Volume 52

PP: 367

MONDAY MORNING, 30 SEPTEMBER 2002

The 1st Combined Meeting of the International Plant Propagators’ Society Eastern
Region and Southern Region of North America convened at 8:00 AM at the Marriott
Hunt Valley Inn, Baltimore, Maryland, with Eastern Region President Dick Bir
and Southern Region of North America Stewart Chandler presiding.

Author: Ron Strasko

PP: 400

We are propagators of cell pack liners that we ship to other growers. Therefore, I
will be speaking about propagation of small liner-sized material. We produce grass
liners three different ways; division, seed, and cuttings (Table 1.).

Author: Calvin Chong

PP: 410

INTRODUCTION

Organic wastes and composts have been gaining support for use as amendments
in potting substrates (Chong, 1999a; Shiralipour et al., 1994; Warman and Taylor,
2000), but there has been little or no examination of these materials for use in
propagation. This presentation compares the characteristics of selected wastes and
composts and highlights the challenges and constraints in relationship to their
potential for use in propagation.

Author: Steve Trollip

PP: 71

INTRODUCTION

In August 1998 I planted my very first cycad in the ground at Buckawayo. With this
very first planting I had assumed a very major responsibility towards the conservation
of cycads. My aims with this venture were fourfold:

Firstly the totally hedonistic experience, cycads give me lots of pleasure.

Secondly, the very important job of trying to become involved with the conservation
of cycads.

Thirdly this facility would be available for the training of University and Technikon
students in the conservation and cultivation of cycads.

Lastly the venture would not succeed if the commercial aspect were not part of
the entire conservation ethic.

Author: Michael P. Corbett

PP: 415

INTRODUCTION

Hydrangea arborescens, H. macrophylla, H. paniculata, H. quercifolia, and H.
serrata are rooted at Zelenka Michigan Division as both hardwood and softwood
cuttings. I will be sharing the timing and techniques used in this paper. We have
two main focuses, one is to provide grade-spec liners that achieve or improve propagation
yields. The other focus is to meet potting schedules for our container-grown
program at different potting times throughout the year.

Author: Brent Reeves

PP: 448

INTRODUCTION

Live oak, Quercus virginiana, is an important ornamental tree in the southeastern
United States. They are used extensively along the U.S. Gulf Coast and East Coast,
and as far north as the outer banks of North Carolina.

Due to the great variability in growth habits of individual seedling trees, clonal
selections are needed for nurseries and the urban landscape. Selections need to be
made for trees that have a strong central leader, dense growth, dark green foliage,
evergreen foliage, and growth habits suitable for the urban forest.

Author: Jörgen H. Selchau

PP: 41

The International Plant Propagators Society is organised into eight regions:

• Eastern Region, North America, which is the mother region of all
  regions, was founded in 1950;
  
• Western Region in 1960;
  
• Region of Great Britain and Ireland in 1968;
  
• New Zealand Region in 1971;
  
• Australian Region in 1972;
  
• Southern Region of North America in 1976;
  
• Scandinavian Region — initially Denmark Region — was founded in
  1992;
  
• IPPS Japan Region in 1997;
  
• Plus one Potential Region — yours!

A region’s own local committee or board, chaired by its own President, runs each
region and each region maintains its own finances. Each region elects an International
Director and Alternate, who represent the region on the International Board.

I.P.P.S. members pay their subscription locally, but a proportion of each subscription
is paid into an International account which helps cover the cost of the I.P.P.S.

Proceedings and to help fund expansion of I.P.P.S. into other regions. Presently, existing
regions individually or in

Author: Edward Bunker

PP: 79

THE FUTURE

We should go back to basics and look at cost benefits in propagation practices. It is
important not only to work smarter but also to get more out of each hour of work
performed. We have never lived in a world where so much change is happening
and ever so quickly. The world of yesterday and today is not the world of tomorrow,
change is upon us, can we ever keep up?

What counts in the world today? What is the global economy all about? Whatever
it is, we need to be part of it, we need to join it.

As you think of the world of today, the world around us, where do you see your
market? Many would answer that the youth of today have the biggest spending
power, they are the ones to target.

A great revolution is nearly upon us with the "baby boomer" generation coming
up to retirement age. Already in Australia’s population the over 55s make up more
than 21% of the total population. If you look at the over 65s they own more than half
of all deposits in our banks and financial institutions

Author: M.E. Kane, N.L. Philman, C. Emshousen

PP: 453

INTRODUCTION

Selecting and planting of native wetland plant species comprise the major tasks
of most wetland habitat restoration/mitigation projects. There has been a shift
from field harvesting of plants to increased reliance on nursery-propagated wetland
plants (Pategas, 1992; Sutton, 1995). This shift to nursery production has
generated concerns regarding the maintenance of genetic diversity and potential
negative results following introduction of plant ecotypes genetically "mismatched"
to specific wetland site conditions (Kane and Philman, 1997). Consequently, some
regulatory agencies have established guidelines to restrict collection of propagules
for nursery production only from populations within a limited radial distance from
the restoration site. In principle, this policy appears ecologically sound. However,
the relationship between geographical distance of source plants and the relevance
to successful wetland habitat creation/restoration remains unclear.

Commercial

Author: Francois X. Brun-Wibaux

PP: 459

INTRODUCTION

Are we maximizing propagation departments to their fullest potential; or, are we
merely satisfied fulfilling our production numbers at a reasonable cost? Can we generate
more income from the propagation department?

Since we usually succeed in propagation more than we fail, I would like to share
with you how you might consider developing the propagation department to increase
your bottom line.

While an extremely high percentage of nurseries have a propagation department,
only a handful of these nurseries produce liners for the open market. This somewhat
untapped market of selling liners is the potential asset I would like discuss.

At Sarasota Growers, Inc., the concept of selling liners started a few years ago by
chance. We had excess liners and took them to a trade show. What happened at the
trade show opened our minds to the idea of developing a liner division. Our booth
was constantly full of people looking at the liners and placing orders. As a consequence,
we also were

Author: Fred W. Garrett

PP: 463

INTRODUCTION

The International Board of the IPPS meets annually on a rotational basis in one of
the regions at the invitation of the host region. Each region is encouraged to send a
director and an alternate director on the pre-tour prior to the International board
meeting. Members at large may participate in the pre-tour by contacting the International
Secretary at least 6 months in advance of the scheduled tour dates. Information
regarding dates for International pre-tours may be found on the IPPS web
site at: <www.ipps.org>. For 2003, the pre-tour is scheduled for May in Australia
and for the year 2004 the pre-tour is scheduled for August in Japan.

The International Board represents the concerns of the respective regions and
oversees the administration of the IPPS. The host region schedules and makes all
arrangements for a pre-tour of representative plant propagation and production
techniques in nursery and greenhouse facilities. As a bonus of the tour, several stops
are made to visit

Author: Mack Thetford, Sandy B. Wilson

PP: 467

INTRODUCTION

The University of Florida (UF) has 13 satellite programs where various undergraduate
degrees are offered in the agricultural fields. The development of these
programs is part of an overall strategy to reach students who are place-bound due
to jobs, families, or other community responsibilities. While development of degree
programs at off campus research and education centers does pose challenges, it is
generally agreed that such programs provide needed education opportunities for
place-bound students, while strengthening enrollment in agriculture (Tignor and
Wilson, 1999; Klock-Moore et al., 2000; Wirth and Thornsbury, 2001). Advantages
to earning a degree off-campus include smaller classes, a personalized mentoring
learning environment, and programs located in the heart of major agricultural
areas of the state where industry support and field experiences may be more plentiful.
The disadvantages to attending class off-campus include limited exposure to
campus life, library

Author: Kelly Billing

PP: 473

HARDY LILIES

Hardy lilies (Nymphaea) are a tuber-producing plant that has small new plants
along the main tuber called "eyes". With a sharp knife or pruners collect the section
of the plant that is the strongest and shows the most promise (Fig. 1 and 2). There
may be more than one section like this. The remaining old growth (sometimes
black) should be discarded since it will not produce a very vigorous new plant. Each
plant should receive its own container.

Depending on the species the mature tuber sizes will vary from 2 to 6 inches in
length. The eyes will generally be from 1 to 3 inches in length. Small eyes should
be planted in 1-qt or 1-gal containers and kept in shallow water (4 to 6 inches) until
more mature. The parent tubers can be planted directly into a 16-inch-diameter×
7-inch-deep container and placed 12 to 18 inches below the waters surface. Once
established, larger taxa can be moved to a depth of 2 to 3 ft.

• Never cover the crown with soil.


• Place the cut end of the

Author: R.E. Bir, J. Calabria, J. Conner

PP: 481

NATURE OF WORK

Reducing or preventing erosion in riparian areas requires minimal soil disturbance
(Sauer, 1998.). One solution to this problem is to use live stakes which are
"…woody plant cuttings capable of quickly rooting in the streamside environment.
The cuttings need to be large and long enough to be tamped as stakes" which is
usually 0.5 to 2 inches in diameter and 2 to 3 feet long. "Stakes are used on streambanks
of moderate slope (4 : 1) in original soil, not on fill." (USDA- Soil Conservation
Service, 1984.)

The objectives were: (1) To evaluate the influence of IBA treatments on the percentage
of stakes surviving in this challenging environment. (2) Determine which
species are locally adapted to this technique. The site was Codorus loam along a
spring fed stream located on the Mountain Horticultural Crops Research Station
(MHCRS), Fletcher, North Carolina. (3) Evaluate how far from moist native soil
adjacent to a stream that cuttings can be stuck before the soil dries out too much

Author: Manjul Dutt, Robert L. Geneve

PP: 484

INTRODUCTION

Seed germination begins with the initiation of water uptake by the dry seed and
ends with the protrusion of the radicle from the fully imbibed seed. Measurement
of initial water uptake is usually by measuring fresh weight gain, which is laborious
and requires physical handling of each seed. Such techniques require pooling of
seeds to make different samples to estimate average values and submitting to statistical
analysis. These methods do not record growth performance and variation on
an individual seed basis. Dell Aquilla et al. (2000) and McCormac and Keefe (1990)
have described image analysis systems to monitor the imbibition in cabbage and
cauliflower seeds. Such techniques, though useful, require the setup of sophisticated
and expensive equipment. The computer imaging system developed by Geneve
and Kester (2001) uses a simple Petri dish germination system that is inexpensive
and amenable to automated capture of sequential digital images in real time.

