2017 ASHS Annual Conference

Breeding for cut flower anthurium has focused traditionally on desirable production traits from the growers’ standpoint, such as yield, plant vigor, and resistance to pests and diseases. Post-harvest characteristics such as vase life, susceptibility to cracking and bruising, and ease of packing are also useful traits for the grower. However, floral designers are rarely included in the evaluation of new hybrids prior to variety release. In July 2016, the Hawaii Flower and Nursery Association sponsored a one-day workshop to familiarize flower researchers with event designing. Two floral designers were invited to give participating researchers hands-on training to design a simple table arrangement and a flower bouquet.Constructing the arrangements enlightened researchers that certain design aspects, such as stem flexibility and spadix color, should be considered during evaluation process. Researchers were made aware of current trends, and how future crosses and selections can address the designers’ requirements. Addressing floral design attributes strengthens the breeding program, since the designers are end-users of the new varieties, thus driving the demand for products growers will provide.