Commercial Micropropagation of Florist Flower Crops

Abstract

The micropropagation of florist flower crops has been substantial and as a group they are easy to propagate in vitro. Maximum productivity is achieved by determining optimal environmental conditions and nutrient medium composition for shoot multiplication and rooting. A review of the scientific literature indicates procedures exist to micropropagate numerous plant materials; however, it is difficult to assess commercial feasibility and subsequent problems from this information. The material presented within this paper is an attempt to review techniques and problems associated with commercial micropropagation of florist flower crops. The information presented was obtained from interviews with commercial laboratories operating in the United States. The scientific literature was not referred to in gathering information. A reluctance of some laboratories to give proprietary information is reflected by lack of detail in the text.