In this study,

Author: Glenis McBurnie

PP: 83

A seed trial was conducted on 31 central Australian plant species to test for germinability
and explore dormancy and storage requirements. The seed had been
collected up to 35 years ago and has been stored in uncontrolled conditions.
Fresh seed of 24 of these species were also tested as a comparison and a variety
of dormancy&endash;breaking treatments was used on both "fresh" and "old" seed. Of
the 31 species tested, 16 germinated, 13 being leguminous. The remaining 15
species mainly included annual and Poaceae species. Of these, four species did
not germinate whether fresh or old. Seed that did not germinate was tested for
viability, the result of which suggests further germination trials are required.

Author: James B. Berry

PP: 496

INTRODUCTION

Last year I was fortunate to be an official guest of the Republic of South Africa, and
also a guest of Mr. Keith Kirsten [Horticulture International, Johannesburg, South
Africa] for 3 weeks. Mr. Kirsten is a well known public South African personality
who has owned several garden centers in Johannesburg. He has been the host of
his own television show and a successful author. I went to one of his book signings
and during my 3-week tour he was continually approached as a public figure. [His
current business is to locate, trial, and promote new cultivars].

My hosts made sure that in 3 weeks I would experience South Africa in their cultural
and horticultural setting. As we traveled the country I was privileged to meet
many very important people, such as the owner of the DeBeer Diamond Mines, and
was a guest at their homes, gardens, stud farms, and dinner parties. The highlight
of my trip was attending a banquet hosting President Nelson Mandela given by
the South Africa.

Author: Peter K. Bretting

PP: 501

INTRODUCTION

The floral and nursery industry comprises ca. 11% of U. S. crop agriculture’s farm
gate value, and is probably its fastest growing component. Although California,
Oregon, Florida, and Texas contain the largest industry concentrations, the "green
industry" is an extremely important element of the agricultural economy nationwide.
Despite their importance, historically the Federal government has not played
as large a role in supporting research on floral and nursery crops as it has with
the major food and fiber crops. Producers have relied mainly on research funded
by individual companies, industry groups such as the Horticultural Research
Institute (HRI) and American Floral Endowment (AFE), land-grant universities,
and the relatively modest in-house research of the United States Department of
Agriculture/Agricultural Research Service (USDA/ARS) conducted at Washington,
D. C., Beltsville (Maryland), Corvallis (Oregon), and elsewhere.

Author: R.E. Bir, J.L. Conner

PP: 513

NATURE OF WORK

Garden phlox, from cultivars of the native Phlox species carolina, maculata, and
paniculata, is an important herbaceous perennial for the landscape and nursery
trade. Powdery mildew is recognized as a major limiting factor when growing garden
phlox in warm, humid areas. Resistant cultivars of garden phlox may reduce
production costs and increase landscape success.

Evaluations of garden phlox mildew resistance have been conducted in climates
unlike that experienced in the humid southeastern United States (Hawke, 1999).
Cultivar response is often different when plants considered highly resistant in
other areas are exposed to the extended warm, humid growing conditions in the
southeast (Bir and Hawke, 1999.).

Erysiphe cichoracearum, a causal organism of powdery mildew in phlox, spores
germinate optimally under damp conditions between the temperatures of 59 and
86°F. (Powell and Lindquist,1992.). These temperatures are close to the daily average
maximum and minimum

Author: Ricky M. Bates, James C. Sellmer, David A. Despot

PP: 515

INTRODUCTION

The United States annually utilizes over 35 million live Christmas trees. Postharvest
quality of trees is an important concern of growers, wholesalers, retailers,
and consumers. Christmas tree postharvest quality deteriorates over time and is a
function of water status (Chastagner, 1986). Common postharvest quality problems
include premature needle drop, poor foliage color, trunk splitting, loss of fragrance,
reduced branch flexibility, and increased susceptibility to fire (Hinesley, 1984).

Conifers used as cut Christmas trees vary in their rate of drying following harvest,
and their capacity to maintain freshness during display. Fraser fir (Abies
fraseri) loses water slowly, has a high damage threshold, retains its needles well
when dry, and is quite durable in the postharvest environment (Mitcham-Butler, et
al., 1988). Other species, such as white spruce (Picea glauca) dry quickly, have poor
needle retention characteristics, and have limited shelf life.

Because of its

Author: Mary Ann Gowdy, Chris Starbuck, Richard Munson

PP: 518

INTRODUCTION

The Missouri Gravel Bed is a method, developed at the University of Missouri,
that allows trees and shrubs to be planted any time during the summer with a
survival rate greater than those expected for B&B and container-grown plants of
comparable size. Over the past 15 years, at least 50 species of trees and shrubs have
been successfully field planted in mid– to late summer from gravel beds in Missouri,
Iowa, Kansas, Idaho, and Ohio. In 2001, a cooperative project was begun in which
a gravel bed was constructed to hold bare-root shrubs for summer planting on the
University of Missouri, Columbia (MU) Campus. Landscape Services constructed
the bed and purchased the plants and MU students in Greenhouse Production and
Home Horticulture classes placed the plants in the bed and managed the system
until the end of spring semester. Student employees managed the bed over the
summer. Plants were removed from the bed in August and planted by Landscape
Services personnel.

Author: Margaret Pooler, Ruth Dix, Rob Griesbach

PP: 519

The box huckleberry (Gaylussacia brachycera [Michx] Gray) is a slow-growing,
dwarf evergreen woody groundcover that is native to both the mountains and coastal
plains of Pennsylvania, Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia, Delaware,
and Maryland (USDA, NRCS, 2002). It has glossy, dark green, fine-textured foliage,
with new growth often red to maroon colored. The box huckleberry’s global conservation
status is listed as G3 (NatureServe Explorer, 2001), and the state listing for
Delaware, Maryland, and Pennsylvania is S1 (critically imperiled). In Maryland,
there is only one very small plant left of the known wild population. In Delaware,
only three wild populations have been found. In the seven states in which it is native,
there are less than 20 known populations of this species.

Propagation of plants from Maryland will safeguard this rare germplasm from
extinction. Although the Center for Plant Conservation currently has no recovery
plans for G. brachycera, a Memorandum of

Author: Laurie Meyers, C. Frank Williams

PP: 521

Plants are living things and they encourage individuals to respond to them. For this
reason, gardening has been used for healing throughout the ages. Even though the
healing art of gardening has been recognized historically, it is still relatively new
among therapeutic professions. This use of plants and gardening for therapeutic
purposes defines modern day horticulture therapy.

Ever since horticulture therapy became recognized as a discipline, many groups
have profited from horticultural therapy, including the elderly, mentally, physically,
and developmentally disabled, substance abusers, socially disadvantaged, and
public offenders. Programs utilizing horticulture therapy are taking place in senior
centers, nursing homes, correctional facilities, hospitals, schools, greenhouses, and
nurseries. Horticultural therapy can be adapted and applied to individuals of all
ages and abilities.

A common element in horticulture therapy programs is plant propagation. Taking
cuttings and planting

Author: Jennifer Kujawski

PP: 522

Submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV), is critical to maintaining coastal ecosystems
around the world. It filters water by trapping sediments and nutrients, provides
habitat and food for commercially important animal species, and reduces shoreline
erosion by slowing wave energy. In areas such as the Chesapeake Bay, declining
SAV populations have challenged restoration groups to use transplant sources
that do not, or only minimally, disturb existing SAV beds. To support this effort, we
investigated simple propagation methods for six SAV species native to the Chesapeake
Bay. Our goals were to (1) determine ways to generate a source of transplants
appropriate to a commercial nursery-type setting, (2) examine time and effort to
produce transplant-ready material, and (3) create stock plants to supply propagules
to local volunteer restoration groups.

We grew our SAV in 5130-liter (1350-gal) freshwater tanks in a greenhouse. The
tank water was approximately 0.45 m (18 inches) deep and its

Author: Brian Smith

PP: 89

On 13 January 1956 I started work. I was employed by the Master Gardener, Mr.
Paul Sorensen, of Sorensen’s Nursery in Leura as an apprentice for 5 years on a
handshake and stayed for 14 years. During this time I did the Horticultural Certifi
cate course at Ultimo in Sydney, now the Ryde School of Horticulture. I had no
inkling then of the roller coaster ride I would have through horticulture up to the
present day.

When I started my career, propagation was mainly hardwood cuttings under
constant misting, using brass nozzles, outside under the shade of some high canopy
trees. When the misting was left on in the winter there were times of the mist
freezing and some quite spectacular displays created. The cuttings were stuck in
community terracotta pots using a sand and peat mixture as the medium. Results
were never very encouraging.

At this stage cold frames were built which consisted of a frame base of 16 ft long
and 8 ft wide with a height of 18 inches. This was constructed of hardwood

Author: R.E. Bir, J.L. Conner

PP: 524

NATURE OF WORK

Most gardening texts state that bigleaf hydrangeas, Hydrangea macrophylla hortensia
types (syn. var. macrophylla), H. macrophylla lacecap types (syn. var. normalis), H. serrata (syn. macrophylla var. serrata), and their hybrids form flower buds the year before flowering. If those buds are destroyed by pruning or freeze injury then plants will not flower because new flower buds will not be formed then develop and open during the current growing season.

