S06 - Session P2 - Evaluating hydroponic cultivation for ornamental bulbous species to enhance flowering and bulb production in a changing climate

Authors: Carolyn Wilmot *, Charles Laubscher

The annual rhythmic cycle of ornamental bulbous species is highly dependent and tightly regulated by numerous abiotic signals for effective bulb formation and flower production. A flower bulb's developmental and seasonal cycle, capacity and timeframe to reach a critical flowering maturation stage, multiplication and growing climatic regions is extremely diverse and is contingent on the species. The utilisation of controlled, monitored and flexible mechanisms with emphasis on hydroponic systems in maximising favourable growing conditions can potentially increase the knowledge-demanding and sustainable production and yield of these geophytes. Records of scientific studies on the variety of species cultivated in these conditions is limiting. This review aims to assess the prospective possibilities of research, development and innovative approaches to enhance the commercial production and flowering of a range of bulbous species as a climate-smart crop within a hydroponic setting.