Preparing for upcoming season, review of Fusarium, ethylene and tulips

October 2014 issue of the Cornell Flower Bulb Research Program Research Newsletter:

The 2014 field season in Holland was challenging, with warm temperatures early in the growing season, and again after flowering. Warm soil temperatures during the time of bulb development (after flowering) tend to increase Fusarium infection in tulips, and this is unfortunately the case this year. Forcers in the US and Canada should be on the lookout for infected bulbs, and ruthlessly remove them prior to planting. Depending on the cultivar, time of the season, etc. even a few infected bulbs in a crate can cause economic loss as outlined in the article.

Read the whole article.