Search newsletters:

Our Research Newsletter is published in cooperation with Anthos, Hillegom, The Netherlands. They are industry-oriented publications. But they are full of pictures, and should be useful to a wide range of readers.

• Number 39 (January 2018) This newsletter describes effects of high greenhouse temperature on growth and flowering of 4 calla cultivars, and will be especially useful to growers in sunbelt states. Also included is information on the “under grass” landscape plantings we did with our new bulb planter. View video of the bulb planter in action.
  
  
• Number 38 (September 2017) This newsletter reviews planting and cooler management procedures for forced tulips, hyacinths and daffodils, including diagnosis of ethylene damage on tulips, soil mix preparation, rooting temperatures, soil moisture levels and crate and cooler sanitation. A preview of upcoming landscape and dry-sale research involving a unique, imported mechanical bulb planter for commercial landscapes is also included.
  
  
• Number 37 (June 2017) This newsletter focuses on planting depth for landscape tulips. As it turns out, deep planting (6-8” deep), as has been recommended on many consumer packages, it not good for tulip perennialization. The research shows the optimum way to handle tulips for perennializing is to till the ground, plant into holes no deeper than 3”, then cover with 2-3” of mulch. This method saves much digging and it much easier for the gardener.
  
  
• Number 36 (April 2017) This newsletter reviews some preliminary work on bucket water and the importance of sanitation in postharvest handling and prolonging vase life of cut lilies.
  
  
• Number 35 (October 2016) This newsletter focuses on roots and rooting of forced tulip. There are three major themes: 1) Effect of rooting temperature on root growth, 2) Effect of soil moisture level at planting on root growth, and 3) Effect of delayed planting (giving more dry cold, and reducing the time in the cooler after planting). Also the detrimental effects of high soil temperatures at planting on pot tulip quality is also demonstrated.
  
  
• Number 34 (July 2015) This newsletter focuses on the overall superior performance of hosta bare roots (Dutch grown) versus liners for gallon production.  Short updates on using ethephon (Florel, Collate, etc.) as a potential tulip growth regular, a report on the 50th anniversary of the Flower Bulb Research Program and of Bill Miller's Dutch Lily Days presentation at van den Bos are also included.
  
  
• Number 33 (October 2014) This newsletter comments on the 2014 field season and steps to take to reduce loss from Fusarium. Fusarium and ethylene problems in tulips are reviewed. General fall planting procedures are given and temperature management in coolers to reduce excessive tulip root growth. Muscari planting and other updates round out this newsletter.
  
  
• Number 32 (May 2014) This newsletter contains information on cut lily post harvest practices and reviews the major problems for cut lilies in the post harvest chain, including steps you can take to improve quality. Research on vase solutions, cold storage and the use of gibberellin containing products is presented.
  
  
• Number 31 (January 2014) A comprehensive review of ethylene-releasing growth regulators in floriculture, including new research-based information on ethylene-releasing products (Collate, Florel) as substrate drenches for hyacinth and narcissus.
  
  
• Number 30 (September 2013) The late 2013 spring bulb harvest season. Plus Trichoderma and tulips, deer resistant plant list, gladiolus growth regulator possibilities, Agapanthus and Eucomis perennializing in Ithaca N.Y.
  
  
• Number 29 (June 2013). Initial Summary of 2013 Research Season: Forcing, Drysales and Landscaping. Short summaries of work on hyacinth heaving, Agapanthus perennializing in Zone 5b, dry sale amaryllis, ethephon (Collate, Florel) drenches on hyacinth and narcissus and "bud sticks" for timing hybrid lilies.
  
  
• Number 28 (April 2012) Ethylene Sensitivity of Tulip Cultivars - Based on more than 5 years of research, this newsletter presents information on the late season (after export to the US) sensitivity of nearly 100 tulip cultivars.
  
  
• Number 27 (August 2011) Producing Potted Dahlias and Review of Cornell 2010 Dalia Growth Regulator Trials - When given as media drenches, both Bonzi and Topflor were very effective as growth regulators. But at the same rates, Topflor was much more powerful than Bonzi. There's still much to learn and a second set of studies with Topflor is currently underway.
  