Recent research has demonstrated that bigleaf hydrangea cultivars exist that are truly remontant as well as others that will flower in autumn even if they have already flowered earlier in the year. Speculation exists concerning whether the flowers are from lateral buds that were not removed or freeze damaged; or whether new flower buds form during favorable conditions in late summer and early fall then open during an extended period of short days and nonfreezing autumn temperatures (Adkins, 2002; Adkins et al., 2002). To

Author: Dick Bir, Joe Conner

PP: 526

NATURE OF WORK

Wulpak is a processed wool fiber product that has been used as mulch in container
nursery production. In studies conducted at MHCREC, Fletcher, North Carolina in
2000, when Wulpak was applied at rates calculated to provide the same amount of
nitrogen as the standard fertilizer products, controlled-release fertilized plants produced
from 200% to 400% more growth during the experiment than those receiving
only Wulpak. Data indicated that available nitrogen from Wulpak was released
during the first 2 weeks of the experiment. For some, but not all, species a superior
root system seemed to develop where Wulpak was top-dressed, possibly because of
temperature and water stress modification by Wulpak as a mulch.

The objective of the test was to determine whether Wulpak as a fertilizer source
can be a benefit to plant growth when standard controlled-release fertilizers are
used. To evaluate this, Wulpak was applied at label recommended rate of 45 g per 1-
gal pot. The

Author: Calvin Chong

PP: 531

Paper mill biosolids (Tripepi et al., 1996) and municipal waste composts (Maynard,
1999) are increasingly being advocated for use in container nursery substrates.
Previously, I used paper mill biosolids mixed with bark, peat, and/or sand
(Chong, 1999).

Results of another study (Chong, 2002), herein summarized in part, compared
the response of dogwood (Cornus alba ‘Sibirica’), forsythia [Forsythia ×intermedia ‘Lynwood’ (syn. ‘Lynwood Gold’)], common ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius), and weigela [Weigela florida ‘Nana Variegata’ (syn. ‘Variegata Nana’)] grown from liners through one season in #2 containers filled with one of 16 waste-derived substrates, classified into four groups. Each group had 0%, 20%, 40%, or 60% (by vol) paper mill biosolids in binary mixtures with municipal leaf and yard waste compost (PC group) or pine bark (PB group), and quaternary mixtures with compost, topsoil, and sand
(PCTS group) or bark, topsoil, and sand (PBTS group). There was a control mix
of bark, peat, and

Author: Lucila Amaya de Carpio, Fred T. Davies Jr, Michael A. Arnold

PP: 534

INTRODUCTION

This study investigated the utilization of arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi (AMF) to
enhance the efficiency of slow-release organic and inorganic fertilizers during container
production of bush morning glory (Ipomoea carnea subsp. fistulosa). Uniform
rooted liners of Ipomoea carnea subsp. fistulosa were planted into 9.6-liter (2-gal)
pots containing a pasteurized soilless medium [pine bark to sand (3 : 1, v/v)]. The
mycorrhizal treatments consisted of two commercial AMF inocula: Bioterra Plus
and Mycorise Pro, and a noninoculated control [NonAMF]. Fertilizer treatments
included an organic slow-release fertilizer (SRF) (Nitrell; 5N-3P-4K) and an inorganic
SRF (Osmocote; 18N-7P-10K). Nitrell was tested a three levels: 8.4 kg m^-3 (14 lb per yd³), 12 kg m^-3 (20 lb per yd³), and 16.8 kg m^-3 (28 lb per yd³), which were, respectively, 70%, 100%, and 140% of the manufacturer’s recommended rate. Osmocote was tested at two levels: 3.5 kg m^?3 (6 lb yd^?3) and 7.0 kg m^?3 (12 lb per yd³) which

Author: Fred T. Davies Jr, Constantino M. Calderón, Zosimo Huaman

PP: 537

Mycorrhizal fungi serve as biofertilizers, reduce plant stress, and can increase
plant productivity. It is highly desirable to utilize native mycorrhiza in sustainable
agriculture systems. Since the potato originated from the altiplano of Peru and
Bolivia — a goal of this research was to utilize indigenous Peruvian mycorrhizal
populations to enhance crop productivity in a subsistence production site. The
field study was also conducted to test the effectiveness of the flavonoid, formononetin,
to stimulate native mycorrhizal activity and subsequent yield of six
Andean potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) selections. The site was located at an
altitude of 3900 meters (12,800 ft) in San Jose de Aymara (Department of Huancavelica),
in the central Altiplano of Peru. This is approaching the highest altitude
in the world that potatoes are grown. The site had a sandy-loam soil with pH 3.6,
with low phosphorus (P) availability and high aluminum (Al). Prior to planting, the
site had been fallow for 15 years. Tubers were planted in November 1999, just before the rainy season. Minimal organic fertilizer was applied and the potato crop received no supplementary irrigation. Formononetin was applied as a soil drench when shoots began to emerge. At the end of the 6-month study, four of the six cultivars had either increased potato tuber dry mass and/or greater no. 1 and 2 grade tubers. Formononetin increased soil sporulation of indigenous mycorrhizae. There were differences in mycorrhizal colonization among the six cultivars.

Author: Nathaniel D. Petley, Mark Bridgen

PP: 540

Three native North American Lilium species were studied for their ability to be
micropropagated. These species were: L. canadense L., L. michauxii Poir., and L.
philadelphicum L. Currently, there is no literature published on the in vitro culture
of these native lily species. As natural habitats decline, the populations of native
plants also decline. Micropropagation is a tool to produce and conserve native
plants for use in the horticulture industry and to lessen the effects of collecting in
the wild.

Past in vitro research with L. japonicum Thunb. and L. speciosum Thunb. bulbs
demonstrated that their bulbs respond well to tissue culture. According to their
research, the addition of growth regulators to lily tissue cultures is not required for
micropropagation. However, for commercial use, the balance between low quantities
of cytokinins and lower quantities of auxins has been beneficial for increased
production. Protocols for the micropropagation of L. canadense, L. michauxii, and

Author: Eduardo Olate, Mark Bridgen

PP: 541

Rhodophiala species are close relatives of Hippeastrum (amaryllis) in the Amarillidaceae and endogenous geophytes from Chile and Argentina. They have attractive
flower colors of red, orange, or yellow. Their novel yellow colors and easy growth
habit make them a potential new ornamental that can be used as a cut flower or
potted plant. Traditional propagation techniques that have been used for other
bulbous plants were attempted under in vitro conditions to increase the number of
bulbs. The mechanical treatments that were applied to the basal plate were scooping,
scoring with only one basal incision, scoring with two incisions, sectioning into
two pieces, sectioning into four pieces, and a control with no mechanical intervention.
Initial plant material was collected in Chile and placed in vitro. The cultured
bulbs that were used for these experiments weighed an average of 200 mg each.
Basal Murashige and Skoog medium plus vitamins was used for all experiments.
The cultures were grown

Author: Eduardo Olate, Mark Bridgen

PP: 542

Leucocoryne coquimbensis of the Alliaceae is an endogenous geophyte from Chile,
and a new bulbous crop that can be used as a cut flower. Different mechanical
treatments were used in vitro to determine the optimum method to increase bulb
production rates. Leucocoryne coquimbensis bulbs were collected in Chile in Oct.
2000 and were placed in vitro. The bulbs were cultured on basal Murashige and
Skoog medium supplemented with vitamins. Growing conditions for the cultures
were constant fluorescent lighting at an average temperature of 23°C. Bulbs were
transferred onto fresh medium every 4 weeks. Basal plates were subjected to treatments
of scooping, scoring with one incision, scoring with two incisions, sectioning
into two pieces, sectioning into four pieces, and a control with no mechanical
incision. Data that were collected included total and bulb fresh weight, number of bulblets produced, and production of shoots and roots. After 12 weeks of culture,
bulbs that were treated with either

Author: Robin Bedding

PP: 92

INTRODUCTION

Apart from insects, nematodes are the next most common animals on earth with
nearly a million different species likely. They are found almost everywhere from
the tops of the highest mountains to the depths of the deepest seas. It has been said
that if all the rest of the world was removed the ghostly shape of everything would
remain as nematodes! Most nematodes are completely harmless but the roundworms
that affect our domestic animals and the eel worms that cause billions of dollars
damage to crops worldwide are all nematodes. Three of the ten most common
diseases of man are caused by nematodes. The largest nematode Placentanema
gigantissima from the placenta of sperm whales is 8 m long and 2 cm thick and the
smallest, Greeffiella minutum is only 0.08 mm long and lives free in the sea (Poinar,
1983). However, the nematodes that we use to control insects are about as different
from these as human beings are from goldfish.

The first nematode to be used successfully in the control of an

Author: H. William Barnes

PP: 547

On a visit to the Rutgers University Horticultural Farm Dr. Elwin Orton showed
me some Ilex grafts using Ilex ×meserveae cv., Blue Princess^® as an understock. This stirred up more than a bit of interest as I wanted to try grafting an experimental hybrid on to I. ×meserveae ‘Blue Princess’ as Dr. Orton had showed me. That combination was successful and allowed for further growing on the hybrid. Encouraged by those results this study was undertaken to see what possible graft combinations might work and were there differences in grafting to I. ×meserveae cv., ‘Blue Princess’^® or I. ‘Nellie R. Stevens’. This was further encouraged by comments from Mr. Jim Berry from Plant Development Services, Loxley, Alabama who suggested that both I. aquifolium and the "Blue Hollies" are poor performers in the Southeastern portions of the U.S.A. He thought a suitable rootstock might make those plants more available to the Southern nursery trade.

Author: H. William Barnes, Phil Oyerly, Rick J. Lewandowski

PP: 551

INTRODUCTION

While there is an ever-increasing interest and demand for native plants by consumers,
many of our more choice and intriguing native species defy most attempts at
propagation. The mission of the Mt. Cuba Center is to study and develop methods of
reliable production for native plants, particularly species of the Piedmont of eastern
North America.

