Exotic Eustoma Blooms in Odisha with NBRI Efforts
Context
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Eustoma (Lisianthus): Exotic ornamental flower, native to Mexico and America.
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Previously available in Odisha only through imports.
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Now successfully bloomed locally for the first time.
Breakthrough
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National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI), Lucknow – under CSIR.
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Polyhouse at Sanatanpali, Sambalpur (Odisha).
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Success comes after earlier trial cultivation at NBRI’s Lucknow campus.
Cultivation Features
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Can be grown twice a year.
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Expected earnings: ₹2 lakh per acre per season (profitable floriculture).
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Suitable for controlled environments (polyhouses) in India.
Eustoma (Lisianthus / Prairie Gentian)
Taxonomy and Origin
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Family: Gentianaceae (gentian family).
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Genus: Eustoma (2–3 species).
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Native range: Warm regions of Southern USA, Mexico, Caribbean, Northern South America.
Cultivation Features
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Considered a high-end cut flower in global floriculture.
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Seeds: Very small; must be surface-sown.
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Soil: Rich, well-drained; requires full sun.
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Moisture: Needs careful watering — too much leads to fungal diseases.
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Temperature: Requires controlled conditions to avoid rosetting (stunted growth due to low temp).
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Polyhouse/Greenhouse cultivation recommended → prevents spotting on petals.
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Blooming season: Early to late summer; cut flowers last 2–3 weeks in a vase.
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Popular variety: Eustoma russellianum (widely used in cut-flower industry).
Economic Importance
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Considered a premium ornamental flower in international markets.
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High demand in bouquet and decorative industries.
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In India, traditionally import-dependent; now localized cultivation breakthroughs (e.g., CSIR-NBRI in Odisha, 2025).
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Potential for farmer income diversification and export-oriented floriculture.