  
• Number 26 (July 2011) Easy, Large Scale Tulip Planting -- No Digging! - 'Top planting' tulips -- tilling the soil, placing bulbs on the surface and covering with mulch -- is a real labor saver.
  
  
• Number 25 (November 2010) A Review of Procedures for Forcing High Quality Rooting Room Bulbs - In this newsletter the basics of proper handling and forcing of spring flowering bulbs are presented. Reviewed are storage temperatures, planting procedures, cooling, and forcing.
  
  
• Number 24 (August 2010) Hyacinth Height Control with Topflor (flurprimidol) - Topflor has proven to be an excellent product for height control in hyacinth. It is effective as a pre-plant dip or as a media drench in the greenhouse. Head to head, however, dips give stronger control and are less expensive than drenches. Specific rates and lots of photos illustrate our findings.
  
  
• Number 23 (May 2010) Lily Perennializing in Ithaca, Louisiana and Holland - In this newsletter, we present results of 3 years of perennialization trials in Ithaca, Holland and Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, LA. Asiatic, LA- and oriental hybrids were all part of the trial. Information on growth over three years and overall performance is included. Surprisingly, Asiatic and LA-hybrid lilies perennialized very well in all areas, including the warm climate of LSU.
  
  
• Number 22. (March 2010) Crocosmia and Topflor. - Crocosmia (Montbretia) is a very popular perennial, but it's vigorous growth habit makes it a difficult plant to ship, and causes difficulty in retail. In this newsletter, we show very promising initial results with Topflor as a planting medium drench. Excellent Crocosmia height control can be obtained with Topflor!
  
  
• Number 21. (January 2010) Second evaluation of Dutch-grown callas for pot production, and use of growth regulators for height control.
  
  
• Number 20. (May 2009) Reflections on the accomplishments of the Flower Bulb Research Program - Cornell's New Flowerbulb Labyrinth! Cold water and mechanical stress to control height of lilies. Ethylene, Fusarium, and tulip color sports.
  
  
• Number 19. (March 2009). Topflor and bulb crops - Overview of Cornell research over the last 4-5 years on Topflor as a growth regulator for tulips, daffodils and hyacinth. Results on dips, drenches at planting (DraP) and drenches in the greenhouse are presented.
  
  
• Number 18. (December 2008). Evaluations of planting mix, planting depth and growth regulators on forcing of Dutch grown calla lilies (Zantedeschia) - Results of studies on planting depth, growth regulators, and soil mix type are presented on 12 Dutch-grown calla lily cultivars.
  
  
• Number 17. (Aug. 2008) Potential Technologies to Reduce Ethylene Injury in Tulips - A review of the many technologies available to reduce ethylene injury to stored and transported tulip bulbs. Included are ventilation, ethylene scrubbers (including products such as potassium permanganate from Ethylene Control or Paraxis), and Ethylbloc (1-mcp).
  
  
• Number 16. (May 2008) Postharvest Leaf Yellowing and It's Control in Oriental Hybrid Lilies - Our research that directly contributed to the registration of Fascination (gibberellin and benzyladenine) as an anti-senescence treatment for hybrid lilies is presented.
  
  
• Number 15. Boron Deficiency in Tulip - Also updates on 1-MCP (EthylBloc, SmartFresh, FreshStart, EB-01) and Topflor Dips for Hyacinth Height Control (Feb. 2008). Short articles with photos describing 1) Boron deficiency symptoms that can be seen in certain southern hemisphere-grown bulbs, 2) an update on registration progress for 1-MCP (EthylBloc), and 3) new research on potential use of Topflor (fluprimidol) dips for height control in hyacinths.
  
  
• Number 14. (July 2007). Causes and Control of Cold-Storage-Induced Bud Necrosis in 'Mona Lisa' Lilies - Work discussing ways to reduce flower bud spotting/pitting/necrosis during cold storage after harvest.
  
