THE DIVERSIFICATION OF FLORAL SPECIES FOR GROWING UNDER PROTECTION IN THE MEDITERRANEAN REGIONS

The most surprising evolution of today is the extension of glasshouses and inexpensive greenhouses used all year round for perennial species or part of the year for flower production of short duration. This expansion is accompanied by an improvement in the techniques of construction and use of the greenhouses and it requires an improvement in the plants to be grown in these conditions.

Much selection has been done for this purpose and is still carried out on the principal species, but for other species nothing has been done.

A balance must be found between the contradictory tendencies in commerce and the traditionalist producers on the one hand, wanting a small choice of good varieties in a limited number of species, thus allowing a production on a relatively industrial scale, and on the other hand the tendency of the innovators, flower growers, breeders and users of cut flowers, who stimulate or are sensitive to diversity and change. The change of forms, colours and presentation is no doubt a necessary attraction for the prosperity of ornamental productions.

The present selection of varieties of the Mediterranean plants and some general ideas on selection are also considered.