ABSTRACT

The genus Narcissus has been grown commercially in the far south-west of England for more than a hundred years. The warm climate and small sheltered fields (particularly on the Isles of Scilly) have helped this industry, for which significant expansion appears likely in the next few years. Many hundreds of seasonal workers are employed, the larger labour force being needed for 6-8 weeks in the spring when the flowers are picked, bunched and packed for distribution. A smaller number of seasonal workers are employed in summer for lifting and cleaning the bulbs for re-planting or sale. Thus, any adverse effects from contact with narcissus (daffodil) can influence a potentially large number of workers and have a significant sequel.