This comprehensive guidebook on ‘Floriculture and Protected Cultivation’ explores the intricacies of modern flower production within controlled environments. The book is structured into ten insightful chapters, each covering essential aspects of protected cultivation practices. Beginning with an introduction to the concept, readers are introduced to the evolution and significance of using protected structures for floriculture. The text then delves into the benefits of protected cultivation, emphasizing extended growing seasons, enhanced crop quality, and resource efficiency that contribute to sustainable flower production. A key focus of this book is the exploration of different types of protected structures suitable for floriculture, including greenhouses, polyhouses, and tunnels. Readers gain insights into climate control and environmental management techniques necessary to create optimal growing conditions within these structures. The book also addresses the selection and management of growing media tailored for protected floriculture, highlighting the importance of substrate properties in supporting plant growth and development. In subsequent chapters, the book covers crucial aspects, such as irrigation methods, nutrient management, pest and disease management strategies, propagation techniques, growth regulation, and plant training specific to protected floriculture. Furthermore, readers are guided through post-harvest handling, storage practices, and effective marketing strategies for maximizing the market value of flowers cultivated in protected environments. The book concludes with a detailed package of practice for cultivating different flower varieties within various protected structures, providing actionable recommendations for successful flower production. Whether you are a commercial grower, researcher, educator, or enthusiast, this book offers practical insights and scientific principles to enhance your understanding and application of floriculture under protected cultivation. This book is intended to serve as a comprehensive resource for those seeking to optimize flower production in controlled environments. By combining theoretical knowledge with practical guidance and real-world experiences, readers are empowered to implement effective strategies for successful floriculture under protected cultivation. Whether you are new to the field or looking to enhance your existing practices, this book provides valuable information and recommendations that can be applied to achieve sustainable and profitable flower cultivation within protected structures.
Dr. Amit Lohar, is working as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Horticulture at Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha. He has been awarded Ph.D. degree in Floriculture and Landscaping from Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, West Bengal. He has qualified the ICAR NET in the discipline of Floriculture and landscaping. He has experience of 5 years in teaching and research field. He has attended many International, National seminars/conferences, workshop, Faculty/ Capacity development Programme and Training programmes. He has in his credit several research papers published in reputed journals of the country, book chapters and popular articles.
Dr. G. Anitha, is working as an Assistant Professor in the department of Horticulture, MSSSoA, Centurion University, Odisha. She has been awarded Ph.D. degree in Floriculture and Landscape Architecture in 2021 from University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot. She has experience of 2.5 years in teaching in the discipline. She has attended many International, National seminars/conferences, Faculty/ Capacity development Programmes and Training programmes. She has in her credit several research papers published in reputed journals of the country, book chapters, popular articles. She has exceptional teaching capabilities, instilling a passion for horticulture and design among students through innovative pedagogy and hands-on learning experiences.
Dr. Gandham Aditya serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Horticulture at Sri Krishnadevaraya College of Agricultural Sciences in Ananthapuramu, Andhra Pradesh. The college is accredited by ICAR and affiliated with ANGRAU. His educational journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture from Dr. YSR Horticultural University in 2016. Subsequently, he has earned a Master’s degree in Floriculture and Landscape Architecture in 2018 and completed his Ph.D. in the same field in 2024, both from College of Horticulture, Dr.YSR Horticultural University. Dr. Aditya has made significant contributions to research, boasting a robust publication record that includes 8 research papers, 4 book chapters, and 6 technical pamphlets. Additionally, he has shared his expertise through 10 abstracts and 5 popular articles. His academic prowess is evident through accolades, such as the Best Thesis Award for his MSc and the recognition of his exceptional oral presentation skills, which earned him the Best Oral Presentation Award.
Dr. Santosh D.T. working as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Agricultural Engineering, School of Agriculture and Bio-Engineering, Centurion University of Technology & Management, Odisha. He has earned his Ph.D. in December 2019 from the Agricultural and Food Engineering Department at IIT, Kharagpur under the supervision of Professor K N Tiwari. He has worked as a Research Associate at Precision Farming Development Centre, IIT, Kharagpur for a decade (2010-2020), which was funded by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. His area of research is micro-irrigation, greenhouse technology, protected cultivation techniques, and hydroponics. He has a number of publications in National and International peer-reviewed journals. Additionally, he had four years of industrial experience as a marketing professional at TAFE Tractor, GEA Farm Technologies, and HDFC Bank.
1. Introduction to Floriculture under Protected Cultivation .............1
2. Importance and Benefits of Protected Cultivation in Floriculture..........................................................................................19
3. Types of Protected Structures for Floriculture...............................29
4. Climate Control and Environmental Management in Protected Cultivation.........................................................................43
5. Selection and Management of Growing Media for Protected Floriculture ........................................................................55
6. Irrigation and Nutrient Management in Protected Floriculture..........................................................................................69
7. Pest and Disease Management Strategies for Protected Floriculture ........................................................................85
8. Propagation Techniques, Growth Regulation and Plant Training in Protected Floriculture .........................................97
9. Post-harvest Handling, Storage and Marketing Strategies for Protected Cultivated Flowers.................................113
10. Package of Practice for different flowers Cultivation in Protected Cultivation Structures....................................................123
