CARNATION CULTURE IN COLOMBIA: STATE OF THE ART

Carnations are the most important flower crop grown in Colombia, accounting for about 40% of total flower exports at present. General cultural conditions being excellent, carnation production has greatly expanded since its beginning 25 years ago, reaching nearly 1 000 ha under plastic greenhouses in 1986.

Even though growers have generally adopted cultural methods and practices as used in other countries, differences in both social and environmental conditions have made it necessary to develop distinct cultivation parameters. Several production aspects, including hand labor, greenhouse characteristics and flower grading and packing are thus considered. Phytosanitary problems, with a special reference to vascular wilts as they affect carnations under Colombian conditions, and disease control practices now being undertaken are also reviewed. Future trends and tendencies plus research needs presently felt are finally expressed.