornamental plants. Quality factors related to flower longevity, as well as tolerance and resistance against pest and diseases, including viroids and viral diseases are essential criteria in a competitive floriculture market. As competition in the world market increases, quality becomes a more important factor.