本书为全英文版。This book describes China lotus flower's germplasm resources and its distribution, ecological habitat,propagation and cultivation, genetic improvement, cultivar classification system,etc.608cultivars of lotus flower are included,which reflect the collection of the germplasm resources and best cultivars in China.712 beautiful pictures would make the book an integration of scientific knowledge and practical techniques , and more readable.

 This book contains germplasm resources and its distribution, brief history of growing, ecological habitat, propagation and growing, genetic improvement, cultivar classification, criteria of description and cultivar introduction. Totally 712 pictures were used in the book in order to make the book an integration of scientific knowledge and practical techniques, and eventually make the book more readable. Our aim is to present an improved lotus flower book compared to previous ones. What a short life, although we contributed our life to a smallflower and achieved something, there is still much work need to be done. We realize that we get aged and it is difficult for us to go on though we are still ambitious. We hope the coming researchers have a better performance and flourishing lotus flower industry in 21st century.

Foreword

Preface

Part 1

Species Origin and Distribution of Chinese Lotus

Species Origin and Characteristics

Distribution and Ecological Environment

The History of Lotus Flower Cultivation in China

Early Developing Period: Eastern Zhou Dynasty to Qin, Han, Three

Kingdoms Dynasty(7th Century BC-265 AD)

Developing Period: Jin Dynasty, Sui Dynasty, Tang Dynasty

and Song Dynasty (265--1271 AD)

Flourishing Period: Yuan Dynasty, Ming Dynasty, and the Early Time

of Qing Dynasty (1271 - 1840AD)

Decline Period: Late Qing Dynasty till the Republic of China(1840-1949AD)

Fast Developing Period: From 1950' s to Now

Morphology and Structure of Lotus

Bud

Root

Stem

Leaf

Flower

Fruit and Seed

Ecological Habit of Lotus Flower

Phenophase

Growth Habit

Flowering and Fruiting Habit

Ecological Habit

Propagation and Cultivation of Lotus

Propagation

Growth Management

Disease and Pest Control

Genetic Improvement of Lotus

The Conservation of the Genetic Resources of Lotus

The Genetic Diversity of Lotus

Status, Obiectives and Pathways of Genetic Improvement of Lotus.

New Classification System of Lotus Flower Cultivars

The Brief Survey of the Classification of Lotus Cultivars

Application of "Dual Classification System"of Ornamental Plants

into Lotus Cultivars Classification

New Classification System of Lotus Flower Cultivars

Cultivars Distinguishing from Vegetative Organ and Habit

……