Three plants currently of interest to both Mt. Cuba Center and Lorax Farms for
wider landscape use include silky camellia (Stewartia malacodendron), swamp bay
(Persea borbonia var. pubesans), and horsesugar (Symplocos tinctoria).

Silky camellia is an attractive shrub to small tree native throughout the southeastern
U.S.A. and beloved for its showy camellia-like flowers in early summer.
Although selections are being made for improved flower quality and hardiness,
asexual propagation and survival of plants remains a limiting factor in its success.

Swamp bay is a small evergreen tree or large shrub of the southeastern U.S.A. and is

Author: Jorge M. Fonseca, James W. Rushing, Nihal C. Rajapakse, Ronald L

PP: 556

Accumulation of abscisic acid (ABA) and parthenolide (PRT) in feverfew plants exposed to different light and water conditions was investigated. The effect of light was studied by harvesting plants at different times of the day and harvesting plants exposed to either dark or light environments. PRT was found to have a maximum peak at late afternoon whereas ABA had its peak during morning hours. Light withdrawal during the afternoon resulted in reduced PRT and increased ABA. Water stress response was monitored in potted plants exposed to continuous dehydration-rehydration cycles. PRT content was higher in water-stressed
plants, but only after second dehydration. In contrast, ABA was higher at first soil drying and did not increase as much in subsequent cycles. ABA inhibitors such as norflurazon and sodium bisulfite also inhibited PRT accumulation in cut feverfew flowers, indicating a connection between ABA pathway and the PRT catabolic
site. Our results demonstrate that higher medicinal quality of feverfew may be obtained when harvest is during hours immediately prior to dusk and when plants have been under intermittent water stress. We provide novel evidence for understanding the physiology of the PRT accumulation in feverfew.

Author: L.L. Bruner, D.J. Eakes, G.J. Keever, J.W. Baier, C. Stuart-Whit

PP: 562

A study conducted in 2002 determined feeding preferences of Agraulis vanillae
L. (gulf fritillary butterfly) for Pentas lanceolata (Forssk.) Deflers cultivars. P. lanceolata (pentas) are herbaceous annuals in the majority of the United States and
commonly recommended nectar sources for attracting butterflies. Through hybridization
P. lanceolata are produced in a wide range of flower colors and growth
habits. One cultivar, ‘Lilac Mist’, attracted a greater number of total inflorescence
visits, feeding visits, total plant trips, and longer visit duration by the gulf fritillary
butterfly than the remaining five cultivars evaluated. Differences in morphology
and color characteristics were found among cultivars. However, these differences
did not correlate with the observed feeding preference.

Author: Jennifer Warr, Gary Keever, Doug Findley, Raymond Kessler

PP: 566

A study was conducted at Auburn University to determine how time of pruning
affects cold hardiness in Buddleja davidii ‘Royal Red’ (Franchet). Buddleia, or
butterfly bush, were pruned in November, January, and March, and frozen at six target temperatures 2 weeks later. Both January and March sampling periods included plants pruned at the previous sampling dates. After each freeze event, plants were rated weekly for injury, and at 6 weeks after treatment (WAT) percent
mortality was determined. Injury ratings at 2 WAT and percent mortality data are presented. Only fall pruning affect injury rating and percent mortality. There was a greater injury rating in pruned plants than in nonpruned plants at the highest temperature tested, -6°C (21.2°F). At lower temperatures, injury ratings were high, regardless of pruning treatment. Also in fall, percent mortality was greater
in pruned (87%) than in nonpruned (67%) plants. There were no significant differences among pruning treatments in injury rating or percent mortality when plants were frozen in January or March. Injury rating and percent mortality increased as freeze temperature decreased, regardless of when pruned.

Author: Jeffrey C. Wilson, Jeff L. Sibley, James E. Altland, Ken M. Tilt

PP: 571

Ginkgo biloba L. seedlings were evaluated in studies initiated on 1 Oct. 1999 and
terminated on 20 Sept. 2002. Forty-six-centimeter (18 inch) tall liners were potted
in 3.8-liter (1-gal) containers using a standard nursery medium. Thirteen levels
of chilling were applied to trees in increments of 100 h, with 12 replications per
treatment. Measurements were taken on total percent budbreak, new shoot extension,
number of limbs, average length of each limb, and total height. Total percent
budbreak increased linearly and quadratically with increasing chill hours.
All other measurements increased linearly with increasing chill hours. Optimum
chilling was determined to begin at 800 chill hours. Determining optimum chilling
range for G. biloba could potentially decrease production costs and time, supplying
a product for market more efficiently and more affordably.

Author: Mark C. Starrett

PP: 575

INTRODUCTION

Hymenoscyphus ericae (Read) Korf and Kernan is a widespread ericoid mycorrhizal
fungus found on North American and European continents. Hymenoscyphus
ericae has demonstrated mycorrhizal associations with many ericaceous species
including Vaccinium angustifolium Ait. (lowbush blueberry) and V. corymbosum
L. (highbush blueberry).

Inoculation of species of Vaccinium with isolates of H. ericae have resulted in
mixed responses. In several studies, in vitro inoculation of V. corymbosum, with
H. ericae resulted in positive effects on shoot growth. However, in some instances,
mycorrhizal colonization has had a negative impact on shoot growth.

In the field, seasonal conditions can dramatically effect the intensity of root colonization.
To avoid the influence of seasonal fluctuations on mycorrhizal activity in
the host plant, this study used controlled environmental conditions in a greenhouse
to investigate the effects of isolates of H. ericae on shoot growth of V. corymbosum

Author: Kingsley Dixon

PP: 581

Smoke plays a key role in the release of deep seed dormancy for a wide variety
of plant species from a wide variety of ecological systems. Predominantly a feature
of species from mediterranean-type vegetation in the mediterranean basin,
chapparal from California, fynbos of South Africa, and the mediterranean and
related vegetation types from Chile and Australia, smoke has proven to be critical
for the germination of many deeply dormant species. Previous studies reported
that heat and ash were thought to be the primary cues for release of dormancy
and subsequent germination. However smoke, applied as an aerosol to unburnt
bushland soil containing seeds of geosporous species or to seeds under nursery
conditions can result in remarkable germination outcomes.

Author: William R. Feldman

PP: 585

Refugee French Huguenots started nurseries on Long Island fairly early in the
colonial period, concentrating on tree fruits. John Bartram started the first North
American botanical garden in pre-revolutionary times near Philadelphia. The international
exchange of new plants for horticulture has classically been considered
an unmitigated good. Many Old World crops, ornamentals, and weeds were brought
to Arizona and the Southwest, first by the Spanish: e.g., olives, wheat, pomegranate,
red brome grass, and later by the Anglo-Americans: e.g., eucalyptus, mulberry,
citrus, cotton, and tamarisk. Arizona’s nurseries, botanical gardens, and arboreta
were instrumental in the introduction of non-native species into Arizona’s ornamental
horticulture: e.g., my institution, the Boyce Thompson Arboretum near Superior,
was deeply involved in the introduction of species such as numerous Eucalyptus
species, African sumac, various Australian Acacia species, Aloe species, etc.

Plant collection and

Author: Michelle Truscott

PP: 590

INTRODUCTION

Cornflower Farms started business in 1981 adopting a philosophy of "grow what
everyone else will not or can not grow" and that philosophy continues today. Our
primary focus is California natives; however, we do grow many other drought-tolerant
plants, general ornamentals, perennials, and grasses; approximately 700
species in all. Cornflower Farms is located in California’s Central Valley where the
climate can be foggy and rainy in the winter and hot and dry in the summer. We
have learned that to understand growing California natives we need to have an
understanding of the plant’s native habitat — observing the native soils, drainage,
which side of the slope it grows on, sun or shade, elevation, and temperature ranges.
We bring this information back to the nursery and implement changes to approximate
these conditions as necessary. We currently have a 20-acre site of which approximately one-third is under production. Our main propagation greenhouse is 3000 ft² with a bottom-heat

Author: Sheila Bhattacharya

PP: 594

INTRODUCTION

A proper balance between auxin and nutrition is required for the production of
adventitious roots on stem and the hypocotyl cuttings (Nanda et at., 1971; Nanda,
1975). The seasonal variation in rooting of cuttings has been associated with changes
in levels of endogenous growth regulators and metabolites in cuttings; such
regulatory processes are controlled through qualitative and quantitative changes
in macromolecules, proteins, and enzymes. These macromolecular changes in the
rooting zone of the cuttings may provide some of the answers of assessing cellular
differentiation into roots. In the present review, I have described some of my past
research results with emphasis on the biochemical and molecular changes that
have been associated with adventitious rooting in hypocotyl cuttings of plants.

Author: Thomas W. Burchell

PP: 599

Walnut (Juglans spp.) is a widely grown nut crop in California. Many of the plantings
of walnut are on marginal soils in California that are plagued by various
types of Phytophthora root rot. Once established, Phytophthora can weaken a
tree and reduce its productive life. It can also eventually kill the tree. The current
commercial rootstocks used for walnuts are Northern California black (J.
hindsii) and paradox walnut (J. hindsii ×J. regia). Both of these rootstocks are
susceptible to Phytophthora. The use of wingnut (Pterocarya stenoptera) as a
rootstock for walnut was investigated beginning in 1998 because it is resistant
to Phytophthora.

Wingnut seeds were planted and sprouted and eventually grafted to various walnut
varieties. Six different sources of wingnut seed were collected at the University
of California, Davis campus and germinated. Under a controlled stratification procedure,
germination ranged from 80% to 95% for the different sources. This was compared to field germination without stratification that ranged from 2% to 10%.

