Application of Biotechnology in Floriculture, Nurseries and Forestry

1. Floriculture

Floriculture is a branch of horticulture that focuses on the cultivation, production, and management of flowering plants and ornamental plants. It involves growing flowers for decorative purposes, landscaping, and commercial use, including cut flowers, potted plants, and garden displays. Floriculture plays a significant role in beautification and the flower trade.

2. Nurseries

Nurseries play a crucial role in large-scale gardening, afforestation, and reforestation by supplying seedlings in large numbers. It is a specialised facility or space where plants are propagated, grown, and nurtured until they are ready for transplantation or sale. They serve as centres for cultivating a wide variety of plants, including flowers, trees, shrubs, and vegetables, under controlled conditions to ensure healthy growth. Nurseries are essential for landscaping, gardening, and commercial farming.

3. Forestry

Forestry is the science and practice of managing forests for sustainable use and conservation. It includes the cultivation, protection, and utilisation of trees and forest resources to meet environmental, economic, and social needs. Forestry plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, combating climate change, and supporting industries like timber and paper production.

1. Plants bearing excellent flowers or fruits can be grown on a large scale in a shorter time.
2. Plants can be produced even without natural pollination or germination, such as orchids and pitcher plants.
3. Bioreactors enable the growth of cells in a nutritive, pathogen-free medium for mass production.
4. Tissue culture requires minimal resources and produces large numbers of seedlings in a short time.
5. Plants produced via tissue culture or genetic modification are often disease-free, with virus-free plantlets derived from the meristem.
6. Rare and endangered plants can be propagated and preserved using tissue culture, protecting them from extinction.

Bioreactor and production of plantlets