Unit 3: Introduction to Flowers and Fruit Crops

Syllabus Reference: Concept of floriculture and pomology. Distribution and cultivation of Orchids, Asters, Roses, Mango, Banana, Citrus and Pineapples. [cite_start]Orchard Management [cite: 612-613].

1. Concepts

• Pomology: Science of growing fruit. Includes site selection, planting, care, and harvesting.
• Floriculture: Science of growing flowers for commercial (cut flowers, loose flowers) and aesthetic purposes.

2. Important Flower Crops

A. Rose ("Queen of Flowers")

• Scientific Name: Rosa spp.
• Propagation: T-Budding and Hardwood Cuttings.
• Pruning: Essential operation done in Oct-Nov (North India) to induce fresh flowering shoots.
• Uses: Cut flowers, Gulkand, Rose oil (Attar).

B. Orchids

• Features: Epiphytic or terrestrial. Known for long vase life and exotic shapes.
• Important Genera: Dendrobium, Cymbidium, Vanda.
• Cultivation: Require high humidity and shade. Growing media usually includes charcoal, brick pieces, and coconut husk (not soil).

3. Important Fruit Crops

Crop	Scientific Name	Propagation	Key Points
Mango	Mangifera indica	Veneer Grafting / Inarching	"King of Fruits". Alternate bearing is a major problem (fruits every alternate year).
Banana	Musa sp.	Suckers (Sword suckers)	Monocarpic (fruits once then dies). Propagated via rhizomes/suckers. High potassium requirement.
Citrus	Citrus spp. (Lemon, Orange)	T-Budding / Air Layering	Rich in Vitamin C. Susceptible to Citrus Canker (bacterial disease).
Pineapple	Ananas comosus	Suckers / Slips / Crowns	CAM plant (drought tolerant). Flowering can be induced artificially using Ethrel.