The seedlings were grafted in the following spring to six different commercial walnut varieties. The grafting success ranged from 57% to 100%. The grafted trees were then dug and planted in an orchard to study the long-term compatibility of wingnut rootstock.

Author: Lea Corkidi, Jeff Bohn, Mike Evans

PP: 604

The insecticide bifenthrin (Talstarsup>®) is a synthetic pyrethroid required by regulation for the production of nursery crops to suppress the red imported fire ant in
Orange and Riverside Counties in California. However, there are no published
studies on the consequences of the application of this chemical on the mycorrhizal
symbiosis.

We’ve initiated research to determine the effects of bifenthrin on mycorrhizal
colonization by Glomus intraradices, a vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi
used to inoculate California native plant hosts at the Tree of Life Nursery. Greenhouse
experiments were conducted with Apium graveolens, Encelia californica,
and Salvia apiana. The percentage of mycorrhizal colonization was compared in
plants grown without bifenthrin and with bifenthrin at different concentrations.

This study showed that the application of bifenthrin had no detrimental effects
on root colonization by Glomus intraradices in the nursery practices at the Tree
of Life Nursery.

Author: Chieri Kubota

PP: 609

Micropropagation is a method to produce genetically identical plantlets by using
tissue culture techniques. Photoautotrophic micropropagation refers to micropropagation
with no exogenous organic components (sugar, vitamins, etc.)
added to the medium, and it has been developed along with the development of
techniques of in vitro environmental control. CO₂ concentration, photosynthetic
photon flux, relative humidity, and air speed in the vessel are some of the most
important environmental factors affecting plantlet growth and development;
controlling these factors requires knowledge and techniques of greenhouse and
horticultural engineering as well as the knowledge of physiology of in vitro plantlets. Photoautotrophic micropropagation has many advantages with respect to
improvement of plantlet physiology (biological aspect) and operation/management
in the production process (engineering aspect), and it results in reduction
of production costs and improvement in quality of plantlets.

Author: Chris A. Martin

PP: 613

Mycorrhizae — from the Latin words myco and rhizi, meaning fungus and roots
— refers to a partnership association between plants and soil-dwelling fungi. Horticulturists consider mycorrhizae as beneficial when both partners realize a net gain
from the association. Sometimes colonization of plant roots by mycorrhizal fungi
results in an enhancement of plant growth. Mycorrhizae play an important role in
plant nutrition and the stability of plant communities. Three types of mycorrhizae
are most common: ectomycorrhizae, ectendomycorrhizae, and endomycorrhizae.
Our research focuses exclusively on a class of endomycorrhizae called arbuscular
mycorrhizal or AM fungi.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi have unique vegetative and reproductive life stages.
During their vegetative stage, they develop a hyphal matrix (or mycelium) comprised
of runner, penetration, or absorbing hyphae that extend out from the surface
of colonized fine lateral roots. Runner hyphae follow growth of fine lateral roots as

Author: Bruce C. Lane

PP: 616

INTRODUCTION

One way to significantly reduce the water volume applied by a fixed-grid of sprinklers
to container-grown plants is to make certain the sprinkler system spreads
water uniformly across the growing area. When non-uniform water application
occurs, the irrigation duration must be increased, sometimes excessively, to ensure
that all plants receive the required minimum water volume. However, increasing
the duration applies additional water to plants that are already sufficiently wet and
increases water and/or pumping costs. If the irrigation duration is not increased,
then crop growth patterns in the form of taller and shorter plants usually occur
with time.

Plants in containers are particularly affected by non-uniform water application
since lateral water movement among containers does not occur. The factors most
responsible for non-uniform water application include wind speed, wind direction,
water pressure, sprinkler spacing, sprinkler height, nozzle selection, and slope.

Two

Author: Ted Ardans

PP: 622

I’ve worked as a grower, head grower, and manager of large greenhouse bedding
plant operations for over 20 years. Only in the last 4 years have I dealt with
Dutch trays and boom irrigation equipment. At Hines Horticulture Chino Valley,
we produce plugs for our own production, bedding plants, perennials, geraniums,
vegetative annuals, and poinsettias. Using booms, while maintaining high quality
production was a welcome challenge to our team of growers, resulting in many innovations.
Many growers fear that machinery in the greenhouse will reduce quality,
and take away the human touch. We definitely want to reject that notion. Our
facility in Chino Valley has more than 56 booms in operation, each traveling over
approximately 2500 flats.

Some of the pros to growing with booms were offered by the salespeople for the
company supplying the equipment. Other benefits we discovered along the way.
That we would save labor over other methods never made sense to me, because
sprinkler watering was

Author: Mary Irish

PP: 624

Agaves are semi-succulent perennials that are generally stemless with firm, fibrous
leaves arranged in a rosette pattern. Although agaves occur in a wide range
of habitats they exhibit many of the adaptations that mark desert plants — tough,
waxy leaf surfaces; succulence; wide, spreading root systems; and the ability to
withstand amazingly high temperatures. These properties make them excellent
garden plants and growing them can be interesting — sometimes challenging, but
always highly rewarding.

I fall squarely into the camp of those who believe that the more you know about
the plants you are trying to grow the more successful you will be. But I will admit
right now that there is more about the physiology, pollination biology, growth determinators,
and general natural history of agaves that are unknown than are known.
Lots of what we do know is not the result of controlled experimental work, but has
come through the long and consistent experience of many people who delight in
these

Author: Betty L. Young

PP: 626

We all do the best we can to help create sustainable landscapes. But when that hot
new bestseller comes along that’s sure to perk up the bottom line, what do we do?

Invasive plants do not mean simply the loss of some pretty wildflowers in our
nearest natural area. The eradication of invasive plants costs us, the taxpayer, $13
billion per year (National Invasive Species Council, 2001). Total wholesale nursery
receipts were $13.3 billion in 2001 (USDA, 2002).

Forty-two percent of the species on the Threatened or Endangered lists are at
risk primarily because of invasive plants (Pimemtel et al., 1999). These plants
alter natural landscapes, exclude native plants, cause species extinctions, reduce
bird, game animal, and fish populations, alter water courses, are toxic to cattle and
horses, and increase wildfire danger and intensity.

What can we do to ensure beautiful natural areas for our grandchildren to enjoy,
in which there are abundant animals for recreation? We can:

• Check with our

Author: Kathleen Echols

PP: 634

The genus Eremophila is an endemic plant found in Australia. The genus consists
of approximately 180 species, many of which are outstanding ornamental candidates
for the garden. They grow as undershrubs in low woodland settings or in open
sunny areas. Eremophilas are a member of the Myoporaceae family.

The name Eremophila comes from the Greek word eremos, which means desert
or lonely places, and phileo, to love. These plants are truly desert loving as they are
mainly located in the dryer areas of Western Australia. The common name for the
genus is Emu-bush or poverty bush. The name emu-bush comes from the fact that
emus eat the fruit off some of the eremophilas. Poverty bush refers to the harsh
environmental conditions that the Eremophila thrives in.

Eremophilas come in a range of sizes. They can be prostrate, rounded, upright,
tall, or almost tree-like in their form. The branches can be glabrous, hairy, or scaly.
Their leaves can be alternate, opposite, or (rarely) whorled.

The

Author: Derek G. Moore

PP: 105

INTRODUCTION

In Australia the vast proportion of nursery-grown trees spend some part of their life
containerised, usually in a rigid plastic pot of some type (Lawry and Gardner, 2001).
The challenge facing nursery growers producing these trees is to not only optimise
canopy growth but to ensure that the root system has been managed to ensure that
it doesn’t have a negative impact on long-term growth and even survival.

Historically, container production systems in Australia have been quite successful
(May, 2002) but nevertheless there are serious concerns about the quality of
the root systems of many trees that are being produced by some container nurseries
that use smooth (or almost smooth) sided plastic, frustum-shaped containers.
This is despite a substantial body of research related to this issue and the many
products and techniques that have been developed to improve root systems, e.g.,
Harris (1967); Whitcomb (1988); Appleton (1995); Struve et al. (1994); Arnold and
MacDonald (1999).

Author: Richard Harris

PP: 637

Date palms are one the world’s oldest cultivated crops, literally going back for
several millennia. Two methods have traditionally been used for propagation; one
sexual and one asexual. Sexual propagation from seeds has value for production
of landscape palms and for breeding purposes for new cultivars. However, being
dioecious in nature and due to the great genetic diversity of this plant when grown
as a fruit crop asexual propagation from offshoots (small shoots growing from the
trunk of the mother palm) has proven to be the most reliable method to keep fruit
cultivars true to variety. As a woody monocotyledon date palms cannot be propagated
by grafting.

A newer method of asexual propagation of date palms is tissue culture. This is still
a controversial procedure as there are two distinct schools of thought regarding this
procedure. One school being that it is a viable procedure greatly reducing the time
required to come into fruit production as well as keeping the cultivar true to

Author: Ursula K. Schuch, Elizabeth Davison, Jack Kelly

PP: 637

INTRODUCTION

Vegetative propagation of four species native to the Southwestern United States
is described in the following experiments. Buddleja marrubifolia is a dependable
shrub for the arid landscape because it tolerates poor soil, drought, and heat. The
wooly butterfly bush is known to root from softwood cuttings during springtime
when treated with IBA at 5000 ppm and in summer when treated with IBA at 3000
ppm (Nokes, 2001). Hardwood cuttings of some Buddleja species have been reported
to root when taken in winter. Vauquelinia californica is a popular landscape shrub
with evergreen, leathery leaves. Propagation by cutting is preferred, but rooting of
cuttings has proven recalcitrant (Charles, 1961; Dehgan et al., 1977). Differences in
rooting were found in response to season, clone, and IBA treatments, with no one
treatment consistently superior (Smith, 1982). Vauquelinia corymbosa, an evergreen
shrub with leaves narrower than those of V. californica, is currently underutilized

Author: Marcus G. White

PP: 643

Civano Nursery, located in the far-east side of Tucson, Arizona, has significantly reduced
its water costs by converting from city potable water to city reclaimed water.
In addition to the reduced water costs, the nursery is beginning to evaluate the potential
nutritional benefits in hopes of further savings. The nursery is established
within the community of Civano, a special community that has incorporated many
self-sustaining concepts including the use of reclaimed water on common area and
residential landscapes. The nursery was established within the community of Civano
because the opportunities connected to the community and the future demand
for a nursery/garden center in this expanding area of town.

