Optimization of Greenhouse Cut Flower Production in Oman

At present, global floriculture products sales are of 43.2 US$ billions and is estimated to continue to grow at a rate of 7% per year in the coming years. Oman has imported cut flowers and flower buds worth more than $5.52 million during 2018. Up until now, this important agricultural sector has received no attention from the research community in Oman. Floriculture contributes significantly to the horticultural industry through diversified agricultural commodities for sustainable economic growth and employment opportunities. The Oman cut flower market relies heavily on imports because there are few local vibrant cut flower production system or farms. The optimization of cut flower production technology in a relatively arid and hot climate will offer an opportunity to save the valued foreign exchange and expand economic diversification. The cut flower market in addition to serving local markets could expand into the export market. Among cut flowers, roses, gladiolus, chrysanthemum and lilium are in high demanded due to their attractive colors, long vase life and long stems. Currently, greenhouse production in Oman is dominated by the vegetable crops, and adding cut flowers would bring a diversity of products and income streams to the agricultural landscape of Oman. This will promote allied agricultural input sectors, greenhouse construction and supply chain industry for quality production and reliable deliveries. Cut flowers are a labor-intensive agricultural production system which offers more employment opportunities and high returns to the growers from this niche market. The design of local production systems combined with and cultivar selection from this research will help to optimize and to harness the benefits of cut flower production in Oman.