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Summary of full report
A Potential New Cutflower
For Australia - Haemodorum Coccineum
by Margaret Johnston and Alenna McMah
September 2006
RIRDC Publication No 06/087 RIRDC Project No UQ-117A
Results presented in this report appear more promising. Plants have been established both by seed and tissue culture with seed being the preferred method as most of the 200 lines evaluated failed to multiply in tissue culture. Established plants flower in the first season. Flowering of H. coccineum appeared to be autonomous. It was established that this species is not sensitive to phosphorus (P) fertiliser. Selection criteria for cut flower and pot/garden types have been developed and seed from the first round of selection has been collected.
Market evaluations of H. coccineum by exporters, importers and domestic market agents vary widely.
Key issues will be yield
and plant density relationship, nutrition and the value of the product
as this will influence profitability of production. Selection of desirable
forms will be essential to further develop this potential new crop. The
vibrant colour of Haemodorum and its flowering time during a period
of peak demand for red flowers would suggest further research is warranted.
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