Ground broke for the nursery in Fall 1997. Although the nursery was originally
irrigated with potable water, the irrigation system was designed and installed in
anticipation of the arrival of reclaimed water to the community. During Summer
1999, the reclaimed water meter was

Author: Wayne A. Mackay, Cynthia McKenney, Steve W. George, Tim D. Davis

PP: 644

The Texas Superstar program identifies outstanding landscape plants for Texas
and provides support for the nursery industry, thereby making superior plants
available to Texans. Funding comes directly from industry and from consumers
through the sale of plant tags bearing the Texas Superstar^™ logo. Additionally, the Texas Nursery and Landscape Association and Texas Department of Agriculture
have conducted Texas Superstar^™ publicity campaigns. An estimated $10 million
in new plant sales have been generated during the first 10 years of this program.
Because plants are chosen based on their performance under minimal input conditions,
Texas SuperStars^™ greatly reduce their impact on the urban environment.

Author: Asbjørn Strømberg

PP: 108

INTRODUCTION

During the 1970s many forestry nurseries in Scandinavia changed from bareroot
to containerised plant production. In the late 1970s we received the first alarming
reports about poor stability and root development in plantations of containergrown
plants. Since then several different types of container systems have been
introduced to the market, and a number of these systems cause more or less strong
root deformation.

The consequences of root deformities are complex and can in the long term lead
to significant economic losses. Root deformities can affect the growth, stability, and
stem straightness of young stands. Poorer tensile strength and internal deformities
increase the risk of fibre breakage, which increases the risk of fungal attacks,
primarily on the root system. Once the trees vitality is reduced, the risk of fungal
attacks on stems or shoots also increases.

The ultimate result of root deformities is that the tree falls over and dies because
impeded root

Author: David Nichols, Yibing Ma

PP: 116

THE MICRONUTRIENTS

It is generally recognised that there are 16 nutrients that are essential to plant
growth. Three of them carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen are obtained from water and
the atmosphere and comprise most of the dry matter of the plant. The remaining
nutrients are classed as fertiliser nutrients, which are chiefly obtained from the
growing medium but can be supplied by foliage application. Six of these are categorised
as major or macro-nutrients and the remaining seven as minor, micro- or
trace nutrients. The essentiality of micronutrients was established in hydroponic
studies over a period of 94 years beginning with iron in 1860 to chlorine in 1954.
The remainder were proven to be essential in a period from 1922 to 1939.

Other nutrients that may have benefits for some plants but are not, at this stage,
regarded as essential, are silicon, cobalt for soil-grown legumes, nickel, sodium,
and vanadium.

The term "micro" refers to the fact that they are needed by plants in much

Author: Robert B Reynolds

PP: 121

Why do we need to get better use out of applied water to our plants? Look around
at the headlines of most papers, periodicals, and news reports and what do you see?
An ever increasing warning that water is becoming a major issue, not just to us in
the plant industry, but to many activities of life on the planet. At the recent NGIA
conference in Adelaide we were told that the once mighty Murray River will not be
able to be used for Human consumption by the year 2020 unless radical and rapid
changes are made. On the flight from Adelaide returning home to Sydney, major
areas covered in saltpans were clearly evident along the Murray River system and
surrounding lands.

In South East Queensland unseasonal weather patterns are having a major
impact on growers, with no rain falling to assist applied water in plant growth
and to replenish dam and other reservoir systems. One major nursery, which had
traditionally pumped from the Coomera River, now has to use town water. Another
nursery, whose

Author: Jörgen H. Selchau

PP: 42

The conference organisers have outlined some headings, which I will try to follow in my presentation:

Question: Why and How a Breeder Would Obtain Plant Breeders Rights.

Briefly, what is a plant novelty? It should be:

• Distinct: In at least one essential characteristic differ from any known variety of the same species;
  
• Uniform: Homogenous within the specific generation;
  
• Stable: The variety should — by continued propagation — maintain the characteristics claimed for this variety, when propagated in
  accordance with the methods prescribed by the variety owner, and
  naturally,
  
• New: At the date of application, variety constituents or harvested material of the variety have not been sold or otherwise disposed of
  to others within the Territory, by or with the consent of the breeder
  earlier than 1 year before the above mentioned date or 4 years
  outside the Territory. For trees and vines, however, this

Author: Ross Hall, Kirsten Raynor

PP: 126

INTRODUCTION

A limiting factor in the production of container-grown plants is the inability of nursery
production managers to regularly, and accurately, monitor plant nutrient levels.
To obtain the most competitive production rates all components of the production
system need to be optimised. One of the most significant components is the level,
and balance, of nutrients. Throughout the nursery industry electrical conductivity
(EC) is used as a guide to the salt concentration within the growing medium. In
normal circumstances the source of most of the salt in the medium will be from the
added fertilizers. The EC then provides the production manager with an indication
of the need for supplementary fertilizer application or, conversely, the need to leach
excess salts from the medium. The EC does not, however, identify individual fertilizer
salts nor does it provide any indication of the relative proportions of the various
salts present. By using EC as a guide for the need to add

Author: John Field

PP: 132

INTRODUCTION

The risks of introducing exotic pests and diseases with nursery stock varies according
to the species, country or area of origin, the conditions under which it has been
grown and maintained, and the form and quantity in which it is imported.

Consequently, all nursery stock is subject to inspection on arrival in Australia.
Most are subject to treatment and post-entry quarantine growth with diseases
screening. Depending on their quarantine risk, nursery stock are housed either
at Government nurseries or within secure private post entry quarantine facilities.
Currently the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) have approved:
78 open quarantine facilities for approved bulbs, 35 closed quarantine
facilities for medium risk nursery stock, and four open quarantine facilities for rose
scion wood for budding.

Author: Jane Urquhart

PP: 135

INTRODUCTION

The Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) operates two post-entry
quarantine facilities, which allows the safe introduction of high-risk plant material
while protecting Australia from exotic pests and diseases. Access to high-risk
material from overseas is essential for Australia’s agricultural and horticultural
industries to develop and remain competitive.

The Federal Government funds the post-entry quarantine program at the two
stations in the form of an "anti-smuggling" subsidy. It is recognised by the Federal
Parliament that a full cost recovery program would be prohibitive to plant importers
who would otherwise be tempted to smuggle plants into the country.

High health facilities also operate in Brisbane, Hobart, Perth, and Adelaide. They
are facilities managed by the state governments under a formal agreement with
AQIS. Some of the genetic resource centres also have quarantine arrangements,
which allow the introduction of specialist crops, e.g., winter

Author: Clive Larkman

PP: 138

The papers by Australian Quarantine and Inspection Services (AQIS) staff outlined
many of the legal and formal issues covering importation, as well as what happens
to the plants when they come into the country. I am going to cover the actual importation
of the plants from a growers perspective.

Plants can either be bought in by person as accompanying baggage or by mail/
freight. It is much better to accompany the plants as life will be easier if you are
present when the plants are inspected. It is also cheaper.

AQIS is charged with protecting our environment. They will look at plants as a
possible disease host and as a potential weed. With the recent discoveries of fire
ants, the problems with foot and mouth in the U.K. and the threats of terrorism,
AQIS has increased its level and intensity of inspection. Whereas in the past some
parcels may have come through the postal system without inspection, it is unlikely
this will occur now.

There are three ways that a plant can be imported:

Author: Ron Barrow

PP: 141

The process of propagation in a nursery is an expensive one. Plant losses at this
stage cost the nursery more than just the money initially invested in the propagation
process. When unplanned losses occur, the extra cost of re-propagation
effectively doubles the propagation cost of that plant.

Part of a good propagator’s job is to get to know the common problems that
affect the plants they grow, to be able to identify and recognise their symptoms,
to control them if necessary, and most importantly of all to eliminate the cause.
Some of the most common problems found in the propagation house are shown
in Table 1.

These problems probably cause the vast majority of plant losses in the
propagation area. There are many more pests and diseases that infest stock and
should be considered, but unless procedures are carried out to minimise these
then plant losses will continue.

Author: Sarah Bone

PP: 144

A quality urban tree is the product of a good genotype, suitable conditions for
growth, and sensitive management. A study was undertaken to determine the appropriate
mix of these for the widely planted Corymbia maculata (syn.Eucalyptus
maculata Hook.). This paper presents some results of experimental research
in which provenances of spotted gum were compared for differences in heritable
traits relevant to urban planting situations.

