Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemum spp.

1. Identification and origin

The chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum spp.) is a genus of the family Asteraceae, native to East Asia, especially China and Japan. The species grown for cut flowers and ornamental use results from complex hybrids, traditionally referred to as Chrysanthemum × morifolium Ramat. It is one of the most important ornamental flowers in the world, with great diversity of forms, colours and habits.

2. Economic importance

The chrysanthemum is one of the main cut flowers at a global level, with high demand in international markets. It is widely used in ornamental floriculture, pot production and gardening. The crop has strong economic expression in greenhouses, especially in intensive production systems with photoperiod control.

3. Botanical characterization

A perennial herbaceous plant, frequently grown as an annual in commercial floriculture. The leaves are alternate, lobed and aromatic. The inflorescences are compound capitula, with great morphological variability (single, anemone, pompon, decorative, spider, among others). The root system is fibrous, sensitive to waterlogging and compacted soils.

4. Soil and climate requirements

It prefers temperate climates, with optimal temperatures between 15–20 °C. It is sensitive to excessive heat and high humidity, which favour fungal diseases. It requires well-drained soils, rich in organic matter, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. The photoperiod is decisive: most cultivars are short-day, requiring light control in the greenhouse.

5. Main pests

• Thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis): damage to petals and transmission of viral diseases.
• Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci, Trialeurodes vaporariorum): sap sucking and transmission of viral diseases.
• Aphids (Aphididae): leaf deformations and transmission of viral diseases.
• Mites (Tetranychidae): chloroses and loss of vigour.
• Nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.): root galls and plant decline.

6. Main diseases

• White rust (Puccinia horiana): white pustules on the lower surface of the leaves; quarantine disease in several countries.
• Botrytis (Botrytis cinerea): grey rot on flowers and young tissues.
• Powdery mildew (Golovinomyces cichoracearum): white mycelium on leaves.
• Septoria leaf spot (Septoria chrysanthemi): necrotic leaf spots.
• Chrysanthemum mosaic virus (CMV‑C): mosaics and reduction in flower quality.

7. General crop management

Management includes the use of certified plant material, rigorous photoperiod control and adequate ventilation in the greenhouse. Irrigation must be controlled to avoid waterlogging and reduce the risk of Botrytis and powdery mildew. Monitoring of thrips, aphids and whitefly is essential to prevent viral diseases. Harvesting must be carried out at the appropriate stage of opening, according to the type of inflorescence and the market.

Bibliographic references

• EPPO Global Database – Chrysanthemum spp.
• CABI Crop Compendium – Chrysanthemum spp.
• Dole, J. M., & Wilkins, H. F. (2005). Floriculture: Principles and Species. Prentice Hall.
• Larson, R. A. (1992). Introduction to Floriculture. Academic Press.
• FAO (2012). Cut flower production guidelines – Chrysanthemum. FAO Plant Production and Protection Division.