Energy efficient systems for high frequency propagation of virus-free Lilium cvs

The production of saleable products of lily bulbs and plants normally requires a minimum of 2 years. These production systems involve growth of bulbs and plants in the field, vernalization of saleable bulbs, and planting and growing plants from the bulbs in greenhouses. The field production phase often exposes plants to virus and other disease infections as well as insect problems. Our research to date has resulted in the design and operation of bulb/plant production systems which elimimates field produciton, reduces labor costs, and only requires a maxium of 2-3 1/2 months of growing time in the greenhouse to produce flowering plants. This translates into a reduction in labor, and in the heating and cooling energy costs required to produce a saleable product. From our plant breeding program we have developed Lilium hybrids which will complete the production cycle from cells to saleable plants in 40-50 wks rather than 2 or more years. The resulting bulbs and subsequent plants are virus free. Flowering occurs for up to a month after which the plants remain green as a houseplant for up to 6 months and will last for years as a perennial plant in the garden.