Eight spotted gum types (six provenances of C. maculata and one each of the
species C. variegata and C. henryi) were assessed in field- and container-grown
provenance experiments undertaken in the grounds and nursery of Burnley College,
The University of Melbourne. Differences in growth rate, stem structure,
tree form and health of the provenances were recorded. Provenances of C. maculata
from Bodalla, NSW, and the Mottle Range, Victoria, were identified as the
superior provenances for urban tree development. These can be recommended to the

Author: M.R. Conomikes, C.B. McLean, M.C. Starrett, A.C. Lawrie

PP: 151

Members of the Epacridaceae are traditionally difficult to propagate and are in
decline in parts of Australia. Infection by Phytophthora cinnamomi has led to
some species of Epacridaceae in Western Australia being listed as endangered.
Propogation by seed is usually unsuccessful and cuttings often have a strike
rate as low as 10%. Previous studies have demonstrated that introduction of
soil collected from beneath adult plants improved the health and survival of
cuttings of several epacrid species. In this study cuttings were grown in potting
mix, potting mix containing mycorrhizal inoculum, or potting mix containing soil
from beneath adult plants collected in the wild. Plants were grown under glasshouse
conditions for 20 weeks and monitored for health and development before
harvesting. Strike rate and mycorrhizal status were then determined. Statistical
analysis of results indicated no significant difference between treatments and no
mycorrhizas present in the roots of any cutting in

Author: Tony Page, Greg Moore, James Will, Gerald Halloran

PP: 155

The Australian native shrub species Kunzea pomifera F.Muell. (muntries) occurs
in south-eastern South Australia and far western Victoria on sandy calcareous
soils and is generally of prostrate habit. It produces edible berries of commercial
potential, which are borne on the apical meristems of the plant in clusters of 3 to
9. The berries are succulent and range in size from 5 to 13 mm in diameter. They
are mottled in colour from green, red to purple and possess a unique apple-like
flavour.

Kunzea pomifera was sampled across the area of its natural distribution as
cuttings, which were then grown in replication in the outdoor production area at
Burnley College, University of Melbourne. Variation in plant habit, leaf and fruit
traits, flowering time, and the nature of the breeding system were examined.
Variation in plant and fruit traits are discussed in terms of the scope for breeding
muntries for commercial production. Characters considered important in muntries
improvement are,

Author: T.T. Huynh, C.B. McLean, A.C. Lawrie

PP: 161

Symbiotic and asymbiotic seed germination methods were investigated to
maximise the production of the endangered orchid Archnorchis formosa (G. W.
Carr) D.L. Jones et M.A. Clem. (Orchidaceae) for the re-establishment phase of
its recovery plan. Mycorrhizal fungi were isolated from adult plants in the wild
at various stages in the orchid life cycle (budding, leafing, flowering, capsule
production, and senescence). Seed was germinated on minimal (oatmeal agar)
and complex (PA5 containing coconut water) media with and without mycorrhizal
fungi under axenic conditions. Germination and subsequent growth was
recorded at monthly intervals for a period of 12 months. Mycorrhizal status of
seedlings was determined by microscopic examination using SEM. Seed grown
on minimal media inoculated with mycorrhizal fungi from the leafing, budding,
and flowering stages gave fastest (within 1 month) and highest (>50%) germination
rates. Seed grown on the complex media did not germinate in the 1st month, however those seeds that did germinate later achieved higher rates (>95%) than those on minimal media.

Symbiotic seedlings grown on minimal medium were able to be deflasked and survived to produce tubers nursery conditions. Although seedlings produced on complex media had higher germination percentages than their counterparts on minimal media, none survived the deflasking process.

This study has shown that minimal media and mycorrhizal fungi isolated from actively growing adult plants (i.e., budding, leafing, and flowering stages) can enhance the germination and subsequent growth of seedlings of the endangered spider orchid A. formosa. This information can now be used to produced plants for re-introduction in the wild.

Author: I.R. Hall, Y. Wang

PP: 175

Few of the edible mycorrhizal mushrooms have ever been cultivated and so supplies
of most are dependent on those that can be collected from their natural
habitats. However, the size of the harvests of many have fallen dramatically over
the past century. Also few of the edible mycorrhizal mushrooms of commerce
have found their way to the Southern Hemisphere and out-of-season chefs and
gourmets must rely on inferior preserved product. There is, therefore, considerable
potential for producing these mushrooms in the Southern Hemisphere for
the off-season Northern Hemisphere market and, at the same time, helping stem
declines in production.

The Périgord black truffle (Tuber melanosporum) was introduced into New Zealand
in 1985, the first truffière established in 1987 and the first commercial crop
produced in 1997. There are now six productive Périgord black truffle truffi&egraveres
between the Bay of Plenty and North Canterbury. The Japanese delicacy shoro
(Rhizopogon rubescens) and the saffron milk cap (Lactarius deliciosus) have also been produced in experimental plantations of specially infected Pinus radiata. Experimental plantations have also been established with plants infected with the Burgundy truffle (T. uncinatum) and bianchetto white truffle (T. borchii) while progress has been made in the development of techniques for cultivating porcini (Boletus edulis), matsutake (Tricholoma matsutake), and the Italian white truffle (T. magnatum).

Author: Jeff Elliot

PP: 181

INTRODUCTION

Pretty good sounding topic, shame to spoil it by talking about a good root system.
This is a real back to basics talk. At Elliott’s wholesale nursery we have made up
our own hormones for the last 21 years, it was an old recipe I found in Plant Propagation:
Principles and Practises (Hartmann and Kester, 1975) and made myself at
various strengths and formulae. I have generally tackled more difficult plant taxa
such as rhododendron. Initially I tried to get all sorts of hormones and used them
with some degree of luck and/or good management. Some of the first cuttings were
leaf bud cuttings of some new American rhododendrons. I used some of my own
mixings with these and had some fantastic results, but in hindsite that was probably
more to do with environment than it was to do with hormones.

My first propagation house was made from my brother’s old parakeet cage which
I lifted the roof off and covered with polythene. I them mounted fibrolite boards on
top of old sewage pipes with

Author: David Prosser, Helen Prosser

PP: 183

INTRODUCTION

"Compost is the highest achievement of Man on Earth" … Well, that’s what I think
anyway. Where would we be without compost? What sort of a mess would everything
be in?

You’ll know, probably, more than I do about compost. At least I hope so as you are
professional plant propagators. I am not an academic, neither am I an expert in
anything. I am just a gardener, but if I can remind those of you, even one of you, of
the incredible value of compost then I have done my job.

May I first, please, "get a grouse off my chest", "have a beef about something"?
I’m the end user, the consumer or one of them, of the products of your business. I
buy the plant! I hope to suggest to you that compost can be the ideal base for a first
class potting mix.

They can, of course, be individually prepared for separate crops and plant needs,
more or less drainage, lime or not, leaf-mould and so on. The usual potting material
mix is crushed bark or peat … with more than liberal quantities of Osmocote®
(Scotts

Author: J.M. Follett, J.A. Douglas, P. Cave

PP: 186

INTRODUCTION

Konjac (Amorphophallus konjac syn. A. rivieri), devil’s tongue, snake palm, umbrella
arum, or konnyaku, as it is known in Japan, is a member of the Araceae (aroid)
family which contains ninety or so species of cormous perennial, deciduous herbs.
Konjac is a native of Asia from Indonesia to Japan. In Japan it is grown for its large
edible corms which are traditionally made into noodles. Now almost the entire crop
grown in Japan is processed to extract gluco mannan, a carbohydrate which is used
as a thickening and gelling agent, and as a fat replacement in a wide range of food
preparations in the fast food industry. In Japan konjac is regarded as a health food
because it is high in dietary fibre and can be used in food preparations suitable for
diabetics. It is also often incorporated into slimming preparations because it is low
in calories. Eleven to twelve thousand tonnes of konjac are produced annually in
Japan with 80% produced in Gumma Prefecture, north west of Tokyo.

Author: John Guthrie, Dominique Davaux

PP: 191

INTRODUCTION

The Bio-dynamic (BD) system of agriculture and movement was founded on a series
of eight lectures given by Dr. Rudolf Steiner at Koberwitz (in Silesia, now part of
Poland), in 1924. These lectures were given over a period of several days to a group
of farmers and scientists, and were prompted by requests. This course of eight lectures,
published under the name of "Agriculture", is part of Steiner’s wider work
known as Anthroposophy.

Bio-dynamic methods have their basis in a sound farming (or gardening) regime,
and are an added practice. They work towards the development of the farm or garden
as a balanced and sustainable unit. Each farm or garden is seen as a unique
living organism. Within this organism, cattle have an important role for soil fertility.
Even in a horticultural unit, the ideal is to fit some animals into the system. On
a farm, or small-holding, trees and plant diversity play an essential role as well.
For example, legumes are used extensively in green manures.

Author: Denis Hughes

PP: 201

INTRODUCTION

A genus of over 50 species (The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary, 1992)
found throughout the world of which I am only going to mention those which are
associated with our New Zealand species. It is interesting to note, the kowhais (Sophora
species) mentioned in this paper originated from a geographical area making
a Pacific triangle formed by New Zealand, South America, and Hawaii. For many
years only two species names were used but the new nomenclature changes of recent
years does help to clarify the different groups found up and down the country
(Heenan et al., 2001).

Sophora microphylla in the past has been all encompassing covering all the native
forms and those which don’t fit into the more defined categories of S. tetraptera.
For the ease of botany, perhaps we have only one very diverse species that graduates
from the large-flowered, coarse-leaved, nondivaricating types of the north to
the fine-leaved, heavily divaricating (particularly in the juvenile phase

Author: Heike De Silva

PP: 206

INTRODUCTION

Leyland cypress (XCupressocyparis leylandii Jacks. & Dallim.) is an inter-generic
hybrid between macrocarpa cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa Hartw.) and Alaska
cedar (Chamaecyparis nootkatensis D.Don) (Franklin, 1997). Leyland cypress has
become a popular tree species mainly because it is easy to establish and grow. It
tolerates a wide range of sites and soils (from acid to alkaline, from clay to sand) as
well as salt-laden winds, which makes it suitable for planting in coastal areas. The
species is frost hardy and has survived frosts of up to -20°C in the Southwest of the
United States. Growth rates are relatively high especially in moist, fertile soils and
the plants respond well to trimming (Dirr, 1983; Ovens, 1968).

