Conservation and Evaluation of Different Cut Foliage Species Comprising Pteridophytes (Ferns and Fern Allies) of West Coast Regions of India

Abstract

There is a great need to find cut foliage species suitable for use in floral displays for florists and floral designers. Cut foliages which stay green for long time, retain their appearance and which do not shed leaves or berries are desired characteristics for cut greens in floral displays. Ferns and Asparagus are popularly used in flower arrangements because of its year-round availability and good vase life. Ferns, apart from its use as a durable cut foliage crop for use in floral designs, also serve as a good ground cover for shady locations. It can also be planted in pots since potted ferns are commercially used in various landscape projects. Ferns, with their marvellous foliage and ample ecological adaptability, are of high significance in urban landscaping. Large scale collection of ferns from forests by visitors and local people for ornamental purpose, medicinal purpose and during excursions increases the pressure on these plants. Also, a large number of fern species is lost due to depletion of natural forest vegetation day by day. The vast potential in the west coast ecosystem like rich gene pool, natural habitat of many fern species, superiority of many of the species in terms of desirable foliage traits, suitable agro climatic conditions and fast growing domestic and export demand for cut foliages does not seem to be fully tapped. Hence conservation of biodiversity of these plants is the need of the hour. Extensive investigations were conducted during 2014-15 to trace and explore different cut foliage species comprising Pteridophytes (Ferns and fern allies) in the West Coast regions of India by the team of researchers at ICAR-Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute, Goa. During the study, West Coast regions of India were visited, photographed and planting materials were collected and the locality was mapped using GPS technology. As an outcome of the botanical survey, 18 different cut foliage species comprising Pteridophytes (Ferns and fern allies) were collected, conserved and evaluated for their suitability for use as cut foliages or fillers. Significant variation was noticed among cut foliages used in the study for various morphological and leaf quality traits. Cut foliages like Nephrolepis exaltata, Nephrolepis biserrata furcans, Nephrolepis cordifolia ‘Duffii’ and ‘Sprengeri’ compacta are appropriate as fillers. Pteris vittata fronds can serve an ideal foundation for various arrangements. Asparagus densiflorus sprengeri can be used as cascading focal points in large designs and serves as excellent greenery in delicate flower bouquets. Nephrolepis cordifolia ‘Duffii’ and Nephrolepis biserrata furcans with their dense growth provides a vertical accent to floral designs. The commercial cultivation of these cut foliage species can serve as a highly profitable enterprise for improving the livelihood of farmers of West Coast regions. Results of this study reflect the aptness of different cut foliages to function for various purposes in floristry