Seed Germination and Micropropagation of Ornamental Plants

Ornamental species can improve the environmental conditions in cities, serving the European Union’s biodiversity strategy to bring nature back into our lives [1,2]. They are used both in interior and exterior landscaping, as trees, shrubs, and annual and perennial species. Furthermore, they can be cultivated as pot and foliage plants, while the cut flower industry is an important agriculture sector [3]. Alongside widespread ornamental species, native species can also be introduced for use as ornamentals in the floriculture industry and landscape architecture [4,5]. In recent decades, the reproduction and use of native plants have been increased; these species have reduced water and cultivation requirements, being adapted to drought conditions caused by climate change, greatly supporting biodiversity and local pollinators [6]. Moreover, several native species populations are under anthropogenic pressure; therefore, it is crucial to develop conservation strategies using biotechnological tools. There is a high demand for ornamental plants; the global ornamental plants market is expected to reach USD 45.07 billion by the end of 2029 [7]. New ornamental plants can be produced by conventional methods or by improved micropropagation techniques. Micropropagation is an efficient tool used widely for in vitro conservation and research, concerning the production of plant clones with desirable characteristics for crosses to improve wild species for potential use as ornamental species [8]. Moreover, micropropagation is a tool that enhances the availability of necessary propagating material through the year. It requires a small laboratory working space, and facilitates the transfer of disease-free propagating material worldwide. The employment of proper nutrient media, plant growth hormones, and other physical or chemical derivatives is necessary for the establishment of efficient micropropagation protocols. The present Special Issue focuses on seed-plant material and plant tissue culture techniques. The aim was to provide a comprehensive overview of the latest achievements in new ornamental plants that could be introduced in landscaping and floriculture.