Historical Background. In 1888 six unusual seedlings were noticed by Mr. C. J.
Leyland at Leighton Hall, Welshpool in Wales, United Kingdom, where a number of
trees from all over the world had been planted in an arboretum. These new hybrids
were later

Author: Shirley A. Miller, Emma K. Rawnsley

PP: 211

INTRODUCTION

Techniques for propagation of blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum) through tissue
culture have been well documented (Cohen, 1980; Eck, 1988; Lyrene, 1980; Zimmerman
and Broome, 1979). The plant breeding and improvement programme for
blueberries at HortResearch uses tissue culture (micropropagation) alongside conventional
propagation techniques to provide clones of elite germplasm for experimentation.
We are constantly refining the techniques, as new methodology becomes
available and believe that micropropagation can be readily applied to commercial
operations and used for the dispersion of new cultivars. At the present time we have
19 blueberry selections in culture, most of which are ornamental cultivars, suitable
for the home garden.

Author: Hans Sittig

PP: 52

Our marketing activities are guided by the needs of our garden centre customers
and those of the end consumer. Our aim is to provide a quality, colourful product,
presented in an exciting and eye–catching way, adding to an enjoyable shopping
experience for the consumer.

1. The Market and Product.


• We grow colourful plants for patios and gardens which are sold
  mainly through garden centres.


• Product mix.


2. Branding.


• GARDEN FUN Colourful Patio and Garden Plants.


• SITTIGS Colourful Bedding Plants.


• FLOWERING FAVOURITES.


3. Delivery Service Includes.


• Delivery up to point of sale.


• Labeled plants with a bar code and price.


• Regular deliveries.


4. Packaging.


• All our plants are sold in packs or pots and labelled with the
  plant name and planting guidelines.


5. At Point of Sale.


• "Silent sales man" and banner.


• Show plants.


6. Guaranteed Sales and Merchandising Service.


• For selected customers only.


• A service fee is charged.


• We get an allocated area which we stock and merchandise.


• Unsold stock is

Author: John S. Hunt, David S.J. Gale

PP: 217

INTRODUCTION

Nursery plants are vulnerable to fungal infection, which may occur at any stage of
their life span on foliage or roots. The use of bark- or peat-based growing media has
many advantages over soil in the attempt to produce a near perfect environment to
establish and maintain a healthy root structure. However, the often initially sterile
nature of this type of medium creates a microbiological vacuum ideally suited to
becoming occupied by opportunistic disease-causing fungi. Augmentation of media
with beneficial microorganisms offers a sustainable management tool for growers of
commercial plants, which affords protection against disease and has the potential
to minimize reliance on chemical pesticides.

Biological control agents have been the subject of extensive research for many
years and have shown good potential for the control of some plant diseases, especially
those caused by soil-borne fungal pathogens (Harman and Bjorkman, 1998).
However, few are yet available as proven

Author: Andrew Tompsett

PP: 229

INTRODUCTION

Horticulture in the south west is inextricably linked to the climate which provides
both opportunities and constraints regarding what is possible and what is economic.
While the more easterly parts of the region tend to reflect national patterns,
the peninsula of Devon and Cornwall, and the Isles of Scilly, are characterised by
enterprises which seek to exploit the conditions. Horticulturally, the diversity of
plants capable of being grown in the peninsula is remarkable and many horticultural
businesses, including farms, nurseries, and gardens capitalise on this and
see it as a pointer to future development and prosperity. The climate of Devon and
Cornwall is characterised by mild winters, cool summers, moderate rainfall at all
seasons, humidity, winds, good light, and a long growing season, all of which can tilt
the balance in assessing the viability or potential for horticultural enterprise. When
one considers the vast range of plants which can be grown in the far south

Author: Marshall Hutchens

PP: 235

INTRODUCTION

The problems caused to the horticultural industry by wind-run are well known. In
maritime climates the effects are compounded by the inclusion of blown salt particles
in the air. The effects range from visible and physiological damage to plants,
to financial costs associated with extra labour for standing up blown-over pots, the
value of additional fuel used to heat greenhouses and polythene tunnels, and increased
irrigation costs due to evaporation. Wind also causes erosion of soil and aids
the spread of harmful pathogens.

Work carried out at Rosewarne Experimental Horticultural Station (now Duchy
College, Rosewarne) during the 1960s and 1970s demonstrated the benefits of
hedges and shelterbelts and set standards for species selection and planting design
still followed today. Many shelterbelts planted in the 1960s are coming to the end of
their useful life and work is under way on the best means of replacing them. This
paper aims to assist anyone planning a new or

Author: Stephen Griffith

PP: 241

INTRODUCTION

This eighteenth century jewel of a garden once boasted a collection of more than
4000 plant species. The neglected and semi-wild woodland and historic walled garden
date back to 1765 when Elizabeth Fox-Strangways had a castle built overlooking
Chesil Beach. The walled garden was originally built to protect culinary crops
from the salt-laden winds blowing from the coast just a quarter of a mile away. During
the following century the shelter-belt trees and woodland were planted while
the plant collection was developed by Stephen Fox-Strangways, a diplomat and
amateur botanist who brought many plants back to Abbotsbury from his travels.
John Lindley coined the generic name Stransvasia in his honour.

The present owner of Abbotsbury, The Hon. Mrs Townshend DL, is a direct descendent
from Elizabeth Fox-Strangways, the family having maintained the estate
since 1541. Unfortunately two world wars took away the labour force from the land
and that is when the gardens became overgrown

Author: Mike Squires

PP: 247

The story of the Veitch family of Exeter is more than the story of the British love of
plants. It is about adventure, guts, and single-minded determination. John Veitch
was born in Jedburgh, Scotland, in 1752 and at age 19 travelled to London to seek a
career and his fortune. Veitch first worked at a nursery in London. However he was
soon offered a job as land agent by the Baronet Sir Thomas Acland to look after his
estate of 35,000 acres in Devon.

In 1808, in return for his labours, Veitch was rewarded with a lifetime lease on
land at Budlake, a few miles east of Exeter, to start a nursery business selling trees
and shrubs. The nursery flourished and by 1832, already in partnership with his
son James, he moved to larger premises at Mount Radford, Exeter, thus starting
the famous Exeter Nursery.

In the second half of the 19th century, the U.K. was a confident country, largely
at peace with its Empire and dominant in industries such as iron, coal, and cotton.
Much of the population had

Author: James Mackenzie

PP: 249

Geographically and climatically, as well as historically and culturally, The Shetland
Islands have much in common with their Nordic neighbours, in particular
the Faroe Islands, southern Iceland, western Norway, and Denmark. The Orkney
Isles also lie within this Nordic context. Until recently, however, horticulture in
Shetland has been largely derived from the U.K. mainland, which did not always
suit the islands’ extremely oceanic climate. Links made with the Faroese Forestry
Service, then with the Nordic Arboretum Committee, resulted in more attention
being paid to provenance selection, especially for shelterbelt trees, and enabled
the introduction of several species of trees and shrubs, originating from both
northern and southern hemispheres.

Author: Kenneth Ashburner

PP: 253

PROPAGATION METHODS

Nurserymen everywhere have developed their own high degree of propagation skill.
The following are the author?s own experiences which may prove useful to others.

Seed Propagation. The method described may not be the most efficient for commercial
propagation but has proved adequate for a collection of a number of species.
Seeds are sown in trays in sterile compost, mostly in March and April under glass
rather than overwintered out of doors. This avoids the hazard of "seed rain"&mdash the
contamination of sown compost with naturally dispersed seed from surrounding
birches growing in the nursery or arboretum. It is very demoralising to rejoice over
the germination of some rarity, only to discover sooner or later that the seedlings
are nothing more than the offspring of local Betula pendula or B. pubescens leaning
over the garden boundary.

After tamping the compost lightly with a small board, and then sowing, sieved
compost is sprinkled over until the seeds just disappear from

Author: Jac Duif

PP: 53

We take it all for granted that seeds are obtainable from a seed merchant or that
they can even be collected by ourselves in gardens and in the field. Very few of us
think of how seeds are grown and what it all entails to be able to sow good and viable
seeds. It is made easy for us by the seed breeders and seed distributors. We
just have to go to the seed merchant and obtain what we require, be it vegetables or
flowers, annuals or perennials.

In nature plants have to do their utmost to attract insects, birds, and bees to pollinate
the flowers born on the plants. Brightly coloured and heavily scented, they
display their flowers, just like our ladies do, to get the pollen onto their styles so
that seeds can be produced to ensure survival.

Humankind has interfered with the process of seed production and started producing
hybrids by means of a sort of artificial insemination, emasculating the flowers
by taking the stamen away and artificially put pollen of other selected plants
onto the

Author: Rachel Martin

PP: 259

INTRODUCTION

For gardeners and horticulturists the words "Cornish Garden" conjure up images
of places lush, green, moist, mossy, shady, mature, and dramatic. They are extraordinary
collections of exotic plants flourishing in the midst of a rich native flora. The
fundamental achievement of this type of West Country garden is that the planting
mix is often now accepted as being natural and the intervention of the gardener is
barely appreciated. But Gertrude Jekyll was always quick to point out, regarding
her successful naturalistic plantings, that "they are more hap than hazard".

The most prominent, ubiquitous, and striking plant in this "natural exotic mix"
has to be Rhododendron. The flowering of mature specimens is expected in a spring
garden and the size and splendour of many has earned them the name "lilies of the
sky". In fact, so used are we to the idea of the Cornish Garden with its integral rhododendrons that it is hard to imagine that up until the latter half of the nineteenth
century

Author: Jennifer Trehane

PP: 263

INTRODUCTION

From Cornwall in the far west to Dorset in central southern England, the climate
seems to be ideal for growing camellias, including some of the more tender subtropical
species such as Camellia transnokoensis and even, in some very sheltered
gardens, the difficult and tender Hong Kong species C. granthamiana. Camellia
sinensis, originally known as "tcha", and of considerable economic importance as
the source of tea leaves, clones of which are not particularly tender, seems to thrive
in some gardens provided there is enough air circulation in winter. A tea plantation
is even being established at Tregothnan near Truro.