Development of a new flower bulb crop in South Africa

Despite its wealth of flower bulbs species, South Africa contributed relatively little to the number of commercial crops in the international flower bulb industry. Gladiolus, freesia, calla and ornithogalum are some of the exceptions. ARC-Roodeplaat embarked on a programme to develop indigenous species for commercial production. Lachenalia, with its variety in flower shape and colour, small bulbs and 'ease' of cultivation made the genus a natural choice more than two decades ago. The first commercial products (potted bulbs) were available only in the late nineties. After three years of experimental marketing, the crop appears to be accepted by the trade. This paper reviews the development of a new flower bulb crop based on the lachenalia experience and in the context of South Africa's wealth in species and the enabling environment. The development of a new crop requires sustainable funding over a long period, contribution by a multi-disciplinary team, consideration of the marketing and commercialisation of the end product at the planning stage of the programme and close co-operation between researchers and technology transfer agents, commercial growers and marketing agents. An enabling environment with export orientated producers, funding for new innovations, knowledge of bulb production and an open, competitive flower bulb sector, will contribute to the success of the commercialisation of a new crop by a research institute such as ARC-Roodeplaat. A proposal with regard to the development of under-utilised crops is given. Views of other workers on South African bulbs have been included.