  
• Number 13. (May 2007) Fusarium, Tulips and Ethylene: Not as Simple as You Thought - For many years, the equation has been simple: Tulips + Fusarium = Ethylene. This newsletter describes research that brought to light the concept that tulip cultivars have a large effect on the amount of ethylene produced by Fusarium. Martijn Verlouw, our intern from 2003-2004 was instrumental in getting the work initiated.
  
  
• Number 12. (Feb. 2007) Using Florel to Control Upper Leaf Necrosis and Reduce Height in Pot Oriental Hybrid Lilies - This newsletter reviews Alex Chang's research on upper leaf necrosis on oriental hybrid lilies and the positive effects of Florel (ethephon) sprays on 'Star Gazer' hybrid lilies for height control and ULN reduction.
  
  
• Number 11. (July-Sept. 2006) Combining flowerbulbs and perennials in the garden - Shows preliminary results of Ithaca and other trials in using bulbs and perennials to extend color and reduce maintenance in the garden.
  
  
• Number 10. (May 2006) Cutflower Hybrid Lilies as Garden Plants - In this newsletter, we show how many of the hybrid lily cultivars originally bred for the greenhouse cut flower industry actually make fabulous garden plants in Zone 5. Also included is an article with preliminary results from Long Island experiments of Dr. Mark Bridgen on outdoor cut lily production.
  
  
• Number 9. (Feb 2006). Pickling your paperwhites! - Using alcohol to reduce growth of paperwhite narcissus, hyacinth height control and spitting, and a new ethylene sensor from Holland.
  
  
• Number 8. (Nov. 2005) Producing and Using Bulbous Plants for Mixed Planters - This newsletter was written by Terri Starman, a horticultural colleague at Texas A&M University. It's full of color, and gives many great ideas for creative use of bulbous plants in summer planters. More information on Teri's mixed containers, with and without bulbs, at the TAMU Floriculture website.
  
  
• Number 7. (July 2005) Past, current, and Future Research Results of the Flowerbulb Research Program - This newsletter gives an overview of many of the activities that have been completed, are ongoing, and are planned for the future.
  
  
• Number 6. (April 2005) Controlling Upper Leaf Necrosis on 'Star Gazer' Lilies - This newsletter describes some of the techniques available to control Upper Leaf Necrosis (ULN) on oriental hybrid lilies, including bulb size, humidity management, overhead fans, calcium sprays and altering the orientation of the upper leaves.
  
  
• Number 5. (April 2005) What Causes Upper Leaf Necrosis on Oriental Hybrid Lilies? - The environmental and biological factors contributing to Upper Leaf Necrosis (ULN) on oriental hybrid lilies are discussed in depth in this newsletter. Lots of photos and background information.
  
  
• Number 4. (October 2004) Hyacinth perennialization - A summary of hyacinth perennialization in Ithaca, N.Y., Riverhead, N.Y. and Clemson, S.C.
  
  
• Number 3. (April 2004) Narcissus perennialization - This newsletter summarizes a 4 year experiment on perennialization of 60 cultivars of daffodils in Ithaca, NY, Riverhead, NY, and Clemson SC. Some new work on 1-MCP (EthylBloc, SmartFresh, FreshStart) as an inhibitor of ethylene in tulips is also included.
  
  
• Trichoderma in tulips - This publication summarizes symptoms, causes, and possible control measures for this disease in tulip. Included are photos of symptoms in different cultivars.
  
  
• Number 2. (Nov. 2003) Handling Bareroot Perennials - This newsletter summarizes a two-year project where we evaluated a number of procedures used in the handling and shipping of bare-root perennials from Holland. Included is information showing that washing of the roots in Holland (for export certification ) is not injurious to the perennials we tested.
  
  
• How to Plant Bare Root Perennials 'High' - A pictorial guide to the proper planting depth for several species.
  
  
• Number 1. (July 2003) Growth Regulation for Potted Hybrid Lilies - This newsletter provides an overview of the use of pre-plant Sumagic and Bonzi bulb dips for height control in pot hybrid lily crops.