FOREWORD AND PREFACE

FOREWORD

The IXth International Symposium on Flower Bulbs was held on April 19-22, 2004 at Toki Messe, in Niigata, Japan under the sponsorship of the International Society for Horticultural Sciences and also the Japanese Society for Horticultural Science. The one hundred forty eight participants came from 17 countries.

Recent results of research on all the aspects of geophytes were presented and actively discussed in 49 oral and 90 poster presentations. The program was covered by fundamental and applied research in the following areas: bulb production and storage, genetic resources, breeding, physiology, flowering, propagation and protection. Some presentations focused on the topics of native geophytes in East Asia and production of flower-bulbs and bulb-flowers in tropic and subtropic climate areas where we may have potential for further developments in bulb cultivation.

The discussions and exchange of ideas among participants through the Symposium were very useful for further development of flower bulb industry. A one day professional tour and post-symposium tour also gave participants the opportunity to see bulb and flower production areas as well as the unique tradition and culture of Japan. I believe that all our guests enjoyed their stay in Japan in its wonderful period of spring and renewed or made many friendships during the Symposium.

Finally, I would like to extend the deepest appreciation to all of the members of the Organizing Committee, the Local Organizing Committee and to those of the Scientific Committee for their sincere contributions to the Symposium. I would like to express my great esteem also to the Niigata Prefecture, Niigata City, Niigata University, and the many associations and companies in Japan which gave us great financial support.

Hideo Imanishi, Convener

PREFACE

The papers contained in this volume of Acta Horticulturae report the Proceedings of the Ninth International Symposium on Flower Bulbs. Keynote speakers and authors of selected contributed oral and poster presentations were given the opportunity to submit a manuscript for publication.

These manuscripts were reviewed by the symposium Editors and members of the Editorial Board. Only those papers judged suitable for publication following the authors consideration of reviewer suggestions appear in this volume of Acta Horticulturae.

The ISHS acknowledges and appreciates the contribution of all editors and reviewers. They have made a significant contribution to improving the quality of this publication.

The ISHS Board of Directors