Expert stresses need for modern irrigation

The use of modern methods of irrigation is essential for culturing ornamental plants in the UAE. These irrigation systems are designed to match the crop type and climatic conditions, feels an expert from Al Ain Municipality.

Irrigation checks poor production of plants, said Dr Mahamoud Hassan Ahmed, an expert at the Public Gardens Directorate of Al Ain Municipality and Town Planning Department.

He was presenting a paper on 'Irrigation Management in Al Ain Area' at the Third International Conference on Ornamental Horticulture in Arid Zones, being organised by Public Gardens Directorate of Al Ain Municipality and Town Planning Department in collaboration with the Department of Arid Land Agriculture of the College of Food Systems at the UAE University.

The three-day conference, held on the sidelines of the Al Ain 2003 Festival and Flower Show, concluded yesterday , focusing on the importance of ornamental horticulture in the Arab world.

The timing and amount of water is governed by the climatic conditions, crop and the stage of growth, the soil moisture holding capacity and the extent of root development is determined by the type of crop, the stage of growth and type of soil.

Ahmed Hashim Ahmed, from the University of Khartoum, said these plants are usually exposed to several diseases from infections of seeds, vegetation propagation, soil and insects.

Field surveys of 1993-95 in the UAE revealed that 1,456 date palm trees out of 2,278 were showing mild to severe disease symptoms. Soil 'solarisation' trials in Al Ain resulted in efficiently controlling the occurrence of several fungi, nematodes and weeds.

He said ornamental plants should be grown from certified disease-free seeds or propagated plant materials obtained through tissue culture technology and grown in pathogen free soils and using environmentally safe pesticides.

The region faces practical issues that need to be addressed. So the conference emphasised on practical, applied knowledge, and utilisation of ideas and experience of experts in arid zones and to promote Al Ain as a centre of expert development in hot arid region.

Other topics included plant selection for arid climates, bedding plants and cut flowers, woody ornamentals management, turf management, greenhouse management, nursery management, pest and weed management, soil and irrigation management, landscape design and management, and urban design.