Commercial Nursery Production of Magnoliaceae in the Southern United States

摘要

Several Magnoliaceae taxa are widely produced by commercial nurseries in the southern United States (U.S.), the U.S. region with the largest nursery industry (by 2006 wholesale value). Magnolia grandiflora is the most widely grown Magnoliaceae because its cultivars are heavily favored for landscape use. Other species produced by many growers are Liriodendron tulipifera, Magnolia stellata and its cultivars and hybrids, and Magnolia virginiana. Smaller numbers of nurseries produce Magnolia (Michelia) flgo, Magnolia x soulangeana and cultivars derived from other deciduous species. More recently introduced species such as Magnolia dianica (Michelia yunnanensis), Magnolia (Manglietia) insignis and Magnolia (Michelia) maudiae are becoming more widely grown. Most commercially grown Magnoliaceae species are propagated by cuttings. Seed propagation is used for species that root poorly from cuttings (i.e., L. tulipifera). Following propagation, Magnoliaceae may be produced in containers, in the field, through modified field production, or any combination of these methods. Production method depends on species, geographic location, environment, grower preferences and market demand. Currently, container grown plants are preferred by consumers and the landscape industry. Typical container production is to grow young plants in successively larger containers until sale. Growing time varies with species, geographic location, nursery cultural practices, environment and desired plant size at sale.