In vitro Propagation Techniques for Some Geophyte Ornamental Plants with High Economic Value

Abstract

Propagation of some ornamental plants has increased tremendously due to the demand for them as cut flowers, in addition to their usage for interior and exterior landscaping purposes. Geophytes (bulbous-tuberous) are the most preferred group among the ornamental plants due to their aesthetic features, suitability to be cut flowers and their fragrance. These plants are highly propagated and consumed. The geophyte species which are highly profitable globally traded and constituting 90% of the flower bulb market are Tulipa (tulip), Lilium (lily), Narcissus (daffodil), Gladiolus (gladioli), Iris (iris) and Hyacinthus (hyacinth). In vitro propagation techniques, which provide disease-free mass production options, have started to be used increasingly to fulfil the demand for these species in the market. In this study, the results of in vitro propagation studies for some economically valuable tulip, lily, daffodil, gladiolus, iris and hyacinth species are provided.