Foreword

This book is a timely and welcome publication in the field of flower bulb production and research. The first book on this topic was published in 1972 by Alun R. Rees and was titled The Growth of Bulbs. It was followed up by a second publication, Ornamental Bulbs, Corms, and Tubers, in 1992. Subsequently, our book The Physiology of Flower Bulbs was published in 1993 and the literature search for it concluded in 1992. Since then, there have been many technological advances in areas such as taxonomy, plant breeding, biotechnology, and physiology. In addition, there has been a worldwide "Environmental Awakening" that has required significant changes in commercial bulb and flower production and their utilization. Concurrently, there has been an increased globalization of flower bulbs. In addition, it is well known that research is essential for any viable industry and it must be continuous. Therefore, researchers and the leaders of the flower bulb industry must address the new challenges that have and will continue to develop. Strategic and long-term planning is essential for everyone. Very importantly, traditional sources of research and educational funds are rapidly declining, not only in The Netherlands but also worldwide. Researchers will have to be creative in obtaining and maintaining funds (see Chapter 1). This is especially true for long-term programs like tulip breeding (see Chapter 6), which, at present, takes about 15–20 years to bring a new cultivar into mainstream production.

Thus, this book, which highlights the recent advances in this scientific field, is very essential. It will benefit not only researchers who have been engaged for years but also new researchers who must meet and challenge the existing dogmas. Last, information will be valuable to the industry to bring the value of flower bulbs to the worldwide spectrum of consumers. In the end, these are the most important and last link in the chain of utilization and profitability of all flower bulb products.

The flower bulb industry and researchers are indebted to Dr. Rina Kamenetsky and Dr. Hiroshi Okubo for encouraging and assembling this needed book on ornamental geophytes. It will be invaluable in meeting the challenges for the twenty-first century and beyond.