S04 - Session P1 - New Tools I - Research and Development- The Ghana Flower Industry Roses and Orchids Studies

Authors: Abigail T Asare *, Kwado Ofori, John Eleblu, Naalamle Amissah, Stefaan Werbrouck

The flower industry has become an important source of income and food security for both developed and developing countries, generating large financial and economic profits. Kenya, Ethiopia, South Africa, Egypt and Tanzania are examples of African success stories. In Kenya, for example, the sector is one of Kenya's main sources of employment. In Ghana, too, the sector is growing. This is evidenced by the increase in the number of growers and traders in Ghana's main trading centres for flowers, such as Accra, Tema and Kumasi. If ornamental horticulture was given the necessary assistance, it could also create employment and prosperity in Ghana, while improving the environment. There are various ornamental plants available in Ghana, but orchids (Orchidaceae sp.) and roses (Rosa sp.) are among the most popular. However, their production is hampered by inefficient traditional propagation methods, lack of healthy planting material and of proprietary new varieties, in short, by lack of research and development. To meet the rising demand, plant breeding must be combined with a demand- and market-oriented approach. Understanding the genetic composition of these plants, on the other hand, is crucial in setting up breeding programmes to generate desirable orchid and rose varieties. Mutagenesis and polyploidy tools have proven to be invaluable for the development of ornamental plants. The aim of this research is to use advanced in vitro and plant breeding technologies to develop and propagate new cultivars.