Import, Availability and Demand of Hybrid and Open-Pollinated Ornamental Flower Seeds in Pakistan: A Survey of Private Seed Companies

Abstract

The ornamental flowers industry in Pakistan relies heavily on imported seeds of a variety of seasonal flowers to meet the growing demand for urban landscaping, housing societies, home gardening, public and private parks , institutions and installations etc. A survey was conducted to assess the import, availability, and demand for hybrid and open-pollinated (OPV) ornamental flower seeds among private seed companies/dealers in the capital of Pakistan, Islamabad. Data were collected on imported seeds & their types, suppliers (international), demand in market, and availability via interviews, questionnaires, and observation of seed (stocks) in the commercial markets. Results indicated that hybrid seeds dominate the commercial ornamental seed market, because of their superior quality, health and uniformity. Among the highly imported and needed flowering plants species were, petunia, marigold, pansy and zinnia mainly purchased from companies (international) in Japan, the USA, the Netherlands, Germany, and Switzerland. In contrast, OPV seeds were existing relatively in smaller quantities, preferred by home gardeners and small-scale growers due to lower cost and the ability to save seeds, though they exhibited greater variability in growth and flowering traits. The survey highlights the critical role of private seed companies in distributing imported seeds throughout Pakistan and underscores the country’s dependence on these hybrid seeds. These findings provide valuable insights into the structure of Pakistan’s ornamental seed market and suggest opportunities for local breeding programs and domestic seed production to reduce import reliance and strengthen the ornamental horticulture sector.